The Effed Up Bridgerton, and other classics.

Bridgerton. Where do we begin? 

teenvogue.com

One thing for sure, it's scandalous. Perhaps even more knowing the fact that after further research it depicted regency era quite precisely. What had been done in an effort to describe this era, or classic British era in general prior to this series seemed to be "romanticized" in order to show how flawless it would be to find someone you fancy. But, it is no secret that before any feminism movements emerged, women were always treated equivalent as goods, traded from one family to another. In a matter of entertainment, of course it will always be fascinating looking at people dancing, attending balls, captivating wallpapers, beautiful gowns and clothes. But what makes it even worse is that, how those things, in particular, restrain women from looking for a better condition, bargaining the status quo that had been held for centuries by men.

Most classics, in general, lie upon the idea that marriage is an economic bargain to accumulate wealth. So, as a lady from high class family in society, one must obtain their dignity in order to survive and seen as a prize waiting to be hunted. We saw it in Pride and Prejudice, when Elizabeth told her father that she's going to marry Darcy. Her father initial response was that her carriage would be better than her sister's. Or in Little Women, even more recent time setting-wise, when Amy blatantly told Laurie that marriage is nothing more than a economic propositions. But none of those examples showed obviously how women were viewed less than men more than Bridgerton did. While the rest of classics tried to make it subtle with balls and dance, Bridgerton told you the existence of Marriage market. Women, were taught to be obedient, but did not have a place to question any decision even if the matters had something to do with their lives. When marriage is your only way to prove yourself as a functioning role in society, your whole life will be dedicated to that. As we've seen in many classics, women were told to be excellent in piano forte, paintings, and all meticulous things that we today might find them ridiculous if not unnecessary. The idea of giving the full control as the head of family to the oldest son isn't new, and in fact it is still relevant. Though it looked powerful, Bridgerton, in particular depict another side of it. Burdensome. Since it was a series, Bridgerton allows another characters other than the main lead to have and show their own struggles within the society that told you what you're meant to be since your infancy.

And of course the main attraction of this show is the sex scenes. Even ten minutes on the first episode we're showed by steamy scenes public sex by no other than Lord Bridgerton, the eldest son. While men in this era were freely messing around with "prostitutes" or "mistress", women didn't have a slightest idea about sex. For most men, innocence was part of the charm Sex education was seen as a taboo and inappropriate. Almost all adults character, Lord Bridgerton, Duke of Hastings, Benedict Bridgerton, had pre-marital relationship and still regarded honorable in societies, whereas Daphne was scared to death when someone knew her strolling around with another man whom she acquainted and close to without chaperone or "guardian". Even in a scene, where Anthony argued with Collin about his proposal, Anthony thinks that Collin was too naïve and not thinking this matter thorough, blame himself, and wished he had brought him to brothels to "educate them". It was a reality up until 1920s, men can sue and ask for divorce if one's wife committed adultery, but women cannot do so. Even when Daphne found out how exactly "sexual reproduction system works" after several sexual intercourse with her husband through her maid. Even her mother was so embarrassed telling her what to do, and instead giving her advice full of euphemism, as if anyone would understand.

While those effed up things are just some characters, the rest may look quite promising. My personal favorites from the Bridgertons are Benedict, obviously, Eloise and Hyacinth, and I also must mention Penelope for her kindness and sincerity. Benedict and Eloise are the only main characters that seem tired of the status quo, asking and discussing the same things while exploring opportunities as many as possible. Benedict looks sincere when Collin expresses her feelings towards Marina. Benedict also shows his humane side through his encounter with Mr. Granville, which just too wild to be untrue. Hyacinth on the other hand looks quite curious despite being told not to, but due to her little amount of scenes I can't comprehend further explanation. Benedict, despite being portrayed as goofy and polite gentleman, he also showed his wild side that explain his exploration of his role as a second born from an important family. While Eloise just doesn't wish what had happened to her sister happens upon her. She's an aspiring writer, as Benedict an aspiring painter. Both of them realized there were so many tons that would be stumbling rock to achieve their dreams. The Featheringtons, neighboring family, also have their own problems, especially with Marina. A few months pregnant, she bets for her life before anyone realizes, by fooling one of the Bridgertons, Collin, which Penelope fancies. Penelope, despite being a good friend with Eloise, didn't have the same opinions on how their surrounding works and revolves around men, but still they remain good friends. As for Lady Whistledown? I don't know, but her mere existence only has an impact in certain group of class, and it's still relevant today, where people are still thinking about their good image above all.

And yet we still need to wait for another season to finally know what would happen.

One thing I'd like to quote from Mr. Granville:

"It takes courage to live outside the traditional expectations of society".