“Just because something is not perfect does not make it any less worthy of love.”
Creator: Chris Van Dusen
Author of the Bridgerton Series: Julia Quinn
Where Available: Netflix
Rating:
(As a distraction from everything that is going on in the news right now, here is my review for Bridgerton!)
What a perfect way to start off The Betz Breakdown with one of my favorite watches of 2020! Just when I thought 2020 was over and that I had narrowed down my top 5 shows of the year, Bridgerton is released on Netflix. At the time, I was watching Tiny Pretty Things that I wasn’t enjoying too much but made my way over to Bridgerton after I read the summary for the first episode: Daphne debuts on London’s marriage market as a new gossip sheet sets high society atwitter and Simon, the eligible Duke of Hastings, returns to town. I mean, if that doesn’t make you want to watch the first episode, then read this: If I could describe Bridgerton as a combination of other famous romantic scandals and shows, it would be a Romeo & Juliet and Cinderella threw together in a bowl with a hint of British royalty and a dash of the Bachelorette.
The show Bridgerton is based on the popular Bridgerton book series, written by Julia Quinn, that revolves around two families during “the season,” an annual period where elite families would host formal events to introduce their children to society and find them a suitable marriage.
In any show, it is important for the viewer to sympathize and love the characters, and that is exactly what the cast and crew of Bridgerton have done. Unlike Tiny Pretty Things (where I genuinely hated all of the characters), I loved every single character and their influence on the rumors and drama in Bridgerton. Even though some of them make questionable decisions, it was fun watching karma come back around and bite them in the butt! And we must not forget the absolutely breathtaking romance between Daphne and Simon. Breakout stars Pheobe Dynevor (Daphne) and Regé-Jean Page (Simon) are carving their way into the industry with a stunning portrayal of this ‘enemies to lovers’ trope. I could not rip my eyes away from the screen the whole day that I binge-watched their relationship unfold.
However, we can’t forget about the rest of the amazing characters given to us in this series. Penelope (a hopeless romantic with a sneaky side), Anthony (a caring brother who only wants what is best for his sisters), Eloise (a girl on a mission to unravel the towns biggest secret), Marina (a distant relative who has a big secret of her own), Lady Violet (Penelope’s mother trying to prepare her daughters for the season), Lady Whistledown (a mystery lady who writes about the town gossip in the paper), and so many more characters who are sure to keep you on your toes.
Inclusivity is what makes Bridgerton so unique from other period dramas in the entertainment industry now. The series includes diverse casting which is not exactly textbook accurate to the time period, yet perfectly fits in with the bigger themes being explored. In the words of Regé-Jean Page (our lovely Simon): "I think it's immensely important for people to be able to see themselves at their highest elevation. To see that you are worthy of love, romance, glamour, and status. Everyone is worthy of all those things, and it's our job in the creative industries to create an environment that reflects it. Everyone is worthy of finding love and enjoying escapist fantasies of a life of dancing, romance, and ambition." I could not have put it better myself.
The last episode of Bridgerton is art. I’m re-watching it right now as I type this review and while my friend Alena is on Facetime watching the show for the first time. The title “After the Rain” is the most perfectly chosen title I have ever read for an episode of a TV show, and you will see what I mean but what is revealed after the rain! Not only is this last episode’s visual aesthetic absolute eye candy, but the romance is steamy and beautiful. I always get worried when I make it to the end of a series because what if it does not get renewed for a next season and I am left on an absolute cliffhanger? Bridgerton does end in a large cliffhanger that is sure to make you beg for more, but the last few frames are pure bliss. I would be absolutely shocked if Netflix doesn’t renew it, but you never know.
I can’t think of a better series to end 2020. I have never been much of a period piece person myself, but after this, I might just have to go and check out a few! If you are a little lonely after having no New Years’ kiss this year (trust me, I know the feeling), then Bridgerton is the perfect show to start off your 2021!
Quotes:
“Just because something is not perfect does not make it any less worthy of love.”
“The brighter a lady shines, the faster she may burn.”
“You have no idea what it is to be a woman. What it might be like to have one’s entire life reduced to a single moment.”
“You allowed that young lady to slip through your fingers as it if was nothing.”
“We were two separate societies, divided by color, until a King fell in love with one of us."
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