Esteemed Members of the Ton:
It seems nothing piques the interest of society as much as star-crossed lovers. William Shakespeare wrote of Romeo and Juliet in Verona and the story is revered to this day. As are Heathcliff and Cathy, who found true love amidst the moors of England. Even Annie Proulx fashioned a tale of love that dare not speak its name among cowboys in America’s Far West.
Hence, gentle reader, I am delighted to report that Miss Shonda Rhimes, aka a “show-runner,” has fashioned a Netflix series similarly built around a star-crossed romance—this one set in Regency England. For those who have been living under a pillar in Stonehenge, it is called “Bridgerton,” and Season 2 has just, as they say, wrapped.
The Bridgertons are a noble family of seven children, each more beautiful and eccentric than the next. Antony (the dashing Jonathan Bailey), the eldest son, feels responsible for the welfare of his widowed mother (Ruth Gemmell) and siblings. As part of his filial duty, he needs to find a bride to continue the family line.
Careful reader, it just so happens that Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), a woman of many wiles (and many wigs), chooses a “diamond” every season—a debutante of sorts who is considered the most eligible candidate for marriage. This year it is Miss Edwina Sharma (Charita Chandran), recently arrived from India. Lady Danbury, (Adjoa Andoh), the royal matchmaker, is determined to have Antony and Edwina wed. If only Edwina’s spirited, athletic half-sister Kate (the lustrous Simone Ashley) doesn’t stand in the way.
Meanwhile, a gossip sheet continues to scandalize the ton, because it is penned by the anonymous Lady Whistledown, who seems to know not only who’s doing what to whom, but when and where. (The voiceover for LW is provided by Julie Andrews.) Across the street from the Bridgertons in Mayfair lies the home of the Featherington family, whose members put on a good show but are on their last legs financially—until a distant cousin (Ben Miller) arrives and promises to save them with the riches he has earned from his gem mines in the Americas.
Will the intransigent sister give in to Antony’s plans to marry Edwina? Will Lady Whistledown’s identify be discovered? Will the Featheringtons avoid financial disaster? Such questions, esteemed members of the ton, will not be answered here.
What will be revealed is my ringing endorsement of a series that has earned Netflix’s second biggest audience in its history—due to the quality of the acting, the witty dialogue, the gorgeous sets,
and the intriguing blind casting (so terribly PC, dear reader, yet enjoyable nonetheless). To those who would call it “fluff,” I say fie onto Thee.
Because as Ms. Rhimes herself might assert, life is a battle between one’s duty and one’s heart, and “Bridgerton” takes a definite point of view on the subject. As always, I invite you to discover that for yourself. Until then, I offer my kindest regards and best wishes for an enjoyable and bingeable eight episodes.
-The Augster of Whistledown
I’ve been captured by this series. Excellent review, Augie.
Well penned, good sir! It appears Mr Whistledown has given the most accurate review in this Ton. Let the mallet games commence!!