And sure, by the time the show finally does let its lead characters succumb to their passions, the moment of release (as it were) is gratifying, even if rather frantically filmed. Yes, it’s still wicked fun to watch Adjoa Andoh’s Lady Danbury, Polly Walker’s Lady Featherington, Ruth Gemmell’s Lady Bridgerton, and Golda Rosheuvel’s Queen Charlotte (a character that will soon be getting a Shonda Rhimes prequel series of her very own) team up and/or spar. Yes, the costumes and production design are still sumptuous. That said: It’s undeniably strange to watch this second season and feel like the “Bridgerton” team might’ve forgotten what made the show such a delightful distraction in the first place. (For those wondering if there’s a sneaky Page cameo despite his insistence of being done with the series, I can unfortunately confirm that he’s remained true to his word.) Following that singular sensation up would be difficult no matter what. For another, the first season became a Netflix phenomenon thanks to the perfect storm of a perfectly timed premiere (Christmas Day of 2020), providing silly and sexy entertainment after the first terrible year of COVID, and Page’s breakout turn as a duke smoldering with self-loathing and excessive hotness. For one, Quinn’s corresponding novel (“The Viscount Who Loved Me”) is one of her most beloved - and fans of it should be advised that this TV adaptation takes a sharp turn after the notorious bee sting scene (if you know, you know) to become something else entirely. ![]() ![]() In fairness, the second season was always going to have a steep hill to climb. But for plenty of eager “Bridgerton” viewers, at least, this season will likely come as a confusing surprise. So while Season 2 does some smart character work to explain exactly why both Anthony and Kate so stubbornly keep their blinders on, it also gives in to their determination to stay as far apart as possible - to “get off on being withholding,” in the words of “Arrested Development” - for a surprisingly long time.ĭoes that make the season less worthwhile, or less immediately special? Well…yes and no. There have been plenty of Regency-era dramas that run on longing by virtue of its romance novel origins, “Bridgerton” had the added advantage of throwing rather explicit sex into the equation. What is new for Chris Van Dusen’s “Bridgerton,” however, is how long and relatively chaste this version of the trope ends up being. Forbidden love - even that which is self-inflicted - is nothing new for a costume drama, or indeed Julia Quinn’s romance novel series from which this show takes its inspiration.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |