Prepare for drama as Bridgerton returns with its third season, filled with society scandals, intrigue, and plenty of opulent scenes, stunning costumes, and romantic swooning. When it debuted on Netflix in 2020, Shonda Rhimes’ take on Regency-era entertainment became a sensation. By breaking from traditional conventions—embracing female empowerment and disregarding racial biases—Bridgerton provided a fresh twist to period dramas. Essentially, it’s akin to Jane Austen but with a modern, sensual flair. After two seasons and a spin-off, the highly awaited third season promises more scheming and romance, likely leaving viewers in need of a quiet break afterward. However, this season also offers something different. Rather than focusing solely on the passionate escapades of the prior seasons, it delves into a more profound and complex narrative surrounding identity, self-acceptance, and love. The character Penelope Featherington finds herself starting her third year in search of a husband with no real prospects. In the structured society of the early 19th century, marriage was crucial for financial security and status, making life very challenging for unmarried women, who were often marginalized. Though still exciting, Bridgerton is now embracing a more mature theme.
This week also features new historical drama offerings: explore Disney Plus’s Shardlake, a Tudor-era mystery based on C.J. Sansom’s novel Dissolution. This intriguing tale takes place as the Reformation under Henry VIII threatens centuries of monastic life in England. The intelligent yet marginalized lawyer, Matthew Shardlake, becomes involved in investigating a murder at St Donatus monastery. Set in a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere, Shardlake deals with rising body counts and looming threats over four episodes. Filming locations in Hungary and Romania provide grim settings for medieval England, emphasizing the mystery and tension as Shardlake unravels the sinister occurrences.
Next week, the International Booker Prize announcement recognizes exceptional works of fiction written in languages other than English, highlighting the critical role of translators. Our academic panel has reviewed this year’s shortlist of six novels, which include a sparse poetic story from Argentina, Korean history told through three generations, Swedish COVID fiction exploring humanity, a Dutch story of coping with grief, a tragic romance in the final days of East Germany, and a harrowing tale reflecting Brazil’s colonial past. These nominees demonstrate the value of exploring literature beyond our own language and cultural sphere, aided by skilled translators who bridge these worlds for us. Look out for the prize announcement on Tuesday, May 21.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the celebrated National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London. Boasting over 2,300 artworks from Europe’s artistic heritage up to 1900, the Gallery is hosting special events throughout the UK. To join the festivities, our new series of articles will focus on select pieces from the gallery and the narratives they present, from Savoldo’s depiction of Mary Magdalene to a Victorian piece portraying the gallery itself. Anticipate deep dives into the gallery’s amazing collection in future articles.
Finally, we pay tribute to the beloved artist Raymond Briggs, who passed away in 2022 at 88. Known for iconic children’s books like Father Christmas, Fungus The Bogeyman, and The Snowman, Briggs is celebrated through an exhibition at Ditchling Art + Craft Museum in Sussex. Despite his cheeky humor, portraying Father Christmas with amusing grumpiness and chronicling the disgusting antics of a grotesque creature, Briggs was a pioneer in elevating the comic strip format for children, showing its potential for storytelling. His intricate attention to detail remains magical and delightful to witness.