I have written "Victoria Redux" for all those viewers of the wonderful PBS TV series "Victoria" who wish that Lord Melbourne had responded differently when the Queen proposed to him.  In the series, it is clear that they love each other.  In history, it is clear that Melbourne loved Victoria, and that he seemed to lose his reason to live after she was out of his life.  He had a stroke at age 62 and lived pretty miserably until he died at 69 in 1848.  He was mainly taken care of by his brother Frederick and Fred's 36-years-younger wife. After Melbourne died, Fred inherited his title.  When Fred also died childless, both of Fred's titles (Viscount Melbourne and Baron Beauvale) were extinguished. 

"Victoria Redux" is a do-over for Melbourne.  We can respect him for his sacrifice in the name of what he and many others thought was his duty, yet still pity what he and Victoria lost by his taking that decision entirely away from the Queen.  I wanted to imagine that Melbourne saw the competing principles of duty to the crown and honesty, and tried to respect both at once, while leaving the ultimate decision to the Queen.  Such a do-over as I imagine might have had many ripples of positive effects: on Victoria's developing character, on her children's nature and nurture, on Melbourne's brother and his wife, on Victorian society, and maybe even on world history.

I hope Rufus Sewell might be willing to go back to playing Melbourne if his fate were a happier one.  This could be made into a TV show, a play or a movie.  Please leave me an honest review, pointing out any errors.  I hope you enjoy it!   

With my warmest regards,
Gillian Ellipse
     
May 24, 2017