Bridgerton

By Sophia Doshi

Usually, I would not gravitate toward a show with such gossip and drama, but alas, I landed on Bridgerton. The show debuted before COVID, in December of 2020. Little did we know that our lives would change so much, as would those of the members of the Bridgerton family (although certainly not as drastically and with significantly less life-threatening circumstances). 

Much to my surprise, I actually enjoyed the first season. It didn't blow me away (the last time something blew me away was when I watched Inception for the first time. I was equal parts blown away and confused), but it was entertaining. I haven't seen it since 2020 (it is now 2024) so I do not quite remember the most important points of the first season. From what I do remember, I really loved the natural makeup look used for Daphne, as it gave her a fresh look that matched with the time. Makeup not being the prominent physical feature of the lady was accurate to the style of the Regency Era in London, dating back to 1813 and 1827. Interestingly, men spent a proportionate amount of time on cosmetics and physical appearance, including hair oils, perfumes, powder, and rouge. Therein lies the physical inaccuracy–the men in the show don't look enough like Ken dolls, but who's complaining? Speaking of Ken, check out my Barbie review here! 

I couldn't help but love Regé-Jean Page because, well, who wouldn't? He did a great job playing the Duke of Hastings, a.k.a. Simon Basset. He was exactly what the world needed when we were dealing with a global pandemic (actually, we really needed a new cure, but who's counting). Julie Andrews's voice backing this quaint (steamy) little series got me interested in the first place. 

The second season features Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma and Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton. I was ecstatic to learn that the lead actresses were both South Asian, which I haven't seen much of in either movies or TV shows. I myself am half-Indian, with roots in Mumbai and Ahmedabad–my Grandmother makes mean hot Chai–so seeing Kate and Edwina Sharma made me very excited for season 2. 

I have only watched the first half of season 3 (since Netflix finally–and annoyingly–got smart and split one of its most popular series into 2 parts to avoid people canceling after they've binged a season), so I cannot give a thorough synopsis and review of the entire season. However, the first half left me groveling–much like Colin Bridgerton in that carriage scene–for more. While I don't like Penelope completely for being a sort of manipulator and for betraying Eloise, I also found myself relating to her belief that she'd never find love. I look forward to her getting her karma and completing her redemption arc after she tells Colin she is Lady Whistledown. After that, I will love her all that much more; sometimes all a character needs is a little pinch and a slap on the wrist before they become loveable (as with so many, like Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars), Steve Harrington (Stranger Things), Klaus (The Vampire Diaries), and Theon Greyjoy (Game of Thrones). After all, we've all had to reveal secrets to our loved ones that we've kept with the belief that we're doing more good than harm. It almost always results in the secret-keeper being bitten in the back. I learned the hard way. Will Penelope?  

I also find the dynamic between Cressida and Eloise interesting, as they only seem to have each other, and are shockingly fond of one another. They don't attack each other when put in their places because of things they said or did. I had no love for Cressida in past seasons, but I hope we're looking at a redemption arc. I also hope that in the second part, she gets rid of those shoulder pads on her dresses–they're horrendously ugly–and once she does that, like Penelope, she'll be redeemed in my eyes. I also hope she is redeemed because I feel sorry for her being backed into a corner because of her father forcing her to marry as soon as possible. I am so independent, a forced marriage would damn near kill me. Thank goodness it's not the regency era anymore because I would definitely not make a killing on the marriage mart.

Cover image from Shondaland