Netflix has once again succeeded in creating a charming tale with its recently launched series, Bridgerton. Based on a novel by Julia Quinn, the plot focuses on an upper-class family and their daily life shenanigans. This series is acting as a true Christmas delight within a few days of its release.
The Plot
Set in a Victorian sphere, in Grosvenor Square, in London, the story begins with a dowager Mrs.Bridgerton ( Ruth Gemell), and her eight children. Her eldest daughter Daphne is all set for her debut in front of the queen. It is the wedding season and every mother in town is on the hunt for a suitor. Their daughters must get married otherwise, what will society say?
Daphne’s( Phoebe Dynevor) remarkable beauty and astonishing features astound the queen herself and she immediately becomes the talk of the town. However, her arrogant older brother Anthony ( Jonathan Bailey )managed to scram away all the worthy suitors because nobody is worthy of his beautiful sister. Eventually, callers stop coming to their mansion, and ultimately, Daphne is promised to a creepy and old suitor, Berbrooke.
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To escape his gnaws, Daphne sets up a ruse with one of the most eligible bachelors in town, the Duke of Hastings, Simon (Regé-Jean Page). Simon also wanted to get rid of the needy mamas in search of him for their unwed daughters. Daphne and Simon decide to create a fake bond to charm more suitors for Daphne. Amidst this ruse, Simon and Daphne develop feelings for each other and one mistake leads to another and soon, Anthony finds Daphne in a compromising situation with Simon. What follows next, is a pure scandal in Victorian terms.
Even though Daphne is the centre of attention, the directors have managed to churn up a story-line for all the other characters. You’ll find the Featheringtons and their three daughters. They were sheltering one of their distant relatives, Miss Marina Thompson( Ruby Barker) who was expectant.
Imagine an unwed woman having a child in the 18th century!
Moreover, you’ll come across the very talented Eloise (Claudia Jessie), Daphne’s sister, who is least interested in getting married. She wants to attend university and be a writer but society won’t permit her. The charming and witty Penelope Featherington( NicolaCoughlan ) will also win your heart. The other Bridgerton siblings, Colin( Luke Newton ) and Benedict( Luke Thompson) also indulge in notorious deeds. Several characters are introduced to fuel the story and make it more intriguing. One such presence is LadyDanbury( Adoja Andoh).
The Bridgerton Family.
Moreover, it is really interesting to see that black characters are treated equally to whites. How often do you come across a black Duke? Or, a black Queen?
Of course, who can forget Lady Whistledown ( voiced by Julie Andrews)?
She is the gossipmonger of the town. Her paper can build or ruin reputations. She knows everyone’s secret and has gotten them wrapped in her hands including the Queen. Doesn’t this remind you a bit of Gossip Girl? Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers calls out all the scandals of the upper-class society and wreaks havoc. She managed to flee the Queen’s attempt to unmask Whistledown’s identity.
The story manages to give every character solid personality growth. The jealousy, the balls, the dance parties, the intimate relationships, the emotions, the drama, Bridgerton gives you everything you’ve been hoping for.
Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal fame Shonda Rhimes is the executive producer of the show. Show-runner Chris Van Dusen and Shonda Rhimes weaved magic on screen with Bridgerton. The chemistry between Daphne and Simon will sweep you off your feet. Eloise and Penelope perfectly portray the smart girls who became the victim of a male-dominated and rigid society. Anthony had to abandon his lady love as the upper-class society demanded their eligible Lords to marry within their rank. People stay in a loveless marriage for decades to save their reputation from getting tarnished. The entire cast ensemble is truly remarkable. Everyone played their part so well that you’ll be left spellbound.
Is Season 2 on the chart?
The enormous success of the show brings out the potential question, will there be a season 2?
The cast and the show-runners have dropped some major hints about another possible season. The series finale clearly indicated that the show-runners plan on exploring Anthony’s love life.
Phoebe Dynevor told ELLE.com “I want to see Daphne get involved in Anthony’s love life a bit, as he sort of meddled with hers quite a lot,” she joked. “I think that will be fun.”
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton.
Regé-Jean Page said, “As far as continuing to explore characters, I think that love is an evolving thing,” he told TV Guide. “It’s a living, breathing thing that needs tending, that needs looking after, that needs mending when it gets worn or torn. They get married very young. They still have a lot of growing to do. They have a lot to do, and I think it’ll always be fun to watch them do that together.”
The amalgamation of an Austen set up along with scandals of the 18th century makes this drama perfect for a binge-worthy retreat. The show brings out the dark side of the high-class society. You’ll find lords gambling their riches away, indulging in secret affairs, people betraying their own kind. This show is a complete package.
