At the start of the episode, King Louis Philippe (Vincent Regan) is told that it is time to leave. A safe passage has been made for him. He sends a letter to Victoria (Jenna Coleman). Philippe makes his escape. Victoria knights Sir Josiah. Penge (Adrian Schiller) delivers a message to Albert (Tom Hughes). Albert tells Victoria about the revolutions. We see a boat land on shore. A woman, Princess Feodora (Kate Fleetwood), gets off and pays for the passage. In parliament, Lord Palmerston speaks highly of the revolution and the overthrowing of the king. Lady Emma Portman (Anna Wilson-Jones) delivers treats to Victoria. Victoria also speaks with her new mistress of the robes, Sophie. Albert interrupts with a message. Victoria says that Lord Palmerston (Laurence Fox) will need to explain himself.

Palmerston is cheered outside. Lord John Russell (John Session) doesn’t seem too thrilled with him. Brodie (Tommy Knight) lets Penge know that the Prime Minister is coming. Palmerston and Russell arrive at the palace a short time later. Albert and Victoria want to know about Palm’s conversations with the revolutionary government in France. Penge tells Brodie that Philippe is not welcome there. Then, he is introduced to the new footman, Joseph Weld (David Burnett). Penge tries to be strict with him right from the beginning. The local workers put together a petition to improve conditions. Cuffay (CJ Beckford) speaks to the crowd. Abigail (Sabrina Bartlett) helps Samuel sign the petition. Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) and Skerrett (Nell Hudson) find time for some romance.

Skerrett breaks away from him to get back to the Queen. Albert reads to Victoria. He tells her a little about Karl Marx. They play around with the kids before a letter arrives from Philippe. Albert is worried about letting him visit. Victoria’s sister arrives. Victoria is surprised to see Feodora. She falls to the ground and begins sobbing. Victoria embraces her. Feo quickly introduces herself to the kids and Albert. Feo tells them about the riots against the king. The staff gossips about Feo. Victoria complains about Feo to Albert. Feo makes herself at home right away. Bertie causes her to make a mess. He notices that she has a hole in her skirt. Albert tells Victoria about the Chartist. Albert intends to find out how the people uprising live. Skerrett picks up items from Abigail. She learns that she is a Chartist. Francatelli emerges and flirts with Skerrett.

Albert visits a poor family. He gives them money after seeing the horrid conditions. Alfred gives him advice. Feo and Victoria go for a ride. Sophie tells them that she isn’t in a hurry to get married. Palm bets on the local boxing match. Victoria sees Palm near the boxing ring. O’Connor (Ben Cartwright) stops Cuffay from causing trouble in the streets. Cuffay breaks the shop’s window anyway. Victoria complains to Albert about Palm. He tries to tell her about the poor’s living conditions. Penge arrives with a message. Francatelli and Skerrett prepare for their future together. Albert and Victoria meet with Palm and Russell. Russell explains that the Chartists might follow the example of the French. Albert tells them about seeing the living conditions. Palm believes it is not time for do-gooding now. Joseph introduces himself to Skerrett.

She fixes his wig. Skerrett tells him about her connection with Victoria and being a part of history. Later, Victoria asks Skerrett if the Chartists hate her. Skerrett tells her that they’re just ordinary working people. She offers to introduce her to Abigail. Albert tells Victoria that Philippe is arriving. He seems like a beaten and broken man when he meets with them. He breaks own and sobs. Philippe gets warm and thanks them for taking him in. Philippe hopes his presence won’t cause trouble for Victoria. Next, Philippe and the others enjoy some entertainment. Bertie makes a scene and runs off. Sophie calms him down. Palm and Russell work to put a stop to the Chartists. The Chartists continue their work. Patrick Fitzgerald signs the petition. He lost his finger to musket fire.

Victoria prepares for an upcoming dinner event. Feo keeps getting under Victoria’s skin. Bertie speaks with Feo outside. She explains that she is remembering George. Feo tells Bertie that he will be king one day. Skerrett is ordered to help Feo find something to wear. Abigail is introduced to Victoria. Abigail explains that they want justice and not revolution. Joseph listens to Sophie speak with her husband. Palm tells the Duke of Monmouth (Nicholas Audsley) that he is lucky to have Sophie. Philippe speaks with Palm. Feo shocks everyone in Victoria’s dress. Abigail speaks with O’Connor about the petition. He believes that Cuffay could cause trouble for them. Victoria and the others enjoy drinks and entertainment. Palm hopes there are no repercussions for housing Philippe.

Palm tells Albert that Victoria could suffer the same fate. Albert doesn’t believe so. Patrick runs into Abigail again. He offers to help her. She tells him that she wants to marry a free man. Brodie tells the staff what the Chartists want. Joseph asks Penge if he has a vote. Albert gets a letter from Leopold. The revolution has spread. Victoria doesn’t believe the English are revolutionary people. Cuffay stirs up a crowd outside. Abigail tries to shut him up. Patrick agrees to keep an eye on him. Feo and Albert play chess. They speak about Victoria’s stubbornness. Palm tells Victoria about the riots. Albert tells them that the country needs change. Victoria tells Palm that he has her permission to withdraw. Victoria and Albert encourage Russell to get rid of Palm. Palm tries to take Sophie home. Russell stops him from doing so.

Penge reminds Joseph of his place. Albert contemplates leaving London for the time being. He tells her that they’re going to leave tomorrow. The Chartists protest outside the palace. Skerrett tells Francatelli that she cannot leave the Queen now. A window is broken by the rioters. Victoria cannot leave. Her water has broken. Soldiers prepare to calm the rioters. Guns are smuggled into the Chartist headquarters. Patrick checks them out. The rioters start a fire outside the palace.

 

Victoria Review

Victoria’s first two seasons have been great. The opener for the third started off very strong. Revolution is on the horizon. The Chartists are rising up and they’ve already claimed several victories elsewhere. Skerrett is being pulled away by Francatelli. She is struggling to make her decision. Albert has seen the plight of the poor, yet he seems unsure how to solve the problem. As for Victoria, she is too caught up in her squabble with Palmerston to do anything.

The episode was good and it did a great job of establishing the storyline for the rest of the season. It scores a good 8 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of Victoria now!