I didn’t cry when PBS’ “Downton Abbey” went off the air but I thought about it. After all, what would replace my infatuation with yesteryear British aristocracy?
Then Netflix launched “The Crown,” which gave us a story not just about aristocracy but a royal family: that of Queen Elizabeth II. I was hooked.
British TV series
And now I have discovered a third binge-worthy British series, and it may be as good as the first two. It is PBS’ “Victoria,” which follows the life of Queen Victoria, who was 18 years old and woefully unprepared when she took the throne in 1837 but reigned over the United Kingdom for 63 years.
Like “Downton Abbey,” “Victoria” first aired on ITV in the UK before becoming a part of PBS’ Masterpiece series. Season 1 begins streaming on Amazon Prime Aug. 29. Here’s ever better news: It’s mostly family-friendly.
Victoria was fifth in the line of succession at birth but became queen through a series of unexpected family events during her teenage years. (Her grandfather was the Revolutionary War’s King George III.) With a sheltered upbringing and standing at only five-feet tall, she had plenty of doubters who wanted to see her replaced. In the PBS series, many question her intelligence and temperament.
“Her wits are too fragile,” one person says.
“She’s too impulsive to be queen,” says another.
Season 1 succeeds because it gives us a Queen Victoria worth rooting for. She’s flawed, yes, but also humble. She shows graces to others. She learns. We want her to prove her detractors wrong.
The series has elements we enjoyed in “Downton Abbey” and “The Crown.” Like “Downton Abbey,” PBS’ “Victoria” spotlights the lives of the servants. And like “The Crown,” it shows us a queen who wasn’t prepared to lead. The sets in Victoria are not as extravagant as those in “Downton Abbey,” but the theme song is just as addictive.
Jenna Coleman, previously known for her role in “Doctor Who,” does a magnificent role in the lead role.
Of course, “Downton Abbey” (Amazon Prime) and “The Crown” (Netflix) are on streaming platforms, as well. (Both come with caveats for families: “Downton Abbey” includes a same-sex angle with a problematic scene in the first episode, and “The Crown” contains a flash of African native nudity in the second episode. “The Crown” also includes a gory surgery scene.)
The ultimate King
Meanwhile, have you ever wondered why Americans are so enamored with shows about British royalty — besides our attraction to the accents? My guess is that it’s a combination of things: First we long for simpler times. Second we’re spellbound by the mysterious and secret lives of royal families. And third we have a natural desire for kings and queens — which in the best circumstances are an earthly picture of the ultimate King. In PBS’ “Victoria,” the queen even is called “the Lord’s anointed.”
Share with others: