• Release year: 2024
• Director: Tricia Brock, Andrew Ahn and Bille Woodruff.
• Producers: Daniel Robinson, Michelle Wright, Daniel Robinson, Marco Esquivel, Azia Squire, and Eli Wilson Pelton.
• Screenplay by: Geetika Lizardi, Jess Brownell, Lauren Gamble, Daniel Robinson, Sarah L. Thompson, Azia Squire, Eli Wilson Pelton, and Annabelle Hood.
• Cinematography by: Jeffrey Jur, Alicia Robbins, and Diana Olifirova.
• Music by: Kris Bowers.

Shotgun Commentary: stressful, and… maybe not in a good way?

Review

Bridgerton’s third season shakes things up with an incredibly complicated friends-to-lovers storyline. After two enemies-to-lovers tales, it was about time to see some change. Whether said change is successful or not is another story entirely.

During the past two seasons, we have observed Penelope’s (Nicola Coughlan) infatuation with Colin (Luke Newton). She observes him much like she watches everything else in society: quietly and from the sidelines. This instalment finally makes way for their relationship to grow. Sadly, it is under the shadow of Penelope’s great secret: her literary identity, Lady Whistledown.

This secret has been kept for an infuriatingly short amount of time from the audiences but still remains for the characters of the show. Only one person, Penelope’s best friend Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), knows, but this will change as the queen tries to force the real identity of Lady Whistledown to come to light.

Yes, but…

It was about time that Penelope got the love and recognition she deserves. However, the narrative feels forced and clumsy. After two seasons of build-up, one would expect a thought-out plot twist or particular moment to justify the blossom of friendship into love. Sadly, there is none of that, which makes the end result rather disappointing. The character of Colin is the main reason for this, particularly his drastic, forced evolution.

While this could be explained as those radical changes teenagers go through when they hit maturity, Colin seems to have experienced a 180º change in his mindset during his travels. From an impulsive, spoilt kid to an impulsive, feminist(ish) man who rages about toxic masculinity in the most Barbie (2023) fashion while secretly resenting his love interest’s talent. This change is necessary for their love story to take place, but it needs a bit more depth and screen time about how it comes to happen.

The bright future ahead

The change of times is also clear in Penelope and Colin’s sexual encounters before marriage. These actions were portrayed as unthinkable in the first season and as deeply controversial in the second. Yet, in this season, both parties seem a lot more comfortable with their actions, showcasing the advancement of times and a slow but steady change in societal values.

Furthermore, their intimate encounters on screen not only showcase the change of times inside the show but also on TV in general. It is not often that big women are portrayed as desirable or beautiful, much less in such vulnerable situations. As such, these scenes are not only the best experience an intimacy coordinator can add to their CV but also the most bold and hopeful love scenes that have been produced in a long time. Scenes that finally show true acceptance of bodies of all sizes, not as a diversity token, but as a norm that the world should have already caught up on.

The big oof

Sadly, not all signs of change make for good examples for the audiences of the show. This shift is also represented with Benedict (Luke Thompson), the rogue sibling of the Bridgerton family. After two seasons hinting at it, he finally embraces his obvious bisexuality. Regrettably, he does so through yet another disappointing cliché: by becoming another one in a long line of characters who present bisexuality as pure lust, sexual greed, and mere exploration. Hopefully, his character will evolve to become a more accurate portrayal of his sexual orientation, instead of the same worn-down stereotype based on prejudice.

All in all, Bridgerton’s third season brings on many changes. It does not hit the mark all the time, but the intention is there, and while this might be the weakest season yet, it is good to know that the show is still trying to bring new elements into the mix. The decision to change the focus to Penelope’s fight to become who she wants to be rather than on her relationship with Colin alone is a much-welcomed upgrade indeed. One can only hope the next season will bring further balance between meaningful messages and well-crafted love stories.

Advice to take from this movie:

• Never let anyone tell you who you are supposed to be.
• Even dumb people have talents.
• Love is not that hard to find. Getting a stable income from a job you love is the real miracle.

What’s your take? Have you watched Bridgerton? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message on my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