Diamond of the First Water

Netflix's hot take on Regency England corset dramas.

The first episode focuses on the eldest Bridgerton daughter Daphne. A debutante who impresses Queen Charlotte that causes a stir.

However her brother Viscount Anthony Bridgerton scares all her suitors away. He thinks they are unsuitable for his sister.

At the same time her cousin Miss Marina Thompson attracts attention from wealthy families.

Meanwhile the scandalous Simon Basset, the new Duke of Hastings, intrigues Daphne. He is also a friend of Daphne's brother.

It all looks wonderful on screen with sumptuous settings. Netflix has spent a lot of money and it has a big cast. Too many to get to know in the first episode.

However I am not sure if this was meant to be a parody of these Jane Austin type dramas or it is supposed to be all so serious.

I did find my attention wondering half way through though, due to it all being too familiar but a bit more bawdier.

It has a multicultural cast. If this was made by the BBC they would have come immediately under attack for political correctness.

I enjoy a wide range of shows so I have seen bad shows and based off the reviews this show would have to be one of them. But this first episode (which many say they can't get through) has a great premise and as long as you did your due diligence before watching it you would realize that it's not supposed to be a completely fateful Jane Austen adaptation. Great episode and I enjoy the flair that is closer adapted to modern humors.

A fun start to the series introducing the storyline and characters. The show has a good vibe, clever and cheeky, with a hint of class and scandal. Love the choice for narration, the queen Brit herself.

Fashion series on Netflix? maybe ... but after watching the first episode it seems to be nothing more than a courtly mixture of downton abbey and Gossip Girl

Episode 1: Pilot: A good episode introducing characters, having required development, beautiful setting, set-up, photography and filming. Nothing outstanding seen, just good depiction of the era.