The Buccaneers Review: The series “The Buccaneers,” despite its literary origins in Edith Wharton‘s unfinished novel, appears to be yearning so strongly to emulate the success of “Bridgerton” that it may leave viewers with a sense of déjà vu, complete with a fusion of corsets and contemporary music. As a result, it becomes a moderately engaging show on Apple TV+ that demonstrates how imitation can be the sincerest form of streaming.
Set in the 1870s, which is territory similar to “The Gilded Age” but with a brisker pace, the story revolves around Americans intermingling with London’s elite during the wedding of Conchita. The British family hosting this event is both mystified and occasionally scandalized by the Americans’ audacious behavior.
The central characters include the fiercely independent Nan St. George, a much more forceful personality compared to her sister Jinny. Despite Nan’s initial reluctance to find a husband, she quickly encounters two promising suitors, each with their own baggage.
The series features debutante balls, revelations about sexuality, and moments of youthful exuberance as the women enjoy their time together, akin to college students on spring break.
Kristine Frøseth, who has been seen in recent films such as “Sharp Stick” and “How to Blow Up a Pipeline,” provides a strong foundation for the series. “The Buccaneers” attempts to modernize the age-old notion of finding a prince through a feminist lens. Moreover, Nan’s family harbors its own secrets that risk driving a wedge between the sisters and causing concern for their mother, one of the few older characters who isn’t a caricature.
Visually, “The Buccaneers” is well-executed and boasts a solid cast, adding contemporary flair to the kind of costume dramas popular on Masterpiece Theater for decades. The show also offers modest historical elements, like glimpses of the Statue of Liberty on the horizon as the story shifts from Europe to New York.
However, everything feels somewhat formulaic, from the stereotypical villain hidden beneath a polished veneer to the characters’ at times tiresome self-absorption. While the series offers a soapy distraction for those looking to escape into a bygone era, it still falls short of capturing the magic of “Bridgerton.”
In the end, “The Buccaneers” is a competent show for those willing to indulge in some period drama but might leave viewers wishing it had a more unique bouquet to offer instead of catching the one tossed by “Bridgerton.”
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is The Buccaneers a good show?
Currently, The Buccaneers is a decent offering, but it holds a great deal of promise. If you enjoy blending history with entertainment, or simply love a good CW soap opera, then I highly recommend giving it a try.
Does The Buccaneers have a happy ending?
It’s all just a trick to keep Seadown busy while she runs away to another country with Guy. Unfortunately, Nan won’t be joining them. Even though she loves Guy with all her heart and tells him so as they part ways, she decides to stay and marry Theo instead.
Is The Buccaneers appropriate?
The TV show Buccaneers carries a TV-14 rating for streaming in the US and a 14+ rating in Canada, indicating its suitability for teenagers. It contains minimal nudity, violence, drug use, and swearing.
Does Nan end up with Guy or Theo?
Despite declaring their love the night before her wedding, Nan still goes through with marrying Theo, despite her feelings for Guy.