Have you ever dreamed to see the brightest balls of the British aristocraty in the early 19th century ? To observe the ruses and the dirty tricks of scheming mothers to marry off their noble offspring? If so, Bridgerton is for you !
London, during the Regency (1811-1820). Despite King George’s mental illness, for the aristocracy, it’s business as usual, and the wedding season is one of the highlights of the year. Matchmaking can ensure a family’s fortune or its demise. Centuries of heritage and patrimony can be secured or wiped out. It’s a matter of the utmost importance. For the Bridgerton’s family, and for their neighbours the Featherington’s family, daughters are to become debutantes. Daphne Bridgerton is smart and a flawless beauty, but her oldest brother, after their father’s death, is overprotective and scares off all suitors, making his sister look undesirable. The unfortunate young girl is cruelly mocked by Lady Whistledown, the anonymous author of a scandalous society newsletter. But Daphne doesn’t give up, and forms an alliance with the most eligible bachelor, the Duke of Hastings.
Although smart and cynical, Bridgerton is still a show about romance, love that nothing can stand in the way of. It is also about the frivolous life of an idle aristocracy. Scandals can easily destroy lifes, but they also entertain “the ton”. Those who are spared camouflage their relief by harshly judging those who have been singled out, rightly or wrongly. Whether the mysterious Lady Whistledown is a whistle-blower, a woman determined to change mores, or a cynical, disillusioned and frustrated spirit, it’s hard to say. Probably all of those.
More classical than it pretends to be, the show is especially noteworthy for its beautiful costumes and colourful sets ! Dresses, jewelry, salons and balls are all worth a look. The story is pleasant, if sometimes simplistic and even naïve. Some of the characters are endearing. The music is rather annoying. But it’s the visually idealized depiction of the aristocracy that really catches the eye.
3 seasons (ongoing), 20 episodes (1h), 2020-, on Netflix. Prequel : Queen Charlotte
- The Bridgertons (some): Ruth Gemmel / Violet, Jonathan Bailey / Anthony, Phoebe Dynevor / Daphne, Claudia Jessie / Eloise, Luke Thompson / Benedict, Luke Newton / Colin
- The Featheringtons : Polly Walker / Lady Portia, Nicola Coughlan / Penelope
- And : Adjoah Andoh / Lady Danbury, Regé-Jean Page / Simon Basset, Kate Sharma / Simone Ashley…
