Review: Bridgerton, Netflix Original

I think I was one of the first to watch Bridgerton on Netflix. Since I'd read Julia Quinn's Bridgerton books when they were first published beginning in 2015, I was eager to watch the series.

First a disclaimer. I loved the books, and I loved the new Netflix take on them EXCEPT for 1 thing.

The anachronisms I feel were thrown in to appeal to today's audiences.

1. Smoking and sharing cigarettes from a pack. I almost fell off my chair. 

Now, I'm guessing that was thrown in to illustrate to the audience who are not acquainted with the mores of the Regency era. 

The writers needed to show that Eloise was a rebel. Those versed in history or in reading Regency novels know that Eloise was battling the establishment merely by thinking and speaking about topics that hinted at a woman's right to be heard and to chart her own path in life.

Women like her weren't to meddle in areas outside running the home, bearing children, learning domestic arts, being decorative, and bearing a son to inherit the title. Not a daughter, but a son.

2. The language where a modern pattern of speech sneaked in at some points. The powers that be should have read Quinn's books repeatedly along with Regency novels by Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen.

3. Sloppy edting that allowed a street with a painted yellow lane to appear in a scene.

Another However

The acting was so compelling—indeed the actors were charismatic in their respective roles— that I forced myself to ignore the anachronisms.

Do yourself a favor and read Quinn's Bridgerton books. They have new covers showing the characters from the series, but start with Bridgerton: The Duke and I. You'll probably like it even more than the series.

Season 2 has been greenlighted by Netflix so we have another Bridgerton story to look forward to next year.

Takeaway Truth

Congratulations, Julia Quinn! You've introduced the world to Regency Romance. Well done.

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