Last night, I chatted with Shonda Rhimes. Don’t doubt it. That was me, alongside everyone else in the filled-to-capacity Oprah Winfrey Theater at the National Museum of African American History & Culture. The Queen was there. Both of them, actually (Golda Rosheuvel and India Amarteifio). The younger Lady Danbury was in attendance (Arsema Thomas); as were King George (Corey Mylchreest), executive producer Betsy Beers, and director Tom Verica. They circled up with journalist Michele Norris to serve us the tea on everything behind-the-lavish-curtains of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
THE STORY SO FAR…
But wait, before that, let’s get into the backstory. Bridgerton, you already know, became a global hit during the locked down days of the pandemic. What made it special? It is the first time someone had the vision to translate a historical romance directly onto the screen. You might think other romance novels have been adapted into movies and tv. That is true. Yet before Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons, those other properties were made into historical dramas. They are not the same. Historical romance is a subset of the billion dollar Romance Industry in publishing. The genre is built on specific tropes, designed to keep readers enthralled, and it has kept the entirety of publishing afloat. Romance novels are important and although many call these books frivolous, they cannot argue with the thrills, the customer loyalty, or the bag [read: the money].
There are no doubts, romance readers are major contributors to Bridgerton’s success, but so are our favorite characters. I am certain you have yours. You know I have mine. For me, Adjoa Andoh’s Lady Danbury is queen, but because of my fascination with history and her wig-snatching performance, Golda Rosheuvel’s Queen Charlotte is an undeniable force. She is also the maker of controversies. Across the internet, you’ll find fist-shakers who are mad because according to them “Queen Charlotte wasn’t actually Black. That’s just a rumor.” or “Only one historian theorized she was Black…” On and on. Some are offended and we must wonder why. We have had white Cleopatras, Genghis Khans, and even Hannibals; modern Black women have been portrayed by white actresses—but this is a problem? Beyond that, history and science are populated with singular visionaries who knew the truth and set out to prove it. Only one person thought the earth was round—at first.
The Royal Family has historically addressed both Queen Charlotte’s and Queen Elizabeth II’s “African bloodlines.” Yet, as Rhimes says, “This is not a history lesson.” Without those historical references, it is still odd how often Black audiences are denied access to fantasy versions of history that others enjoy so freely. Why are the same fairytale dreams of marrying a king, or prince, or duke denied to some of us? We all recognize that beast and Meghan Markle has felt its teeth.
Shonda Rhimes, inspired by Jacqueline Avant, the mother-in-law to Netflix co-chief Ted Sarandos, said: Why not us? Why not this Queen (who many believe was descended from an African branch of the Portuguese royals)? To paraphrase Rhimes, Black women deserve access to these stories. So she made it happen. She made the Queen Charlotte series. And she co-authored a book about it with Julian Quinn (click that line for more).
Now, Dearest Gentle Reader, with the backstory concluded, what follows is my review of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
TWO REVIEWS IN ONE…
Dearest friends, I cannot proceed without confessing two things. Otherwise, my conscience might well wilt. You see, there are two of me represented on these pages. One is a television & film critic and will write as such, the other is a romance reader and will speak thusly.
During our preview of Bridgerton season 2, I shared a wish with the other Geek Girl Riot hosts. I hoped for a prequel that would explore an early days romance for Lady Danbury, and give us insights into the love between Queen Charlotte and King George. Shonda Rhimes, my day one, came through with a twist on my manifestation when she created the new Netflix mini-series: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Good looking out, Shonda.
The story begins in Germany when Charlotte (Amarteifio) is ease-dropping on her pompous but caring older brother (Tunji Kasim). Because of him, she is contractually obligated to marry the King of England. She ain’t happy about it. Things get broken. Afterward, in a carriage ride across the continent, the stage is set. The trio of Rhimes, Amarteifio, and Kasim deliver an instant classic, in a searing and witty exchange that shows us who Charlotte is and what is at stake. It also makes us question if whale bones are a weapon of mass destruction (we already know the damage older brothers can do).
Later, Charlotte attempts to flee and is stopped by a charming member of the Ton, who refuses to aid in her getaway. This is King George, played with ambushing smiles, fragility, and a solid grasp on the laws of attraction by Mylchreest. When we ask for a meet-cute to remember, this is what we want. It is insta-love but you believe it. You want happiness for Charlotte and George. You hope things get steamy too and they do—frequently—but your feelings are also at risk.
Throughout six-episodes and two time periods, we watch Young Charlotte wrestle with marriage, prejudice, expectations, and the monarchy; while OG Charlotte (the original gangster) deals with the fallout. The two Charlottes are so good, their performances become a form of hypnotism. Thomas is fabulous and The Ladies Danbury are still our heroes, no one has the depth and magnetism they do. The series is the same, unfolding like a six-course feast, made to delight you, satiate you, and keep you in your seat to indulge in more. It’s lovely but it isn’t gentle. Those were not easy times and that injection of truth makes Queen Charlotte more tangible.
However, the romance reader in me was left banging my knife and fork on the table. This is a strong historical drama, but it’s not what the RR side of me came for. I’m here for the chapter-by-chapter, trope-y romance novel of it all. I came to swoon, I came for fantasy. I wanted Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story to lean further into its promise, by giving us an Alternate Universe (AU) version of this story, with more time for George and Charlotte to love one another. Tragedy is on the horizon but it could have been much further away.
There it is, the event, the backstory, and the review. Now, Dearest Gentle Reader, there are only a few days left before we return to the London of Bridgerton. I’ll meet you there.
| Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Coming Thursday Young Queen Charlotte’s marriage to King George of England sparks an epic love story and transforms high society in this “Bridgerton” universe prequel. More Info |
filed under: ROMANCLUSIVITY
RIOTUS 