Intriguing Historical Drama ‘Victoria’ Returns to PBS for Second Season

Alci Rengifo

If you’ve already binged all of “The Crown” and are yearning for more royal entertainment, then PBS is here to fill the void with “Victoria,” a lengthier, but no less intriguing take on the reign of a monarch whose name defines an era. Now returning for its second season, this is a colorful attempt at combining the patient, tome-heavy spirit of Masterpiece Theater with the more melodramatic, visually stylish historical dramas now in vogue. The season premiere itself is a whopping, feature film-length of two hours. But its canvas is indeed large, ranging from Afghanistan to Buckingham Palace.

As the new season opens, Queen Victoria (Jenna Coleman) is a new mother and while her court demands she rest, she insists on staying involved in affairs of the state. While the Victorian Era is known for relative peace among the European powers, England is still an active imperialist power and its latest ventures have taken it into Afghanistan, where dominating the terrain is proving difficult. There’s a new Mistress of the Robes, the Duchess of Buccleuch (Diana Rigg of “Game of Thrones” fame). While the Duchess tries to make sense of Victoria’s feisty ways, the queen is continuing to fuel the flames of passion in her marriage to Prince Albert (Tom Hughes), unable at times to contain their physical impulses even as servants threaten to walk into a room. But behind all the pomp of royalty, Victoria still feels she is being undermined by a male-dominated political culture. The situation comes to a head when she discovers that Albert has been withholding information on the Afghan campaign so as not to strain her. Meanwhile Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel (Nigel Lindsay) must also deal with the disastrous war as soldiers find themselves alone and freezing in a distant, strange land.

It would not serve “Victoria” well to describe every detail of the plot. This is a show that depends on ambiance and setting above anything else. Describe the plot in detail to the unacquainted and you will sound as if you’re reciting a history class syllabus. The fun of watching is in being transported to another age. Like “Downton Abbey,” it is endlessly intriguing to watch the recreation of customs, habits, etiquettes and ideas from a bygone era. In one scene early in the season premiere Victoria and Albert review troops and debate just how efficient their plumed helmets and uniforms are in terms of combat readiness. “I would feel brave wearing it,” says Victoria. History buffs know that in less than half a decade the whole world of these characters will come to a bloody halt with World War I. The writing wonderfully captures how small gestures and even the nationality of a maid become urgent matters in 19th century Buckingham Palace.

In that rich British tradition which shined last year in “The Crown” and the film “Darkest Hour,” “Victoria” combines its drama with a sumptuous visual sense. Shadows and light grace the palace halls, columns reach high into the heavens and shots are framed like master paintings. This is key to making such a character-driven show feel immersive and elegant.

This season of “Victoria” continues the series with a sense of growth. The young queen is no longer a somewhat clueless teen. She has grown into her position and has a stronger presence. Jenna Coleman plays the role with a special sense of emotional control, evoking a person inhabiting a world where appearance is everything. In one scene her dinner is interrupted to discuss another disaster in Afghanistan, and she faces the older men surrounding her with an acute poise. The scenes where she demands to be informed on all matters, especially when she argues with Albert, are beautifully acted with that frustrating sense of not being taken seriously, even when you’re aware you are more than capable. Of course the show can’t help but fall into the kind of melodramatic romanticism associated with dramas set in this period. Victoria and Albert cavort in bed, uttering lines like “you must remember this country has a past, as well as a future.” One wonders if this is indeed how 19th century aristocrats spoke to each other in bed, but who cares.

“Victoria” is more than adequate for those who love basking in costume dramas spiced with some real history. It might lack the more vigorous energy (and innuendo) fans of “The Tudors” savor, but it is an elegant and lush performance.

“Victoria” Season 2 premieres Jan. 14 and airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on PBS.