At the start of the episode, we learn that Albert (Tom Hughes) has been asked to serve as chancellor of Cambridge University. Victoria (Jenna Coleman) learns about it in a letter. Albert suggests hiring a male tutor for Bertie. Soon, Brodie (Tommy Knight) and Joseph (David Burnett) are passing a letter on to Albert. This goes on for quite some time. Joseph thanks Sophie (Lily Travers) for saving his job. She claims that anyone would have done the same. Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) and Skerrett (Nell Hudson) speak about the upcoming opening of their business. They contemplate changing the name of the restaurant. She doesn’t like it when Franc suggests calling it The Palace. Brodie delivers a letter to Victoria. It is from Skerrett. He doesn’t read it. She complains to Feo. In return, Feo promises that she will never desert her.

Dead bodies are wheeled through the streets. Dr. John Snow (Sam Swainsbury) meets with a young patient. Snow tells the boy’s mother that he has cholera. The doctor wants to know about the boy’s whereabouts the day before. Sophie speaks to her husband about William. She contemplates visiting him. He tells her that everything she is fond of belongs to him. Albert and Victoria prepare for an event. They pretend that nothing is wrong. Victoria is introduced to the Ambassador of Oudh (Akbar Kurtha). Victoria receives numerous gifts. Afterwards, Albert tells Lord John Russell (John Sessions) about Cambridge University. Palmerston (Laurence Fox) tells him about the trouble the last chancellor had. Russell admits that Cambridge will not relish in innovation. Albert sees that as a challenge. Feo offers to support Victoria while Albert is away.

Feo and Palmerston verbally spar back and forth. Joseph watches as Sophie’s husband is rough with her. Abigail (Sabrina Bartlett) helps Skerrett with the curtains. Another body is transported through the streets. Franc tries to convince Skerrett that everything will be fine. Penge (Adrian Schiller) arrives with a note for the Prime Minister. Palmerston reads it too. Soon, Victoria learns about the cholera outbreak in Soho. Albert wants to get to the cause of the problem. Victoria tells them to keep it hidden from the guests. The singing continues. Penge tells Joseph that the best way to get rid of these diseases is to get rid of all the foreigners. Joseph says that all they can do is protect those in need. Victoria tries to convince Albert to stay. Feo listens in on their argument. Dr. Snow works to discover the problem. The PM speaks about it in chambers.

Soon, the cholera worsens. Albert visits the university with Alfred (Jordan Waller). Albert speaks to the crowd. Feo comforts a sad Victoria. Feo tells her that she knows the trouble of a lonely marriage too. Victoria explains that their past fights would bring them closer together. Albert continues with his speech. One of the men argue with Albert’s speech. Victoria speaks with several doctors. They come up with varying theories. Snow speaks up. He admits he doesn’t have an answer because he doesn’t have proof. Victoria tells Palmerston that she would like to visit the hospital. Victoria explains that she is not worried about catching it. Joseph gives Sophie a message from the duke. She has been summoned. Joseph suggests remaining in the palace until the contagion has passed. Joseph convinces her to stay in the palace for her own safety. Skerrett watches as Franc works.

Soon, she tells Franc that she is pregnant. They celebrate the news. Joseph meets with Monmouth to deliver the message. He is drunk and doesn’t like what he hears. Monmouth insists that she should leave immediately. Victoria visits the hospital with Palmerston by her side. They’re disturbed by what they see. Victoria learns that one of the nurses doesn’t believe in the miasma theory. She explains that the disease follows poverty and dirt. She tells Victoria about Snow. The woman says her name is Florence Nightingale. Albert learns that one of the men has decided to stand against him. Victoria returns home. She is greeted by her children. Feo comforts her sister. Joseph returns to Sophie with her husband’s message.

He suggests he could let him know that it is a royal command. Sophie insists she’ll deal with the situation herself. Victoria requests to speak with Dr. Snow. The PM doesn’t believe that would be a good idea. Brodie arrives at the restaurant for celebrations. Skerrett seems to be having stomach pains. She takes a drink from her bottle. Sophie asks Joseph for some sealing wax. He is glad she is still at the palace. Penge spies on them. Joseph pays her a compliment before they split. Abigail and Brodie learn about the pregnancy. Skerrett excuses herself. She seems to be in distress. Victoria wakes up alone. The studies rally for Powis and against Albert. Albert speaks with Palmerston. Palmerston explains that he came to vote. Dr. Snow speaks with pub owner. He tells the doctor that he has no women or foreigners. Victoria learns that Snow has refused her invitation. She still wants to meet with him.

Snow seems to make a breakthrough. He speaks with a woman outside of Soho. She is suffering from cholera. She says that she stopped at the water pump. Franc finds that Skerrett is very sick. Snow visits Soho and tells them to stop using the water. They refuse to listen to him. Power gets 837 votes. Albert gets 953. Palmerston congratulates him. Albert refuses to accept the role under such circumstances. Palmerston tells him that he voted for him. Dr. Snow visits Victoria. She dismisses the Prime Minister so they can talk alone. Victoria gives the doctor pointers for speaking in public. She manages to make him laugh. The doctor explains that water is responsible for the spread of the disease. Brodie overhears the evidence. He becomes nervous and learns about the tonics. It is the same woman Skerrett bought her tonics from. Albert prepares to take over his new duties.

Victoria and Snow rush to Skerrett’s side. Dr. Snow begins working on her right away. Franc tells Victoria about the child. Franc comforts his wife. Snow makes it clear that the situation is not good. Albert returns home. Feo congratulates him. He admits it was a humiliation. He confesses that he should have listened to Victoria. Victoria arrives home. Franc and Skerrett speak about their past. She tells him that all of this will be a marvelous success. She says that they should have married sooner. Skerrett passes away. Victoria returns to the letter she sent. She reads it. She seeks comfort from Albert. The letter explains Skerrett’s reason for leaving Victoria. Brodie grieves for her too. Skerrett recommends Abigail to take over her position. The contaminated water pump is disassembled.

 

Victoria Review

This entire season of Victoria has been much different. Things are getting bleak and real. As I’ve mentioned in the earlier reviews, Victoria is generally upbeat and uplifting. That isn’t true this season. This episode made that very clear. We lost a significant character for the first time in a very long time. It stung and could be one of the most memorable character deaths of the year. This could be the best season of Victoria yet. It was definitely the best episode of the season. For that, it scores a 9 out of 10.

Catch up with previous recaps of Victoria before you leave!