'Doctor Who': 5 'Bridgerton' references you may have missed out in Disney+ show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Doctor Who' Episode 6 titled, 'Rogue' filled with references to 'Bridgerton' from beginning to end.
In the latest installment of Season 14, the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday find themselves in 1813, encountering the enigmatic Chuldur species.
Alongside them is the bounty hunter Rogue, played by Jonathan Groff in a guest role for one adventure. However, the episode's central character, a potential successor to Doctor Who's Captain Jack Harkness, appears just as out of place in 1813 as the rest of Team TARDIS.
The episode is filled with scandal, drama, and numerous nods to the popular period drama 'Bridgerton'. Its timing couldn't be better, especially with 'Bridgerton' Season 3, Part 2 airing on June 13.
Throughout the adventure, Ruby, an avid fan of the show, keenly observes the parallels between the historical period and 'Bridgerton'.
Against the backdrop of the chaotic Chuldurs and the anticipation of the marriage season, 'Rogue' skillfully merges the realms of 'Doctor Who' and 'Bridgerton'.
Here are 5 'Bridgerton' we we think you might have missed in 'Doctor Who' Episode 6 titled, 'Rogue'.
Male characters are not allowed to be seen with female characters
In 'Rogue,' a notable reference to 'Bridgerton' and the Regency era is the strict rule against men and women being together without a chaperone.
This rule drives much of the scandalous drama in 'Bridgerton,' such as when Cressida Cowper catches Daphne and Simon in the gardens, and when Anthony panics after being discovered with Kate in the study.
In 'Rogue', Barton also faces consequences for breaking this societal norm. Initially seen as less than respectable, Barton flees in shame when Ruby accidentally interrupts him kissing Emily in private.
Later, Emily confides in Ruby about her fears regarding Barton and their reputation. Emily worries about losing her social status and being ostracized if their secret is revealed.
Despite these risks, Emily still hopes for marriage with Barton, even though she lacks a dowry—a parallel to themes explored in 'Bridgerton'.
Interestingly, Barton does end up getting married by the episode's end, but not to Emily.
The Duchess in 'Doctor Who' bears a striking resemblance to Lady Featherington
Another important character in 'Rogue' is the Duchess (Indira Varma). Initially portrayed as a keen matchmaker at her party, she knows everyone except the Doctor and Ruby, much like Lady Featherington in 'Bridgerton'.
The mother of three is adept at arranging matches, ensuring they are with the most suitable partners, though sometimes she goes to extremes.
For instance, Lady Featherington gives her daughters mysterious drinks for fertility. However, one scene vividly highlights the similarities between Lady Featherington and the Duchess.
When the Duchess makes a snide remark to a party guest wearing a previously worn dress—a distinctly Lady Featherington trait—she encounters her housekeeper.
In this moment, the Duchess and Lady Featherington could easily be mistaken for the same person, as the former speaks disrespectfully and disdainfully to her staff.
Both characters are fixated on social status, but the Duchess faces consequences for her vanity. Her downfall comes when the housekeeper reveals herself as a Chuldur, consuming the arrogant woman and assuming her appearance.
Ruby Sunday makes her entrance into the society similar to the leading ladies of 'Bridgerton'
When the Duchess first meets the Doctor and Ruby, she immediately engages them in discussing the highlights of the current social season.
Hosting her ball, she proudly declares it as 'the season's finest', a goal every lady in 'Bridgerton' strives to achieve.
'Bridgerton' features numerous grand balls, often overseen by Lady Danbury, played by Adjoa Andoh, who also appears in 'Doctor Who' as Francine Jones, a rare crossover between the two shows.
The Duchess takes a liking to Ruby and encourages her to find a suitable match at the event, making successful pairings her top priority for the evening.
Ruby enthusiastically embraces the opportunity, stepping into her role akin to the titled ladies of 'Bridgerton', now known as Lady Ruby Sunday of the Notting Hill estate.
This detail echoes the hierarchical titles in 'Bridgerton', where Ruby understands the influence and status associated with her new title compared to ordinary civilians or household staff.
The duel reference in 'Rogue' recalls Simon and Anthony from 'Bridgerton' Season 1
Right from the start of the episode, the first line of dialogue labels Lord Barton as a 'rake.' In 'Bridgerton', a rake is someone who defies society's norms by avoiding marriage and engaging in relationships with women.
Understandably, Lord Galpin uses this term for Barton. The two argue over Barton's dishonoring of Galpin's sister, which prompts Galpin to challenge him to a duel. Interestingly, this opening scene mirrors a significant storyline from 'Bridgerton' Season 1.
In 'Bridgerton', when Anthony discovers Simon and Daphne kissing in the dark gardens, he immediately insists that Simon marry his sister. Simon refuses, and Anthony challenges him to a duel to defend Daphne's honor.
Fortunately, Simon deliberately misses his shot in the duel scene. This moment in 'Rogue' pays homage to 'Bridgerton' and quickly references one of its major storylines, effectively setting up the episode's narrative.
Popular modern-day songs are reimagined with lush orchestration to fit the period setting
One of the standout qualities of 'Bridgerton' is its clever use of music in key scenes. The show's soundtrack features popular contemporary songs reimagined to suit the period's style and atmosphere.
This innovative approach blends traditional elements with emotionally resonant modern music, creating a captivating ambiance. For instance, 'Bridgerton' Season 3 incorporates tracks by BTS, Sia, and even Pitbull into its soundtrack.
'Doctor Who' episode 'Rogue' adopts a similar approach inspired by 'Bridgerton'. When the Doctor first encounters Rogue on the Duchess' balcony, an orchestral rendition of Billie Eilish's 'Bad Guy' sets the scene.
Interestingly, Eilish's song 'Happier Than Ever' also features in 'Bridgerton' season 3. During Ruby and Emily's confrontation in the library, an arrangement of Lady Gaga's 'Poker Face' accompanies the moment.
These musical choices add depth to the narrative: Ruby's deception against the Chuldur is reflected in her 'Poker Face,' while the Doctor and Rogue's initial encounter hints at a complex dynamic reminiscent of finding the 'Bad Guy', get it?
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