A Regency Adventure Via Bridgerton Series: Yay!

There is something quite fascinating about regency period dramas and stories, they take a person on an adventure to an era in England (1812-1830) known for its unique fashion such as wigs and feathers in hats, gowns with low necklines and fitted bodice, and their love for parties or balls as they call it where segregation becomes glaring as only the wealthy (the ton) could attend.

This fascination for period dramas began when I read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and similar books. I had read some of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton novels focused on a high-class family comprising the mother, Viscountess Lady Violet Bridgerton and her energetic eight children's attempt to find love and live life.

^{The Bridgertons}

When I learned that Ms Shonda Rhimes in tandem with Netflix had taken up the adaptation of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books, I was excited. The first season was an adaptation of the first book titled: The Duke and I and it was outstanding! I got to know about the breakout stars —Regé-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor. The cast's performances were excellent.

I love how diverse this show is, I mean, from the race of the actors to the characters depicted and how they relate to our present time. Some period/historical dramas that I'd watched such as The Crown, Downton Abbey, The White Queen etc do not consider these factors.

In Bridgerton, the main characters are multiracial and diverse such as the enigmatic Queen excellently played by Ms Golda Rosheuvel, the Duke of Hastings played by Regé-Jean Page etc.

Another interesting character in the book and series is the omniscient Lady Whistledown who seemed to know everything about everyone, regaling the ton with the latest tidbits of their lives. I believe the charming voice of Julie Andrews saying, "Dear gentle readers...." remarkably portrays this invisible character. I see her more like our present-day internet and gossip blogs in magazines. Whenever she goes silent, everyone begins to fret, even the Queen of England too!

The first season of this series took viewers by surprise and the reviews are positive. I wasn't surprised anyway because I've watched other series by Ms Shonda Rhimes and knew what to expect. I enjoyed every scene and excitedly looked forward to the second season.

I give kudos to the screenwriters because the second season looked at a time when women were married off early and not allowed to have much say in anything or enjoy their independence. In this season, our main character fought to be heard and she was.

The love match in the second season is very different from that of the first season but beautiful. Simon and Daphne were both privileged, forced together by a funny, moral circumstance and they made it work. In the second season, we have a love match of two people saddled with responsibilities that almost robbed them of pursuing what they truly wanted.

What's more, the second season was punctuated with comic scenes from the Featheringtons and their pursuit of wealth in the midst of bankruptcy!

From the balls and glittering, fashionable attires to the flirtings between the bachelors and young ladies, horse race scenes, and royal court politics, Ms Shonda Rhimes and her team have once again won her hearts.

I enjoy the second season and rate it 4 stars out of 5 just because I was not fully convinced with Simone Ashley's performance as Kathani Sharma. I have read the book and this character was more passionate about airing her views than Ms Ashley did. Also, I did not feel the chemistry between her and Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton. All the same, she did great.

For all lovers of English period dramas, this series is one I'll recommend you watch. Have you watched it?

Thank you for visiting my blog.

^{Images source: Imbd}