All 7 Bridgerton References & Easter Eggs In Doctor Who Season 14, Episode 6

The exciting episode is packed with scandal, drama, and plenty of nods to the hit period drama Bridgerton. This is the perfect time for Doctor Who to air such an episode, especially as Bridgerton season 3, part 2, is due for release in the near future. Throughout the episode, Ruby, a massive fan of the show, particularly notes the similarities between the real era and Bridgerton. With the anticipation of the marriage season and the Chuldurs creating chaos, “Rogue” brilliantly merges the worlds of Doctor Who and Bridgerton.

Lord Galpin Calls Barton A Rake & Tries To Force Marriage

As soon as the episode begins, the first line of dialogue refers to Lord Barton as a “rake.” The term rake is used in Bridgerton to refer to a person who doesn’t fit within society’s norms, usually avoiding marriage and engaging in womanizing behavior, so it makes sense that Lord Galpin calls Barton this. The two argue about Barton dishonoring Galpin’s sister, to which the latter eventually challenges a duel over. Interestingly, this opening scene mirrors a major storyline in Bridgerton season 1. Simon and Daphne’s story in Bridgerton is over now, but getting their happy ending takes time.

When Anthony catches Simon and Daphne kissing in the darkness of the gardens, he immediately tries to force his old friend to marry his sister. Simon refuses, and so Anthony is forced to duel him for the sake of Daphne’s honor. Luckily, Simon throws his shot in Bridgerton’s duel scene. This is a fascinating moment in “Rogue” because it not only gives a nod to Bridgerton but also highlights one of the show’s biggest storylines within a matter of seconds after the episode’s beginning, setting up the events of the story beautifully.

6  Ruby Sunday Makes Her Societal Debut Like Bridgerton’s Leading Ladies

Bridgerton’s World Relies On The Anticipation Of The New Season & Marriage Market

When the Duchess first introduces herself to the Doctor and Ruby, she is quick to start discussing the trials and tribulations of the current season. As the pair are attending her ball, the Duchess is quick to acknowledge that it’s “the best of the season,” something every Lady in Bridgerton wishes to achieve. Bridgerton has plenty of spectacular balls in a majority of its episodes. They are often hosted by Lady Danbury, portrayed by Adjoa Andoh, who also plays Francine Jones, making her one of few actors who are in Doctor Who and Bridgerton.

The Duchess takes a liking to Ruby and keenly encourages her to seek out an appropriate suitor for the evening. The Duchess’ main priority for her party is to ensure that an exciting match is made. Naturally, Ruby loves the idea and thrives in her game of playing Bridgerton, taking on the title of Lady Ruby Sunday of the Notting Hill estate. This is another small detail that references the Bridgerton characters’ ranks and titles, with Ruby intelligently knowing that being a Lady gives her more power than a standard civilian or a member of staff.

5  Doctor Who’s “Rogue” Introduces Emily Beckett The Wallflower

Emily Beckett’s Character Contains Two Interesting Bridgerton References

One of the supporting characters in “Rogue” is Emily Beckett, whose characterization contains two Bridgerton references. Her surname, Beckett, is a possible nod to Sophie Beckett, who Benedict marries in the Bridgerton books. However, the similarities between Sophie and Emily are only in surname, as Sophie’s storyline revolves around being the illegitimate daughter of an Earl who is forced to become kitchen staff by her stepmother. However, the more significant reference to Bridgerton through Emily is that of Penelope Featherington. Nicola Coughlan will serve as a companion in 2024’s Doctor Who Christmas special, but it’s unclear whether this is intentional.

In the later half of the episode, it’s revealed that Emily is, in fact, a secret Chuldur. But in the build-up to this startling revelation, Ruby comforts an upset Emily, who is falsely overwhelmed by the events of the evening. Emily refers to herself as a “bookish little wallflower, risking it all for a secret love,” which sounds suspiciously similar to Penelope and Colin’s love story in Bridgerton season 3. Penelope is frequently called a wallflower, and the secret identity of Lady Whistledown is a looming threat to any potential future for them, yet she continues to publish anyway.

