An Honest Review of Netflix’s Bridgerton
The hits and misses of Netflix’s newest and hottest original series
Written by Kelly Carbone
courtesy Lia Daniel/Netflix
If you’ve been stalking Netflix for new releases, it’s likely you’ve heard the craze and praise of its newest show Bridgerton. Marketed as a cross between Jane Austen and Gossip Girl, the series follows the lives of the upper class ladies of Europe as the courting season begins. Not only do they deal with the struggles of finding a proper mates they also have to avoid catching the negative attention of Mrs. Whisteldown, the anonymous writer of the town’s gossip column. Full of fun drama and an interesting plot line, the series both thrives and misses the mark at points.
Bridgerton’s Hits
The drama
Voiced by Julie Andrews (who’s iconic status is enough to entice any show), Mrs. Whistledown spills everyone’s dirty little secrets. As each episode unfolds, viewers will enjoy trying to figure out who the latest scandal will be about next as well as the true identity of the anonymous writer.
The cinematic aspect
The visuals throughout this series, everything from the scenery to the costumes, are absolutely stunning. As a viewer you will feel like you dove into the glamour and regalty of the 1800s upper class, all from the comfort of your couch. The ball scenes are spectacular, full of exquisite palace scenes and elegant choreography. There are also plenty of instrumental versions of current hits, from “Thank You, Next” to “Wildest Dreams” which adds a fun modern twist to the series.
The hot factor
There’s no denying that this show has tons of ~steamy~ scenes, and given that this show is part of Shondaland, they are all done pretty tastefully. It’s a stark contrast to the prim and proper rules of courting that existed during this time (a girl and a guy holding hands in a room alone? Such scandal!) and adds an exciting and sensual element to what easily otherwise could have been a very stoic and unfeeling plot.
The female empowerment
One of the greatest parts of watching this series is seeing Daphne grow from a naive and somewhat passive character to one that is assertive and unafraid to communicate what and who she wants. The show doesn’t fail to show how difficult it was for a woman to control her own life. This was a time when it was deemed a majority of her value was in learning how to be a proper and “pure” lady so that she can marry the right man and live a comfortable life. However, with characters like Eloise, Lady Danbury, and even Lady Featherington, the show triumphs around women who take charge of their own predicaments, even if the way they get there is admittedly questionable at times.
Bridgerton’s Misses
The Episodic Time
Although there are only eight episodes within this season, with a majority of these episodes reigning in at a little over an hour long, it is definitely a commitment to watch. Those with short attention spans might get a little impatient and if you’re planning on binge watching the season straight through you definitely need to set a day or two aside. It’s probably best for a weekend viewing.
It’s Pretty Niche
The plot is fun and juicy but the content is definitely for a select audience. Given that this is a time period piece, fans of more modern content might not enjoy this series. The posh accents and etiquette of the time will either entertain or bore, depending on the viewer. However, overall this is one series we would recommend giving a try.
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