THIS REVIEW IS FULL OF SPOILERS FOR BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 PART 1. IF YOU WANT TO READ OUR SPOILER FREE OPTION CLICK HERE!
As a book reader, I couldn’t help but write another review, but this time filled with spoilers diving into the interweaving storylines and where we may be headed! As we know, Netflix’s Bridgerton season 3 skipped over Benedict’s storyline to give us Polin. However, since the Polin arc has been set up very well, and we have more Bridgerton children’s love stories to tell, the major interweaving has begun.
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 PART 1 GIVES US MULTIPLE LOVE STORIES
For the first time, Bridgerton isn’t solely focusing on one love story. This time we’re getting two! So, what does this mean? Sadly, it’s not Benedict. He’s still being pushed aside and given a terrible storyline so far. This time and for the first time we’re also getting Francesa’s love story. If you’re familiar with the book series, “When He Was Wicked” takes place shortly after the death of her husband, John Sterling. He dies shortly after their wedding of what is described as a mysterious headache that Regency-era medicine can’t diagnose or treat.
So, in a surprising turn, we get to meet John for the first time! I love that the series chose to do this. They get to play this story however they want making viewers fall in love with the two of them together. This way we can care about Francesca and her incredible loss. That said, I hope the series waits until season 5 to give us the rest of her story.
Back to Benedict as his terrible storyline. What is going on with the writers and his character? Benedict is a Renaissance man. He’s an artist. He’s incredibly interesting. This season he ends up in a sexual relationship with an older woman. Wow. exciting. I’m hoping in part 2 they do more with him. I need the character to become exciting and interesting before diving into his love story. At this point, my care level for him is incredibly low. This upsets me because his book is my 2nd favorite. Who doesn’t love a Cinderella story?
COLIN AND PENELOPE
Eloise and Penelope are still in a rift, which is fine. I hope by the end of Part 2 this will be fixed and they’re back as friends. I can’t stand Cressida in the books and as much as they’re trying to humanize her in the series I still find her annoying.
Now, to discuss what we’re all waiting for. Do the Colin and Penelope moments live up to the hype? The answer is a resounding yes! Bridgerton season 3 part 1 is doing a fantastic job setting the stage for this friends-to-lovers story. Colin is home from his worldly adventures, and Peneloping has decided she needs to find a husband. So, she enlists Colin’s help in doing so. This addition to the story is a fantastic device to set up a small love triangle with a new character, Lord Debling (Sam Phillips). Lord Debbling is also a worldly man set to go on a multi-year-long trip and looking for a practical match. Penelope is up for the task. However, Colin isn’t okay with any of it because he has finally come to terms with his true feelings for his best friend.
So, what iconic book moments are we getting in season 3? The catalyst for Colin finally figuring out his feelings: their first kiss. Which is so sweet and heartfelt, and leaves our boy Colin shook. We then get to see him obsessed with her. He’s constantly dreaming of her, jealous of every person who looks at her until he gets the advice from his mother, Violet, that he desperately needs.
This all leads us to the carriage scene ending with the proposal. The carriage scene is fantastic. Is it exactly the same as the books? No. it is way more respectful. In the book, Colin rips her dress and takes a breast out. We don’t get that crazy. Instead, we get a pretty good love confession we’ve come to expect from Bridgerton. Then, a very hot and steamy 3rd base makeout session. Is this confession as good as “I burn for you” or “Bane of my existence”? Sadly, no. But, it makes sense for Polin. They’re friends. It’s a temperature check, not pure lust.
SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 PART 2?
Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2 ends with the proposal. So, if they go with the books, they’re running off to tell their families. Since the Netflix Series has a rift between Penelope and Eloise I’m curious to see Eloise’s reaction to their engagement. Francesa is in the middle of a courtship with Jonathan Sterling, and possibly a couple of other suitors. We know where she ends up, I can’t wait to see how we get there.
In the book, this is when Penelope comes forward as being Lady Whistledown. However, it’s not before Cressida takes credit. I’m curious to see if they will stay true to the storyline or how Penn’s secret identity will play out, if at all. I’m hoping Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2 will end in a wedding. Is this Penelope and Colins? Perhaps. It could also be Francesca and Jonathan. Then, my hope is the season will end with Benedict meeting Sophie, the mystery woman of his dreams at the wedding. It could also be a giant engagement party. Either way, I need a big celebration!
With Bridgerton Season 3 part 2 not streaming until June 13th, 2024 I have some time to wait.