The Bridgerton addiction

SPOILERS AHEAD....

 

Dearest Gentle Reader,

Bridgerton Season 3 (Part 2) will be aired on Netflix on Jun 13, 2024.  There has been so much talk around this series that even the social media is full of it. There was no escaping its onslaught on the senses -  so much so that I finally gave in, and binge-watched all the previous seasons a couple of weeks ago :)

To be honest, I had perceived this British regency romance series to be sleazy and hence kept away for quite some time. However, I have always been fascinated by the British period books and movies. 'Pride and Prejudice' is one of my favourite romance novels and I have watched all its adaptations. I have also watched a couple of seasons of 'Downton Abbey'.  I missed 'The Crown', however, and am yet to watch the pre-quel of this series - 'Queen Charlotte'.

Each Netflix 'Bridgerton' season is essentially a 'Season' wherein a bevy of debutantes are presented to Queen Charlotte and approved to find the best match for themselves amongst the country's eligible gentlemen. The queen has the habit of naming the most promising debutante as "The Diamond" - someone who is guaranteed to land a titled husband as she has the Queen's blessing. 

In each of the three seasons so far, one sibling each from the Bridgerton family, (consists of Dowager Violet Bridgerton and her eight offspring), makes a bid for suitable marriage. Lady Bridgerton herself had a love match, and is eager for each of her children to find someone they have a spark with rather than settling for a practical compromise. The nerdy Eloise Bridgerton is a debutant across two seasons now, with no sign of a beau thus far. The glamorous gowns, grand balls as well as the sizzling chemistry between the couple-of-the-season, kept viewers hooked throughout. There are many other interesting characters such as the Bridgerton's next-door neighbours - the Featheringtons, the Mondrichs, Lady Danbury, Cressida Cowper etc. who provide ample entertainment via their eye-catching outfits, elaborate hair-dos, witty repartee and interpersonal dynamics. 

What differentiated the plot was the introduction of a mysterious reporter 'Lady Whistledown'  - whose gossip pamphlets were relished for their incisive digs at elite members of the Ton. In an era, where a single woman was not allowed to meet with a gentleman unchaperoned, or to work for a living, this elusive female had managed to dodge the eyes of the Queen herself and continued her spicy revelations season after season! Though her identity is revealed to viewers at the end of Season 1, the characters are still trying to unravel the same through subsequent seasons, adding to quite a bit of drama! 

Another interesting differentiator is that this regency world is quite diverse and inclusive! The Queen herself is coloured, so is the male protagonist in the first season, and the heroine in the second season is of Indian origin. There is a distinct lack of racism in this British Regency era - truly a parallel universe! The ladies' attire is revolutionary for fabrics, colours and hairstyles that have never been seen in any British regency series before. They swing from silk in one season to colourful chiffons and see-through gloves in the next. The series has been adapted from Julia Quinn's books by the same name but the show has taken many liberties. There is no attempt made to stick to historical accuracy, given that its a fantasy romance series in the Regency era. The music for the dances has instrumental versions of many contemporary chart-busters viz. Material Girl(Madonna), Cheap Thrills(Sia), Diamonds (Rihanna) and Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift).

The youngest of the three Featherington daughters, and best friend of Eloise Bridgerton - Penelope, is a short and plump wallflower who has debuted two seasons ago but has little chance of finding a husband. She has always had a crush on one of the Bridgerton men - Colin, but has been friend-zoned by him. Incidentally, she is the anonymous Lady Whistledown, only known to her accomplice, the local modiste. Her short name 'Pen', and last name featuring 'Feather', are excellent puns given that she is a scribe! Season 3 Part 1 was all about Penelope's determination to free herself from her dominating mother. She revamps her style, and engages Colin's mentorship, to win a husband for herself. The twists and turns that she encounters in this quest has made the audience anticipate the next part with bated breath. There are many other parallel threads ongoing, the pace is fast, and a hot air ballon has been added to the mix for additional adventure! The Season ended on an almost-romance between Penelope and Colin. 

Many interesting characters jostle with each other to be the favourites viz. The Queen herself, Lady Danbury, Lady Violet Bridgerton, Lady Portia Featherington, Duke Simon Basset, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton etc. Even the Featherington's housekeeper, Varley, came across as a wily yet loyal servant. My favourite is Penelope, for the complex layers in her character, and her boldness in carving out a career as well as romance for herself despite her nondescriptness. The upcoming season highlights the much-awaited betrothal of Penelope and her beloved Colin - promising fireworks due to her big secret.

Here's hoping that the subsequent seasons live up to the hype!