NOT FOR KIDS!
No, I do not wish to live in that era due to various factors, but I enjoy series like The Crown, The Royals, etc., and Bridgerton. No, I’m not the type who will admire the dresses from that era (dressing up like that every day must have been torturous) or like the fact that the men were mostly dominating or relate to marriage being the only thing on everyone’s mind. I guess I’m intrigued mostly by the language they speak, the palaces or castles they live in and the royalty around the people (the interiors, the chandeliers, the pillars, etc). Whether the inside is the same house they show from the outside or not, I still love the whole grandeur of it all. Oh! And the way they conduct themselves, with style, grace and confidence.
If you want to know more about Bridgerton’s various exquisite locations, click here.
It’s very interesting (quite opposite of today’s GenZ’s language) when they say:
“indeed” instead of “yeah”
“greetings” instead of “hi”
“farewell” instead of “bye”
“splendid” instead of “nice”
“apologies” instead of “sorry”
“make haste” instead of “quick”
“pinnacle” instead of … (cough cough)
“my good fellow, I am utterly astounded by your actions” instead of “brrrruuuh”.
Did you know that there are videos of the Bridgerton fireplace and other ambiance on YouTube to help you study, relax or sleep? I was amused to see such videos having more than 20,000 views. It’s basically a fireplace with the sound of its fire crackling for 12 hours.
Before we review the seasons, one by one, let’s get the order of the Bridgerton siblings straight.
The series began with introductions of the rich and famous (high society/ton) in a town called Mayfair.
This season was about Daphne (played by Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon (the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page). It was a nice fake-to-real romance kind of story. Besides their love story, I loved the camaraderie between the Bridgerton siblings and the discipline managed by their mother, Violet Bridgerton (played by Ruth Gemmell).
This season also introduced Lady Whistledown, a mystery writer of everybody’s secrets.
However, every time Benedict (played by Luke Thompson) came on screen, I wondered why he wasn’t the main character. His looks and charm were totally irresistible. I cannot recall a series where the most handsome guy was NOT the main character. Or not the main villain. I mean, he had to be the main something! Anthony is good-looking, but Benedict has a cute face, charm and lots of warmth.
Mind you, this was the first time I had ever heard of the Bridgertons.
Well, when you have enjoyed the first season, it is only fitting to delve into the next. This season mainly focused on Anthony (played by Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (a.k.a Kathani Sharma, played by Simone Ashley). It was a good enemies-to-lovers kind of story while Lady Whistledown was shocking the whole town with her gossip!
Queen Charlotte (played by Golda Rosheuvel) was getting quite interested in knowing Lady Whistledown’s real identity.
This miniseries was a spin-off of Bridgerton that revolved around Queen Charlotte’s life – her arrival in London, marriage to King George III, managing her husband’s episodic madness and reign as a lonely monarch.
This story speaks of strength, resilience, patience and true love. I thought that perhaps the series could also continue to include the lives of her many children and how she managed them while still being the Queen of England. You know, just to keep the series going. India Amarteifio did a great job as young Queen Charlotte.
I’m hoping for more spin-offs such as this.
This season was all about the complex relationship between Colin (played by Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan). Penelope transforms her look, upsets a lot of people, but is determined to secure a husband this season. It was a simple friends-to-lovers story.
In the meantime, thanks to Queen Charlotte, the town is aware of Lady Whistledown’s true identity.
This season was okay. It didn’t have the charm like the previous two seasons or perhaps I didn’t find Colin as hot as Anthony or Benedict. Hahaha!
This season started with Lady Bridgerton hosting the first ball (the first major social event of the season) instead of Lady Danbury. Benedict (second-eldest son) is all over the place with his free spirit exploring his sexuality until he is asked for a commitment. He continues to be a rake and barely paints until he meets the Lady in Silver.
Lady Whistledown feels she’s now a mere muse for the Queen but continues to write, keeping in mind her public identity. And Lady Danbury is looking for a lady-in-waiting (for Queen Charlotte) to replace her, as she wants to leave and return to her family home.
