As Victoria (Jenna Coleman) and Albert (Tom Hughes) listen to music she becomes nauseous and has to walk off, with there being speculation. Lohlein (Basil Eidenbenz) says their queen is sick and Brodie (Tommy Knight) tells him he must say, "the queen is indisposed." Everyone especially Victoria's mother (Catherine Flemming) knows what she should be doing for the baby and gives her brandy with cream for the sickness, of course Victoria doesn't want to listen to anyone. She sends for a doctor who confirms her pregnancy and Albert is pleased as they announce the news to the politicians and court. She also says that in the event of her death, as her mother doesn't stop reminding her about Charlotte, she will need someone to rule and she appoints Albert as Regent. Of course there is an uproar especially amongst the Tories, led by the Duke of Wellington (Peter Bowles) who is adamant he can't have a German ruling the country. Compounded by the fact they already are running the country.
No one is ready to endorse Albert and she says she'll abdicate if no one accepts her decision. He says he will leave the country and she says she'll kill herself. Albert wants to do more and has been learning about the British industry, as Victoria mentions engines and trains. He wants to visit and find out more so she plans a trip for them to the Gifford's. Peel (Nigel Lindsay) has an estate, Drayton, which is practically next door. Leaving behind her mother as she doesn't want her to come and Harriet (Margaret Clunie) to look after her. She takes only Mrs Jenkins (Eve Myles) and Albert takes Lohlein. The Gifford's aren't too happy to see her and especially not Albert as they have nothing but snide things to say about them both. Such as Victoria was only so high when he saw her and she replies, "she still is."
At dinner Sir Piers Gifford (James Wilby) has organized a hunt for them the next day and Albert says he doesn't hunt, he shoots. Victoria will accompany them and Lady Beatrice (Annabel Mullion) thinks it will be too taxing on her, telling her to stay and relax. However Victoria will go. The Gifford's butler tells Lohlein that he needs to have a "kit" for shooting and he will give him one. Mrs Jenkins spots Lohlein with it the next day, white breeches, and tells him they only wear dark colours and he is only looking to embarrass Albert. Albert of course shoots two birds whilst Gifford can only stand by and snigger, saying he won't let the sausage get the better of him, however he fails. He accuses Peel of siding with Albert, whereas he has been sent there by Wellington to ensure Albert doesn't become regent.
At lunch once again Beatrice thinks Victoria should rest, but she goes off for a walk. As Albert stresses his interest in locomotives. Peel says he has one on his land and he should see this. Gifford hates the thought of his land being overrun by such monstrosities and later tells Peel he should not encourage Albert. Victoria is fed up and Lehzen (Daniela Holtz) calls Peel a "stuffed frog," she saw one once at a museum, which amuses Victoria. She thinks Albert needs to learn to talk properly and keep his mouth shut more as people laugh at him. Next day she wakes to find him gone.
He meets Peel for a ride on the locomotive and knows how it works. He wants to ride at the front and not sit on the seat. He tells Peel he likes him and hopes he's not here to make sure he doesn't become regent. Peel hopes he's not here to convince him into approving Victoria's choice and they get on. Victoria is mad at Albert since he went off and did his own thing. She doesn't approve of engines and she will only do what she wants to take the country forward and hates the use of the word, 'future'; and approve what she wants, as queen. It isn't up to him. She was rather hypocritical, she doesn't want anyone ridiculing him or telling him what to do unless it's her. Albert replies he didn't want to wake her. As she's out for a walk she too rides on the locomotive and Albert runs up beside it and asks if she likes it. Which she does. The butler tells Lohlein that he should have the prince singing whilst getting dressed and Mrs Jenkins tells him they're all trying to make fools of Albert and him and she won't accept that happening to Albert. They don't like people who are different.
Peel tells Gifford and the Tories he will be supporting her choice of Albert as regent since she is his queen and when he leaves, Wellington tells them that if no one's going to oppose his choice, then he too will support Peel in his decision. As Peel tells Victoria of this, she tells him it's not really relevant anymore since she is well and doing her job. That was after a pep talk from Albert on their way home when she told him she's afraid of the pain and he told her it will be painful, but she is strong and has fortitude. She allows Albert to sit beside her and help with the papers she must sign, handing him over the ones involving the cotton trade and other industrial matters.
Her mother tells Harriet she doesn't like being left behind and also as Harriet keeps looking at the photo of Albert with Ernest, she tells her that he's a liar. Harriet telling her she's a married woman. Especially as at their game of cards, she asks if Harriet has a knave? When Victoria returns home, she asks for bacon and peas and doesn't want to stick to any diet.
Francatelli (Ferdinand Kingsley) impresses Skerrett (Nell Hudson) with his cooking and hot chocolate, which he prepares for the queen and she thinks he should give her his wafers along with it too. He also sets up a dinner table in the queen's quarters for her and treats her to some more chocolate, which she tells him he must name a "bomb surprise" as it resembles a bomb. "Francatelli's bomb de surprise." Didn't anyone tell him the way to a woman's heart is not through sweet treats, she'll bomb herself soon eating so much, or should that be balloon!
Not much to say on this ep as slowly Albert begins to find his place by her side and she gives him more responsibilities. She was afraid of losing him when he went off gallivanting on the locomotive, as she wouldv'e called it. As she wants him by her side all the time. Finally Lord M is forgotten as here was absolutely no mention of him this ep either. Of course the title refers not only to the industrial revolution but Victoria and Peel accepting Albert and that he is capable of having more responsibilities than just being her husband. As well as allowing him to feel the baby, as their relationship grows even more. Which was a touching moment as she earlier told him, "you are going to look at my body and be revolted." Whereupon thousands would've said, he's already seen your body! As Victoria earlier claims he looks like a peasant when he returns all dirty and he exclaims, "at least I'm not eating beetroot - the food of peasants!" Ahh the poor beetroot!
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