Bridgerton: Season Three

At first, I wasn't going to review season three. It wasn't my favorite because there were too many stories going on, the primary storyline being about Colin and Penelope who are probably my least favorite characters. I don't hate them, but Colin is portrayed as a pretentious pretty boy and Penelope is just annoying. However, upon rewatching it in preparation for season four (and for this review), I realize that this was a very good season and both Penelope and Colin really became their best selves.

The Bridgerton Family

TOP L-R: Anothy, Colin and Benedict
BOTTOM L-R: Hyacinth, Gregory, Lady Violet, Eloise, Francesca and Kathani (Kate)

Another season has arrived at the Ton and once again the Bridgerton family are in a panic as they prepare to present another daughter. Unlike romantic Daphne or rebellious Eloise, musically gifted but painfully shy Francesca enters her season with practicality. She only hopes to find a kind and good man; however, her timid nature may need some help. Maybe from the Queen herself...

Since Lady Whistledown coined the term 'the Queen's Diamond' when Daphne Bridgerton was favored, all mothers of the ton are desperate to get the Queen's attention for their daughters. The lucky girl who is chosen as the Queen's diamond is presented as the most eligible young lady of the season.

While this may benefit Miss Francesca Bridgerton, Lady Whistledown or rather her creator, Miss Penelope Featherington finds herself lost and more alone than ever. With both of her sisters now married, and her only friend (Eloise Bridgerton) no longer at her side, Pen is tired of hiding in the shadows. No longer content with being as observer of life, Penelope changes her outward appearance and for the first time, becomes an active participant in the world of the ton.

 

This unexpected change attracts the attention of many, but most especially Colin Bridgerton who has returned from his world travels and is immediately set up as the season's most eligible bachelor. Penelope has loved Colin since childhood, but unfortunately Colin has always been too dense to notice it and has always just seen Pen as a friend. The years of unrequited feelings have been painful for young Pen but now she may finally have her chance at love

Overtime, Colin and Penelope become closer amid the social whispers and the drama of the ton. However, the most detrimental force against their possible love story isn't another suitor, but Lady Whistledown herself. While Penelope finds great happiness and freedom as the mysterious gossip columnist, she can become too consumed with the dual power of words and anonymity and will oftentimes use Whistledown to channel her anger and fear. 

Eventually, Penelope must choose between what she loves. Either Colin Bridgerton, the young man of her dreams or Lady Whistledown, the persona of who she dreams of becoming. 

So, switching gears back to Francesca Bridgerton...she does meet a wonderful young man, John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin who shares the same deep, quiet nature. This is something of a shock to the lively Bridgerton household and Violet fears that her daughter may just be settling. However, after only a handful of meetings both are assured that this really is love, proving that not every story has to be overly passionate and filled with tears and drama.

I loved John and Francesca! As the middle of nine kids and having a very introvert personality I could relate to Francesca on so many levels. Francesca found her escape through music while I found mine through writing. I loved seeing how both John and Francesca brought out the very best in each other. Their love, though quiet spoke absolute volumes.

Alright Kate and Anthony, John and Francesca may be tied with you two as my favorite Bridgerton couple

While I wasn't impressed by season three upon the 1st watch (I was also getting married that year and so I was already dealing with my fair share of emotional romance and drama), the second time around was very enjoyable! As compared to Kate and Anthony's slow burn enemies to lover's trope, Colin and Penelope are slow burn friends to lovers and it's a never ending will they/won't they and John and Francesca were the epitome of whirlwind! Colin and Penelope were always my least favorite characters, but their character development was excellent with much more growth to come in later seasons.

My only real issue with this season was the direction of Benedict Bridgerton's story. He finds himself in a very hedonistic lifestyle that is so diametrically opposite of his own upbringing. I was really trying to figure out what they were going to do with Benedict's character; because up to this point, he's just been a filler sibling for a large family storyline. 

So now with season four in a few days let's hope that Benedict Bridgerton can be more than a filler and finally have his own story.