Dearest Gentle Reader,
“We have been apart for far too long.” As season three begins, we are faced with a most irresistible trope. Friends to Lovers. The Bridgerton family has proven their propensity towards swoony onscreen romance, rivaled only in our favorite novels. Thus, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will the pairing of Penelope and Colin, also know as Polin, be as titillating as previous couples have?
When we begin, the Ton is preparing for marriage season. “At last London’s fashionable set has made its return.” As has the globetrotting Colin Bridgergton (Luke Newton). Formerly a callow lad, his travels have transformed him into a dashing young gentleman. Teasingly called “sturdy” by his brothers, Colin is primed to be sought after but not to do the seeking.
Lady Whistledown, voiced by Julie Andrews, but known to us as Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), is also back in residence. Our clandestine author is equally ready for a change and just as willing to make it happen for herself. Who wouldn’t tire of the antics of a casually unkind mamaw and two badly behaved and oddly vain sisters? After Lady Featherington proclaims her gratitude that Penelope will always be there to take care of her, Pen decides to use her feathers to take flight. She must get herself a husband or else forever be caged. A visit to the modiste results in a new look, but confidence takes longer than lacing up a corset.
In other rooms at Bridgerton Manor, readers will be happy to watch Kate and Anthony (Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey) set their marital bed ablaze. What the departure of Regé-Jean Page denied us, the reigning couple of season 2 makes up for. It’s good to see their romance in bloom, while Kate faces her new role as Viscountess. Francesca (now played by Hannah Dodd) is back from her music school in Bath and, although she may be too gentle for it, the marriage mart traps her. If this author may be candid, the shyest of the Bridgerton brood quickly becomes a favorite. There’s something about her combination of grace, reticence, and determination to be her truest self that enchants. If you’re familiar with the novels by Julia Quinn, you’ll recognize the beginnings of Francesca’s story when the good John Stirling (Victor Ali) appears. It cannot not be overstated, this pairing is truly lovely.
Surprises of surprises, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) and Cressida (Jessica Madsen) have formed a friendship while away in the country. This author can only surmise that Penelope is harder to replace than we might have thought. Then again, Cressida has depths we’ll soon discover. Elsewhere, Will and Alice Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe, Emma Naomi) have a change of fortune that changes them more than they expect.
And what of our three grand dames? The Queen (Golda Rosheuvel), our beloved Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), and the sweet Dowager Lady Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) remain unchanged. Their schemes abound, which is a very good thing for us. Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury plan for a new diamond of the season and once they find her, they go into matchmaker mode. Violet encourages Francesca to follow her heart…until she does and Violet turns into one of those meddling mamaws. On the juicier side of Bridgerton gossip, Lady Danbury’s brother (Daniel Francis) comes to town and he and Violet share an immediate spark.
Yes, dear reader, there is an abundance of goings-on in the first half of S3. Perhaps that is the reason the queendom of Shondaland saw fit to give us an intermission, to catch our breaths.
Penelope certainly can’t catch hers. Although Colin proclaimed he would never court her, she can’t quiet her heart (or her heaving bosom). Not that she needs to worry, this is the world of historical romance, where happily-ever-afters are promised for all. Remember how quickly Colin fell for Marina? After helping Penelope to fine-tune her quest for a husband, he begins to see her differently. Apparently, being yourself truly pays off. Things soon get “bouncy” in a carriage ride, but then befalls the most dreaded trope of all time: The Cliffhanger.
Were I not a lady of considerable repute I might have uttered an expletive.*
If you’ve followed my musings on Bridgerton or have read my essay, Fated for All: Romanclusivity Captures Our Hearts in Bridgerton and Beyond, you’ll know this author did not favor the Polin pairing. I wanted more growth for them both before they found their way to each other. However, what this pairing lacks in heat they supply in gentle warmth and genuine sentiment. It’s the friendship that’s the fire for Pen and Colin, while the complexity of the relationships rule the season, and the quirk and witticisms delight. Although I appreciate the introduction of Lord Debling (Sam Phillips) as a suitor for Penelope, I have reservations about what his honest intentions reveal about him. You’ll soon see what I mean, but for now, is the truth enough when the goal is limiting? We won’t know until June 13. What intrigues me most is that Colin doesn’t find his passion for Penelope until she finds her true self. Although they will be tested by revelations, this foundation is strong. Meanwhile, Penelope is forced to fight for her identity and her legacy—I must confess, I eagerly await the outcome. Watching Pen come into her own is the true treat of the season.
And, now dearest reader, it is that magical moment, once again. Time to watch BRIDGERTON S3 – Part 1 and tell me if I lied. Which of course I never would. Not to you.
Yours most devotedly, Lady Whimsnicole
* I’ve also seen half of Part 2 and this is going to be fun.
