"Bridgerton"

     “Bridgerton” debuted on Netflix on December 25th and I really hoped that this will be a perfect gift for Christmas, but I’m not entirely happy. The series is based on best-selling novel by Julia Quinn and it’s the first of eight volumes of the Bridgerton saga. I read the whole series few years ago, so I couldn’t wait to see it. I was so excited not only because of the fact that I really enjoyed the series, but also because I adore historical series. Through all of this I had really huge expectations which have not been fully satisfied.  

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It tells a story of the Bridgerton family: widowed viscountess Violet Bridgerton and her eight children: Anthony, the viscount and the head of the family, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eliose, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth. Is the year 1813 and the Society is preparing for the presentation of the debutantes in front of the Her Majesty the Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Daphne is presented at court and the Queen calls her the Diament of the season, which means that she is the most beautiful debutant and has the best chance to find a husband. On the same day duke Simon Hastings arrives in London to visit his mother’s best friend, lady Danbury. She forces him to come to the first ball in the season which makes him the best match of the season. Titled, rich, handsome and unmarried man is the best match and every mother dream that he could be her son-in-law. Unfortunately for them, the duke promised that he will never marry and have children. Inspite of all that, the Society is interested in the new newspaper Lady Whistledown. The newspaper publics all the gossips, guesses and opinions about the Society. All people are mentioned by name and it seems that she or he knows everything about everyone from the Society, even about the Queen. Daphne has some suitors, but her overprotective brother scares every man and her chances are falling. Lady Whistledown doesn’t spare her in the articles, but she/he attacks the duke. During one ball this two agree to pretend, so Daphne could get the attentions of the suitors and Simon could respite from the ambitious mothers and the debutants. It works and the Society believes that they are in love and calls them a perfect match. This situation pleases the viscountess and lady Danbury, but not Anthony who knows Simon for many years and thinks that his intentions are not good. Daphne and Simon are fooling whole Society, but soon they discover that they really like their company, despite of the not good beginning. Daphne rejects few marriage proposals and everyone thinks that she’s waiting for the duke. Unexpectedly, Queen’s nephew arrives in London and has some affection to Daphne. He is kind, handsome and most importanly, unmarried. He wants to marry her and make her princess, but she has still some feelings for the duke, although he broke their arrangment and decided to leave London. During his final ball he kisses passionately Daphne in the garden. Anthony sees it and demands that he marry her. Simon refuses and Anthony challenges him to a duel at dawn. He wants a satisfaction for the destruction of Daphne’s reputation. The  two man are just about to shoot when Daphne arrives and declares that they will marry. Simon still refuses and tells Daphne that he cannot give her children. He knows that her biggest dream is to have a large family and that’s why he can’t marry her. This two finally marry, but not without troubles. The Queen causes troubles, because she is offended that Daphne chooses a duke and not her nephew. Daphne and Simon are spending their honeymoon at Simon’s mansion and they discover the beauty of marriage life. Soon Daphne realizes that Simon lied about his inability to have children. Because of his tragic childhood he doesn’t want to carry on the family line. The duchess feels betrayed and cuts from her husband. Their barely talk to each other and sleep in separate bedrooms. When Lady Whistledown revels a scandal which involves Colin, they return to London. Everyone speculate that Daphne may be with child. She created such opportunity and now she’s waiting if her dreams may come true. Unfortunately, at the end of penultimate episode we find out that she’s not. According to this, Simon  decides to leave London and have a separate life without Daphne. They are hosting the final ball of the season which runs not exactly how they wanted. Daphne confess her love to Simon and hopes that they can stay together. Later, Simon also declares his love and decides to have children. The series ends with Daphne giving birth to their first child.  

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The series is quite good, but the director added some storylines which were not a part of the book. I think that it wasn’t necessary, but probably he did it only to raise the dramatic. I absolutely not like the idea of changing important facts in the plot. Facts which are important for the rest of the saga. I am really curious how the director is going to explain those changes. The series takes place in 19th century, when the white people dictate the rules. For me it took a while to get used to the fact that some part of the Society is dark-skinned. I am not a racist, but this definitely could not happen. I also had to end up with comparisons with the book. When I was reading the novel, I imagined the characters and evens differently.  I adored the fact that the amazing  Julie Andrews was the voice of Lady Whistledawn. 

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Netflix hasn’t announced the second season yet, but the story goes that this is certain and perhaps it appears next Christmas. The second book is one of my favorites, so I’m really excited. I’m not sure if Netflix will film all the eight novels and three prequels, perhaps they will combine two books in one season.  I will be waiting for any news and hope that Christmas come sooner.  

 

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