A Bridgerton Story Episode 1 Recap - The Succession Crisis Begins

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story was a game changer for fans of the Bridgerton universe. The limited series is a prequel to Netflix's groundbreaking hit, Bridgerton. It broke Netflix viewing records when it was released in 2023 and focuses on both the younger version of Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) and the version viewers see in Bridgerton. In it, Queen Charlotte's marriage to King George III and her search for an heir are the focus. The first episode sets the stage not only for the other five episodes, but also for the real families present in Bridgerton.

The episode, titled "Queen to Be", serves as a catalyst for the rest of the series. What happens at the end of the episode sets up the story that unfolds and eventually leads to the events of Bridgerton. The first episode of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story differs from its predecessor because explores dynamic character relationships that were not fully developed in the main series. As far as the prequels go, the series does its job and follows the tone and aesthetic they did Bridgerton one of the most beloved series in Netflix history.

Aldolphus promises that Charlotte will marry King George III

She is not satisfied with the arrangement

In 1761, Queen Charlotte is not happy because her father, Adolphus, has signed a contract for her to marry King George III. But upon learning that Charlotte is black, King George III's mother, Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales, invites important people of color to her upcoming wedding. The action is known as “the great experiment”, as it aimed to dissegregate society. The event is significant because it configures the integration seen in Bridgerton.

One of the things that Bridgerton series is best known for is including people of color who would not normally have a place in a historical drama. People of color were excluded from status positions in the 1700s and 1800s because of racist laws and ideologies. However, Shonda Rhimes' brilliant writing and world-building allows people of color to take on the roles of royalty and leaders in the world. Bridgerton universe. So, since Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a prequel to Bridgertonit makes sense for the episode to explain the origin of the integrated world found in the series.

The first episode also introduces Queen Charlotte who viewers met in Bridgerton series. She is rebellious, but still concerned about honoring her family. Although she is a far cry from the powerful woman the public sees in Bridgerton, some of his leadership qualities begin to shine through, as it becomes clear from the start that Charlotte is not the type of person who wants other people to make decisions for her.

Charlotte tries to run away from her wedding

But the queen won't go far

Before her wedding to King George III, Charlotte tries to run away. She does not want to marry him and thinks that running away will help her escape her responsibilities as a ruler and not have to marry a man she knows nothing about. But when she runs away, she meets her future husband. Instead of King, he introduces himself as “just George.” The two go on to have a beautiful night together. The two decide to get married and have fun dancing and laughing at the wedding reception.

It is important to note that Queen Charlotte and King George are also important characters in the Bridgerton series, and the prequel does its job by setting up its characters, establishing their pasts, and showing their chemistry. When the two are together at the wedding, it's beautiful and they have legit chemistry, which leads the audience to believe that they really are great together. But, fans of Bridgerton know better. The first episode does well in setting up their relationship and its eventual difficulties.

The Marriage Finally Ends...But It Starts Rough

More issues are on the way for the newlyweds

The first episode does well in establishing Queen Charlotte and King George's relationship and their eventual problems. Shortly after the wedding, George reveals that he does not want to live with Charlotte at Buckingham House. Instead, he chooses to live at Kew Manor. When Charlotte confronts George about this, he attacks her and leaves her alone on their wedding night. Charlotte thinks about marriage in solitude. Of course, she's not thrilled with how her marriage has started and starts to question things.

George blowing up at Charlotte and leaving her alone on their wedding night foreshadows the relationship problems that will plague both of their lives, especially Charlotte's. The limited series explores the royal couple's relationship problems and King George's mental illness. Historians and psychiatrists believe that King George III likely lived with bipolar disorder (through PBS).

Years later, Charlotte searches for an heir... starting a succession crisis

The queen's story begins

Almost 50 years later, in 1817, the story jumps to the timeline presented in Bridgerton. Queen Charlotte discovers that her only legitimate granddaughter, Princess Charlotte of Wales, died during childbirth. Princess Charlotte's death initiates a succession crisis and acts as a catalyst for the rest of the limited series. After the princess's death, the overall conflict of the story becomes clear. Queen Charlotte must find an heir to the throne, or her family's rule will end. It doesn't help that out of his 12 children, all of his sons have only produced illegitimate children, and most of his daughters remain unmarried.

At the end of the episode, Queen Charlotte finds herself begging all his children to produce an heir to the throne. And, as they say, the story begins. The episode ends with the audience wanting to know how the Queen will keep her royal lineage afloat when she passes away. Now both viewers and characters are hooked and the story can move forward with a clear goal in mind.