Mild spoilers abound. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the released episodes.
There is nothing like a well-written romance, modern or otherwise. It sweeps the audience off their feet, takes them for a ride, and leaves them wanting more.
The first half of Bridgerton, season 3, was released last Thursday. Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) has been ignored by society at large and friend-zoned by Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) for years. While still hiding her identity as Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews), Penelope decides that it is time for a makeover.
The result of this glow-up (after a bumpy start) is catching the attention of Lord Alfred Debling (Sam Phillips). Colin figures out that his long-term pal could be so much more. That is if he dares to reveal what is in his heart.
I never thought that the first two seasons could have been topped. I was wrong. The chemistry between Coughlan and Newton is on fire. Specifically when they get into the bumpy “will they or won’t they” stage. By the time the credit rolled at the end of the fourth episode, I was more than eager for more.
Kudos goes to the scriptwriting team that finally allowed Penelope to gain agency over her own life. And for Colin to ask for consent and being respectful of her needs. It was a landmark moment in the genre that should become commonplace in stories of this nature.
The other kudos go to the costume designers. Penelope’s dresses after her complete wardrobe overhaul are beautiful. I would wear any and all of them.
Do I recommend it? Did you ever doubt that I would?
The first four episodes of Bridgerton season 3 are currently streaming on Netflix. The next four will be released on June 16th.
P.S. Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) reading Emma is meta in multiple ways. Technically, the timeline is off because the book was published in December of 1815. But that is a tiny detail that I am willing to overlook.
Writergurlny 