It is 1813 in Grosvenor Square, and we have the pleasure of meeting each of the families getting ready for this upcoming social season. The Featherington’s housing four eligible women – Prudence, Penelope, and Portia Featherington (Bessie Carter, Nicola Coughlan, and Polly Walker) – and the Bridgerton’s across the way with one eligible woman – Daphne Bridgerton performed by Phoebe Dynevor. All of which are eager to get the season rolling.
After finishing season 2 – and being blown away by the last two episodes – I thought it was necessary to go back and pay closer attention to season 1. When watching it the first time I remember being as excited and fascinated by the family dynamics, the anonymous scribbler Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews), and the gossip throughout the town. With my knowledge of season 2, this critique will act as a cross-analysis rather than an initial reaction to the episodes to come!
Lady Whistledown does us the honor of introducing us to each family, the beautiful scenery, and the magnificent architecture while also getting us up to date on what the families are getting ready for – the season’s first impressions in front of the Queen (Golda Rosheuvel) herself.
There is immediate drama between the Featheringtons and the Bridgertons while heading to the Queen’s palace, and we must also not forget our first impression of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) is quite different in season 1 than in season 2. Daphne is bursting with enthusiasm and curiosity as she steps in front of the queen and makes a flawless impression.
Daphne’s enthusiasm is quickly met with Anthony’s misguided responsibilities and duties as he shuts down nearly every single suiter as the Danbury ball. Ah yes, Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh). She is still the strong, powerful, and sassy woman in season 1 as we know in season 2. Her nephew Simon Basset — performed by Regé-Jean Page — has also arrived in London to take care of his late father’s affairs after being labeled the Duke of Hastings.
After leaving the Danbury ball early, Daphne is eager to see which suiter will be busting down her doorstep. However, it is not her door suiter’s are eager for, but rather Miss Thompson’s (Ruby Barker) who is underneath the Featherington’s care for the season. After catching many suiter’s eyes — including Colin Bridgerton’s (Luke Newton) — she is spoiled with gifts and performances by suitors who want her hand in marriage.
As Lady Whistledown continues to assert her opinion, the Vauxhall Celebration takes place. A beautiful celebration it is indeed until Anthony tells Daphne that he has arranged a proposal with Lord Berbrooke (Jamie Beamish) — a less than desirable match for Daphne. However, after Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmel) talked to Anthony about being “the man of the house” Anthony sharply changed course.
Startled by the decision Anthony hastily made, Daphne takes a walk in the garden. However, Lord Berbrooke, unfortunately, finds her and forces his unwanted affections onto her, and SHE LITERALLY PUNCHED HIM IN THE FACE AND KNOCKED HIM…HOW EPIC IS THAT!?
The Duke is on a similar walk when he overhears the conflict and rushes to help. He finds the consequence of Daphne’s epic self-defense and compliments her. What was arguably initially sparked at the Danbury ball, is now a small flame as they begin to conjure a plan that satisfies both their needs.
By the end of this episode, we know three things for certain: The social season is practically life and death for these characters, the Bridgertons are the “it” family, and Lady Whistledown’s opinion is worth listening to.
Favorite Character
Daphne Bridgerton
Favorite Quote
“Put that book down you’ll confuse your thoughts,” Lady Featherington
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