“Dearest gentle reader, we have been apart far too long.”
It’s been two years since our last encounter with the characters of “Bridgerton,” and what a joy it is to be back. On May 16, the first part of the third season was released. Following the wallflower Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) in her trials and triumphs as she searches for a husband, this new season is one to win the hearts of all.
As our characters return from being away in the countryside, the first episode of this season is perfectly titled “Out of The Shadows.” I was instantly on the edge of my seat as the drama set in on-screen revealing our favorite characters one after the other.
As the Bridgertons were introduced, it was unexpected to see the transformation of Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) as she is now becoming one with the ton and leaving her past behind her. It was extremely heartbreaking to watch as her friendship with Featherington is left behind and traded for the new friendship with Cressida (Jessica Madsen), as she’s “joining the winning side” after facing much trial and tribulation from the previous season.
This season began with much to be desired as we followed the slow burn between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). A match we’d been waiting for all this time, it was not a disappointment as the season progressed.
Our Favorite Wallflower Is Blooming
Bound to catch the eye of all viewers, Featherington’s transformation is one not to miss. Rising out of rebellion and new emotions surfacing, it’s out with the old and in with the new as we say goodbye to the vibrant, citrus color palette; it never suited her anyway. The costuming and wardrobe team were flawless in showing off her features, especially complimenting the red hair we all adore. It was a shame to not be named this season’s diamond, as she was sparkling at every angle.
Though her look may have gone through a makeover, her relatable, quirky personality shines through. Within this first part of the season, we see all the sides of Featherington as she finds her way off the wall and onto the dance floor. In the beginning, fighting the turmoil inside her head and heart, the overarching theme of this season, Featherington encounters a shortage of courage. As a way to gain trust from his long-time friend once again, Bridgerton states, “Charm can be taught,” and joins in her journey, volunteering to teach her how to charm possible suitors. Destined to be more than a teacher-student relationship, we watch earnestly as these two find their spark. And I will say, the chemistry on screen is undoubtedly electrifying.
Our Hearts Beat for Penelope Featherington
This season is an incredibly vulnerable story to tell as it shares the ups and downs of what love and loss can do to a person. This will probably become my favorite of the “Bridgerton” series as it is especially relatable to people of my age group as we are also on the course of finding partners and saying our goodbyes to our friends on the road. As the episodes came to a close, I wasn’t expecting time to have flown by so quickly. Leaving us on a cliffhanger with much to ponder, I will be waiting diligently for the second act to unravel.
