Bridgerton, the recent Netflix release is the talk of the town! But we have a bone to pick with the makers!
This latest drama series is the first production of Shonda Rhimes’ production house. The show is an adaptation of Julia Quinn’s novels, set in Regency London’s high society. Yes, it’s all posh!
The Netflix show is the perfect mix of a period romance touching upon the Emma, Pride & Prejudice & Little Women experience. Back to the 1800 posh London society! Oh and it serves some serious eye candy and we’re here for it! But here’s the thing, where Jane Austen was wittily profound in her writing and depictions, (we don’t deny Bridgerton that), her message could be disseminated to a wider audience because … it was a family drama.
Bridgerton is too sexy, nude and horny to deliver much else than a couple’s binge-watch over the weekend. Much as I pride on my ‘close’ relationship with my teenage children, there is no way I am watching this drama on the couch with them!
When you showcase brilliant, thought-provoking content bang in the middle of December break, you assume that it’s a family win. Tucked in between A Bird Cage and Children’s Christmas movies is a very clearly-defined audience – teenagers and their parents, esp. moms and daughters. This show could have sent out messages that desi (and non-desi) audiences could reflect upon – namely, the value of a woman’s opinion, the end-mission of all girls to make themselves desirable for the choicest marriage proposal, the free choice to follow a career and not pursue marriage as the ultimate goal, and the hook-up game, which is a BIG part of desi culture even in this so very ’emancipated’ 21st. Century. (What, have you not seen Indian MatchMaking on Netflix)?
There were messages for men too. On deviating from the norm and following their passion, as Daphne’s brother attempted to do with his Art. To marry for love rather than status – a ruling theme in many Pakistani dramas btw.
There were messages for society too. On labelling the virtue of a woman if she were caught so much as talking to a man alone in a room. On ostracizing young women who might have erred in passion and been left ‘with child.’
And most importantly, and a message with the widest appeal – on initiating conversations with your daughters and sons about intimacy in relationships.
Bridgerton has so much to offer as you can see – but has it been lost in the 16+ Netflix Rating game, and rightly so. Remember Enola Holmes, and how it conveyed some priceless messages to a wider audience?
Now for those who’d like to know more and haven’t watched yet: We have a recap!
Initial Response
A fast-paced first episode sets the story & if you’re watching from a desi mindset, the Debutante Ball can be likened to a desi cousins’ grand wedding with multiple events where rishta aunties hope to find the perfect match for their children; while young and frivolous at heart, dream of fireworks, romantic hook ups & imminent wedding bells.
The story shifts from: Gossip Girl to To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, real quick! Yes, that’s right, it’s full of scandals, secrets and promenades.
Bridgerton magnifies the gaping holes in societies who hang on to centuries old cob-webbed traditions & mindsets that we needed to crawl out of like, yesterday? Yet we desperately hang on for dear life.
Good Looks
However, the show opens upon witty dialogues, elaborate scenes & amusing interactions, not to mention the more than irresistible eye candy in the form of Regé-Jean Page a.k.a The Duke (Simon Basset) whose wit and class (and of course the accent) all of Twitter swoon!
image source: netflix
Audience Reaction
As mentioned before, Bridgerton is a hit and the audience can’t get enough. Can you blame them?
Season 2 is surely in high in demand and we’re here for it!
Final Verdict
The show is recommended strictly for 16+and in desi households, we’d climb up a few more years perhaps.
Shonda Rhimes has produced so many amazing shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, How To Get Away With Murder, Scandal, among others that we rightfully naturally presumed this show will be a hit too!
To sum it up, there is no way you will stop at the first episode (despite our warnings, there’s so much going for this show)! So grab that popcorn & get watching. Whether you’re here for the deeper messages or the drop dead looks – The fun has just begun!
BUT, at the risk of sounding preachy and yes, we are!
Let’s hope the second season addresses the greater issues we mentioned above … coz Bridgerton holds so much potential – this show should not be put down as a ‘just’ a raunchy watch experience, as we suspect it is, at present? We’d hate for it to be overlooked by a family audience because of the adult content it could have toned down!
Watch the trailer to get hooked!
Bridgerton – New Netflix Show Drops & Twitter Drools On Serious Eye Candy!
