Reviews

Bridgerton is pure escapism, fun, romantically erotic, Eye Candy.

Take it for what it is and enjoy the talent of all those involved.

1 - The first thing to note is that this series stems from the amazing success of Julia Quinn books, (lots of them) , so successful, in fact, that she wrote prequels and spinoffs . The books are funny,romantic, full of irony and steamy. Light entertainment with no claim to sofistication.

2 - Bridgerton is NOT and DOESN'T want to be an a ACCURATE HISTORICAL period drama. The stories differ from the books a bit, and Shonda Rhimes unique take of them transports us in an "alternative" 1800, one where people of color had the chance to be included in the highest ranks of British Nobility (see Queen Charlotte).

Bridgerton doesn't aim to be historically accurate or to mimick Jane Eyre: the only thing that is accurately described are the limitations and the difficulties of being a woman in 1800 society.

Shonda Rhimes has done a magnificent job on every level, the visual, the music, the costumes, the cast... really, she is a tv Mastermind .

She depicted a vaguely historical fantasy, rich in colours, romance, desire and used today musical hits, played by musical quartets in classical arrangement, as soundtrack. The use of color is stunning, and is complimentary to the storytelling, defining the characters and in both seasons the sory is aderhent enough to the books to not lose its heart.

Clearly nobody is perfect and we're all entitled in personal favourites and tastes. I, for example, would have much preferred the character of Kate, in season 2, being as funny and ironic and lighthearted as she was in the original book. Both the script and the actress played Kate too headstrong and dry, cancelling the humour trait you can find in JQ book, making her a little too arrogant and at times completely unpleasant. (Not a fan of Simone Ashley acting, to be honest).

I find Bridgerton a great entertainment show, with no pretense to the Oscars, but visually stunning and fun to watch.

Having never heard of the comics The Umbrella Academy is based on, I started watching TUA without expectations, especially because it's not a genre I usually watch and I thought I would probably be bored soon .

I fell in love with it after the first 20 minutes. I was hooked.

I particularly enjoyed the very peculiar characters, the cast, the sondtrack, the writing, clever and intricate, planting clues, doubts and question , and giving only the most necessary of answers, and I love love love how the music incorporates in the script.

Season 2 went on being absolutely brilliant, fun an flashy! The script is rich and i loved the characters evolutions and story arcs.....and it left me wanting more.

Season 3 was ok, i guess...it took an unexpected turn, but it did not fully deliver (in my opinion).

The clever writing is there, for sure, but it registered less , suffocated by pointless lengthy fighting, combat, special effects (and an excessive amount of splatter images and sequences) that slowed the pace and I personally find boring.

I was surprised at how inconsequential most of the sparrow academy was made to be, maybe I imagined them teaming up instead of beiing decimated before reaching the middle of the season.

I loved watching some of the characters developing their powers , the witty dialogues and the sarcasm and irony they're imbibed with.

Season 4 ,though, needs to regain the spark of season 1, if Netflix wants to appeal to The Umbrella Academy fanbase and get it back.

On the whole I think I'll give it a hopeful 9/10, though, because I think every series has a darker moment halfway. And since S1+2 are a perfect 10, and the show is on average innovative and amazing , I refuse to penalize the ratings too much.