4  Doctor Who’s Duchess Is Very Similar To Lady Featherington

The Season Is Stressful For High Society’s Biggest Hosts, In Both Doctor Who & Bridgerton

Another key character in “Rogue” is the Duchess. Before the Chuldurs take her form, the Duchess establishes herself as an avid matchmaker. The Duchess knows everyone at her party, except for the Doctor and Ruby, and all of their best qualities, much like Bridgerton’s Lady Featherington. The mother of three is always on top form when looking for matches, ensuring they’re paired off with the best possible person, but sometimes takes things to the extreme. For example, Lady Featherington gives her daughters mysterious drinks for their fertility. However, one scene best highlights the similarities between Lady Featherington and the Duchess.

After making a snarky comment to a partygoer wearing a dress she’d already worn, a very Lady Featherington character trait, the Duchess crosses paths with her housekeeper. In this scene, Lady Featherington and the Duchess could easily be the same person, as the latter speaks down to her staff with utter disrespect and contempt. Both characters are obsessed with social standing, but the Duchess pays for her vanity. Thankfully, the Duchess gets her comeuppance when the housekeeper reveals its true self as a Chuldur, consumes the rude woman, and takes over her form.

Emily & Barton’s Secret Rendevous In “Rogue” Is Outrageous

One reference to Bridgerton and the Regency era, in general, is that men and women aren’t to be allowed to be together without a chaperone. This is an important detail in Bridgerton that is reiterated in every episode,and some of the show’s most scandalous plotlines are a result of this. For example, Daphne and Simon are seen by Cressida Cowper in the gardens, and Anthony panics when Daphne catches him with Kate in the study. In “Rogue,” this same societal standard is replicated with Barton. The first scene establishes that Barton is far from gentlemanly, but there’s another moment.

Ruby watches from afar as Emily and Barton kiss in private but knocks over some books, which sends Barton bolting away in shame. Later, an emotional Emily keeps up the Bridgerton act well by telling Ruby about Barton and her reputation. Emily fears that if they are found out, she will lose her standing and be exiled from society. She still hopes Barton will marry her, though. However, Emily doesn’t have a dowry, another trait this episode shares with Bridgerton. Strangely, Barton does become a groom in the episode’s climax, but Emily isn’t the one joining him at the altar.

2  Doctor Who Uses Bridgerton’s Love For Scandals To Save The Day

“Rogue” Borrows From Bridgerton’s Shocking Storylines To Protect Earth From The Chuldurs

The biggest scandal of “Rogue” is planned out by the Doctor and his newest accomplice. In an attempt to create a fuss and to draw the Chuldurs into a trap, the Doctor and Rogue take to the dance floor. This is a massive shock to the onlookers, who watch in a mix of awe and confusion at the two men in a loving embrace. Sadly, the crowd doesn’t see the Doctor Who season 14 iconic kiss scene that happens later, but the romantic tension between the two at this moment is still very much apparent.

The Doctor works out that this is the best plan of action because the Chuldurs are “playing Bridgerton.” Bridgerton is known for its shocking and gossip-worthy storylines, and its characters often use society’s watchful eye as a way to control their own stories. For example, Daphne and Simon’s initial courtship is a ruse so that other suitors will fight for the diamond of the season. The pair initiate this plan by publicly stepping onto the dance floor, knowing that everyone is watching them, which mirrors this particular moment in “Rogue.”

“Rogue” Remixes Hit Tracks For The Regency Era, Like Bridgerton

One of Bridgerton’s best and most unique qualities is its use of music in particular scenes. The Bridgerton soundtrack contains several hit tracks from recent years that are remixed to fit the style and tone of the era, a brilliant concept that combines traditional elements of the show with heartfelt and emotional present-day music to create a fascinating atmosphere. For example, the modern songs in the Bridgerton season 3 soundtrack include titles from BTS, Sia, and even Pitbull. Doctor Who’s “Rogue” replicates this same Bridgerton factor, too.

When the Doctor first meets Rogue on the Duchess’ balcony in Doctor Who, an orchestral version of “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish plays. Interestingly, Eilish’s track “Happier Than Ever” also appears in Bridgerton season 3. During Ruby and Emily’s battle in the library, an arrangement of “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga scores the scene. However, it seems that these tunes aren’t coincidental and also add an extra layer to the narrative. Ruby pretends to be taken by the Chuldur, hence her “Poker Face,” and the Doctor and Rogue’s first interaction leaves them both believing they’ve found the “Bad Guy.”