Annabel Pyne

Student Life Editor

Dearest reader,

I would be lying if I were to tell you I was going to give an unbiased review of this show. I really wanted to like “Bridgerton,” so I may be giving it more grace than it deserves. Therefore, please forgive me ahead of time if you disagree with some of my opinions on this less than perfect piece of art.

That being said, I had no faith in our male lead, Benedict Bridgerton, going into this season. It was difficult for me to believe a character that started as a “notorious rake” suddenly going fully monogamous after meeting a woman at a ball, and I’m still not sure I completely buy it. But, I will give into the fantasy for the sake of the story, and say that I’m impressed with his growth…Other than a certain offer at the end of this first half.

Sophie Baek, our Cinderella stand-in, on the other hand, was a delight every time she was on the screen. I started to fear she was going to fall into a “not like other girls” trope, but when Benedict started to imply that she immediately shut that down. I may or may not have yelled, “YOU TELL HIM” at the screen in response. Which, valid. Her wonder at the world is something to be admired and the actress’ portrayal of it feels authentic and makes her world more beautiful, especially since we’ve seen it for four seasons now.

In my incredibly humble opinion, Violet Bridgerton’s plot may or may not be the best romance of the season so far. I found myself wanting to see them on screen more than the main couple, being delighted, and a touch flushed, when they were there. The grace, beauty and time they give to Violet Bridgerton is something a lesser show would neglect. Though it would be easy to give Violet a quick, easy romance, or ignore her sexuality entirely, they have spent three seasons developing a character who realizes that she desires intimacy and allows her to fully process the grief and guilt that accompanies that. Her story is beautiful and that much more compelling because of the writers’ patience with her story.

Side note: The costumes in Bridgerton continue to impress. I know there has been some controversy about the historical accuracy of the costumes, but “that doesn’t bother me.” (Which Google says is a nicer way of saying “I don’t care.”) I learned later on that all of the wigs were made with real hair or synthetic hair, which functions very similarly to real hair. I was in shock. One of many examples is this gorgeous wig worn by Queen Charlotte at the first ball where her hair is structured around a cage. I just needed to mention that. Moving on.

I fear I will be grieving the loss of Lady Danbury alongside Queen Charlotte at the end of this season. Despite this, I admire the writers’ send-off, as it is motivated, deserved and explores some of the deeper complexities of their relationship. Lady Danbury’s hesitant request to travel to her home came as a shock, and filled me with dread, as I feared they would quickly write her out of the show and that would be that. But then the queen said “no.” I didn’t know you could do that. Queen Charlotte, hair extraordinaire, is the most powerful character in the show. She’s alone. Her codependent friendship with Lady Danbury highlights her stunted emotional growth due to the trauma of her husband’s condition and her isolation as queen.

Queen Charlotte will do what it takes to ensure that her world doesn’t shatter. And it’s hard to blame her. Their relationship is raw and real and not clean. She uses her power as a defense mechanism to both keep people at a distance and keep them close. This is most apparent when she and Lady Danbury get into a fight as she differentiates them using social status. She apologizes quickly and breaks down, crying, “What happens when he dies?” (Side note: I think someone was cutting onions while I was watching this scene.) While embracing, the camera holds on Lady Danbury, and you see the resigned look in her eye. There is no winner here. They both understand the other’s needs, but cannot meet them.

I apologize for rambling on for far too long, but I did not dislike this show at all. I think that it had interesting fleshed out characters, and offered its side characters considerably more respect and time than another might have. I am not saying everything is perfect, but I think that this show delivered something entertaining and insightful. I am excited to see what the second half has to offer, when I will hopefully have more to say.

Sincerely,

A satisfied viewer