Dearest Reader, the final part of Bridgerton season three is now on Netflix. After a rather lukewarm part one, part two comes across as rushed, yet it has moments where it shines.
Spoilers ahead.
Part One Concerns
In part one, I had concerns about multiple storylines diverting the focus from Pen and Colin. They did indeed eat up a lot of screen time. However, it wasn’t from the Mondriches as their story tied up well and led to plot progression. The issue came from Benedict. In my prior review, I did not mention him because I believed he would be relegated to the background. However, his trysts took up too much screen time and added nothing to his character after the first time.
Unexpected Delights
I love the way this season set up Cressida as an antagonist. Eloise’s and Cressida’s relationship was an entry point to Cressida’s motivations this season. Cressida is spiteful and arrogant as she always tries to underhandedly get ahead in society. In part one, we see the seeds planted as Penelope and Cressida fight over the affections of Lord Debling. However, once he leaves, Cressida is left without an ounce of hope, relegated to marrying a man almost three times her age who demands children and a subdued lifestyle out of her.
I cannot help but feel sympathy for Cressida and her situation. However, her biggest downfall is herself. Her spiteful arrogance is the primary reason why her actions result in the ridicule she endures. I want to see what she does in season four.
Changes from the Books
The Bridgerton books are written with a fully heterosexual cast. However, the TV series has taken several liberties with the characters. In this season, Benedict explored his sexuality by adding men to his long list of bed partners. However, the show repeatedly showed scenes of them in bed, adding nothing to the viewing experience after the first time.
In a welcome twist, a new character, Michaela Stirling was introduced. In the books, she does not exist. However, Michael Stirling does, and he plays an important role in Francesca’s book. If the direction they’re taking with Benedict is an indication of the direction of his season, I am excited to see what other creative liberties Shondaland takes.
Forgotten Focus
Compared to the first part, there is a dramatic shift in the demeanor between our two main leads. In the first part, we witness Colin ‘Down Bad’ Bridgerton pinning over Pen, kicking himself for not opening his eyes sooner. In part two, the biggest fight between the two unfolds as he learns of Penelope’s secret identity.
Years of trust, love, and friendship are tested as Colin battles with himself, trying to come to terms with the truth. In the meantime, Pen tries to hold herself and her family’s affairs together. However, in the end, Collin “My Wife” Bridgerton comes through, showing love is kind, patient, and understanding. Even in his anger, Colin sought to understand his anger, and through it he found himself loving Pen even more than he did. Pen, in turn, accepts the consequences of her actions. She works to make everything right, and by revealing herself to the ton, she saves herself and everyone near and dear to her.
While all of this is good, they play second fiddle to a season dedicated to them. Their entire fight takes place within an episode and is drowned out by the rest of the storylines taking time away to watch them work through their issues before getting married. It is rushed and disheartening to see an overly hyped season fall short.
Season 3 Overall
Bridgerton season three is a slow burn with unnecessary avenues. I wish more time had been dedicated to Colin and Pen’s courtship, but overall it was decent. Despite the countless tangents, watching Pen navigate the chaos of her and Cressida’s making had me on the edge of my seat, hoping that Pen would get her happily ever after.
