The period dramas The Great and Bridgerton are both vibrant series full of colorful characters, courtly intrigue, and sweeping romance. With their grand balls, festive costumes, and melodramatic plotlines, there are countless ways for their characters to get into entertaining situations. Since both of them deal with socio-political matters between prominent families in either the Russian court or the British court, it's not difficult to see why certain friendships could possibly emerge, as well as some rivalries.
From the erudite Eloise sharing some articulate barbs with Marial, to Catherine and Daphne swapping marriage tips, and The Queen giving Archie the royal glare, there are a variety of exchanges fans can be treated to. By their personalities and interests, some characters seem destined to either be great friends or mortal enemies.
Would Work: Aunt Elizabeth And Lady Danbury
Aunt Elizabeth and Lady Danbury are both unconventional women that know how to play "the game" at court. They both like being left alone, and only invite people into their inner circles when they feel like they can trust them. Each of them acts as a mentor to the young women in their lives who are unprepared for the realities of marriage and life in society by being transparent to Catherine and Daphne.
Lady Danbury would find Aunt Elizabeth's quirky eccentricities endearing, and Aunt Elizabeth would relish Lady Danbury's cutting quotes. They both know the power of rumors; when to circulate them, and when to squash them. No doubt they would swap gossip and juicy court intrigue with one another over vodka and cards.
Wouldn't Work: Peter And The Duke
While they both enjoy a life of privilege, good looks, and the opportunity to marry whomever they wish, Peter III and Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings wouldn't get on well. Peter's constant need for validation would exhaust The Duke who, much like Lady Danbury, enjoys his own company and has no need for the flattery of others.
The Duke also has more modern ideas where women are concerned and doesn't just treat them as a means to an heir. He would also find Peter's endless jocularity grating, and no doubt Peter wouldn't be fond of The Duke's brooding.
Would Work: Marial And Eloise
Saying what's on their minds gets Marial and Eloise in trouble, but to them, it's worth it to be able to speak freely. They both envision much more for their lives, and they find the limitations of their gender roles frustrating. At least with one another, they could be as candid as they please without fear of repercussions.
Even when Marial was a lady, it's not difficult to imagine her being just as sharp-tongued as she is while serving as Catherine's chambermaid. Next to a feminist icon like Eloise, her radical ideas and philosophies about egalitarianism (which are the basis for Catherine's coup against Peter III) would be welcome.
Wouldn't Work: Velementov And Anthony
Velementov is used to spending time with sons who must uphold the ideals of their deceased fathers, but he wouldn't take too kindly to the way Anthony did it -- by running away from his obligations and responsibilities. Furthermore, he wouldn't approve of the way he doesn't fight for the honor of the woman he loves.
As a man of action, it's not difficult to see why Velementov would view Anthony as a coward, and Anthony in turn would most likely feel that he has nothing to say to someone like Velementov, an often drunk romantic who isn't disciplined enough to lead men into battle.
Would Work: Leo And Benedict
A master of the heart and of language, Leo is a generous lover and gregarious conversationalist, so it's not surprising Catherine winds up with him. He teaches her much about Russian philosophy and ideas, and he's the sort of friend that Benedict could learn a lot from, especially in how to be less shy around potential romantic partners.
Benedict longs for the sort of passionate, Bohemian lifestyle that Leo espouses, full of music, dancing, and poetry. But even Leo is prone to bouts of despondency and would be able to approach Benedict's melancholy with not being all he aspires to be for himself with a pep talk much like he gives Catherine.
Wouldn't Work: Georgina And Marina
Though she's Grigor's wife she functions as Peter's lover, and will do anything she can to secure status at court. Marina also knows powerful figures in society, but they don't give her the same chances to succeed, and she's not willing to do what Georgina would to become stable and taken care of.
Georgina would see Marina as competition, especially since Marina started to come into her own and make prudent matches with the Bridgerton family. However, the two women are diametrically opposed to each other's way of life -- one is a realist whereas another is a romantic.
Would Work: Catherine And Daphne
Like Catherine, though she's initially naive and easily manipulated, Daphne has many redeeming qualities, including indefatigable optimism and a compassionate heart, so it's not a stretch to imagine Catherine and Daphne as friends. Their paths in life are also similar, each moving from a doe-eyed innocent bride to a formidable and brave member of royalty.
While Daphne might not be as well-read as Catherine and slightly less brazen in her language, she would no doubt be inspired by how much Catherine finds control over her life, not waiting for a man to give her permission.
Wouldn't Work: The Archbishop And Queen Charlotte
The Queen wouldn't take lightly to Archie's insidious presence, and he would be trepidatious about how much power she commands. Far from being allies, they would find ways to interfere with each other's influence. He would do that by going directly to her husband and try to gain his confidence, while she would make sure rumors were started in court about his odd hobbies.
The archbishop would undoubtedly be threatened by the fact her like or dislike of a person entirely depends on their ability to amuse her, and Archie is dour, depressing, and sees no benefit of music, entertainment, or diversions of that kind.
Would Work: Orlo And Penelope
Like Penelope, Orlo is outwardly cautious and worried about what people think of him, which is one of the ways he's survived in court for years. Penelope eventually summons the courage to act on her heart's desires after playing it safe, which is something Orlo has to do as well if he's going to commit to Catherine's revolution.
Orlo hates a lack of intellectualism and kindness, and so would find a great deal to talk about with Penelope, whose love of reading and cheery disposition would help Orlo come out of his shell a bit. She also has a knack for sparking her own little rebellions and disseminating pamphlets.
Wouldn't Work: Peter And Colin
Given that Peter had his own younger half-brother brother Ivan killed so that he could rule, Peter would make an appalling friend for Colin, who's trying to learn the ways of being a man according to his older brothers. Even though Colin's young and impressionable, he'd view Peter as a boorish child, on top of being an unsuitable emperor.
While it's true, both young men understand that their lives require duty, responsibility, and holding up the family name, Colin makes personal sacrifices (like defending Marina's honor), whereas Peter just gets by sacrificing people if he doesn't get what he wants.