Dearest gentle reader, 

The time has finally come for anotherntale to unfold. This is the story of Queen Charlotte of Britain, as she rides her carriage into the hearts and minds of all its watchers. I fell face first into the “Bridgerton” world when it was first released in 2020. The period drama with elaborate costumes and accents just knocked me off my feet, and if it couldn’t get any better, the second season took my heart as my favorite. Now, the drama has poked its head up for another breath of air. However, this new season released in May is not part of the “Bridgerton” show, and instead advertised as its own show entirely, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.” I have to say before we jump in, this season could definitely be arguable as the best Bridgerton series yet. This review may contain spoilers from season one and two.

The first thing I wanted to point out about this season was how the discussion of race was brought to the surface. In the first two seasons, race wasn’t really shown as a distinction, when realistically during this time period in Britain it would have been a very divided class. I felt this season reflected the story and process of how the united and equal class came to be. Known in the show as “The Great Experiment,” the plot shows the progression from a very divided society into an integrated one.

Let’s now plunge into the story. If you have watched seasons one and two of Bridgerton you have already met her majesty the Queen (Golda Rosheuvel), who is a very perplexing, suspicious character. This series is the unfolding of how she came to be. It also unpacks the history of the king, an unknown and mysterious presence lingering in the first two seasons. This new story is a deep dive into the history and past of the three matriarchal women presented in this continuing tale, following not only Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) but the journey of Lady Danburry (Adjoa Andoh) and Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell). 

If you’re not familiar with the “Bridgerton” series, it’s known for its romance and spice. For all those wondering, this is ever present in the complex relationship with Queen Charlotte and King George (Corey Mylchreest). However, unlike the first two seasons, this couple did not exactly choose one another, creating a very interesting connection that shifts and changes as the story progresses — adding a level of involvement as a viewer.

Another aspect of this series that was quite a shock to watchers including myself was a new emotion brought to the table: sadness. As the show unravels it conveys different emotional aspects of the characters’ livelihood. Especially with the unknown background of King George’s life. It also brings the aspect that the story takes place during a time when sexism and racism is accepted in society. I think the portrayal of discrimination is an important message shown because of the connection with the characters, in which you can look more critically at their point of view. Overall I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this new emotion because it helped me connect more with the characters and feel things for them more deeply than I would with other emotions.

As secrets unfold and characters evolve, this season keeps you on your toes — wanting and needing to learn more. With passion, anger, love and fear, some would say this new season is the best “Bridgerton” mini-series yet, and I can’t say I disagree. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone interested, in hope it will grip your heart as much as it did mine.

“Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story:” ★★★★★