“Victoria,” based on the Queen’s own diaries, is faithful in broad strokes to its subject’s life story — but the greater historical distance permits it a greater allowance for imagination. The characterization of Victoria (Jenna Coleman) is its emotional core, and her portrayal here is consistent with the written record of a stubborn, confident, extremely short and extremely self-assured woman. This series is also fortunate to know that the minutae of its political plot lines are neither well-known nor of any great interest to the viewing audience — and eliminating much of the 1830s politicking just allows more room for Victoria herself to shine.

Read more of my writing about Victoria on PBS

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