I love the show Victoria (itv) because of the subtle reversing of period/historical drama gender based cliches- allow me to explain
Albert: I'm not like other boys(TM), I'm sulky and broody and wear my hair in my face. I seduced my wife by playing piano while sending her shy glances across the room. I have nothing to do but prattle about the palace all day, but everyone tells me my position will be cemented when we have a son and heir. I have taken up with a cause that it is interesting enough to be relevant to a modern audience, but is still charity based and not governmental. I would desperately like us to start having babies because I want a family. I was given a servant who I am very sure is a spy and doesn't like me. (Every female cliche in a period drama)
Victoria: I angrily ride horses while debating about whether or not to propose to Albert. My best friend in the whole world is my dog. I am too busy running the country to notice how miserable my husband is, but I try my best to make him happy with pretty gifts. I abhor the thought of children, and am also terrified of the high rate of death in childbirth, but eventually I'll cave because my spouse desperately wants babies. The writers tried to give me a character, but at some point every plotline became about my spouse. I have canonically said "all babies look like frogs to me" (Every male cliche in a period drama)
