16 Times Victoria Made Us Wish History Didn’t Happen
By Lacy Baugher
Photo: ITV
Whenever Anyone Talks About Marriage
In the first few episodes of Victoria everyone is obsessed with the question of when the queen is going to get married. This makes sense, as the succession can only be secured by the production of an heir. Plus, there had also just recently just been something of a succession crisis. Victoria herself was fifth in line to the throne when she was born. When she becomes queen, Victoria’s vile – and unpopular – uncle Cumberland is next in line for the throne. Yuck.
So the constant pressure on her to deal with the issue of her marriage makes sense. And given that she’s a teenager – just 18 years old – it also makes sense that she doesn’t really want to talk about it much yet either. But the fact that Victoria really highlights the fact that Lord Melbourne gets crazy uncomfortable whenever anyone brings this up is amazing Every time anybody at all mentions the fact that Victoria will probably get married eventually, he looks like someone just told him that the dog dies at the end of Old Yeller.
His death glare is 100% perfect. And it’s directed at everyone. Anyone who reminds him that he can’t be Prime Minister forever. Anyone who says that he won’t always have such a prominent place in Victoria’s life. Melbourne stares daggers at every single one of these people. (And we’re still supposed to believe this isn’t a romantic attachment? Hardly!)
Melbourne’s jealousy has a great humanizing effect on his character. Because for most of the show he is a very stoic or heroic figure. He’s always doing the right thing in the name of God and country, etc. etc. But his reaction to the prospect of Victoria’s marriage is deeply selfish and deeply human. Because he doesn’t want to leave her. Being her Prime Minister, her friend, her…whatever they are to each other, gave his life purpose again. And he doesn’t want to let go of that again. (And, to be honest, neither do we.)
Next: Victoria: A Guide to the Important Characters
It’s always weird when you fall for an on-screen couple that you know from the beginning is never going to work out. (Heartbreaking, even, if we’re honest!) Victoria viewers knew from the start that Lord Melbourne was never going to be the young queen’s happily ever after. And, yet, their relationship is still very compelling and emotionally affecting to watch. So much so, that you could resent Prince Albert more than a little bit when he finally does show up. (We forgive you.)
Victoria continues Sundays on PBS’ Masterpiece.