“Now, let’s just hope he doesn’t faint when he finds out her biggest secret.”
This was precisely how I ended my last article on Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1. The anticipation was palpable as everyone eagerly awaited the final four episodes of Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2.
For those who might need a refresher, here’s a quick recap.
The third season of Bridgerton, which released its first four episodes on May 16 and the final four on June 13, focuses on the love story of Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and his longtime friend Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan).
Colin and Penelope: A Love Story Unfolds
The second half of the season starts right where it left off, with Colin semi-proposing to Penelope after a steamy carriage ride. Lady Whistledown’s quick announcement sends the ton into a frenzy. However, the big secret remains: Colin doesn’t know that Penelope is Lady Whistledown. The only Bridgerton aware of this, Eloise (Claudia Jessie), seethes with anger and jealousy, threatening to reveal Penelope’s secret if she doesn’t come clean to Colin. This tension highlights the season’s underlying conflict.
Eloise’s jealousy soon turns into an issue as Cressida (Jessica Madsen) attempts to ruin Penelope’s life, with her massive sleeves and machinations. Despite the chemistry issues between Colin and Penelope, the plot progresses with Colin eventually discovering Penelope’s secret, leading to a dramatic and emotional confrontation, the resolution seemed inevitable, and I kept watching.
Resolution and Character Growth
As is typical in Bridgerton, things ultimately resolve neatly. Colin and Eloise overcome their respective disdain and jealousy, and the Queen’s approval protects Penelope’s reputation. Penelope transitions from Lady Whistledown to signing her columns as Penelope Bridgerton, a significant twist from the books. This change preserves Penelope’s brilliance, allowing her to continue her writing career while married to Colin.
Meanwhile, the other Bridgertons prepare for future storylines: Anthony and Kate expect a baby, Violet explores a relationship with Marcus, and Benedict navigates his complex sexuality. These subplots hint at rich future storylines and offer something for long-time book fans and new viewers alike.
The Controversial Transformation of Francesca’s Story
While many changes were welcomed, the alteration of Francesca’s storyline was controversial. Newlyweds Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and John (Victor Alli) prepare for their journey to Scotland, alongside Eloise and John’s cousin, Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). This introduction of Michaela, a new character unfamiliar to book readers, marks a significant deviation from Julia Quinn’s novels.
By gender-swapping Michael to Michaela and making Francesca’s storyline a queer one, the show attempts to modernize but ends up alienating fans. This drastic change undermines Francesca’s original storyline, particularly her struggles with infertility, which is central to her character in the books. The attempt to force this narrative feels like Shonda Rhimes is pushing an agenda rather than staying true to the source material.
Bridgerton’s Future and Ratings
Currently, Bridgerton is renewed through Season 4, with Benedict’s romance expected to take center stage next. Shonda Rhimes aims to create eight seasons, each focusing on one Bridgerton sibling. Francesca’s storyline, if fully explored, would be the first main queer romance in the series, unless more significant changes occur.
Overall, I rate Bridgerton Season 3 an 8 out of 10. The series delivered a satisfying end, and I’m eagerly awaiting Eloise’s story. Her strong stance on marriage is expected to weaken as she falls in love, providing an intriguing narrative for the next season. I also hope to see more of Daphne and her husband, whose absence was felt this season. The transformation of Francesca’s story remains a sticking point, and it will be interesting to see how the series handles this in future installments.
