Dearest gentle readers… Bridgerton is back and possibly better than ever.
After a particularly painful two year wait, the buzz around the new season of Bridgerton has been palpable, with a promotion cycle that’s best exemplified by the 7.5 million views on its trailer alone. And one can’t fault that. The first two seasons are probably among the best things on offer from Netflix. From writing and character development, to costuming and production value — Bridgerton has breathed new life into romance TV where perhaps the mantle was given off to K-Dramas instead over the past decade.
This season follows a couple that’s been hinted at and built upon since episode one of the show. I’m speaking, of course, about the third son of the Bridgerton household, Colin Bridgerton, and his dear friend, Penelope Featherington, who also happens to be renowned Lady Whistledown. After years of pining for Colin, and after losing her best friend, Penelope is ready to move on in life. Finding a husband is just the way to do that, and so Colin offers his help to her — but that may just be an opening for him to understand his feelings towards her.
Despite what may be an initial impression of shallow regency smut (at least to the uninitiated), Bridgerton has always had a lot more depth than meets the eye. Fantasy fulfillment and scandalous entertainment are part of its appeal — plus its onscreen portrayal of eroticism is honestly a great pushback to an increasingly negative reaction to very real human interactions and connections — but it doesn’t mean Bridgerton has nothing of substance to say. Since Season 1, it’s had subtle commentary about a woman’s place in society, responsibility, and even the complexities of love. All their characters, female or male, are written and created with care, whether or not they’re the season’s main focus.
Part 1 of Season 3 is no different, but it’s learned nicely from past showings to become even better. With a combination of weaving storylines, and a main romantic connection that has had more time to grow than any of its previous couples, it lets the first four episodes of the season delve straight into the important parts without feeling sudden or rushed. On top of that, by doing away with rigid Regency-era accuracy (which had been hanging by a thread since Season 2, honestly), this one leans better into what makes Bridgerton so great — reflecting modern sensibilities onto an era that is as historically fraught as it is constantly romanticized.
Now, there is no Bridgerton without its main couple though, and this season continues an upward trend of great onscreen couples. Nicola Coughlan as Penelope especially shines during her solo scenes, which is good, since she takes up most of the episodes. Not a complaint, of course, since Luke Newton’s Colin lags behind as he’s mostly stuck between suddenly becoming a charmer/rake, and having to parse through his feelings for Penelope internally — all of which require him to either wink exaggeratedly or brood about silently.
None of this, however, negates the impact they have as a couple, because every time the two meet on screen, it’s nothing less than magical. The chemistry that had been present between them in past seasons flourishes under the pressure of the plot, and creates tension where necessary in the growth of both their personal journeys. As a result, there isn’t any fault that can be found in their Bridgerton-mandated intimate scene by episode four – they’re hot people who make hot love together.
Besides that, the overarching theme of the season — which reveals itself to be the exploration of self versus society — brings a nice tether for the B-plots and side characters. Francesca Bridgerton’s debut into society, and subsequent search for a husband, in particular, is a sweet glimpse into not doing what is expected. Her embracing of herself, and her own choices, helps her catch the attention of not only the Queen, but a suitor who is perfect for her. Even giving resident mean girl antagonist, Cressida Cowper, some depth is positive, allowing the world of Bridgerton to grow and breathe just as its audience does.
Splitting the season into two parts isn’t such a bad idea either, despite the initial (and probably still ongoing) complaints. Knowing the general direction the book this season is based on (Romancing Mr. Bridgerton), Part 1 caps off as a nice arc for Colin and Penelope finally getting together, and a month-long breather is probably a good thing in case of a Season 1 like backlash that seems likely for obvious Whistledown-related reasons.
Alas, no one will know what happens until it does, and as such, this author is keenly waiting for Part 2 to drop on June 13th.
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