The marriage market of Regency London is in full swing once again. The long-awaited third season of Bridgerton has been released, this time in two parts, with Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington as the central couple. However, Netflix has chosen not to fully focus on their relationship, resulting in an entertaining but overly packed third season.
After Daphne (season 1) and Anthony (season 2), Bridgerton season 3 centers on the third brother of the Bridgerton family: Colin. After a trip across mainland Europe, Colin returns to the ‘ton’ in London with new experiences. Due to his new, wild looks, Colin earns the title of ‘most eligible bachelor,’ a title he seems to embrace willingly. He flirts openly but is not ready to marry this season.
Meanwhile, Penelope Featherington begins her third season as an unmarried woman, this time without her best friend Eloise Bridgerton by her side. At the end of season 2, Eloise discovered that her best friend is the mastermind behind the gossip sheet Lady Whistledown, a secret that strained their friendship. Penelope must go it alone this season, a season in which she is determined to find a husband.
It’s busy on the marriage market for the Bridgerton family, as Francesca also makes her debut. A debut that the quiet, pragmatic sister wants to quickly conclude with a marriage. After Daphne and Edwina, Queen Charlotte now chooses Francesca as the diamond of the season. She receives a lot of attention, and the Queen even ensures that a high-ranking bachelor comes to town for her. Nonetheless, Francesca follows her own plan and chooses the quiet John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin.
Lady Whistledown has her hands full. But when Penelope finally finds a suitable man, the next dilemma arises. Will she reveal that she is Lady Whistledown?
From Friends to Lovers
It’s an age-old love story: friends realizing they care more about each other than they thought. Colin and Penelope (affectionately called Polin by fans) take us on their journey from friends to lovers. A story that can be told in both detailed and brief ways. Unfortunately, the creators of Bridgerton season 3 chose the latter.
Where Daphne and Anthony had nearly the entire first and second seasons to themselves, Colin and Penelope have to share their romance with other members of the ton. Francesca’s debut, Benedict’s new relationship, and Cressida Cowper’s prospects on the marriage market all take up significant screen time. For some, like Francesca, this is a welcome addition, but for others, like Benedict and Cressida, it detracts from the third season.
Lady Whistledown
This means that ‘Polin’ does not always take center stage, especially in the first half of the season. The second half partly makes up for this, focusing primarily on the mystery of Lady Whistledown. When the Queen promises a reward for the golden tip, time is running out for Penelope. This storyline culminates in a climactic scene where (spoiler alert) Penelope reveals herself as Lady Whistledown.
A scene brilliantly played by Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte) and Nicola Coughlan (Penelope). Coughlan’s strong monologue is well-executed and impactful. The power of an anonymous pen is significant, drawing a connection between this fictional Regency era and the modern world. All those social media accounts with opinions. Then and now, it’s unpleasant to be the subject of criticism. This link is effectively portrayed by the creators, surpassing the book.
Bridgerton season 4: Who Will Take the Lead?
The series is based on the book series of the same name by Julia Quinn. Each of the eight books centers on one of the eight Bridgerton siblings. This third season deviates from the book series by focusing on Colin instead of Benedict. A fine choice to strengthen the Lady Whistledown plot. However, this also leaves Benedict’s character floating between storylines, waiting for his turn.
The last episode of Bridgerton season 3 hints at a masked ball, a significant part of the book centered on Benedict’s story. Will he take the lead next season? Or will we continue with Eloise or Francesca’s romantic storylines? We’ve already had a considerable introduction to the latter. However, not everyone agrees with Netflix’s apparent plans.
This season made it clear through Benedict’s bisexual relationship that Netflix is guided by the queer community. Fine, as long as it doesn’t overly impact the beloved stories from the books. Unfortunately, that seems to be Netflix’s intention by introducing a key character with a different gender than in the book. An interesting development, but not everyone is on board. We’ll have to wait and see what the next seasons bring and how far Netflix will take this.
Bridgerton (2020-) – Netflix
While a new group of debutantes is eager to become the star of the ball, a wallflower with a double life finds herself in the midst of secrets and surprises.
Based on the books by Julia Quinn.
Cast: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Polly Walker, e.a.
Creator: Chris van Dusen
Studios: Netflix & Shondaland
