Why Bridgerton’s Interracial Relationships Were Necessary to See
By: Bettina Baker
Tags: Shonda Rhimes, Netflix, Family, Love, Interracial Relationships

Ancestry, Lineage, and Legacy — Episode 3

While the Prince of Prussia would have undoubtedly led Daphne into a sunset of serenity, The Duke of Hastings provided his future Duchess with a dose of reality.

The societal pressures of “marrying your own kind” is the same reason why families like the Bridgerton’s are society’s top rank. They’re all afforded;

An ancestry of viscounts and earls with sizable dowries and estates with drawing rooms A lineage of debutants who successively make their debuts, season after season A legacy with traditions that are tried and true (i.e. Antony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise….get it?!)

La Familia Bridgerton — via Netflix

But it’s these traditions that led Daphne only knowing how to be perfect in a world of pretend. She’s soon knocked off her pedestal by Simon; first during the abrupt ending to their agreement, and then after being caught compromised by this man, who initially wanted no parts of marriage or children of his own.

Allowing Us to Become — Lady Danbury — Episode 4

Let me Bring It Back like Chris Brown.

Like Issa Rae said, “I’m rooting for everybody black”, but we also know the Duke’s dad was kind of a d*ckhead. But however horrible his behavior, his intent (to an extent) can be understood.

As Lady Danbury divulged, it was the marriage of a Black woman to the White King that elevated an entire race during this Regency-era. So while sh*t parenting is no excuse, the O.G.D. Hastings wanted to ensure, as the FIRST Generation, his future folks were in better positions than his past peoples.

Lady Danbury Knows Best — via Liam Daniel / Netflix

It’s Lady D who plants the seed in Simon to understand: The SWIRL conquered a society previously divided by color, but now combined by love.

Luring the Ignorant into Submission — Daphne Bridgerton — Episode 7

The naive, puritan, rose-colored glasses that led to Daphne’s criticism of her mother, Lady Bridgerton was absolutely within reason. Sending her daughter into the world with zero wherewithal to navigate the maritime of marriage made Marina the unwed baby mama, more attune than the matriarch of this society’s biggest ship.

Speaking of Ms. Thompson, in my opinion, she showcases the wisdom and idealism unbeknownst to any other debutant making their debut that season. Before word got out that she was “ruined”, she could have taught a masterclass on how to secure the suitor, due to her erstwhile interracial endeavors!

Marina’s one hot commodity, even while carrying — via Everett Collection

The Very Picture of Devotion — Henry Granville — Episode 8/Finale

After the Rain, life comes anew; the theme of the final episode is seemingly subscribing to the lessons that are learned, lives that are lived, and the love that exists within the multitude of multiracial matches the show made.

First up, it’s the foursome that is Benedict Bridgerton and the most in-demand modiste in London, Madame Delacroix. It was during a lively encounter with Artist Henry & Mrs. Granville where the 2nd in succession met his match with the two melanated mistresses.

Moving along, Ms. Marina, while battered and bruised, weathered the storm like a woman who had to make difficult choices for herself and her child. Her Mr. Phillip Crane did declare to always care for her, as his late brother would have wished. Though it wasn’t Colin Bridgerton, it was her idealism in pursuing a love marriage that led to an honorable match.

And finally, though the first trap didn’t take, Simon did eventually sire an heir, laying down the linage for his and Daphne’s legacy.