The Buccaneers: Captivating American Audiences as London Beckons
The Buccaneers aims to captivate Bridgerton fans with its adaptation of Edith Wharton's unfinished novel However, the series falls short, overindulging in mimicking its successful counterpart, incorporating corsets and contemporary music While mildly watchable, it reinforces Fred Allen's words that imitation remains streaming's sincerest form
Based on Edith Wharton's last, unfinished novel, "The Buccaneers" aims to capture the essence of "Bridgerton" with its mix of corsets and contemporary music. However, this Apple TV+ series falls short, resulting in a mildly entertaining show that proves imitation is the sincerest form of streaming. Taking place in the 1870s, the story revolves around a group of Americans infiltrating London's elite through the marriage of Conchita (played by Alisha Boe), who bewilders and occasionally offends the British aristocracy with her boldness.
In the heart of the group is Nan St. George (played by Kristine Frøseth), a fiercely independent individual who possesses a stronger persona compared to her sister Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse). Despite Nan's reluctance in searching for a husband, she quickly encounters two captivating prospects, portrayed by Guy Remmers and Matthew Broome, both of whom come with their own personal baggage.
Within the narrative, debutante balls, hidden sexual secrets, and moments of sheer joy unfold as the young women seize the opportunity to bond and enjoy each other's company, reminiscent of college students embracing the carefree atmosphere of a spring break in Daytona.
Frøseth, who has recently starred in the movies "Sharp Stick" and "How to Blow Up a Pipeline," brings a solid foundation to the festivities as the show challenges the enduring and outdated idea of finding a prince with a feminist perspective. Additionally, Nans family keeps its own secrets, which eventually come pouring out and threaten to create a rift between the sisters, causing headaches for their concerned mom ("Mad Mens" Christina Hendricks). She is one of the few members of the older generation who is not depicted as a sneering caricature.
Christina Hendricks in "The Buccaneers."
Angus Pigott
"The Buccaneers" is a visually appealing and well-casted production that, similar to "Bridgerton," brings excitement to the genre of historical dramas that have long thrived on Masterpiece Theater. There are also intriguing historical details, such as the inclusion of the Statue of Liberty being built in the background as the story transitions from Europe to New York.
However, everything feels quite familiar, including the presence of a villain who maintains a polished and respectable facade. The only slightly modern twist is the characters' occasionally tiring levels of self-absorption, causing them to intensely focus on their own problems while neglecting those of their peers, resulting in the typical complications.
"The Buccaneers" serves as a passable source of entertainment for those seeking mindless diversion. However, it falls short in comparison to "Bridgerton," as it desperately tries to replicate its success by focusing on proposals and engagements.
Catch the premiere of "The Buccaneers" on Apple TV+ on November 8. (Disclaimer: Lowry's spouse is employed by a branch of Apple.)
