In the enchanting realm of “Queen Charlotte,” a popular spinoff of the hit show “Bridgerton,” there is a heartfelt explanation for the absence of an older version of Reynolds, a character dear to our hearts.
The prequel, created by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix, unveils not one but two captivating love stories. The first revolves around the esteemed Queen Charlotte and King George, while the second marks the franchise’s first prominent queer romance between the royal footmen, Brimsley and Reynolds.
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Sam Clemmett and Freddie Dennis portray the younger versions of Brimsley and Reynolds respectively, but it is only the older Brimsley who appears in the spinoff. This omission becomes conspicuous in the final episode, where the younger versions of the couple are seen dancing together before the scene shifts to an older Brimsley dancing alone. Many viewers assumed that Reynolds had passed away, but according to Hugh Sachs, who portrays the older Brimsley, this is not the case.
Sachs revealed to Vulture that a crucial scene, which was cut from the show, explained their separation. He shared, “He [Reynolds] was the love of [Brimsley’s] life, and for whatever reason, they could not stay together. So when they would pass each other in the passageway in the deleted scene, it wasn’t a toxic moment.”
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While “Queen Charlotte” delves into the issue of race in the Bridgerton universe of the Regency era, Sachs acknowledged that the show’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ acceptance may not appear as progressive. The culture of that time considered homosexuality a punishable offense, making a lasting romance between the two men implausible.
Brimsley and Reynolds were not the first queer characters in the series. In the first season of “Bridgerton,” viewers witnessed the tormented love story between aristocratic artist Henry Granville and Lord Wetherby. However, Brimsley and Reynolds were the first gay characters to have a fully explored and developed romance.
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Freddie Dennis, who portrayed young Reynolds, expressed his pride in being part of the first central LGBTQ+ storyline in this vibrant and diverse world. He hoped that fans would cherish the narrative as much as he and Sam did while bringing it to life. The actors aimed to portray a relationship layered with more than just lust, emphasizing the profound love and affection between the characters and their significance to one another.
In this intricate tapestry of love and secrets, the missing presence of an older Reynolds is unveiled, leaving us with bittersweet reflections on the enduring connection between Brimsley and his beloved Reynolds.
