La regina Carlotta: Una storia di Bridgerton

I have enjoyed the original Bridgerton, but only after watching Queen Charlotte have I realized just how much was lacking from it.

The original Bridgerton series, compared to this one, is too distracted, with a destination that's clear and safe, such that space is set for a hazy or careless middle. This show however carries itself with its goal in mind and does it with grace. It is just six episodes, shorter than the original, but never for once feels hastened. With every scene you can sense the care with which it was made, that it meant something to someone somewhere to form this in the way it was formed. Most importantly, it had gall, and it did it in a way that was never gratuitous. Don't get me wrong, I love the laid-backery of the original series, but sometimes I think you have to step close to the fire and burn some skin.

Also, the cast was capable, but the shining star has to be the woman who plays the younger lady Danbury, she just glows (much as the older one) and steals the story.

It is a sizeable shame that this is a limited series. Big complements!

A beautiful love story, superbly acted by every character. Full of warmth, humour and emotion, with fabulous costumes and beautiful music.

The final episode left me feeling very emotional, not only because of Queen Charlotte and "Just George", but also the brilliantly played Brimsley and Reynolds.

Characters familiar from previous Bridgerton series such as Lady Danbury and Violet are great again, and it was so good to learn about them as young women.

The actress playing Young Charlotte was perfect and the amazing chemistry between her and King George was entirely believable.

A wonderful series for all true romantics.

Having watched Bridgerton I of course knew the fate of King George and the Queen's devotion to him. However, seeing their origin story played out was so painfully beautiful. And Brimsley? I don't know what happened to Reynolds but I am grieving him. Brimsley was someone I've barely noticed in Bridgerton but now he's one of my favorite characters. I also loved the backstories of Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton. Lady Danbury is one of the best characters of the series and I loved learning more about her and how she became who she is. Would love to know more about Coral. I hope they do more of these interspersed seasons because they hit it out of the park with this.

This series did a lovely job of balancing the present and past with a variety of human conditions. The actors portrayed so much feeling and conflicting emotions and I was drawn in. The actor who played king George did a beautiful job of balancing the desire to be normal to the point that he would do anything to be worthy of Charlotte. The actress who played Queen Charlotte was wonderful at balancing confusion, desire and putting herself aside to be George's anchor. These actors conveyed these feelings balancing on the head of a pin. I hope that the real queen and king had somewhere near this type of love... The final scene of episode 6 was so beautifully done and brought me to tears. That's what love should be.

I love the Bridgerton series so here I am with the spin-off. Can I just say, I find it funny to see a disclaimer: "It's not a history lesson. It's fiction based on a fact." because soooo many people will likely look into this series and assume it's a documentary of the real Queen Charlotte then get mad because of it. No, it's not real, sorry to disappoint.

Anyway. It's arranged marriage to genuine lovers trope which I am a sucker for. To me the leads have great chemistry. India Ria Amarteifio really embodied the adult Queen. She's headstrong and will speak her mind. Meanwhile Corey Mylchreest is adorable. I love their banters together.

There's also snippets of the other characters which is great. Arsema Thomas as young Lady Danbury and Sam Clemmett as young Brimsley are just perfect castings. You'd learn more of their stories so watching them in the main show gives them more depth now.

The show itself is light hearted but with heavy notes. It's not as laid back and upbeat as the main show but it's overall a fun watch and doesn't take itself THAT serious. I may have shed some tear here and there.

I recommend it to Bridgerton fans or "historical/period drama" aesthetic show fans. LET ME TELL YOU THE CONFESSION SCENE is right up there with the main show... dare I say even better?? Because here they're married so it feels more like a mature accepting love, til death do us part type of vibe compared to the other two. Binge worthy.