Text by OLIVIA MILNE and TARA KOTHARI
Art by SELENA CAO
BRIDGERTON BUZZ
PERIOD DRAMA SETS RECORDS ON NETFLIX
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ISS DAPHNE BRIDGERTON, presented by Delving into diversity her mother, the Right Honorable, the Dowager The diverse cast sets “Bridgerton” apart from other period draViscountess Bridgerton,’’ is confidently announced mas. The show includes many people of color in positions of power into the eerily silent room. Large wooden double and lower class alike. doors embellished in gold and white promptly open, revealing a In the show, Queen Charlotte of England is a woman of mixed woman clad in an elegant dress with an elaborate feather plume race married to a white king –– a minor detail that sets the scene atop her head. She slowly walks down the aisle towards the queen, of a world where one’s skin color does not determine societal rank. painfully aware of all eyes in the room on her. One misstep could Along with the Queen of England, the lead male actor in the show end it all. is a Black man who courts the white female lead. This is the opening scene of Netflix’s newest Critics of this surge in diversity claim that Creating positive having hit series, “Bridgerton,” created by Chris Van Dupeople of color in period dramas is historsen and executively produced by Shonda Rhimes. change to be more ically inaccurate –– yet many viewers of the show Set in 1813 London, the period drama has capappreciate the choice. inclusive is most tivated people around the world with its unique “Creating positive change to be more inclustoryline, beautiful costumes and modern music. important.” sive is most important,” Palo Alto High School Reaching 83 million household streams in its first junior Katherine Thomsen said. “I don’t think — KATHERINE THOMSEN, junior 28 days, “Bridgerton” has had the most successful any viewers really cared about it [“Bridgerton”] debut in Netflix’s history. being minorly inaccurate.” Based on the best-selling novels written by Julia Quinn, the While “Bridgerton” has a more racially diverse cast compared show follows the life of the Bridgerton family, focusing on the old- to other classic period dramas, the characters are still overwhelmest daughter, Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), as she em- ingly white. Additionally, some critics have pointed out that the barks on a quest to find a husband and earn Queen Charlotte’s darker-skinned actors generally represent villains, lower class char(Golda Rosheuvel) approval. Daphne and the mysterious Duke of acters or are alone with no love prospects. For example, one of the Hastings, Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), strike a deal to fake darker-skinned characters, Lady Danbury (Adjoa a relationship in order to alleviate some of their stresses. Andoh), is never seen with a partner or prospecThe never-ending gossip and secrets within the tive suitor, while Marina Thompson (Ruby Bridgerton family — as well as the entire high society Barker), who is considerably lighter in skin — keeps viewers in suspense wondering what fate each tone, has a slew of men pining after her. character will meet. “I think overall it was good to include more diverse actors in the show but they should’ve been more conscious to incorporate all races and skin tones into powerful positions,” Thomsen said. If you are looking for a show that is exciting, riveting and passionate, “Bridgerton” is a must-watch. The historical aspects of the series accompanied by the subtle modern touches and daring characters make it all worthwhile. Whether you are intrigued by Daphne’s ever-changing outfits or mesmerized by Simon’s mysterious demeanor, “Bridgerton” is for you. v
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“Bridgerton” is available for streaming on Netflix.
