The Set Up: Queen Charlotte, Netflix
Bridgerton is the romance that launched a thousand ships, the couples and Regency spice that brought a whole new generation into the times of Jane Austen—with more sex, that is. And yet, much of the series has splintered concerts from its inspiration, a book series by Julia Quinn under the same name; book order, cannon relationships, new characters, race, and more. So, Shondaland decided to take a step back to explore the origins of the universe we all know and love, with an all-original new love story, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.”
The show follows Queen Charlotte in the early years of her marriage to the notoriously mentally ill King George III who lost the American colonies during the American Revolution. Looks like he had a lot going on back home as it was.
In contrast to our past Bridgerton love stories, the one of Queen Charlotte and King George is based in historical fact. Queen Charlotte was a German princess, brought in to marry George last minute as he was a young royal hoping to solidify his reign. And according to some historians, she may have descended from a Black branch of the Portuguese royal family.
From the beginning of this series, Charlotte is a headstrong woman, understanding the world around her much more than Daphnes of the universe. She sure lets her brother have an earful of the plights against women after he accuses her of being spoiled, upset about her arranged marriage to a man she’s never met at 17 years old. She even tries to climb the castle walls to escape, before dreamy George comes to offer a hand. When disagreements arise, she holds her own. When deals can be made, she barters accordingly. She never underestimates anyone. She holds herself close, except with Lady Danbury that is. She protests George, despite the confusion about the status and function of their relationship his mental illness causes. She protects their lives and their image.
The sex scenes were hot (and literally everywhere!), but the historical context was hotter. Unlike the past seasons, everything in Queen Charlotte had a reason. Lady Danbury’s continued aristocratic descendence needed precedence. Loved ones died and ruling regencies were explained. Everything from native clothing styles and fashions were explained. The series as a whole really added a much-needed historical context to what had previously been a floundering lost-in-space dreamscape.
It’s unclear whether the prequel series will have a second season. (Spoiler?) according to historical records, Queen Charlotte dies soon after the birth of her second grandchild, which is soon to come given the pregnancy announcement at the end of Episode 8. Maybe it will be a farewell season before future Bridgerton family relationship chaos. All I know is, I’d watch it.
5 stars - Must watch!
