This review will be somewhat different than what you’re used to, at Blerd Point of View. But I can’t ignore the buzz, and since I’ve already seen the first two seasons of Shonda Rimes’ Bridgeton, it’s only right that I give my take on Queen Charlotte: A Bridgeton Story. Set after the events of season 2, we begin to see things from the perspective of Queen Charlotte, dealing with the issues of having a new heir to the throne while reminiscing about how she became Queen and her relationship with the King of England. The show is set in two timelines, the early days of 1761, when Charlotte and George first meet, marry, and struggled with the weight of the Crown. The second is much later in 1817, with the Queen urging her children to wed and make an heir due to the death of Princess Charlotte.
As I said, I don’t normally cover shows like this. However, with creator Shonda Rimes making classics such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder, I was intrigued to cover this one. I’m happy to say Queen Charlotte didn’t disappoint. With riveting acting from India Amarteifio as the young Queen Charlotte, Golda Rosheuvel as the Queen, Corey Mylchreest as the young King George. Sam Clemmett as young Brimsley, and Aresma Thomas as young Lady Agatha Danbury. If there’s any one common theme that is consistent with this Prequel/sequel series, it’s liberation. Titles and ranks in the Royal Family carry a heavy burden to all associated. Charlotte is basically forced to marry a stranger, to aid her home country, in the hopes of falling in love later. George is a King with severe mental health issues, who must rule an entire country and have an heir to carry out the bloodline. Agatha is tired of being in her husband’s shadow and wants a title of her own. The government wants to know if George is capable of ruling England due to his mental health issues, which Charlotte is kept in the dark about until later. The relationship between Charlotte and George takes many turns throughout the show. At first, we see sparks of love, but they’re quickly smothered by rigid traditions and formalities, combined with George wanting to keep his illness a secret from Charlotte. Even going so far as to live in separate homes, for fear of driving Charlotte away (which, ironically, is exactly what George is doing). While Charlotte is coming to terms with becoming queen and being kept in the dark, George struggles with doctors’ archaic “treatments” for him. When Charlotte eventually does find out about what George is hiding, their bond grows stronger. Charlotte takes it upon herself to not only help George but give him the chance to find his own inner strength, rather than subject him to outdated practices that do more harm than good.
Lady Danbury has her own arc, as well. After her husband died, her own status is endangered. She endures a battle of wits with George’s mother, Augusta the Dowager Princess of Wales (Michelle Fairley), and deals with her own romance issues, as she encounters two men who fall in love with her. Rather than depending on a man to secure her station, however, Lady Danbury makes the hard choice to learn to succeed on her own. The relationship between Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury, and Viscountess Violet Bridgeton (Ruth Gemmell). The three women reminisce on their pasts and await a new future but on their terms. We also see loyal Brimsley never leaving his Queen’s side, while having a forbidden romance with the King’s secretary, Reynolds (Freddie Dennis). Brimsley walks the fine line of telling the Queen what she needs to hear while performing his Royal duties for the monarch.
As I said before, I don’t usually cover this type of show, but Queen Charlotte really got to me. The acting, the classical covers of modern songs, and seeing people of all races in Victorian-era fashion, I dig it. An 8 out of 10. What do you think? Post your comments below, and till next time fellow blerds and nerds!