Until part 2 of Season 4 was released, we were still waiting to see what happened after Benedict’s scandalous words to Sophie Baek (ward of Lord Penwood/the maid, played by Yerin Ha).
After watching, I decided that it was a pretty good story, though I may have to watch season 4 again, as I was only admiring Benedict throughout! 😂
FYI – After the credits of the 8th episode, you can watch the wedding.
I hope Benedict is still there till the end of the Bridgerton series because I may not be interested in watching more seasons if he isn’t. I’m wondering what’s in store for season 5. There are plenty of speculations, and I haven’t read the books.
What I love most about Bridgerton is the richness that amazes me, the vanity that amuses me, the handsome cast that is a treat to my eyes, the bright and colourful surroundings and most of all the Bridgerton family dynamics. The last season made me laugh, cry, sad and happy. Bridgerton touches you in ways you may not have imagined.
Have you watched Bridgerton? What’s your take on it? Who’s your favourite?
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
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19 Comments
I like all the observations that you have made from Bridgerton. If you look at it from a feminist point of view, it’s trash, however if you watch the series from an artistic POV, then it’s lovely. Although IMO , sometimes it becomes unnecessarily too explicit.
Yeah. That’s what I said. I wouldn’t want to live in that era but the setting is in that time so the series has to show mostly how women were treated around then.
I like period dramas too. Saw a couple of seasons of Crown but when Dolores Umbridge played the queen – I just could not bear watching! Just shows how well she did her role! Bridgerton has been somewhere on the periphery and I have not been able to decide whether to watch or not!
I’m currently watching season 4 and just reached the ‘pinnacle’ episodes – lol! so i know your reference!!!
Violet Bridgerton – she’s gorgeous – she has stood out for me in the seasons i have watched.
i watched season 1, season 2 was a let down (also boring-ish) so i actually stopped following the series, until, Benedict’s story – I know what you mean by him being the main lead!
I totally relate to this review! Bridgerton is such a fun escape! The romance, drama, and stunning costumes always pull me in. Loved your take!
I love the series. Every time a new season is aired, I have to drop everything and binge-watch. As you’ve rightly mentioned, there’s something about the series that keeps you hooked. I didn’t know about the fireplace YouTube videos. I’m surely going to look it up.
I absolutely love how you’ve described the seasons. I haven’t watched any of them though, still haven’t been intrigued
This was such a fun read Cindy. The way those old-school words were compared with today’s language made me laugh. And honestly… Benedict stealing the spotlight even when he isn’t the main character feels so true.
Somehow, I have not been able to watch this series. I find it a bit too heavy. I prefer lighthearted romances like Emily in Paris and Virgin River. Bottom line is my genre for reading or watching is romcoms
Watched a few episodes in season 1. It looked like the original grandeur of British culture and your review made it look even more beautiful.
I haven’t seen this series though I love Downtown Abbey. The multiple seasons is mind boggling. But having said that , I too love the language and the grandeur of the setting. I am making a note of all the castles. Hopefully will visit some of them when I go to UK next
Wow! That will be amazing, Chandrika!
Season 1 is still my favourite. And I get what you said about S3 but also feel that that particular season wasn’t more about a Bridgerton and was more about Penelope. But that’s just my take. For me the most handsome Bridgerton is Anthony (Ooof!)and the most favourite one has to be Eloise. I do hope the next season is hers.
Yeah, maybe that’s why season 3 was okay okay. I love Eloise too as she represents all of us today.
Interesting take on the series. It was nice to read your thoughts on the characters and the overall feel of the show. Enjoyed going through the review.
I haven’t watched a single episode of Bridgerton. Reading your review made me curious enough to start!
I have yet to see the series or read the books. But I agree with the language part and the grandeur. I love the old world manners, and styles. Everything is so polished. the unhurried pace and beauty. Will try to see the series soon.
A perfect summary (leaving no one in doubt about your love for Benedict and I agree) of the series. I like the series for the same reasons, grandeur, grace, and gravitas (or whatever they can summon from the romance tropes). Enjoyed reading this, Cindy!
I have not watched the series, so I do not have much to add. However, like you, I enjoy the grandeur and decor of the houses shown in period dramas.