Before I begin, I feel the need to disclose – I typically despise period dramas. But in this – the last quarter of this dastardly year, I have found myself in TWO full and complete Jada Pinkett Smith style entanglements – with a period drama. Perhaps it’s because I am getting old – and therefore relate more easily to the period drama – because technically, I am on the cusp of being OF another period. Whate’er the reason, I tiptoed into the shallow end with the 60’s era The Queen’s Gambit, and then dove head first into the early 19th century with Bridgerton. I am not even going to try and hide my fascination with the series; I beeping loved the series. What I am going to do is reminisce and ruminate in the love affair by sharing my bests of Bridgerton.
Too Many to List But Here We Go
Peneloise. AKA Penelope and Eloise. The Sugar and the Spice.
This duo is comprised of my two favorite Bridgerton characters. If I were a resident of the Ton, I would want Penelope Featherington – the heart of the series – as my BFF. And I would just want to BE the fiery, yet ultra-compassionate, witty, sharp-tongued force – sure to mow down everything in her way – so that she may create her own path – Eloise Bridgerton.
The Unwitting Acquisition and Usage of English Terms and Accents.
If you haven’t been reading this in an English accent, I implore you to begin doing so. No logical reason why. Just for the spirit of the experience. And yes, I have been walking around my house using my newly acquired accent. The kids don’t love it. But I don’t live for them; I live for Simon.
The Mystery of Lady Whistledown.
The white gloved, perfectly penned Lady Whistledown is the 19th century’s version of TMZ. Always first on the scene with the scoop. Spilling all the tea in the Ton through her “Society Papers” – except of course her own identity. Because any real romance and/or series produced by Shonda Rhimes has to have a… Scandal.
Black People Living Large.
It was 1813 and there was Black royalty and Black folks in all the prettiest of fashions and Black folks with wealth. Not something we see often. I am near 50 and still scarred from growing up watching my people most frequently represented in the most unflattering of ways. So when I get the opportunity to see my people really shining… I revel in it.
The Empire Waist Dress and Men in Riding Boots.
All the way around the fashions were perfectly delicious. All the pretty dresses. The crushing corsets. The way they popped the tatas up and into place… commanding them to sit at attention atop the forced flattest of abdomens; I need that contraption in my life. And what I wouldn’t do to look as good in a pair of tight pants and riding boots as my boo, the Duke of Hastings. Your Grace was looking like a whole snack and side of Capri Sun.
The Queen’s Real Crown.
And the queen wore braids. And locs. And an afro. Hair love. Enough said.
Simphne. AKA Simon and Daphne.
Violet and Lady Danbury tried to tell them. The chemistry betwixt the two was smoking. After watching four episodes of flirty banter, come hither looks and weak denials of obvious feelings – these two young’uns finally found themselves in a legitimate situationship. It was pure joy and a whole lot of heat. *fans self* Now bring me season two and some fresh snuff.
The Women are Straight Gangster.
The illusion of female submissiveness is present – but only because the women of Bridgerton allow it. The Queen, Violet Bridgerton, Lady Danbury, Portia Featherington, Daphne and Eloise. When the men found their way into problems too big for their britches, these ladies stepped up, spoke up and handled up and took care of business. Like Beyonce says, “Who run the world? Girls.”
The Tunes of the Ton.
Instrumental covers of songs by Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Maroon 5 and Shawn Mendes… nice touch. Very nice touch. I have a Bridgerton playlist in Spotify now. My daughter made fun of me. But again… I don’t live for her; I live for Simon.
Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.
There are few specimens as spectacular as the Duke. I know I spent at least 35 – 40 minutes of the series – slow blinking – at… my boo. I never thought being a spoon could be such a wonderful thing… until Simon Basset. True enough, he is flawed and damaged. Through flashbacks, we became fully aware of his unfortunate upbringing and the effects of said upbringing and it makes it so much easier to love him and understand his desire to avoid relationships and family. Once you break through his hard chocolate shell and reach the sweet creamy center – jackpot. {The Cadbury Egg relation is unintentional and yet rather adequate for describing Simon.} I’ve already REwatched certain episodes of Bridgerton. Because I missed my bae, Simon. *sighs teenagerishly*
Below – NOT a Best. Not One Little Bit.
The Big Bang Fail.
There is no acceptable or logical reason that we were forced to endure the hair horror that was Daphne Bridgerton’s bangs. Her look screamed – toddler found scissors, cut her own hair and mommy had to “fix” it. Seriously, why were there only seven hairlets in the entire bang area? And why were the hairlets only 1.25 inches long? And why were the bangs always styled in such a way that the left and right teams appeared to be so repulsed by one another that they took up residence on opposite sides of the world known as Daphne’s forehead? No matter what she wore or where she ventured or how much time passed, the bangs remained angry at one another. It was a whole no for me, dawg.
Parental Warning
Bridgerton ain’t for the children. If you haven’t already watched and plan to do so, you will want to plan to do so. After the kids go to sleep, go to school, go to the grandparents, go… somewhere. Because Murphy’s Law says that at least one of your offspring will – with all certainty – walk in on one of the those moments – peep your screen and leave you to respond to the question – What are you watching?! Trust me, I know from experience.
Wishing you all – the best of Bridgerton.
Yours truly,
Simon Basset’s Bae
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