Ep 5. An Ordinary Woman

During Victoria season 1 episode 5, titled "An Ordinary Woman," viewers are taken on a journey through the modern and more relatable side of the reigning queen's life. The episode starts with Victoria's morning routine, showcasing her human side as she struggles to get up and be on time for her daily obligations. However, as she begins her day, Victoria quickly shifts into her trained and composed queen persona.

While Victoria takes on her duties as queen, Lord Melbourne's unrequited love for the queen is brought to light. Although he understands and appreciates his position as Victoria's advisor, he can't help but feel envious of Prince Albert's relationship with Victoria. Meanwhile, Prince Albert's family issues begin to unfold as he anxiously awaits for news regarding his brother's health.

As the episode progresses, viewers see Victoria take on the challenge of being a mother and a queen simultaneously. Especially in those times, it was virtually unheard of for a queen to be caring for her own children, but Victoria defies expectations, fighting to hold onto her role as a mother alongside her responsibilities as the queen. This was a compelling theme throughout the episode, as Victoria navigates her new role as a mother and the responsibilities that come with being the queen.

Prince Albert's family issues come to a head when he and Victoria receive news that his brother has become incredibly ill, prompting them both to make a visit to Coburg. This visit allows viewers to take a look into Albert's family dynamic and the pressures that come with being part of the royal family.

As the episode concludes, Victoria comes to a realization that the only way she can live her life is as herself, not as a queen. This newfound understanding allows her to take her first steps towards independence as a monarch, deciding to go to a particular event alone and to enjoy herself as she wishes.

Overall, "An Ordinary Woman" was an excellent episode that explores the human side of Queen Victoria and all of the relatable struggles she faces. The theme of wanting to find a balance between being a mother and a queen is one that many people can relate to, and viewers get to see the complexity of that struggle in this episode. Additionally, the episode also looks at the relationship between Victoria and Prince Albert and how they navigate the challenges both within and outside of their marriage. This episode perfectly balances personal relationships with the responsibilities of the monarchy, making it a captivating, well-rounded installment of the series.