Bridgerton – Shonda Rhimes Does It Again – Review

The first show from Shonda Rhimes and Netflix is here with Bridgerton. If you’re looking for romance, mystery, lies, scandal, stolen glances, forbidden moments, drama, and sometimes super awkward sex scenes set in the Jane Austen era then this series is for you

SHONDA RHIMES BRINGS US BRIDGERTON SEASON 1 – THE DUKE AND I

After multiple hit shows including Grey’s Anatomy and How To Get Away With Murder, putting ABC Thursdays on the map with an entire evening dedicated to said shows, only to then be final straw disrespected by ABC, Shonda Rhimes said, “Goodbye, ABC” and “Hello, Netflix” inking a $100 million deal to creating exciting, new content for the streaming service.

First up on the release schedule is Bridgerton. A highly anticipated series, created by Chris Van Dusen, based on the romance novel series by Julia Quinn. Bridgerton is a British period drama set in the competitive world of Regency London high society bringing all the drama of Downton Abbey with a Gossip Girl twist.

All The Prim And Proper With A Naughty Side

Bridgerton follows the large high society family of the same name as we enter into the competitive marriage market of London Season; a time where young women are presented and on the prowl for suitable husbands.

However, at the forefront of this event is the ever-elusive Lady Whistledown (voice by Julie Andrews). Lady Whistle down knows all and tells all with her gossip newsletter rag stirring up chaos wherever she chooses. The series does a fantastic job of introducing and juggling a multitude of interesting characters (whom of which will be very important in the seasons to come). As well as, releasing bomb-dropping scandals, all while holding true to the whimsy and romance of the genre.

DAPHNE BRIDGERTON AND THE DUKE OF HASTINGS

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Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest Bridgerton daughter, steps out in hopes of finding the ever rumored “love match”. Phoebe (Younger) is absolutely charming as Daphne who learns love isn’t as easy as it seems. Simon Bassett – The Duke of Hastings (Rege-Jean Page) as the ultimate rake, the unattainable love interest, who strolls in town looking like the delicious snack, puts on all the Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) charm, cockiness, and wit you would want. The chemistry between Dynevor and Page is palpable taking the somewhat awkward, yet steaming love scenes to a fun level.

While there is a controversial assault moment in the books, the series does its best to rectify the moment by no longer having the Duke drunk. Is this enough for people to digest the series or will they be turned off? For me, it’s still hard to digest, but I appreciate the update.

THE BRIDGERTONS

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Eloise (Claudia Jessie), Daphne’s sister and next in line to step out, is the Jo March of the crew. After reading her story, To Sir Phillip, with Love, Eloise was my least favorite Bridgeton and worst story. However, Claudia made me fall in love with her character giving Eloise new life and turning her into one of my favorites. Hopefully, we get to her season and Shonda puts her magic twist on it because…her love story needs a lot of help.

Last but not least, another character I love from the books and who I relate to on a personal level is Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). Penelope is Eloise’s best friend from a neighboring family and just happens to be in love with her brother Collin. Nicola fully embodies who I imagine Penn to be. She brings so much heart and soul to Penelope and any girl who has been in love with the boy next door can absolutely relate.

Anthony Bridgerton

If the series is to follow suit with the books, we will be seeing Anthony Bridgerton (Johnathan Bailey), Daphne’s eldest brother, change his rake ways leaving behind his love of a beautifully talented Opera singer only to find a match all his own. Bailey does a great job as the eldest son and my personal favorite from the books. During Season 1, Anthony has the responsibility that he’s never wanted thrust upon him. While I find myself angry with him on multiple occasions I understand his hesitation and unwillingness to become someone he’s never wanted to be. Baily is charming enough to help you forgive his terrible ways and accept his apologies as he becomes the man he should be.

If Bridgerton gets a season 2, I cannot wait to see Anthony and Kate’s love story on the small screen. It’s my 2nd favorite love story of the family. Who doesn’t love a Taming of the Shrew story?

THE FANTASTIC CASTING

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Something else I absolutely adored that you never see in period pieces like these is the diversity of the cast and interracial relations. Now, purists might say::grumble:: “that isn’t historically accurate“::grumble:: To that I say, so what?! If that’s the reason you will not watch nor enjoy this show then it was never for you. However, for those who need it, there is a quick explanation given during the series – the King married Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), a Black woman, allowing POC to be seen as equals. That’s good enough for me.

Bridgerton premieres on Netflix on December 25, 2020. I found it to be the perfect series to binge during the days that don’t exist between Christmas and New Years’. Get comfy, become one with your couch, and enjoy the show.

Stay tuned with That Hashtag Show for more Bridgerton news!