"Bridgerton" Season 3 Soars to Scandalous Heights
The steamy Regency Shondaland production fogs up all the glass this season as it introduces a queer throuple; quiet, introverted love; and a love match over the age of 40.
Note: If you’re not watching Bridgerton, skip to the “What we’re watching” section for other Beth (+ Beth Watchers) Recommendations [Link here].
Come back here when you finish both parts of Season 3. If you don’t want the full review, skip to the summary below. [Link here]
Lastly, for a wonderful review and creative wine pairing to accompany your Pt 1 /Season 3 viewing of Bridgerton, check out certified Sommelier
’s post. [Link here]"Dear Gentle Readers..." the mysterious voice of Lady Whistledown purrs, the nom de plume of a salacious gossip rag that has captivated the heart (and libidos) of the ton - London's fashionable high society - during the opulent Regency era. Whistledown’s scandal sheet, an inflammatory document of ill repute charting every foible and misdeed conducted by the ton, has become the absolute rage, devoured by the city's elite, including Queen Charlotte who reigns supreme as the Queen of Gossip. And in Season 3, this viral world crafted by the inventive mind of Shonda Rhimes (Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, and Inventing Anna) is about to unfurl another compelling tale of secrets, desires, and the delightfully wicked whispers that make the ton's hearts flutter. And in case it’s not absolutely clear, plenty of sex scenes.
This season, the ton is abuzz with the hunt to unmask the elusive Lady Whistledown, whose deliciously scandalous voice is brought to life by Julie Andrews. Coincidentally, it's time for Penelope Featherington, the clandestine Lady Whistledown herself, to pursue her happily-ever-after romance with her longtime crush, Colin Bridgerton. Recently returned from Paris with a dashing "glow up," the once bashful Colin is now a changed man, setting the stage for Penelope's shot at true love.
📠 FACTS, No Printer
Let's be real, the palpable platonic sizzle has traditionally ignited between Penelope and Colin's sister, Eloise - both of whom share a passion for reading and righting the wrongs inherent in the restrictive world of the ton. So while a Penelope-Colin pairing may have seemed unlikely before based on intellect alone (sorry, Colin) and the very slow-burn simmer was hard to sustain for viewers, the setup in Season 3 makes the Colin-Penelope ship an effective romance to root for in the Bridgerton oeuvre.
Modern Talking
Bridgerton is in every sense a fantasy of the most hopeful and endearing kind. If you’re looking for a historically and culturally accurate depiction of life in 1800s Britain among the upper class, this isn’t it. Yet it's the show's modern touches, like this season's atmospheric Vitamin String Quartet rendition of Taylor Swift's "You Belong to Me," playing during a ball that seamlessly bridges the past and present. These contemporary flourishes provide a resonant, relatable context for today's audiences, allowing Bridgerton's timeless stories to feel vividly alive and profoundly meaningful in a delectably “guilty pleasure” way. [Just try watching BBC’s 1990s “Pride & Prejudice” with Colin Firth with your tween and you will understand what I’m talking about]
On the feminist front - Women are marrying for financial purposes (this is not new) and some for love matches. The Bridgerton family is known for the latter. Having agency to defy and express discontent with the status quo is a regular theme on the show. And while Lady Whistledown’s harsh musings have put her friendships (notably, with Eloise) and her relationships at risk, she nonetheless writes from the heart and tries to be truthful, even if her words are wrapped in cellophane of hurt and explosive words at times. She also has made mad money from her publication. One of the biggest conflicts of this season is Penelope reconciling with the belief that to be with Colin, she must forego her writing career mostly because as he finally admits, he’s jealous.
On a personal note: As a writer who often finds it easier to express herself in the written word than out loud, the storyline is highly relatable. I had an anonymous dating column in my 20s that was heavily inspired by the iconic Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City. For me, the true thrill of dating wasn't just the romantic rendezvous themselves, but the endless supply of entertaining fodder they provided for my writing.
On Race & Cultural Diversity - The inclusion of prominent black characters (with fleshed-out stories) and interracial romance is a staple in the Bridgerton universe. From season 1, with the romance of Daphne Bridgerton, a white woman, and the Duke (Regé-Jean Page), a black man, this is established. Season 2 saw Kate, Anthony’s love interest, reimagined as an Indian woman, who takes pride in her culture and conveys this through her customs and dress. As the show is now three seasons in, its blended world of colorful romances, is part of its DNA. While one can argue about its historical accuracy, this is a cultural norm in Rhime’s world.
Love after 40 - Violet Bridgerton, the Bridgerton matriarch/momager and best friend of Lady Danbury, has been a widow since the show started. With the introduction of Lady Danbury’s brother, we see love and friendship bloom for her and it’s refreshing to see an “older” romance portrayed as sexy and exciting.
Lord Anderson (Danbury’s brother), Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton Queer, Gender Swaps & Fluid Love - Benedict Bridgerton personifies “fluid love” and this season makes moves to express his appetite for all sexes (and sex). Similarly, the surprise twist in Francesca’s love story with the gender update of John’s cousin was unexpected. It’s fair to say that I’d been thinking the show was hinting at an Eloise-Cressida coupling (I’m not the only one), but alas Rhimes had the last laugh here.
