#RomanceBingeWatch: Revisiting Bridgerton Season 1

Bridgerton Season 1 is a romantic drama series that premiered on Netflix in December 2020.

Created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes, the show is based on Julia Quinn's best-selling novel series, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. With its stunning production design, lavish costumes, captivating storytelling, and remarkable performances, Bridgerton Season 1 is a show that will make viewers swoon. While it was one of the most watched shows on Netflix when it released, its time we revisited it again (before Shondaland comes up with the spinoff series Queen Charlotte in May 2023).

As a part of my random musings, this is my take on one of the most-watched shows in the world.

Aside from this blog post, I created a video essay on Simon and Daphne's love story. Check it out here!

Now that you have seen it, you can read the detailed analysis here!

Plot

Set in Regency-era London, Bridgerton Season 1 follows the lives of the powerful Bridgerton family and the mysterious Lady Whistledown, who publishes a scandalous gossip column about the town's elite. The series centers around the romance between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). Initially, Daphne and Simon pretend to be in a fake relationship to increase Daphne's marriage prospects. However, they eventually fall in love, but their relationship is threatened by secrets and misunderstandings.

Themes and Tone

Bridgerton Season 1 explores themes of love, family, duty, class, and identity. It portrays the struggles and expectations of women in a patriarchal society and the consequences of going against social norms. The show also addresses issues of race and colorism in the period drama genre, with Black actors playing prominent roles in the show's diverse cast. The tone of the show is lush, romantic, and dramatic, with a mix of humor and tragedy.

Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton (image copyright: pinterest)

Acting and Characters

The acting in Bridgerton Season 1 is superb, with standout performances from the entire cast. Phoebe Dynevor delivers a captivating performance as Daphne Bridgerton, portraying her character's growth and vulnerability with nuance and depth. Regé-Jean Page is equally impressive as the Duke of Hastings, bringing charm, intensity, and complexity to his role. The chemistry between Dynevor and Page is electric, and their onscreen romance is one of the highlights of the show.

The supporting cast also shines, with memorable performances from Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte. Each character is well-developed, with their own arcs and motivations that add depth to the story.

Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset ( image coyright: Los Angeles Times)

Direction, Score, Cinematography, and Production

The direction of Bridgerton Season 1 is masterful, with Julie Anne Robinson and Sheree Folkson skillfully balancing the show's multiple storylines and tonal shifts. The score by Kris Bowers is lush and romantic, perfectly complementing the show's opulent visuals and emotional beats. The cinematography by Jeffrey Jur and Anette Haellmigk is stunning, with a mix of wide shots and close-ups that highlight the show's intricate costumes and lavish settings. The production design by Will Hughes-Jones is a standout feature of the show, with sumptuous sets and elaborate details that transport viewers to the world of Regency London.

Bridgerton Season 1 uses special effects sparingly, however there are a few noteworthy scenes that highlight the magical realism aspects of the programme. The "diamond of the season" montage, which displays the characters' opulent clothing and sets against a surreal landscape, is the most noticeable of these. Dan Crinnion and Shelley Basch's editing is fluid, with seamless changes between scenes and a pacing that keeps viewers interested and intrigued. Furthermore remarkable is the cinematography, which captures the grandeur of the time and contributes to the overall romantic atmosphere. The mix of vivid colours and eye-catching lighting throughout the programme offers a visually beautiful experience that will engage spectators.

Pace and Dialogs

Bridgerton Season 1's pace is well-balanced, retaining an interesting plot without seeming hurried or slow. The perfect balance of drama, romance, and intrigue is there in every episode, which is brilliantly written to keep viewers interested. The show's superb pacing allows it to keep the audience on the edge of their seats while yet offering plenty of gratifying moments. The dialogue in Season 1 of Bridgerton is sharp and funny, with a wide vocabulary and careful attention to detail that truly depicts the time. The language used in the show is particularly remarkable since it contributes to the overall romantic ambiance and transports viewers to Regency-era London. The relationships between the characters are well-written, offering both humorous and moving moments that will stick with the viewers.

Why is Bridgerton Season 1 a must watch?

Nonetheless, the capacity of Bridgerton Season 1 to let viewers feel every romantic beat may be its most outstanding feature. Even the most hardened viewers will feel moved by the show's lovely and endearing love story. The primary protagonists, Daphne and Simon Basset, have a romantic and passionate relationship. The show's depiction of the challenges and victories of love will definitely inspire and give viewers hope. There are numerous additional love arcs in Bridgerton Season 1 that are just as compelling as the main relationship. The show offers a variety of romantic encounters that will appeal to viewers, from the forbidden love between Anthony and Sienna to the endearing friendship between Daphne's parents.

Ultimately, the first season of Bridgerton is a marvel of storyline and editing. Its slick and opulent appearance, balanced pacing, and astute dialogue create an immersive and captivating experience that will grab audiences. Yet what really distinguishes the series is its capacity to stir amorous emotions. Bridgerton Season 1 is a must-watch for anyone who likes a decent romance because of its endearing love tale, fascinating characters, and touching moments.