Bridger ton: #Postmetoo and Women’s Agency

I unapologetically admit to loving Bridgerton. The juicy feminist drama from the inimitable Shonda Rhimes Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, How to get away with murder. It was the highlight of my Christmas television viewing. Due to the covid19 lockdown I revisited the series again last weekend with chocolate and popcorn and again gave it a 10 out of 10 and it has provoked me to reflect.

“Bridgerton” is based on the novels of Julia Quinn a super fan of Jane Austen, and yes as a massive fan of Jane Austen I can see the similarities (The duke and Mr. Darcy.) Set in the Regency London era of 1813, in the competitive world where debutantes are presented in court. “Bridgerton” follows the lives of two families, the Bridgertons and the Featheringtons. It is brilliantly narrated by Julia Andrews as Lady Whistledown, the all-seeing author of a society scandal newsletter.

“Bridgerton” has accounted for 83 million worldwide views on Netflix in its first month, the biggest series the network has had to date!

So one has to ask why so popular globally? Apart from the escapism value, magnificent sets, beautiful actors and costumes. Stereotypes in many facets of society and life have been exploded here.

I love how the producers have challenged our expectations on many levels. Although regency England was patriarchal. Feminism, race and sexuality in 19th century England are all themes within the series which have been handled in a new light!

The female gaze is pervasive throughout the series. Who would have thought of a black strong rather likable Queen appearing in a period drama Ingenious! The women are portrayed as having access to their own agency, seldom seen in period dramas. Along with the queen, Lady Danbury (the Dukes guardian) is very much portrayed in her power as is Mrs. Violet Bridger ton, both depicting how women have a distinctive way or ability to get things sorted. Daphne Bridger ton the main protagonist has to marry, but is portrayed as having an input into who she chooses, her strong voice emerges, again an infrequent occurrence in historical literature.

We cannot be it until we see it came to mind as I watched this series. The inclusivity, embracement of diversity, strong women with voice and agency and love, are themes that add immensely to this series appeal.

I only discovered at the weekend that Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) is the beautiful daughter of Sally Dynevor of Coronation Street.

The Netflix super show has announced a second series, however, lovers of period dramas like me will have to wait until 2022 as the pandemic has impacted filming.😢😢

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