Bridgerton Season 3 Part I
Premise
Is it a mere coincidence that I started watching Bridgerton, Season 1 right when I joined a London based project and Season 3 dropped exactly when my long-standing association with the UK was coming to an end? For the Bridgerton fans here, I have had my fair share of Benevolence from the Bridgertons and Challenges from the Cowpers, if you know what I mean. But Season 2 remains my personal favourite of all seasons as it popped up during my own courtship period. For those of you who are not yet a fan, let us first understand what this show is about. This is a period-drama set in the Regency era. It is based on a series of novels written by the author, Julia Quinn. The show is a crossover between Regency and Netflix, a platform that speaks Inclusivity. The makers of the show take us to a fantasy land where things are different from how they were in the Regency period and leave us wondering what if. Every season has a new protagonist from the Bridgerton family siblings, but this new season was particularly awaited with bated breath. This is because there is a planned glow-up for our lead pair Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, whose budding romance is expected to be in full bloom this season. Tricia Brock has directed the first two episodes, just like Season 2, followed by Andrew Ahn who has directed the last two. Is the Chemistry there? Are sparks flying? Is it full of drama? Let us find out!
Episode 1
The first episode begins with refreshing cinematography and references to the previous season – Hyacinth and the bees. Penelope enters wearing a vibrant Citrus Green gown giving us a clear indication of the expected union between the Bridgerton Blue and the Featherington Yellow this season. Remaining committed to South Asian representation, the show has introduced a new character – Miss Malhotra, played by Banita Sandhu. We have a new Francesca Bridgerton, now played by Hannah Dodd, who is set to make her debut this season. Her first look is inspired by Daphne Bridgerton’s debut which means Audrey Hepburn references. But I can say that they did much better this time with a softer hairstyle parted beautifully at the centre and held up tightly in a rose bun. Her character seems unfazed in the morning of her debut as she carries on with her routinely activities in the Bridgerton house just like any other day. This carefully distinguishes her personality from her elder sister Daphne, who looked forward to this day with utmost hope and anxiety in the first episode of Season 1. However, we see that Francesca takes a moment to catch her composure before walking up to the queen. This tells us that while she is carefully working on building a personality different from the rest of her family, such situations might still be overwhelming for her as she is young and expected to play very similar roles in society. Interestingly, both Francesca and Penelope who are actively looking for a match this season, though for different reasons, are wallflower personalities. Colin Bridgerton arrives with a rugged look – a chiselled jaw and a tan. He claims to have travelled seventeen cities and learnt the art of charming ladies. Penelope stands in a corner, now back in her Citrus yellow gown with floral motifs, noticing Colin’s arrival from a distance. Her former best friend, Eloise, now has a new friend Cressida. They spend time taking strolls in the park. This has left Penelope feeling lonely. She decides that she must take up matters in her own hands and starts with changing her wardrobe to find a suitable match. We can see that Madame Delacroix’s business is already flourishing with the upcoming debutante season. Penelope puts away her present pile of Yellow gowns aside and asks Madame Delacroix, Kathryn Drysdale, to help her experiment with something new this season.
Kate and Anthony have returned from their honeymoon and are still smitten by each other. The set of the Bridgerton house now has Kate’s own study where she does her accounts. In Lady Danbury’s ball, Simone Ashley can be spotted in a gown that reminds me of Preity Zinta’s Manish Malhotra Lehenga in Kal Ho Naa Ho. This is the same ball where Penelope reveals the first glimpse of her new look – a shimmering Emerald Green Ball Gown and her loosened curls swept to one side. Cressida is determined to create challenges for Penelope and while she is successful in creating an embarrassing situation for the latter, the incident also fills Penelope with rage and makes her do something irreparable. We realize that Colin has pent up anger against Lady Whistledown and it is not going away anytime soon. Meanwhile, Lady Featherington receives an unwanted visitor suspecting her claim on the Featherington estate, rendering her helpless in the absence of a male heir.
