Richie Reviews – Bridgerton

I’ll admit, I was dubious about diving straight into Bridgerton after seeing it’s trailer, but in the end, it was the reactions I was seeing across social media that made me decide to give it a go, rather than the actual press. It soon proved itself to be more than just a  fanciful period drama.

Bridgerton is the latest Netflix original series, based on a series of novels by Julia Quinn and follows the exploits of the eponymous Bridgerton family, as well as the other members of high society in Regency era London. The show’s first season is a brightly lit alternative history drama which primarily sees Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor, pictured right) trying to find a suitable matrimonial match, whilst all the while avoiding proposals from unsuitable suitors and disarranging the arranged marriage attempts of her family. Simultaneously, Simon Basset, the new Duke of Hastings (Rege-Jean Page) is hastily trying to avoid the advances of the other young and eligible debutants on the social scene for his own private reasons. Inevitably the two meet, and plot together to achieve both of their goals.

Make no mistake, Bridgerton isn’t a single plot pony, the rich diverse cast of characters offers plenty of ebbing and varying storylines, including but not limited to money, scandal, sex and sexuality. Regrettably the plots do play out in an inconsistent fashion, with some fleshed out and almost fully realised, and other, more potentially rich sub-plots being cut short before they’ve even begun. Nonetheless, the stories do conclude, albeit with some having more room for exploration. Fortunately the series has been renewed for season 2, so perhaps we may see more of the secondary characters in the second outing.

The eight episodes are nicely framed by the enigmatic Lady Whistledown (Dame Julie Andrews), the almost-omnipotent author of the high society newsletter, who serves as the narrator of the series as well as being a mysterious character and member of high-society in her own right, reporting and relaying gossip and events to the viewer and her peers. Bridgerton uniquely makes the narrator both known to the wider cast and a personable lense for the viewer to gain some insight, which admittedly was a refreshing plot device in the show, and her identity even turns into a storyline in itself. That said, I felt the heightened language employed by Bridgerton offered the perfect opportunity to utilise Dame Julie’s regal narration to greater effect, but unfortunately it wasn’t taken advantage of. All that was needed was a few high society profanities and tasteful euphemisms in her script and we would’ve been introduced to something quite special – imagine Mary Poppins talking posh smut. 

I cannot fault the casting or the performances of the actors. Both Daphne and Simon are as believable as they are nice to look at, and likewise the wider cast benefits from more recognisable talent like Ben Miller (Armstrong & Miller, Johnny English, Death in Paradise) and Jonathan Bailey (Broadchurch), who are equally enjoyable to watch as the money-troubled Baron Featherington and  Anthony Bridgerton respectively. Adjoa Andoh was surprisingly likeable in her role as Hasting’s mentor Lady Danbury, and I was stumped when I realised I was rooting for her, particularly when as a teenager I loathed her character Francine in Doctor Who, mother of companion Martha Jones. Definitely a credit to the actor. Indeed the breakout star will be indeed be Regé-Jean Page, who, if social media is any indication, could very well be the next period-drama heart-throb – someone call Aidan Turner and tell him to make another series of Poldark quick! For me though, the highlight of the season has to be Kathryn Drysdale (Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, The Windsors) who shines as Genevieve Delacroix, who to the public is a accommodating French dressmaker, but among close friends reverts to her native northern accent, a truly amusing trait that Drysdale switches between effortlessly.

All in all, Netlfix shocks us into 2012 with a colourful drama that’s one part soap, one part Downton and one part Game of Thrones, if only for the carnal behaviour of the aristocracy. With its fantastic costume design and universally watchable cast, I’ll definitely watching season 2, but please don’t add in any more beautiful people, my eyes can’t take it.