Dearest gentle reader,
The first instalment of the third season of Bridgerton has graced our screens and the Ton is, of course, buzzing with excitement. This author has partaken in watching all four episodes in one sitting, and she has quite a few thoughts.
IMDB
Continue reading at your own risk – there are spoilers ahead.
The plot
Bridgerton season 3 follows the much-anticipated love story between Penelope Featherington (aka Lady Whistledown) and Colin Bridgerton. But that’s not the only potential love story unfolding in Mayfair.
The young Francesca Bridgerton makes her debut in Episode 1, stunning everyone, barring Queen Charlotte, with her cool composure, beauty, and Bridgerton charm.
The clear theme of s3? Change.
Colin has just come back from his summer travels abroad with a new charming personality, Pen and Eloise are on the outs, with the latter finding friendship in an unlikely person: Cressida Cowper. Oh, and I can’t forget Penelope’s new wardrobe.
IMDB
With all this change, comes some interesting tension. Slightly more complex than the tension we experienced in the previous two seasons, which followed the fake dating and enemies to lover’s tropes, season 3’s tension embodies yearning.
After Penelope fails at making an impression beyond her new clothes, Colin offers his services to help her find a husband. Penelope, still heartbroken from his scathing comments at the end of the previous season, accepts and casts her eyes on the ever-alluring Lord Debling.
Beyond Colin’s yearning for Pen (which only grows and grows as the first four episodes progress), we experience Pen’s yearning for love, change and the loss of Eloise.
Over and above this, we see a different side of Cressida. So much so that despite her past, we (well I) find myself rooting for her redemption arc.
IMDB
What about the other characters?
Francesca, on the other hand, yearns to get out of the marriage market as quickly as possible so she can go back to her pianoforte and solitude. But as is the case when it comes to Bridgertons, she seemingly finds her love match in John Stirling. However, we’ll have to wait until Part 2 comes out to see exactly how their love will unfold.
And of course, the Featherington’s are still chasing down money and trying to safeguard their title. Several brilliant one-liners will leave you giggling long after the scenes have shifted.
IMDB
Adding to the tension of the entire show is that Queen Charlotte has yet to find a diamond of the season. She has alluded to other jewels, though, most notably, a shining emerald. By the end of Part 1, we’re still not entirely sure who she has handpicked, especially considering Francesca’s decisions have disappointed her.
My thoughts
So far, I have loved this season.
The tension, between Colin and Penelope is brilliant, but coupled with the tension between and within several of the side characters, it places this season above the other two.
The tension builds so perfectly that you’ll find yourself rooting for the progression of the plot louder than during a football match by the end of episode four. And of course, giggling like a schoolgirl after yet another amazing monologue from a man in love. (We stan men written by women).
Whilst it’s not as spicey as last season (yet), barring the carriage scene, it’s well worth it.
The costume and set feel more authentic and brighter too. And the music chosen for this season is, as always, incredible. So much so that TikTok has already been flooded with some amazing edits with the full stripped-back versions of the modern hits.
In short. This season has lived up to its hype and it is, by far the best season yet. We can expect more tension in Part 2; and hopefully more monologues from Colin Bridgerton.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go yearn by a window bench until June 13th.
Yours truly,
Lady… oh, sorry – Woman and Home.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: IMDB
