"Victoria": Is This Brit Import Worthy of "Downton Abbey's" Timeslot?

I had been looking forward to this show the past few months...

PBS's "Masterpiece" label has debuted its latest co-production with British broadcaster ITV ("Downton Abbey," "Mr. Selfridge") -- the period costume drama "Victoria."

"Victoria" focuses on the rise of the 19th century British queen, and the swirling political and familial drama surrounding the young monarch's life.

As is often the case with dramas on "Masterpiece," they appear on PBS a few months after being telecast by their British television counterparts (notable exception being "Sherlock" in recent years, which has aired concurrently). Those episodes then appear following their Sunday broadcasts on the PBS Masterpiece website and PBS app (for mobile and set-top devices).

PBS did something interesting time out and put the entire first season of "Victoria" up to stream after its debut on Jan. 15. The additional episodes are locked and only available to PBS Passport members (read my previous post on Passport) until a particular episode has aired on "Masterpiece." 

A nice perk for subscribers, and it gave me the ability to binge watch the entire first season for this review.

"Victoria" comes to the states on the heels of Netflix's lavish "The Crown" (which recently won the Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Series (read my review here).

Both shows feature plots about the rigid inner-workings of monarchical life, and both feature lovely costumes and set design -- making the largely "interior" shows feel epic in scope.

Both shows are different in terms of timeframe ("Victoria" is set in the 1800s, "The Crown" is set in the 1950s), and the look, feel and societal norms are vastly different.

The diminutive Jenna Coleman (fresh off her tenure on "Doctor Who") plays the titular queen in "Victoria." Her teenage character is at times seems brash, stubborn and petulant, but as the first season wears on those traits start to fade, and her plucky charm comes to the fore.

Victoria, born Alexandrina, ascends to the thrown after her uncle passes away. The naive royal exudes confidence, but still plays will dolls (which she "numbers" instead of names) and her loyal dog Dash.

What follows is a soapy mix of political machinations, family maneuverings, and societal drama in 1830s England.

The show was written and created by Daisy Goodwin.

Those around Victoria question her ability to rule, her mental well-being, and the fact that she is a German descendant. She also has a rather distant relationship with her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Catherine Flemming).

Her biggest ally is Prime Minister Melbourne (Rufus Sewell). The calm and cool "Lord M" (as Victoria dubs him) serves as a mentor, advisor and friend to the queen.

To go much further would be to spoil the experience for those watching "Victoria" for the first time.

Those who have viewed "The Crown" on Netflix (about the rise of Queen Elizabeth II), will notice certain similarities and plot devices in the two series. Some reviewers have suggested "The Crown" of lacks heart. That aspect certainly isn't missing in "Victoria."

"Victoria" spends part of its narrative focusing on the "downstairs staff" (which worked to great effect in "Downton Abbey"), and it adds an additional depth and texture to the affairs at Buckingham Palace -- it also features some of the most touching moments in the first season.

One of the lovely aspects of "Victoria" is its musical score. The music by Martin Phipps and Ruth Barrett (with vocals by Mediaeval Baebes) strikes the perfect chord, and is a beautiful webbing holding the show's theatrics together.

Here is the music from the "opening titles" sequence: 

 

Inevitably, the question will arise, "which is the best of the new queen-centric television properties?"

Both programs show a tremendous amount of promise, and deliver a meal worthy of the seemingly vast appetite of Anglophiles in the U.S.

Both shows feature equally strong performances.

A bit of trivia... actor Alex Jennings plays King Leopold in "Victoria," and he also plays the Duke of Windsor in "The Crown."

"The Crown" might be more relatable to audiences since Elizabeth still rules Britain, and the 1950s setting is more familiar. But "Victoria" might be the more well-rounded drama as its ancillary characters get their own fully-developed plotlines.

Whichever monarch you prefer, you can't go wrong with either of these wonderful series.

"Victoria" fits nicely into PBS's Sunday night "Masterpiece" lineup.

Where to watch?
- Sunday evenings, 10/9 Central, PBS
- Also available on PBS.org, the PBS app, and for purchase from iTunes and Amazon

Check out my previous post: "Sherlock Returns… Plus: What is PBS Passport?"

"Sherlock" Returns... Plus: What Is PBS Passport?

Did You Miss Me?

Those of you who haven't been hooked by the compelling, charming and highly-stylized "Sherlock" (a co-production of the BBC and PBS's "Masterpiece" label) need to delve into this modern take on the popular Arthur Conan Doyle character. 

Tonight marks the debut episode of the show's fourth season (each season includes three ~90-minute episodes), and the only taste of "Sherlock" fans have had since the third season finale in 2014 was last year's holiday special "The Abominable Bride." 

The show has catapulted the careers of Benedict Cumberbatch (playing the titular character) and Martin Freeman (who tags along as John Watson). Due to scheduling conflicts with the in-demand actors, fans have been left hanging for three years waiting to get answers to the season three cliffhanger.

I own the first three seasons of "Sherlock" -- as well as "The Abominable Bride" -- on Blu-Ray. The show is also available to stream on Netflix.

It is well worth your time, and stands as one of the smartest series on television. 

What is PBS Passport?

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has seen something of a resurgence in recent years with well-received dramatic series like the aforementioned "Sherlock" and the stylish period drama "Downton Abbey" -- co-productions with the BBC and ITV. 

As a result, the broadcaster has improved overall ratings, and has delved into its own original scripted programming with new offerings like "Mercy Street" (a gritty Civil War drama focused on a war-time hospital). 

Since PBS subsists on taxpayer funding -- and annual pledge drives -- they are now offering a new "hook" to get people to commit to making an annual donation. 

"PBS Passport" is a new service being offered with a minimum pledge to your local PBS affiliate. Here in Nebraska, NET offers "Passport" starting with its "Sustaining Star" pledge level ($5 per month, or $60 annually).

"PBS Passport" gives you access to a variety of shows that otherwise would be "locked" on the PBS app (on devices like Apple TV and Roku, as well as various mobile devices) and the PBS website. They show a symbol like this in the upper left hand corner:

This allows members to access additional episodes, specials, and seasons of shows not normally available. 

The other benefit it provides is that during current seasons of shows -- like the upcoming "Victoria" starring Jenna Coleman -- all episodes of the season will be available to stream on demand. Non-Passport members only get the two most recent episodes "unlocked" as the season airs. 

(Note: The PBS app on Apple TV is one of my favorites. The wealth of free content is substantial and includes nationally broadcast programming, as well as original content from local PBS affilinates around the country.)

The benefit for "Passport" members is that all seasons of select shows like "Downton Abbey" are available to watch on demand. 

I've been a fan of the app since I purchased my first Apple TV unit in 2013. I was impressed by the catalog of content offered -- in particular, the documentaries available -- and quickly found it to be one of my "mission critical" apps as a cord cutter. 

Bridget and I have enjoyed series like "Downton Abbey," "Sherlock," "Poldark," and "Mr. Selfridge" on PBS's "Masterpiece," and the PBS app is handy to have when you aren't able to watch an episode live (new episodes generally show up the day after they air). 

I also wanted to support the efforts of our local PBS affiliate (they do terrific broadcasts of local college and high school sports) and get "Passport" as an adjunct to the other streaming services we subscribe to on Apple TV. 

Read my previous post: "Manchester By The Sea": Melancholy in Massachusetts