Victoria - An Ordinary Woman
The latest episode of the new PBS series, Victoria on Masterpiece, portrays the complex relations between Victoria and Albert during the planning of their wedding. To the outside world Queen Victoria and Prince Albert seemed the embodiment of matrimony bliss, but the reality was very different. While they were sexually infatuated and indeed loved each other with complete passion, the two were always locked in a power struggle. Other movies about the famous Queen, have failed to show even the smallest rows between the young married cousins. Albert was often times terrified of Victoria's temper. But Victoria on Masterpiece gives us a better look into their lives.
While planning her wedding, the queen's ladies made a mockery of innocence. In spite of it all, Victoria chose to wear a white dress which would shine as a stance against their vulgarity and a beacon of her promise to obey her foreign prince. (I believe they both promised to obey each other, wholeheartedly.) Though white is now a popular symbol of virginity and purity, in the mid-19th century, white was the color in which to be wed. In addition to be the color of mourning, with no jewels, crown, or velvet robes trimmed with ermine the whole attire was considered to be far too restrained by royal standards. So, when fashion-forward Queen Victoria donned a white dress for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, she met with harsh criticism. But as always, Victoria faced her criticizers like a champion.
The episode ends with Queen Victoria saying goodbye to her beloved Lord Melbourne and began a new life with Prince Albert after their beautiful wedding. Before watching this PBS series, I suggest grabbing a box of tissues. Make sure you have nothing else to do (and don't have to get up for the loo). The story line combined with the performance will have you so entranced and emotional. The entirety of the cast has the utmost talent, I haven't yet been able to find a flaw in their acting. It feels real, almost as if you're right there with them.
