I've never hidden the fact that I'm a huge fan of historical and period dramas and recently came across this one under review. I can't imagine what it's like living in the past era where women are raised and their primary concern is to secure a good marriage. What's worse, their social standing and security is dependent on this which robs many of a fulfilling life, in my opinion. I wouldn't want to live in the era but I don't mind watching the drama unfold on my screen.
The Buccaneers (2023) is a fascinating historical drama series set in the 1870s based on the unfinished novel by Edith Wharton. It's about six American ladies from wealthy families who travel across the Atlantic Ocean to London following the wedding of one of them for the Debutante ball and marriage season.
If you say this synopsis reminds you of the popular series Bridgerton based on Julia Quinn's novels then you are right. The two shows share a lot of similarities due to the Regency-era and marriage themes, and are often recommended by film enthusiasts as an alternative watch to each other. Having seen all the seasons of Bridgerton except for the recent release, I was happy to get into The Buccaneers.
The series begins with the wedding of one of the American ladies, Conchita (played by Alisha Boe), a bubbly, mixed race marrying a British man. But the groom has doubts about his reserved and traditional English family accepting his spirited wife. To make life easy on his wife, this titled groom invites Conchita's friends/bridesmaid to the UK so they can keep her company and also find suitable matches.
When these American socialites move overseas, they shockingly realise that the life there is far different from theirs. It's a clash of culture, behaviour and lifestyle and they struggle through each captivating episode to adjust and save themselves.
After seeing this series, I can't say it's as impressive as Bridgerton but it's good. The plot is riveting, portraying what to expect in the 1870s. The creator, Katherine Jakeways, did a great job displaying a fine examination of the American and British aristocracy and their lifestyles, all in eight episodes. It's eye-opening as we see the women struggle like fish out of water in a foreign society while dealing with abuse, betrayals and humiliation that comes from lack of social autonomy.
The storytelling is excellent as almost every character gets good screen time and some attention such that we don't immediately realise that Nan St. George (played by Kristine Froseth) is the main heroine of the series. I love her character—she’s smart, naïve and empathic—the kind of person we want as a close friend. She gets into a love triangle which makes her story interesting. The character I don't like is her sister, Ginny (played by Imogen Waterhouse). When you see this series, you'll understand.
There are some things I find uncomfortable in the era depicted in this series. I frown at the parents' nose-in-the-air attitude and smugness towards the young ladies, and the controlling advantage the men have over them. Thank goodness for the modern age!
Overall, this historical drama is an entertaining and delightful watch. The settings and visuals are impressive. I love the scenic landscapes and their colourful costumes. Season one ends on a cliffhanger and thankfully, the series has been renewed for a second season. I'll give this 3.5 stars out of 5.
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All images are screenshots from the series
Posted using CineTV
