Bridgerton
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Its return is highly anticipated, to put it mildly.
Theres chivalry, but theres also sex!
Theres modern music made classical!
Of course, the first season drew critiques mostly regarding colorism and a controversial nonconsensual sex scene.
ButBridgertons most buzzed-about topic was arguably its breakout star Rege-Jean Page.
But Ill be honest: I wasnt missing him watching the premiere.
This seasons cast and story line feel at least equally promising (and Id argue more!).
The shows new additions!
Can I also mention how hot these actors are?
This might be why I dont miss Page.
My cup runneth over with eye candy!
HasBridgertons casting maybe put together the best-looking love triangle ever?
Id like to congratulate each actor for their stellar performances and faces.
And with that, dearest gentle readers, lets unpack this premiere!
Since last season, Colins still away bopping around Greece, and Anthony has shorn off his mutton-chops.
New year, new him?
Hes still dutifully handling his familys affairs and being a consummate rake (a.k.a.
fuckboy) a montage depicts him as a habitue of brothels.
But this year, hes squeezing in time to finally find his viscountess.
The qualities hes seeking in a wife?
Eloise is also on the market this season, albeit begrudgingly.
She narrowly avoids being presented to the queen when Whistledowns latest drops.
One early morning, Anthony sees a single, cloaked woman speeding away on horseback, riding astride.
Concerned for her safety, he gallops after her but cant catch up.
She clears a hedge, and hes very into it.
He finds her Kate Sharma in the woods.
She informs him she has neither but is safely on her way to Mayfair.
Kates detour makes her slightly late to join Edwina and Lady Mary.
Theyre meeting Lady Danbury, whos hosting the Sharmas as the girls enter society this season.
And good news: Edwina wont have to go through Danburys boot camp!
She already speaks French, Latin, and Greek as well as Marathi and Hindustani.
Finally, its time for Lady Danburys ball our first of the season!
Granted, the Brits seem slightly less prone to colorism in their casting practices.
But Desi women who appear in American and even Indian cinema remainoverwhelmingly light-skinned.
When it comes to progressive portrayals, at least in this respect,Bridgertonhas bested Bollywood.
The queen recognizes Lady Mary at the ball and gives the Sharmas a tepid welcome.
She took off with them to India without alerting the queen.
Her parents, the Sheffields, essentially disowned her.
Elsewhere in the room, Lady Bridgerton proclaims loudly that her son Anthony (a.k.a.
the Viscount) will choose a wife this season.
Kate spots Anthony from afar as he dodges debutantes and their dance cards.
It turns out her flirty stranger from the park was actually the tons most eligible bachelor!
Edwina and Kate have eyes, so they comment on his good looks.
Anthony flees the dance floor and finds some smarmy friends outside.
He thinks this is little to ask, but every woman hes met falls short.
Maybe the queens diamond pick will be different?
Kate tries to slip away but bumps into a clanging basket.
Anthony investigates and finds, to his delight, his enigmatic verbal spar-tner from the other morning.
He remarks that he never got her name, but Kate only reveals shes overheard him.
Anthony responds with a smirk, So you find my smile pleasing.
Selective hearing at its best, folks!
Kate says hes full of himself and cant ride for shit before bidding him good night.
Once again, she leaves him bewildered.
After corresponding with the Sheffields, Danbury knows somethings up.
And suddenly, its time for the queens ball!
Her highness anoints Edwina as the seasons diamond a wave-making idea floated by Lady Danbury.
Anthony quickly swoops in on the youngest Sharma.
Kate drags Edwina away, ordering her sister to stay away from him.
Meanwhile, Anthony has good news for his mother: Hes found his wife!
Someone, like, bottle this mans confidence and sell it.
Afternoon Tea
Very good boy Newton is already a scene-stealer.
This Corgi cutie gets my vote to play the next Bond.
Kates great at shit-talking, but my favorite critique is when she gripes about English tea.
Benedict asks the important questions: Who will Anthony marry if Eloise is the diamond?
Penelope discusses the perks of being a wallflower.
