Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a splendid and satisfying prequel to the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, created by Shonda Rhimes and based on the novels by Julia Quinn. The series takes us back to the late 18th century, when a young and spirited Charlotte (India Amarteifio) leaves her home in Germany to marry King George III (Corey Mylchreest), the ruler of England. The series chronicles their tumultuous and passionate relationship, as well as the challenges and intrigues that Charlotte faces as the new queen in a foreign land. The series also flashes forward to 1817, when an older and wiser Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) mourns the death of her daughter, copes with the madness of her husband, and tries to secure the royal succession by meddling in the affairs of her children and the high society.

The series is a feast for the eyes, with lavish costumes, sets, and locations that recreate the opulence and elegance of the Georgian era. The series also boasts a diverse and talented cast that brings to life the complex and charismatic characters that populate the Queen's court and society. Adjoa Andoh and Arsema Thomas shine as Lady Danbury, the Queen's loyal friend and confidante, who guides her through the challenges and intrigues of her new role. Michelle Fairley is formidable as Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales, the King's mother who opposes and undermines the Queen at every turn. Ruth Gemmell is delightful as Violet Bridgerton, the mother of the famous Bridgerton siblings, who forms a bond with the Queen over their shared love for their children. Julie Andrews lends her voice to Lady Whistledown, the mysterious gossip columnist who narrates and comments on the events of the series.

The series is more than just a frothy romance, although there is still plenty of swooning and steamy scenes between Charlotte and George. The series also explores the themes of race, class, gender, and power in a historical context that is both accurate and imaginative. The series retcons the apparently colorblind casting of Bridgerton as the result of "the Great Experiment", a social reform initiated by Augusta to elevate wealthy Black families to the nobility in order to make Charlotte feel more at home. However, this experiment does not guarantee true equality or acceptance for the new peers, who face discrimination and prejudice from the old aristocracy. The series also depicts the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, who have to navigate their roles as wives, mothers, daughters, and leaders in a world that often denies them agency and respect.

The series is a rare exception to the rule of prequels (generally substantially worse than the originals and undermining all previous endeavors) and will hopefully set many of its younger stars on the road to success. Amarteifio does especially well, shouldering the bulk of the show's burdens and showing in embryo all of the Charlotte we know. But it's with an innocent energy and unjaded intelligence that shows us something new too. Mylchreest is equally impressive as George, who balances his duty as a king with his love for his wife, while battling his own demons and insecurities. Rosheuvel is magnificent as the older Charlotte, who retains her wit, charm, and strength despite her losses and loneliness.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a resplendent romance between two of the most fascinating and influential figures in British history. It is also a captivating drama that delves into the politics and scandals of the Georgian era, as well as the personal and emotional lives of the characters. The series is a must-watch for fans of Bridgerton, historical fiction, and romance. It is a splendid and satisfying prequel that enriches and expands the Bridgerton universe.