Warning: This article contains spoilers for Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
While Bridgerton‘s main focus was on youthful romance and the dazzling world of the ton with its gossiping elite, the story of Queen Charlotte delves into more profound and somber themes, catching many off guard with its detailed exploration of the King’s ailment, Lady Danbury’s unhappy union, and the Queen’s transformation from an inexperienced woman to a confident ruler. While some viewers may have anticipated another narrative centered solely on romance, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story surpassed those expectations by delving into weightier subject.
By focusing solely on the stories of Lady Violet, Lady Danbury, Brimsley, Queen Charlotte, and King George, this Bridgerton spin-off succeeded in evoking emotions as it delved into deeper and darker themes. The unique perspectives of each character provide greater dimension to the story, addressing pertinent issues like racism, isolation, difficult relationships, coping with loss, and others that deeply resonated with the audience. Despite many questions left unanswered, it is unlikely that a second season will be produced since this was originally intended to be a limited series.
The Untold Stories
Regency romance stories often center around the journey of debutantes as they search for love, leaving out the experiences of the aunts and mothers of the ton. These women’s challenges with marriage, loss of a spouse, and the desire to be loved again are seldom explored. Lady Danbury aptly labels them the “untold stories,” but they are just as significant and deserving of attention, and Shonda Rhimes skillfully brings their tales to light, giving voice to their struggles and desires.
These women of the ton are more than just schemers playing at propriety. They, too, are bleeding hearts just like the young ones, hungry for love. Lady Danbury’s story serves as a powerful example of the challenges that come with living a solitary life as a woman tethered to no man in that era. In Episode 5 of Queen Charlotte, “Gardens in Bloom,” viewers are given a deeper look into the struggles these women face and how they cope with loss. But these are not only the untold stories: Brimsley’s love story is equally poignant and deserving of attention. Devoted to serving the queen, he never had the opportunity to start a family of his own, becoming the lonely man dancing all by himself.
King George’s Illness
No one was prepared for the dark turn this troubled romance tale took when it recounted the story from King George’s perspective. Bridgerton offered viewers a brief glance of moments the King came to his senses or wandered into the palace to the Queen’s dismay, but no one understood how long he had battled this illness or how it shaped his relationship with his wife until Queen Charlotte: A Brigerton Story. The series of torments the King faced at the hands of his doctor is enough to bring anyone to tears. However, what truly tugs at the heartstrings the most is the Queen’s decision to remain by his side, hiding from the heavens.
The first three episodes of the limited series may have left some viewers disliking King George due to how he mistreated the Queen. However, once the reason behind that was revealed, it became difficult not to feel sorry for him. Through Reynolds, Princess Augusta, and Queen Charlotte, viewers could see the lasting effect the King’s illness had on those around him. Additionally, the show shed light on how the Queen’s inability to be a mother to her children was as a result of his illness. As Brimsley aptly put it, she was the “King’s Frozen Queen” awaiting his return.
The Adversities of Womanhood
In Bridgerton, the older women of the ton were often shown scheming, gossiping about scandals, or throwing parties, but Queen Charlotte delves into these women’s lives beyond the confines of high society. The nights they lie awake in large cold beds mourning their loss, longing for love and warmth. Viscountess Violet, Lady Danbury, and Queen Charlotte were all united by their shared experiences of loss and the challenges they faced as women trying to keep everything together on their own.
Similar to how Queen Charlotte was shut out from learning about the King’s illness, Lady Danbury was also left completely in the dark about her husband’s finances and affairs. They were treated like nothing more than baby breeders. Lady Danbury admitted that she had no idea how to breathe if it was not the air lord Danbury exhaled, highlighting how she lacked control over her life as a woman, much like Queen Charlotte.
Taking the Reins
With the backstories of these women finally revealed, it became easy to empathize with them when they began to take control of their lives. Even though Lady Danbury’s affair with Lord Ledger might be deemed wrong, it was still satisfying to see her experience the feelings she had been denied in her loveless marriage.
Likewise, it was exhilarating to witness the young Queen Charlotte taking control as she stormed into Kew to release her husband from the shackles of his doctor. These women were finally standing up, taking charge and realizing just how powerful they were. Thus, it was empowering to see Queen Charlotte standing up to Princess Augusta, just as it was when Lady Danbury started her fight for her race’s permanent place in the ton.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