Quiet Love - The love story representation between the introverted and confident Francesca Bridgerton and equally quiet John Kilmartin was the sleeper romance hit of this season. The unfolding slow-burn / friends-to-lovers romance had us guessing and wanting more of them, even if it only involved us seeing them sit on a couch in quiet. Who knew so much could be conveyed/communicated through body language and facial expressions?
In Summary
Waiting two years between seasons is not an easy feat.
In Bridgerton speak:
Even the mightiest of fires must eventually yield to the relentless march of time.
Recastings (like Francesa) and lead couples getting written out of the Bridgerton universe (Daphne and the Duke, and eventually Anthony and Kate) will be something we need to contend with as these actors go on to other gigs. All said, I couldn’t wait to binge both parts of Season 3 and found the task easily done. If you’re in it for the sex scenes, this season doesn’t disappoint. The carriage scene cliffhanger in the first part between Colin and Penelope is probably the best. If you’re in it for friendships, Eloise and Penelope reconcile. And watching Violet and Lady Danbury never gets old. If it’s sibling connections, Benedict and Eloise’s interactions are among the most tender and sweet, this season. However, with Eloise off with her sister Francesca to Scotland, I anticipate that there will be fewer Benedict-Eloise conversations. Little sister Hyacinth got aged up (or just grew up) and I’m looking forward to her romance when the time comes.
If you’re looking for a chaser in the Regency romance category as you come down from your Bridgerton high, watch the most recent adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, Emma, EMMA. [Trailer] with Anya Taylor-Joy.
Beth Watchers Weigh In with Recommendations
- recommends The Offer, a dramatic retelling of the making of Frances Ford Coppola’s classic The Godfather:
It's a great series. Cast is excellent. We borrowed it from our library (our m.o. for everything). Ruddy [the author] died just the other day.
- and have been talking about Maya Rudolph’s Loot on Apple TV+. Here’s what had to say regarding its plot and appeal:
It’s about a character named Molly (Rudolph) who divorces her billionaire husband (Adam Scott) and inherits a huge $87 billion settlement, and a charitable foundation that was set up in her name. She goes to work at the charity in an attempt to find herself and help others - with often hilarious results. It’s a workplace comedy that pokes fun at the ultra-rich - including our main character, who is incredibly tone-deaf despite meaning well.
- started Hacks (can’t wait to hear what she thinks)
- recommends the The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix:
We just watched "The Greatest Night in Pop" about the making of We Are the World and I really enjoyed it. Amazing archival footage. Seeing Michael Jackson in the studio working out the details of the song, Stevie Wonder derailing the recording by trying to get a Swahili verse added, screwing Sheila E., Bob Dylan looking extremely awkward....all gold.
I’m watching nostalgic memoirs:
BRATS on Hulu [Trailer]- Andrew McCarthy, former Brat Pack 80s star’s retrospective documentary about unpacking the emotional trappings of a loaded label. He interviews some of the leading actors of 80s youth culture films [Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, Tim Hutton, Demi Moore] and cultural icons [Malcolm Gladwell, Bret Easton Ellis] in a quest for redemption and justification for his anger at this term. For an in-depth review, check out
which is incidentally covering the Tribeca Film Festival!Remembering Gene Wilder on Netflix [Trailer] -The doc captures Wilder’s gentle spirit and his deep dedication to his comedic craft. From his early days of theater and his iconic role of Leo Bloom in “The Producers” to his continued collaborations with Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles) to his 80s movies with Richard Pryor (See No Evil, Hear No Evil), Wilder was a mensch among funny men! He’s also forever Willy Wonka. Sorry, Depp, but also not sorry.
Let’s Discuss
What are you watching right now?
The term “Brat Pack” refers to which 80s stars in your opinion?
Which season of Bridgerton was your favorite? Mine was the second, hands down though there are elements of the third I can argue are stronger.
Any misfires in Bridgerton romance couplings for you?
Which Brat Pack character is most like you and why?
Which Bridgerton character can you relate to and why?
What’s your favorite Mel Brooks movie?
🔗 Head to Chat to get timely recommendations
What I’m Watching Next
On Thursday, I’m attending a screening of the new Amazon Studio (Prime) series, My Lady Jane [Trailer] - a modern “radical retelling” of the Lady Jane Grey story [dubbed “The 9-Days Queen” because she was famously executed] with my tweenager and I can’t wait but my daughter can.
Me [to my daughter] all excited: It’s a retelling where the girl saves herself! How cool is that?
My daughter: That’s every movie, mom. [🙄]
Thank you for the note about the Wilder documentary- as a fan, I might want to take a look.
I'm currently watching the original "Dallas" from start to finish. I have no idea what I've gotten myself into, but I'm too far in to stop now.
Up next will be the next round of the Euros (I'm DVR'ing them and watch after work).
I liked the Brats doc, but it felt. I dunno...incomplete? I'm not just talking about Judd Nelson and Molly Ringwald not appearing. Why was Timothy Hutton in it? Ditto Jon Cryer? Why was Anthony Michael Hall not?