Lady Whistledown is probably whistling from dusk till dawn considering Bridgerton has surpassed 63 million views since it aired on December 25. But the real question is, why is binging Bridgerton worth it?
When you’re not hypnotized by the hunk Regé-jean Page is (oh, how his raised eyebrows raise our spirits – every single time) you’d discover four other reasons to drool over Shondaland’s Bridgerton. This period piece appears embellished with bejeweling galore, some so-not-street-wear, gaudy gowns that are a sin to repeat (as confirmed by the financially falling Featheringtons!), a lot of fairytale romance (correction: fairy-tale, r-rated, Regency-washed, Rege-loving romance), and the enigmatic gossip girl vibes posed by yours truly: Lady Whistledown.
We would, Rege-lovingly, blow a whistle on her cover, but you’re probably already aware that LW is none other than Penelope Featherington; ooops, spoiler alert!
Anyhow, considering all is fair in love and war and this Rege-roused show doesn’t really report any war, let’s lull right into the love of Daphne’s – and our – life: the Duke of Hastings. Bridgerton may have brought him in as a notorious “rake,” a.k.a a womanizer as per Regency London’s glossary, but Daphne claims he’s one of those “reformed rakes.” However, little can we comment on his reformation, considering Rege – sorry! Simon Basset, as per his Bridgerton character – left us simping for him since the start.
Nevertheless, Simon has simultaneously summoned some critical backlash owing to his love-making, which some labelled as soft porn, and his vow to cut off the Hastings’ legacy just to avenge his father. Nevertheless, right was the rhetorical lad that said “love is blind,” for Simon’s maturation – from overcoming his speech impediment as a young, neglected child to prioritising Daphne’s deepest desire to start a family – counterbalanced all the catcalling.
While the social season was certainly successful for some – it was simply a sob fest for others; oh we have a list! As socially conscious Anthony Bridgerton parts ways from opera singer Siena Rosso, Penelope Featherington falls head-over-heels for Colin Bridgerton, only to find her love unrequited and Marina Thompson loses her summer love to military service.
But lose no hope dear viewers, for this heartbreaking business appears balances out the Duke and Daphne’s heart making as they reiterate “I burn for you” and offer us some free, although unsolicited, couples advice: friendship is key to a healthy relationship. Too bad however, that there’s no sugar, spice, and romance in the love lives of oldies like Lady Danbury and Lady Violet.
Now that we’ve mentioned the ladies, let’s talk lady regalia: jewels and frocks. To those who say heavy is the head that wears the crown – they really haven’t seen the minimalistic crowns cum tiaras these debutantes are donning. Surely, these minimalists render the show maximalist, with the addition of the necklace Prince Friederich gifts Daphne.
Resolving this mystery would have been easy had we not been seduced by the debutantes’ decadent gowns. Indeed, we loved their totally-not-crass, cleavage flair. Was it provocative? We truly do not know, but they certainly were the right form of flirtatious for these girls entering “high society.” Our personal favourite being the white dress Daphne wears, which she complements with a feather coated fan that she deliberately drops to enchant Friederich (ooh, Daphne giving us some rishta steals).
Lady W. too agrees – by the way, we saved the best (her presence, or secrecy) for last. With her “scandal sheets,” epitomizing the eyes and ears of Regency London, Lady W. lures us towards the end. The other reasons are for you to discover as you binge and re-binge Bridgerton. Fun fact: the scandal or love-making doesn’t end here, for these eight episodes merely covered Julia Quinn’s first book: the Duke and I.
