As the episode begins, the kids enjoy their time at the Osborne House. In Parliament, Lord Palmerston (Laurence Fox) speaks about an exile who is seeking shelter in Britain. A few seconds later, Palmerston meets with Herr Kossuth. He tells him that he is welcome in Great Britain. Penge (Adrian Schiller) doesn’t seem too happy with Bertie and Vicky’s games. Victoria learns about Palmerston’s activities back home. Albert (Tom Hughes) insists that he needs to be punished. Albert says that he’ll write a letter. He is forced to scold Bertie for misbehaving. Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) turns in his letter of resignation. Sophie (Lily Travers), Feodora (Kate Fleetwood) and another woman speak about Palmerston. Feo makes it clear that she intends to stay by her sister’s side.

Sophie tells them about her husband sending their son to boarding school. Joseph (David Burnett) listens in. Skerrett (Nell Hudson) learns about the resignation when Victoria reads the letter. Albert doesn’t seem to care. Skerrett denies knowing anything about it. Francatelli tells Skerrett that it is her time to do the same. She makes it clear that she needs to tell Victoria directly. Albert speaks to Victoria about his wishes for Bertie. Victoria is too concerned about Palmerston and Kossuth. Albert isn’t willing to let her return. She says that London will need to come to her. Palmerston is followed by the press. He receives a letter from the PM. It is a royal command. Vitoria wades in the water. Skerrett rushes to her side and brings her to shore.

Palmerston and the PM arrive. Victoria tells them that they should not antagonize the Austrian monarchy. Victoria gives Palmerston three orders. He agrees to the orders with a smirk. Albert speaks with the PM about Palmerston being a buffoon. PM doesn’t agree. He is glad that Palmerston is on his side of the aisle. Sophie tells Joseph that she wants to exchange rooms with Feo so Feo can enjoy the view of the sea. They speak about Sophie’s boy. He tells her about Palmerston’s visit. Albert works with Bertie on his math skills. Joseph helps Sophie remain modest. Palmerston speaks with her seconds later. He flirts with her. They get a little privacy moments later. They’re stopped before things can go too far. Victoria asks Palmerston about his words. Alfred (Jordan Waller) tells them that the newspaper claims the German states are now safe. Victoria starts plans to send Feo home.

Feo begins crying. She manages to find a way to stay with Victoria. Palmerston seems happy about that. He speaks with Feo in private. Palmerston already knows that it is safe for Feo to return home. He knows that she wants to stay in England. He asks her what trick she is playing on Victoria. Feo doesn’t say anything. Albert and Victoria speak about Palmerston’s desire to have people love him. Albert believes that Victoria is the same. Victoria doesn’t want to hear it. Later that night, Palmerston visits Sophie. He is watched. He is surprised to find Feo in her bed. In the morning, Joseph goes swimming naked. When he returns, Penge finds sand in his wig. Albert continues working with Bertie. Bertie says that the letters won’t stay still. They’re swimming.

Palmerston confronts Feo. Feo tries to blackmail him into letting her stay. Victoria and Albert argue about staying or leaving. Victoria and Palmerston speak about Kossuth. He tells her his reasoning. Francatelli tries to convince Skerrett to reclaim her liberty from Victoria.  Skerrett tells him that Victoria knew about everything and gave her a new life. Palmerston is told to stay away from Sophie. Sophie finds him seconds later. She gets flirty with him Palmerston stops her and tries to leave. He admits he cannot give her what she wants. She runs into Joseph and tells him to get out of the way. Sophie weeps along. Joseph follows her and gives her a handkerchief. Joseph speaks to her about the waves and the beach. He tells her that it makes him feel alive. Albert tells Victoria that Kossuth needs to be evicted. Victoria decides to honor him with a dinner.

Albert is not happy and believes Victoria is only doing it to keep people happy. Victoria speaks with Skerrett. She tells Victoria about her marriage. She cries and apologizes. At dinner, it is clear that Victoria is sad. Bertie becomes upset with Albert. Victoria asks him not to bully their child. They argue in front of everyone. Victoria throws wine in Albert’s face. Feo speaks with Victoria in private. She tells her that she agrees with her and wants to return to London. Feo claims that Albert constricts her. Then, Feo goes to Albert. She tries to put doubt in Albert’s man. Victoria is short with Skerrett as well. In the morning, Joseph goes swimming again. Penge scolds him when he returns. He tells him that he needs to go to church on Sunday. Penge tells him that his goose has been cooked.

Emma asks Sophie who she is writing. The letter will be sent to her son. Emma suggests that they should return to London. Sophie asks Brodie about Joseph. Brodie tells her that he has been dismissed for skipping church. Albert finds a way to teach Bertie while making it exciting. Palmerston prepares to leave. Albert gives him his best wishes. Victoria stops himself outside for a goodbye. They seem to be on slightly better terms. Later, Victoria tells Albert that she is going back to London. Joseph is paid. Sophie enters and tells Penge that he should return. Joseph sits his bags down. The items are packed and Victoria heads for London. Albert is with her. Palmerston shares dinner with Kossuth. Kossuth makes a speech but is ignored by the others. Albert and Victoria return to the palace. The crowd outside cheers Victoria.

Skerrett and Francatelli meet. She is convinced he will miss it all when they leave in a week. Penge catches them. He learns about their marriage. Albert locks the door to keep Victoria out. He ignores her when she knocks.

 

Victoria Review

Victoria has been much different this season. Tough issues have been tackled and we have seen more turmoil in the palace. The relationship between Albert and Victoria is very strained. It probably won’t lead to much in the end. Nevertheless, it is nice to see some trouble once in a little while. I like the addition of Sophie and Joseph as well. The Palmerston character is certainly an interesting addition to the lineup even though the character isn’t the most likeable. That is to be expected though.

This episode scores an 8 out of 10. Previous recaps of Victoria are available on Reel Mockery.