Worst Decision Bridgerton Writers Ever Made Happened All the Way Back in Season 1
*Trigger warning: sexual assault mentioned*
When Julia Quinn released her first Regency-era romance novel, The Duke and I, there was a mixed reception. With the inclusion of a disturbing sexual assault, the novel went down badly for a lot of readers. When Shondaland navigated this pivot point in its adaptation, it didn't work well either. Even though changes were made, the overall result was disappointing.
Plot changes – book Vs TV
In both, Simon professes his inability to have children – only it's won't rather than can't – and he doesn't share with Daphne that this is due to his abusive father rather than being a biological fact. Daphne, being naïve and uneducated on how babies are created, doesn't know that their sexual intercourse is unlikely to result in a pregnancy (i.e., because Simon 'pulls out').
In chapter 18 of the novel, after discovering what was really going on, Daphne rather spontaneously decides to initiate sex while her husband is in a drunken, sleepy stupor and is vulnerable. She takes charge to stop him from pulling out. Though Daphne does this somewhat spontaneously it is still, for obvious reasons, problematic for readers.
In "Swish" (ep. 6) of Bridgerton season one, this scene is played out a little differently – and is more problematic for some. Firstly, Netflix did remove the fact that he was originally drunk and asleep, which is good as the initial act was consensual this time. However, the whole preventing of pulling out is more premeditated on our screens. Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) plots throughout dinner.
When it comes to the sex itself, Simon (Regé-Jean Page) is delighted at her taking the lead until he realizes her intentions. He says "wait, wait," but Daphne continues with a look of determination until the act is over.
Afterwards, Simon is obviously shocked, yet Daphne simply says he has lied about his inability to bear children. In the novel, at least, Daphne recriminates for what she has done. However, in Bridgerton, this doesn't happen. What makes this even worse is that she believes herself to be right. The act is a clear violation of consent.
Though Netflix does include a content warning of 'sexual violence,' the act is very much played out as Daphne's revenge on Simon.
What could Netflix have done differently?
Though some argue that consent in Regency times was much blurrier than it is now, especially since they were married. However, many believe that a TV series in 2020 shouldn't be able to get away with such an idea. What makes this worse for many is that it's a white woman sexually assaulting a person of color, which adds another element of controversy too.
There are many ways that Netflix could have dealt with the can't-won't kids debate without a sexual assault scene. Simon clearly revoked consent yet little was made of Daphne's act – and it all ended happily in the end.