Are you looking forward to the next bodice ripper out there? Or are you still reeling from the trailer of My Lady Jane? If you’ve been waiting for Shondaland’s Bridgerton production, you might be like me!
Bridgerton is co-produced by Netflix and Shondaland. This season is in Netflix’s Top 10 list, with five weeks in the number one slot and six consecutive weeks within the top 10. This year, Netflix did something unusual by separating the first four episodes into Part One and the last into Part Two.
The promotional material for this year’s Bridgerton season was steady, and there was plenty of context given the original Bridgerton book series Julia Quinn wrote. Many had been confident the third season would deliver. The third season has Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) blossoming within Mayfair society, with high hopes of marriage – and then enters her longtime friend and the person she loved a long time, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).
Colin offers to help her find a husband – only to find himself falling for her. Carriage sex scenes and more ensue!
The Featheringtons
What was enjoyable this season was the way the Featheringtons were. In the earlier seasons, the Featheringtons were considered Penelope’s antagonist and part of why she made the Lady Whistledown column. This season, they play a more significant role in the arc of the baby race. The baby race is more than a game of Jili. Instead, it’s part of the culmination of the seeds planted since Season 1, with the Lord Featherington title becoming more accessible.
It was easier to laugh with the gags and shenanigans the Featheringtons put out this season. When Lady Featherington had to explain to her daughters how to make babies, it was genuinely funny, with her exasperated expression and comic relief.
The Polin Moments
Of course, there’s no topping the Penelope and Colin moments together. They have a scene together where she approaches him after he cuts his hand. They are feeding off each other; she also gets him to drop the pretentious act he has been doing with other ladies, which makes him shy around her.
The first kiss was also cute, but it would have been much nicer if she hadn’t run away from him – and when they met again after the kiss. It’s obvious he’s nervous around her and daydreaming when talking to her.
Most of all, despite the less-than-stellar aspects of the season, Nicola Coughlan works her magic and her genuine rapport with Luke Newton. The chemistry between the two actors is hard to deny.
Female Relationships
There were many new developments this season. One of them was the Cressida and Eloise friendship, although it was odd. After Queen Charlotte, the friendship between Violet and Lady Danbury is much stronger. Their seasons of working together, feeling betrayed and then choosing each other is a beautiful ode to our real-life female friendships.
However, Penelope’s relationship with Portia is highlighted this season. Their family has complicated dynamics, especially in comparison to the titular Bridgertons. Seeing Portia and Penelope bond was cathartic and added justice to their experiences.
Costuming
The costuming and storytelling that went with it? Fantastic. The makeover Penelope gets highlights her role as a romantic lead, while Francesca’s outfits have subtle references and nods to Violet and Daphne.
Wrapping Up
Season 3 had many merits, thanks to the power of Nicola Coughlan’s talent. It’s a worthy successor to the previous season. We’re looking forward to seeing the rest of the eventual siblings get their respective love stories played out onscreen.
