Buccaneers Strive for Bridgerton: “The Buccaneers,” drawing inspiration from Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel, attempts to capture the allure of “Bridgerton” but falls short, creating a mildly watchable series on Apple TV+. Set in the 1870s and revolving around Americans intermingling with London’s elite, the show mirrors the societal exploration seen in “The Gilded Age.” The central narrative unfolds at the wedding of American Conchita, marrying into a British family bewildered by the newcomers’ audacity.
At the core of this group is Nan St. George, portrayed by Kristine Frøseth, an independent spirit in a sea of societal expectations. The series introduces romantic possibilities for Nan, played by Guy Remmers and Matthew Broome. Debutante balls, secrets, and moments of camaraderie among the young women offer glimpses into their lives.
Frøseth’s performance grounds the series, attempting to infuse a feminist perspective into the dated quest for a prince. The show, boasting a handsome cast and visually appealing aesthetics akin to “Bridgerton,” sprinkles historical touches, such as the Statue of Liberty, into the mix as the narrative shifts to New York.
Despite these elements, “The Buccaneers” struggles with familiarity, including a hissable villain veiled beneath polished exteriors. The characters’ self-absorption, a modern twist, occasionally veers into weariness, overshadowing the intricate web of their interconnected lives.
While the series works as a soapy distraction, especially for those enchanted by the allure of period dramas, its transparent yearning to capture the magic of “Bridgerton” limits its potential. The tepid endorsement stems from the series’ inability to escape the shadow of imitation, leaving viewers with a watchable yet unremarkable addition to the world of costume dramas.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is The Buccaneers similar to Bridgerton?
While some may draw comparisons between Apple TV+’s new period drama, The Buccaneers, and the popular series Bridgerton, creator Katherine Jakeways assures viewers that her show is not a mere copycat. Set during the Gilded Age, The Buccaneers shares some similarities with Bridgerton’s Regency era setting, but Jakeways has crafted a unique story that stands on its own. Don’t expect a carbon copy – The Buccaneers promises to be a fresh and exciting addition to the period drama genre.
What is the Apple’s answer to Bridgerton?
The Buccaneers, a series on Apple TV+, is not just a retelling of Edith Wharton’s incomplete novel, but also a response to Netflix’s popular period romance, Bridgerton.
How historically accurate is The Buccaneers?
To put it simply, The Buccaneers is not a true story. However, like other shows such as All the Light We Cannot See on Netflix, it draws inspiration from real historical events and time periods. While it’s unlikely that there were many pink-dyed poodles in the late 1800s, this new series takes some creative liberties.
Who does Nan end up with The Buccaneers?
Guy made a daring confession of his love to Nan on the eve of her wedding. Despite their intimate encounter and plans to elope, Nan and Guy eventually part ways. Nan ties the knot with Theo, but her decision is not based on love.