It’s A More Accurate Historical Portrayal Of A Fascinating Period
The Madness of King George’s Regency Crisis plot is not just interesting for the way it furthers Charlotte and George’s story, but also because it provides some much-needed context for the rest of Bridgerton’s drama. Understandably, given the focus of the show, most of the action centers around individual drama without delving too deeply into the political complexities of the era. However, because of this approach, there remains a sense of mystery around how the fictionalized version of Bridgerton’s Britain actually operates, what Charlotte’s role is, and what goes on outside the insulated world of the Ton.
Instead of making Charlotte’s obsession seem frivolous, the revelation that her own son has essentially assumed control makes things much more fraught emotionally, adding further depth to her character.
With its distinctly political slant, The Madness of King George provides some insight into this missing aspect of the main Bridgerton story. The movie’s depiction of Prince George, for example, explains the hugely consequential political struggles overshadowing Bridgerton’s preoccupation with the season’s “Diamond”. Instead of making Charlotte’s obsession seem frivolous, the revelation that her own son has essentially assumed control makes things much more fraught emotionally, adding further depth to her character. Exploring this storyline will enhance the entire Bridgerton story – just as the first Queen Charlotte sequel has done.
The Madness Of King George Is Very Different From Bridgerton And Queen Charlotte
Its Style Might Not Be Suited To Another Spinoff
There’s no doubt that the contents of the story told in The Madness of King George would greatly benefit the Bridgerton universe. However, although the narrative is in many ways a natural extension of Queen Charlotte’s, there are some important differences that could prove problematic. The two productions, for example, have very different core concerns. Where Bridgerton revolves around individual romance, sexual chemistry, and society gossip, The Madness of King George has an intensely political focus – with the battle between politicians William Pitt the Younger and James Fox a major subplot.
Politics do come into play in the world of Bridgerton – particularly in Queen Charlotte’s story. However, where The Madness of King George and every Bridgerton series differ is in their depiction of Regency Britain. The Madness of King George ignores Bridgerton’s daring colorblind casting, adopting a more traditional approach to the characters. It is also much more true to life, taking less freedom with the facts. As a result, it wouldn’t make sense for Bridgerton’s version of the story to follow the movie exactly.
The show has already proven how its approach can breathe new life into historic drama, and radical casting decisions have certainly made no impact on the potency of the series’ stories.
However, in some ways, the clear distinctions between the show’s production and the 1994 movie make The Madness of King George’s story even more suitable for incorporation into the Bridgerton universe. The show has already proven how its approach can breathe new life into historic drama, and radical casting decisions have certainly made no impact on the potency of the series’ stories. As a result, there would be a clear distinction between a second Queen Charlotte series on the subject and the original film – creating an intriguing possibility for showrunner Shonda Rhimes and co.
