Bridgerton, a hit Netflix Original show based on the best-selling novels by Julia Quinn, encompassing romantic love stories between the eight Bridgerton siblings during the Regency era (early 1800s). With sparkling ball gowns, a scandalous gossip column, and instrumentals from hit songs today, this show celebrates the timelessness of families, couples, and friendships finding their way through their upper class society.
Bridgerton has consumed the thoughts of many fans because of the newest season which has premiered on May 16th. In previous seasons, fans have explored the romances of Daphne Bridgerton, who fell in love with the Duke of Hastings, and Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest son, who fell for Kate Sharma. This new season has been highly anticipated as it focused on the love story between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, two major characters from the first season.
Colin Bridgerton, newly returned from his travels, now spends his evenings flirting with a number of debutantes. Meanwhile, Penelope, being in her third season in the marriage market, feels herself becoming a “spinster”; as her sisters are now married off, and her mother treats her less and less like a bachelorette. Desperate to avoid this fortune, Penelope spends her money on a new wardrobe which now changes her look completely. To further avoid this fate she asks Colin, who she has had feelings for since childhood, to help her find a husband.
“Lady Whistledown”, the gossipmonger whose newspaper communicates scandalous information within the “ton’s” elite circles, narrated each season of the show and left both the fans and characters wondering who Whistledown was until it was shockingly revealed to the audience in the season 1 finale. In the Season 2 finale, Penelope’s best friend and Colin’s sister Eloise Bridgerton found out about Whistledown’s true identity. This leaves many fans wondering how other members of the “ton” will find out about this secret in season 3.
The relationship between Colin and Penelope – a high-status person who falls for an “unattractive” girl – has been portrayed in many shows and movies, but this season manages to capture our attention like it’s something new. That’s due in part to Niccola Caughlan’s performance in her role as Penelope Featherington. She was able to express Penelope’s rejection but determination and refusal to give up hope, sensationally and flawlessly. Unlike the other slow plot developments of previous historical dramas, Bridgerton is energetic, witty, and paced which translated more into this new season.
This season was the first season that Netflix separated the season into two parts, making fans more eager for part 2. With the season ending at a cliffhanger, many fans have created predictions and began re-reading the book in preparation for the final episodes.
