In the first half of Bridgerton Season 3, spanning four episodes, romantic sentiments and attractions develop swiftly. As the gossip columnist becomes the talk of the town, potential conflicts begin to surface.
Upon returning to London following a summer in the countryside, Penelope finds herself in familiar surroundings yet amidst considerable change. Estranged from her once-close friend Eloise after their explosive fallout in Season 2, and disillusioned by Colin's hurtful comments, Penelope stands alone. While she has relied on her role as Lady Whistledown in the past, the prospect of enduring her manipulative mother Portia and her superficial sisters, Prudence and Philippa, has become intolerable. Thus, Penelope resolves that her only option is to secure a husband. However, entering the marriage market for a third season, adorned in flashy attire and with unruly curls, simply won't suffice.
Penelope's first order of business is a wardrobe makeover. She discards her youthful citrus dresses and opts instead for elegant baby blue and seafoam green silks. Yet, despite her transformation, Penelope realizes that the art of charming potential suitors isn't something she can simply purchase.
Meanwhile, as Penelope grapples with self-doubt, Colin returns to London after his extensive travels across Europe, sporting a rugged new appearance. Eager to mend his relationship with Penelope, Colin offers to assist her in mastering the art of flirtation. However, witnessing Penelope's newfound confidence and the attention she receives from the charismatic Lord Debling, Colin begins to see her in a different light.
The on-screen chemistry between the main characters in Bridgerton has consistently garnered praise. However, there's a special allure in witnessing the evolution of Colin and Penelope's relationship from comfortable friendship to passionate yearning. This tension reaches a crescendo during a carriage ride after a ball in Episode 4.
Netflix do themselves no favors by cutting the season in half. If they want to keep viewers talking beyond the initial season drop, why not do weekly episodes? Imagine the viewing parties and discussions this fandom would have! It would be a more enjoyable format than releasing 4 episodes and then making everyone wait a whole month for the conclusion.
Season 3, Part 1 signals the start of Colin and Penelope's captivating romance, yet this is just one aspect of the narrative. At its heart lies the theme of pursuing one's desires, which threads through these initial four episodes. While different characters adopt diverse approaches to this pursuit, witnessing Penelope prioritize herself (and her alter ego, Lady Whistledown) even amidst uncertainty is truly inspiring. Moreover, it serves as a poignant reminder that achieving one's desires may entail sacrifices, even if the outcome aligns perfectly with one's wishes.
