I watched Bridgerton: The age’d old story of Love
Dear gentle reader, this author is reviewing Whistledown, so buckle up for an unrelenting review and thoughts on Bridgerton’s third series. Complete with another piano recording.
A foreword before I rant about another period drama. This review has been quite a tricky one to write, mostly because of the series’ abundant popularity, I have been unable to put words to my thoughts. Though, after several months haiutus, I bring you the review of Bridgerton. I trust it is fair and just.
So, I present to you my review of the series so far and a recording of me playing and singing Adele’s Skyfall - which I think would have made a perfect edition to the series during the dramatic scenes.
Put together love with poor communication, meddling Mamas, and rakish good looking gents in period costume and you get: Bridgerton. Hugely popular, by the looks of things, and a new way to period drama? Perhaps not, as this is a story done so many times in many mediums, so it is very predictable. From the obviously warm looks the characters give, to the over pouring chemistry, it is a sizzling romance. Perhaps this series is also to blame for the up surge of the ‘old money’ and regency trend, so maybe if this continues to spread, there will be less people wearing fitness clothes or pyjamas in public… Though, the simplicity of predictable scenarios may be enjoyable escapism, it can quickly become old and boring. So with this in mind, let’s move on to the plot.
The plot and characters
For the uninitiated, each season of Bridgerton, focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling. This season mainly focused on the romantic life of Colin whereas, the first season focused on the romantic life of the elder sister, Daphne. So the premise was entirely a will they won’t they between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, who live across the street from each and other and have known each other for a long time. The other Bridgerton siblings do feature in this series as well including the next daughter to be out, Francessca. The Dowager Lady Bridgerton also has two other younger children Gregory and Hyacinth. Then there is also Benedict who is as yet unmarried and acts as rakish as his other brothers when they were unmarried. There are several supporting characters including Mr and Mrs Mondrich, the Cowpers, Lady Danbury and, last, but not least Queen Charlotte herself.
What I found most agreeable and disagreeable.
Considering the series’ lack of faithfulness to being accurate for the period and eccentric costume style, I still found some points which make the series worthwhile. Between each of the Bridgerton siblings, there was a great closeness that made it all the more real. Acting like a real family, they seemed to have great chemistry. Sibling relationships are quite nice to see in period dramas - you can see some of my top sibling relationships in this post here.
This series is also renowned for its romances, and it definitely does not disappoint. The chemistry between romantic love interests are obvious - to the point that the outcome is predictable. A predictable outcome is very plain indeed and it means the viewer would be bored by the story as I was.
In fact, the most vexing thing about this series is the lack of historical accuracy. Perhaps this is another way to period drama, however, it is clear the show has defining modern influences and edges toward a fantasy historial genre. By allowing these modern influences to creep into the story, it turns into a cos-play where modern people are dressed in funny clothes speaking in a specific way to make it ‘period’. I am also not a huge fan of how they deal with race and ethnicity either. It is admirable that they include as many actors of different races and ethnicities in the series and as a woman of colour, this is certainly encouraging. Though, it does seem like they are trying too hard to please everyone which shifts the focus.
Speaking of which, the faithfulness that married gents have towards their wives is a theme ever present in the show. For example with Anthony who had many mistresses, suddenly ceased to have them after his marriage. Maybe this was a deliberate attempt to please the female audience by showing loyal husbands.
This lack of historical accuracy filters through to the clothing that they do try to emulate a flavour of the period’s style, but unsuccessfully. Perhaps this specific style resonates with the modern veiwer more, nevertheless, in some cases simplicity is the best policy. By ‘grandifying’ everyday dress, it takes the veiwer away from the simplicity of the occasion, and when they go to a grand occasion such as to wedding, it means they wear the most outlandish outfits that may appear plain for some against some other outfits previously worn.
Another thing that really annoys me about this series is all of the characters are what I would consider to be ‘nice’ and do not have a character as such. Perhaps it’s the large cast of characters that feature which wash out the defining characteristics. However, having said that, I can name a few other programmes that are quite similar and the characters are not wishy washy. It also seems that the ending for all of the characters is a positive outcome - from what I have so far watched. A positive outcome for all characters is unrealistic to reality.
Perhaps you need more convincing as to the ‘wishy washiness’ of the characters. Let’s start with Daphne. Certainly a tame and mild character, obedient to a point, and eager to please the people around her. Though, what differentiates her character and Francesca who was supposed to have been the ‘diamond of the season’, regarded by all in a similar way to her elder sister when she was out looking for a husband.
Another character, say, Miss Cowper, a more hardened and determined debutante, being out for many years and not getting a husband. The ways that she goes about her determination to get a rich, titled husband is likely more ruthless than say, the Bridgerton girls, but even she I wouldn’t consider a wholly ‘nasty’ character. The reasoning behind her ‘nastiness’ is tame and does not go so deep as to suppose there was any real substance behind it.
More importantly, the Bridgerton siblings have no defining features in their personality. Finding them all to be outspoken and incredibly ‘perfect’ to appearences. This is totally unrealistic and very far from reality, as essentially, they are all acting in the same way. If for some reason, one of them did something against the norm, their mother and siblings would be nigh-on supportive without the usual disappointments or disapprovals as would be expected of the time period.
Titled characters (those with a title of Lord or Lady) seemed very unrealistic as well. It seems highly unusual that there would be so many titled famillies that would make such a mark on London society. It keeps the veiwer under the illusion that to find such a titled person is easy, that there would be plenty of titled gentlemen for eligible ladies. In fact, even in today’s society that is not the case.
Even though the series is not known to be loyal to following history, quite vital in period drama actually, it is still a very easy watch. Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story, is reminiscent of Marie Antoinette with Kristen Dunst. A similar story to Marie Antoinette without the beheading especially with marrying into a different royal house and the complications that can ensue. Especially the way that the story is presented from the younger Queen Charlotte’s side was paralelled to this.
Is it worth watching?
The Bridgerton series is very easy to watch. Your mind need not be too troubled when watching. It is a simple ‘chick-flick’ destined to be neither accurate nor faithful to the regency/georgian period. Though, I will leave you with this thought: how many lucky ladies in the series get hitched to a gentleman with a title or end up with a title?
Charm’o rating - score out of 5
Duration - 5
Storyline - 1
Period drama experience - 2
Characterisation - 2
Romantic Storyline - 5
Scandalous Affairs - 3.5
Music - 1
Plot twists - 1
For a series that makes no historical sense, it is certainly popular, however it is not one of my favourites. Until next time, farewell.
