I am always noticing niche trends within shows and movies I watch. A favourite trend that I have noticed is the eccentric black woman in period dramas. These characters are fun, witty and overdramatic.
Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) is notably an example of this - the dramatic and colourful wigs, the peacocks, and other exotic pets. The historical figure herself was quite eccentric, with a penchant for parties and matchmaking. But she is also shown to have a softer side. Her love for her children and ailing husband, King George III. She believes in true love - if it's on her terms!
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Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) with her wit and outrageous parties is shown in season one. She commands every room that she walks into. The fear she sets into the men of London is seen as a positive trait, as opposed to a negative. Moreover, she too is a multi-dimensional character, with a kind heart underneath the stern exterior.
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To fill the Bridgerton-shaped hole in your heart, I would recommend watching Mr Malcolm’s List.
Julia Thistlewaite concocts an elaborate plan to mess with Mr Jeremy Malcolm who rejected her based on his list of requirements for the perfect wife. She could just move on, but she brings her best friend, Selina Dalton and teaches her to be the perfect lady all to mess with Mr Malcolm. Yes, what she did was petty and spiteful, but Julia dressed up for every occasion, realised she was wrong and still had a happy ending.
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It is a trope I am coming to enjoy, whilst very niche, as these storylines are usually reserved for white women. It is really good to see how Black women are able to be cast in roles in which they are given more depth in historical costume dramas that bring a smile to everyone’s faces.
I am just here to let us see black women as iconic, wonderful, overdramatic, and fun.