THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
“Dearest Gentle Reader,”
You’re undoubtedly familiar with this signature, iconic, opening phrase used by gossip columnist Lady Whistledown in Netflix’s Bridgerton series. Echoing 18th and 19th-century literature styles to announce society’s scandals, romance, and news, the salutation serves as a direct, intimate address to the reader and frames the narrative as a scandalous, exclusive, and intimate letter from a well-connected writer. Often followed by gossip about "the ton" (high society), particularly regarding romances, weddings, and balls, these three words are also recognized to herald new episodes.
Now into its fourth season (only four episodes with more, surely, coming), Bridgerton takes place in Mayfair, heart of the ton – the elite, fashionable, wealthy upper class of Regency-era London society. Chris Van Dusen is the creator, executive producer, and original showrunner of the Netflix series, who developed the show under Shonda Rhimes' Shondaland production company. The series is based on the popular Regency-era romance novels written by Julia Quinn. Season 4 debuted with 39.7 million views in its first four days of streaming, making it the week’s most-watched title on Netflix.
Down the rabbit hole into a different type of society where proper manners and etiquette are the rule of the realm, Bridgerton is driven by the leisurely pursuit of pleasantries – teas, balls, masks, strolls, and insatiable gossip – where people are blind to the skin color of others or the shape of their eyes.
Here, immigrants are called lords and ladies, and swashbuckling scions are known to be rakish rather than rogue, as they rescue damsels in distress.
Yes, it’s a fairy tale.
But in these troublesome times, what can be better than indulging in life’s delicious pursuits like romance, high couture, crazy kings and chess-playing queens with sky high coiffures out of Hairspray.
Unlike Melania’s, white houses here already have ballrooms. Ugly ducklings are swans. Paupers are princes. And Cinderellas live on.
Nothing in Bridgerton is humdrum, commonplace or affected by sexually exploited children, political power plays, government files, grit and graft.
“Once upon a time” is here and now, as The Twilight Zone bumps into Pleasantville. Black and white’s unsettling dreariness gives way to lives awash with bold, vibrant colors festooning society’s idle, lighthearted, whimsical amusements.
How we need this respite from reality, dearest gentle reader!
