Apple TV+'s 'The Buccaneers' Misses the Boat

Based on Edith Wharton’s final unfinished novel, the Apple TV+ series The Buccaneers wants to be a feel-good feminist fantasy period piece that appeals to every generation, but its anachronistic liberties only detract from what could have been a great series. Amidst the swirling visuals, which are not as sumptuous as they should be, plot points are overshadowed by distracting inaccuracies. (For example, the bridesmaids’ dresses in the opening scenes have period-inappropriate sleeves, which led this reviewer down a rabbit hole trying to discover when sleeveless dresses and armpit shaving began. The answer? The 1920s.)

There is a glaring lack of hats for both men and women, which casts a stark light on the many modern-style haircuts of the main characters. And when did it become standard for men of stature to marry for love, let alone to kneel when proposing? These details are small but important and undermine overall believability.

Using the contemporary storytelling trope, protagonist Nan (Kristine Froseth) narrates the opening scene — after which narration is essentially abandoned. The show contrasts its period setting with a modern soundtrack, which, to its credit, actually works. The story follows five wealthy young American girls in the 1870s who make their social debut in London. Wharton’s tale of entitled and often frivolous characters is showcased like an endless slumber party. The girls giggle and scream and are generally loud, sometimes drink through the day and night and dine on a never-ending stream of delicacies. In yet another out-of-period example, there are many scenes where the young ladies are largely unattended, socializing and even swimming half-naked with English Lords.