Queen Charlotte (played by Golda Rosheuvel) was an exciting addition to season 1 of hit Netflix TV series Bridgerton. She was a bombastic character and quickly became a fan favorite amongst viewers. Though the Queen had a smaller role in the books, Shondaland’s decision to have her as part of the main cast was revolutionary in a period drama series and will continue to do so in season 2.
At the time the series was set in – Regency London – society was very much ruled by the patriarchy, with the definition and role of a woman being affiliated with raising children. Moreover, there was a clear divide between people of color and those not of color, with people of color being of a lower social status. This perception was very much illustrated in period dramas that stick close to the source material with little to no deviations or changes.
Contrastingly, The Queen’s role in season 2 will be one of the most exciting, as the series will further explore her feud with Lady Whistledown and her quest to see the author’s identity revealed, which the viewers already know is Penelope Featherington. This change will add a layer of suspense and intrigue to the romance series. Moreover, the decision to have the Queen portrayed by an actress of color will further break down the divide between color and race that was already established in season 1.
The ongoing feud between the Queen and Lady Whistledown will be one of season 2’s highlights. Since the Queen’s plan to oust Lady Whistledown was foiled by Eloise at the end of season 1, it will be interesting to see the lengths she will go to in order to reveal the columnist’s identity. From what viewers have already seen, it can be expected that Queen Charlotte will be more tenacious than ever to see her plan succeed. Moreover, seeing the Queen’s detective skills is quite thrilling, and will also add a layer of suspense to the series. The battle between strong female characters such as the Queen and Lady Whistledown in season 2 will also be a welcome sight, as it will highlight the intelligence of women in a world where it was generally thought men had superior thinking.
The decision to have the Queen played by an actress of color will further collapse the divide between race and color. There is a theory that the real Queen Charlotte might have had black ancestry (via Insider). Though this theory was debunked by historians, the implications of this and what it might have meant for society in Regency London are mind-boggling. This divide was explored in season 1 of Bridgerton, with people of color having titles – such as Lady Danbury, and Simon, the Duke of Hastings – and being of the same social status as people of non-color. In one of the episodes, Lady Danbury tells Simon, “we were two separate societies divided by color until a king fell in love with one of us.” Moreover, this creative decision allows the show to explore issues on a deeper level, as series creator Chris Van Dusen explained (via Salon).
Now that season 2’s female lead Kate will also be portrayed by an actress of color (Simone Ashley), it will be interesting to see how the series will further explore this. The Queen’s storyline in season 2 of Bridgerton will be an exciting addition for viewers. Her ongoing battle with Lady Whistledown will be entertaining and thrilling to watch. Furthermore, the creative decision to have the Queen played by an actress of color will revolutionize the series as it progresses.
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