I’m a huge fan of BBC productions! In fact, Nora, the heroine of my upcoming book True to You, has a passion for British movies and mini series and television shows that was inspired by my own enthusiasm for the same.
After completing Downton Abbey and season #1 of The Crown, I’ve been indulging my BBC love with Netflix episodes of Call the Midwife. But then I heard that PBS was airing a series called Victoria via Masterpiece Theater, based on the life of Great Britain’s Queen Victoria. My interest was piqued!
I’d watched the 2001 BBC mini series entitled Victoria and Albert and enjoyed it.
By the way, the actress who plays Victoria in this mini series, Victoria Hamilton, is now playing the Queen Mum in The Crown. Excuse me?!? She was born the same year that I was.
I’d also watched the 2009 British movie The Young Victoria. Delightful! Especially the scene directly following the shooting. Swoon-worthy.
Last year, my daughter decided (with some persuasion from me) to dress up as Queen Victoria for the Walk Down History Lane parade at her school. For the accompanying research project we read a biography called Who Was Queen Victoria?, written for kids.
Our tri-color Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (pictured above) looks just like Dash, Queen Victoria’s spaniel (pictured below)….
All that to say, I had a bit of familiarity with Victoria’s story.
But, oh, how I’ve loved this new production! The first three episodes are good. They center on Victoria’s assumption of power, the ensuing political jostling, Victoria’s family relationships, and her reliance on Lord Melbourne (played by the wonderful Rufus Sewell). I watched those episodes in the usual way — one at a time, days apart.
In episode 4, Albert takes the stage. It was after that, as the romance between Albert and Victoria unfolded, that I suddenly found that I could not put down my remote control. I’d intended to behave responsibly and watch only episode 4, then go to bed at a reasonable hour so that I’d be ready for my 6:30 wake up alarm. Instead, I binge-watched episodes 4, 5, 6, and 7 in ONE EVENING and staggered to bed around 1am.
Why? Because of the love story.
I can feel the chemistry between these two. And even though Albert is stiff, awkward, a touch on the skinny side, and often sporting a side-waterfall of hair that I don’t personally care for, he completely drew me in for one reason. I BELIEVED in his love for Victoria. I bought it. And so I hit ‘Play’ on episode after episode.
The finale of the first season will soon air on PBS. If you missed Victoria, but are interested in catching up, it’s available on PBS and on Amazon through either DVD or streaming.
Which romantic TV shows, mini series, or movies have captured your heart lately? I’m always looking for recommendations!
And now — a giveaway! Victoria and Albert wrote love letters to one another. Letters also play a role in a top secret writing project that I’ve been working on recently. [For more about that project, check back in the next time I blog or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.] In the spirit of Victoria & Albert and my upcoming project, I thought it would be fun to offer two boxes of love note cards to you! These blank note cards are made by Graphique, my favorite stationery brand.
To enter for a chance to win, click here or on the graphic below. You’ll simply need to follow me on Amazon and then you’ll be automatically entered. It takes 2 seconds! Good luck everyone. Happy love note writing.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. FOR USA RESIDENTS ONLY. Ends Mar 2, 2017 11:59 PM PST, or when all prizes are claimed. See Official Rules.
Becky Wade
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Sorry, I’m not on Facebook. But I love the Victoria series I’m going to watch episode 5 right now!
Episode 5 is wonderful, Paula. Enjoy!
The picture of your daughter and her dog is adorable. Thanks for sharing. I didn’t win but it was fun trying.
Thanks for entering! The Amazon giveaways are unlike any other giveaways I’m aware of. They’re incredibly quick and easy to enter and they let you know instantly if you’re a winner. I first learned about Amazon giveaways from Karen, when she offered one here awhile back. 🙂
OhhhhHHHHhhhhh…I liked the 1st episode, but voted to not let myself get hooked.
Yeah, I know, LAME.
Maybe I should go back…rethink things…
I recommend letting yourself get hooked! It’s been a long time since I’ve had that delicious “I shouldn’t be staying up this late but this is so good I can’t stop watching” feeling.
Hi, Becky. Loved this post. I’ll have to keep and eye out for Victoria. I usually steer away from stories featuring royals. Maybe it’s because I dislike politics and it’s impossible to escape them when you’re focused on characters who are leaders of their countries. However, you’re recommendation of the romance has me tempted to break my rule.
It’s not a romance show, but I recently discovered a Canadian-created show called The Pinkertons, set in Kansas City, MO right after the end of the Civil War. It’s more of a detective drama than a romance, but it’s a lot of fun and set in a time period I love.
The Pinkertons show sounds intriguing! I once wrote a Pinkerton detective hero into a long-ago historical romance manuscript. 🙂
It’s available on Netflix should you want to check it out. 🙂
I’m really enjoying Victoria. I found a book at B&N entitled Victoria, the Heart and Mind of a Young Queen and listed as official companion to the Masterpiece presentation on PBS. It’s written by Helen Rappaport and has beautiful photographs from the show and lots of detailed historical facts about the historical characters. There are excerpts from Victoria’s letters and journals. This would be a wonderful book for your daughter.
I love your daughter’s costume. How old is she? My 9 year old granddaughter has dressed as many of the Disney princesses, but not real ones. I’ve shared info and photos from the above mentioned book, and will show her this picture after school today. She loves dogs and will be jealous of your pet. When she was seven, I gave a princess tea party for her and five friends, and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Love this post.
Victoria, the Heart and Mind of a Young Queen sounds like a wonderful companion book to the series! Thanks for telling me about it, Betty.
My daughter is seven, but she was six when she dressed up like Victoria for the parade.
My grandmother used to host “tea parties” at her house whenever my sisters and I came to visit. They were so much fun!
Loved Downtown Abbey, but haven’t tried Victoria. Right now I’m caught up in Mercy Street (also on PBS). Not necessarily romantic but there are a few love plots a brewin’.
I’m not familiar with Mercy Street! I’ll be sure to check it out.
It’s a Civil War era drama. Based on a hospital in Virginia. So surgeries are shown. It’s a great drama if you enjoy that era and can watch the bloody parts without it bothering you.
I loved The Crown, so I’m really interested in Victoria now! Thanks for the recommendation ❤️️❤️️❤️️ I love watching royalty live stories (or reading them) Your daughter and pup are too cute💜💜💜
I love watching stories about royalty, too. I find their lives, responsibilities, and traditions endlessly fascinating!
Like you I Love Victoria as well as Downton Abbey. Also love Mr. Selfridge as well.
It sounds like we have similar tastes, Justina!
I am so in love with this series! It has won me over! I can’t bear to hit delete on the DVR and want to go back and binge watch the entire season again. I never do that! I’m so sad it’s already time for the season finale! I want to make a trip back to London now to the Albert and Victoria museum to appreciate it better this time!
I love watching anything that comes to Netflix. I can binge watch like I was reading my book and not have to wait for the next episode.