Masterpiece Season 30 Episode 5 Her Majesty Mrs. Brown

In season 30 of Masterpiece, episode 5 titled "Her Majesty Mrs. Brown," viewers are transported to post-Victorian Scotland to witness the unconventional and unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and John Brown. The show takes inspiration from the real-life events that sees Queen Victoria as she struggles with mourning the death of her husband Prince Albert and finds solace in the rough charm of John Brown, a Scottish ghillie.

The show revolves around the day-to-day life of Queen Victoria and her relationship with Brown, who is initially only meant to be her servant but gradually becomes her closest confidante. The episode begins with an emotional Queen Victoria visiting the hut of John Brown, the husband of her late servant, who passed away while saving her life. The now widowed Brown, thanks to his devotion and loyalty to the Queen, is then appointed to a full-time position as Queen Victoria's personal attendant. The budding friendship between the two evolves rather quickly as Queen Victoria finds a companion who puts her at ease and helps her deal with her grief.

The show portrays the unconventional friendship between the Queen and Brown almost as a romance platonic bond as Brown quickly becomes the one person Queen Victoria can count on. Brown's boisterous personality is in complete contrast with the stoic monarch's, and although initially hesitant, Queen Victoria finds herself drawn to Brown's lack of pretension and his common sense approach to things. Brown becomes the bridge between the Queen and the common people, with his down-to-earth ways and ability to connect with people on the streets. Additionally, Brown's Scottish roots bring a sense of energy and verve to a household that had been stricken by loss and shock.

As a result of their unusual closeness, the royal family and the court at large, raise doubts about the Queen and Brown's relationship, fueling rampant speculation around the Queen's character. As the show progresses, it becomes evident that, despite their closeness, the Queen and Brown share nothing but a deep friendship, further cemented by the Queen's dismissal of concerns surrounding their relationship. Through the course of the episode, the audience is drawn into the lives of Queen Victoria and John Brown, watching as their friendship shapes the future of the monarchy.

The show's standout feature is the evocative portrayal of life in post-Victorian Scotland. The amazing attention to detail, great costumes, sets, and the injection of Scottish cultural elements all come together to create a unique and immersive experience. In the episode, the Scottish landscape and its people serve as a backdrop, providing a clear depiction of the place Brown's culture plays in the national narrative. The show goes to great lengths to show a Scotland where quiet repression is contrasted with the joyful, rich heritage of the Scottish people.

The acting in the show is nothing short of brilliant, with Judi Dench, who plays Queen Victoria, seamlessly embodying the Queen's character. Dench brings a relatable vulnerability to her portrayal, allowing the audience to see the Queen in a very different light. Billy Connolly, who plays John Brown, steals the show with his magnetic, boisterous, and heartwarming portrayal of Queen Victoria's closest confidante, perfectly capturing Brown's robust personality.

In conclusion, Masterpiece's season 30 episode 5, "Her Majesty Mrs. Brown," is a sumptuous exploration of the unlikely bonding of Queen Victoria and John Brown. The show perfectly blends drama and comedy, bringing characters that would otherwise have gone unnoticed to the forefront. The show transports viewers to a Scotland that is rich in history, culture, and tradition, painting a vivid picture of life in a time long forgotten. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in history, enjoys good acting, and loves a good story.