Episode 2
The plot for this season is not very different from Season 1. Colin and Penelope enter into an agreement just like Simon and Daphne did. We do not see Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley after the first episode. However, Colin has sideburns like his brother, and we realize that his ways are not very different from Anthony’s bachelor days either. In the second episode, Francesca’s curls fall loose as she starts loosening up a bit. Lady Danbury, played by Adjoa Andoh, is back to play her role of a wise mentor, picks her new mentee and gets to work immediately. We see a lot of fluid movements in and out of the Bridgerton house and more of the set – Colin’s study, which has the same Wedgewood Blue Ionic columns as the drawing room. The costume designer, John Glaser, has a My Fair Lady inspired look for Claudia Jessie. Violet Bridgerton, played by Ruth Gemmel, is bringing back cold shoulders with a sparkling twist. Does this signify that she feels lively again and is ready to take on a new life? Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, is trapped into a dance by the ladies though he is not getting married this season. He could be our hero in the next. We understand more about Francesca, who is an introvert and prefers silence to answering questions. The episode ends on a sweet note for our favourite in-season couple, Polin.
Episode 3
Remember how K3G fans all over the world rejoiced on hearing the classical rendition of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham? Well, this episode offers a classic rendition of Cheap Thrills by Vitamin String Quartet. The episode is about a hot air balloon and my favourite character of this season – Lord Debling. Though Lord Debling, played by Sam Phillips, is briefly introduced in Episode 1, we see more of him in the last 2 episodes. He brings the kind of warmth to this season, like Viktor Krum did in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Lord Debling’s character has given up eating animal flesh and prefers to eat vegetables, which has made him an outlier in society. However, we must not forget a man of his rank and fortune can make his personal choices of food and travel while he remains the most eligible bachelor rather than becoming a social outcast. The episode makes us wonder if Peloise will resolve their issues and get back to being friends? Mrs. and Mr. Mondrich are learning the new ways of a noble life and Lady Whistledown plays an important role in educating them on the rules of the game. Benedict Bridgerton finds a mature love interest, and both could potentially rule the next season. Wait, but we also have Francesca still debating whom she likes! We get to see a softer side to Cressida, played by Jessica Madsen. She is determined to find a husband, as nudged by her mama, and decides to compete with Penelope to fight for Lord Debling’s attention. Eloise is appalled looking at both her friends vying for the attention of a man claiming to be personalities far from what they truly are. Watch the episode to find out who wins. Colin gets to shine in an act of bravery and seeks advice from his mother. Penelope musters courage to speak her mind, in person.
Episode 4
The highlight of this episode is the queen’s wig designed by Erika Okvist and her team. The hairstyle has a personality of its own and has upped its game with floating crystal swans. Episode 4 just reinforces Lord Debling as my favourite character who possesses the striking quality of listening carefully and bringing thoughtful gifts. But everything has its consequences. We see more of the friendship between Eloise and Cressida. We get to see even more of the set, the living room of the Cowper house put together by Production designer Alison Gartshore’s team. It is an overpowering space which is dark and cramped, telling a tale of where Cressida comes from. We know that Eloise can be a thick friend, but can Cressida reciprocate the friendship? It is a treat to watch Violet Bridgerton always encouraging her children to seek something meaningful and follow their heart. Portia Featherington is practical and advises her daughter to choose security over ideas of love. Colin, who has been internalizing his thoughts for a while now, builds the climax with a dramatic interruption. Watch the end of this episode to find out who finally manages to pop the question to Pen and what is her reaction.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the episodes build up the much-awaited romance between Penelope and Colin, leaving us wanting for more. Nicola Coughlan is sensuous and does full justice to what Penelope’s character demands of her in this season. Luke Newton is a fantastic actor. One can notice the stark difference between his portrayal of Colin Bridgerton in the first episode and the last. I would not say that the chemistry is better than the previous season as it has just begun but hey, we still have Part II coming up in June and it is something to look forward to. Some new characters are introduced. We get to see a different side of some old characters. There are more renditions of globally popular soundtracks. It is inclusive. It is fun. Watch to find out more!
