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“Bridgerton” Season 3: The Return of the Romantic Novel Brand Julia Quinn
May
Since its debut in 2020, “Bridgerton,” the period drama adapted from Julia Quinn’s novels, has captivated audiences by constructing the glamorous world of Regency London. Centered around the lives of the esteemed Bridgerton family amidst the glittering and tumultuous social whirl of the 1800s, season 3 of the series continues to draw viewers into a journey of exploring love that is both romantic and compelling.
The plot of season 3 revolves around the character Penelope – a shy, kind-hearted girl who secretly navigates public opinion as Lady Whistledown, the anonymous author of the most notorious scandal sheet. For years, Penelope has harbored a secret love for Colin, her kind-hearted friend and neighbor. Determined to give up Colin to focus on finding a husband seriously, when Colin returns from his European travels, lingering emotions rush back inside Penelope. From a wallflower at the sidelines of the party to a central character in the story, this transformation has sparked both excitement and skepticism among viewers, raising questions about Penelope’s trajectory and its significance for the entire series.
Different Inspirations from the Regency Era than Jane Austen
The beloved romantic novel series “Bridgerton,” penned by author Julia Quinn, comprises 8 novels corresponding to the 8 members of the Bridgerton family. Season 1 was adapted from “The Duke and I,” season 2 based on “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” and following the original order, the third installment of the series will explore the story of the second son – Benedict. However, when brought to the small screen, “Bridgerton” season 3 decides to focus on the third son – Colin.
While in the previous two seasons, the romances of the Bridgerton siblings only emerged as the new season began, the central couple of season 3 was already set sail by the audience from season 1. The show reveals Penelope’s long-standing love for Colin, who only sees her as a friend, particularly emphasizing his decision not to pursue her in season 2 and confidently stating that he will matchmake her with a suitable husband in season 3. Colin’s matchmaking journey has propelled their relationship beyond the initial boundaries of friendship.
Set in the Regency era, a period marked by rigid social norms, class divisions, and intricate social rituals, “Bridgerton” is deeply influenced by the novels of the great author Jane Austen.
The core of both Jane’s novels and “Bridgerton” is a profound exploration of love, marriage, and social status. Jane’s heroines often find themselves torn between pursuing true love and the pressure to find a suitable spouse according to societal expectations.
If the book titled “The Duke and I” was adapted into the first season, reminiscent of “Pride and Prejudice,” following Daphne and Simon’s journey to overcome the pitfalls of pride and prejudice to find true love, the second season explores the contrasting qualities, personalities of the two sisters Kate and Edwina, reminiscent of the struggles of the Dashwood sisters in “Sense and Sensibility.” Season 3 of “Bridgerton” shifts towards “Emma” – a novel delving into the complexities of matchmaking and self-discovery.
Like Jane Austen’s novels celebrated for their witty humor, profound social commentary, and rich characterizations, “Bridgerton 3” also captivates audiences with visually stunning imagery, dynamic performances, and a modern sensibility.
Bridgerton 3 có sự ảnh hưởng bởi tiểu thuyết Emma của Jane Austen.
WHEN THE FEMALE LEAD BREAKS THE MOLD
As a silent observer amidst the extravagance and superficiality of the upper class, Penelope’s story previously revolved mainly around her friendship with Eloise and her secretive role as the mastermind behind the mysterious gossip column. In the third season, Penelope becomes the center of attention as her secret identity gradually unravels and her relationships undergo profound changes.
Firstly, Penelope is intelligent, sensitive, caring, and skilled in writing. Her newspaper and alter ego, Lady Whistledown, dominate the high society of London. However, Penelope lacks the conventional beauty standards of the “ton,” and therefore, in the eyes of most, she is unremarkable, even ridiculed and underestimated.
This shapes Penelope’s shy persona and she chooses to reserve her talents, delicacy, and wit for her alter ego: a Lady Whistledown whom no one knows the face of. In Julia Quinn’s book, Penelope also wants Colin to see her beauty before she can feel confident about herself, but it’s not portrayed the same way in the series.
Penelope is intelligent and sensitive but doesn’t conform to conventional beauty standards.
“Bridgerton 3” marks Penelope’s transformative journey both internally and externally. The series portrays Penelope’s radiance not as a means to adhere to society’s beauty standards but as a reflection of her inner strength and resilience. Determined to revamp her wardrobe and hairstyle, these changes serve as a visual metaphor for her soul’s liberation, breaking free from preconceptions about how others perceive her, to show Penelope as a woman who trusts herself rather than a Cinderella figure.
However, elevating Penelope from a shy maiden to the protagonist of the series also makes her a contradictory character. As the focus shifts to her internal struggles and external conflicts, viewers are confronted with darker aspects of Penelope’s personality, including manipulation and deceit. Although the series has never shied away from depicting the complexity of human nature, the extent to which viewers are willing to empathize with characters like Penelope remains an open question.
UNCOVERING THE STORY BEHIND “THE ANTAGONIST”
Season 3 of “Bridgerton” also brings audiences the opportunity to explore the backstory of the most detestable antagonist in the series – Cressida – for the first time. According to executive producer Jess Brownell’s comments to Vanity Fair: “I love a good mean girl character, but more than that, I love understanding why a mean girl is a mean girl. Because mean girls aren’t born, they’re made. Everyone just thinks, Cressida – she’s been playing the ‘mean girl’ for so long, but she’s also a woman who hasn’t found a husband in three years. I think there’s something to unpack there.”
Delving into Cressida’s past provides an intriguing opportunity to understand the personality behind her haughty demeanor, as well as perspectives on family pressure, societal expectations, and insecurities that have shaped Cressida into who she is today.
The surprising friendship provides an opportunity to understand Cressida.
Furthermore, viewers will be pleasantly surprised by the unexpected yet intriguing friendship between Eloise and Cressida. This dynamic relationship, absent from Julia Quinn’s original novel, brings a fresh perspective and adds humorous interactions for both characters. Despite their differences, their friendship challenges stereotypes, highlighting the importance of female solidarity and empathy.
Moreover, in Season 3 of “Bridgerton,” the audience continues to be captivated by luxurious costumes, elegant settings, and spectacular cinematography. From the glamorous ballrooms of the upper class to the quaint countryside of England, each location is depicted with intricate detail and authenticity, transporting viewers to the extravagant and opulent Regency era.
“Bridgerton 3” officially premieres on Netflix in two parts – the first part consisting of the first four episodes on May 16th and the second part comprising the remaining four episodes scheduled to air on June 13th.
