From Scandals to Spectacles: A Review and Analysis of Season Three of Bridgerton

Article By: Shalina Sabih, Staff Writer | BCS Chronicle

What You Need To Know:

• This review has many spoilers!!

• The season featured visually stunning costume designs and set pieces, including dramatic balls and elaborate costumes that highlighted character development and thematic elements.

• This season focused on the slow-burn romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, offering a more gradual and nuanced portrayal compared to earlier seasons.

• A major plot twist revealed Penelope Featherington as the infamous Lady Whistledown, adding significant drama and intrigue to the season.

Dearest Gentle Reader, 

On May 16, 2024, a staggering 6.7 million viewers tuned in to watch the highly anticipated premiere of Bridgerton: Part 1. According to Netflix's latest “Top Global TV Shows” chart, this installment of Bridgerton maintained its position in the top 10 for an impressive four consecutive weeks. 

Unlike the rapid, whirlwind romances of Seasons 1 and 2, this season’s central couple had the luxury of time to explore and develop their relationship, allowing their undeniable chemistry to unfold gradually and more organically. The extended narrative arc between Penelope Feathrington and Collin Bridgerton provided a richer, more nuanced portrayal of their journey to love, captivating audiences with its depth and emotional resonance.

It wasn't just the bond between friends that captivated audiences this season, but rather a deep, long-held secret that finally came to light—a scandal that electrified the ton(he ton is a term originating in the 1800s and was used to describe high-society London). The emotional resonance of this revelation was profound: Penelope Featherington was unmasked as the infamous Lady Whistledown. Bridgerton fan, Hayden Phillips, described the main reason she was drawn to the show in one word: drama. “I live for the drama because I don't have enough drama in my life, so I vicariously live through these characters,” said Phillips. 

The season commenced with great excitement. Underscored by lively classical music, the opening shot transitioned seamlessly from a carriage meandering through a picturesque landscape to a bee delicately perched on a lavender bloom. This vibrant scene set the stage for the bustling members of high society to enter, with each fashionable member eagerly receiving the season's first and most beloved publication: Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers.

Colors

Costume designer John Glaser masterfully employed color throughout the seasons to convey each character's story, all while preserving the authenticity of the period’s aesthetic. As the camera pans to Penelope, she is revealed wearing a stunning bright green dress adorned with intricate lace patterns. The dress, featuring a vibrant floral motif, signifies her association with the Featherington family, known for their distinctive preference for bold colors like yellow, green, and orange.

The important thing to notice is the change that occurs as she transitions from light colors to darker and bolder colors over the course of the season, signaling the new débutante’s proclamation to marry. The first of these bold, colorful, proclamations was an emerald green dress trimmed with sleek black lace featuring subtle feathers on top. This hinted at Penelope’s new beginning as she stated that she did “not wish to see a citrus color ever again.”

While this change from light to dark mirrors Penelope's shifting emotions, the occasional splashes of blue in her wardrobe reveal her deep longing to be part of the Bridgerton family. The specific shade of Wedgewood blue worn by Penelope symbolizes the clarity gained from each Bridgerton child as they ventured into the world. This process of venturing was different for every Bridgerton, as the diamonds Daphne and Francessa found love, whilst Benedict found passion in the arts, and Collin traveled the world for some time. However, they all set out on their various journeys to find themselves, as Penelope will do this season.

Costumes

While we did not see much of Viscountess Kate Bridgerton and her stunning Indian-inspired take on British gowns, there were many other noticeable dresses. Cressida Cowper wore dresses with huge sleeves that were big enough to take up the whole screen. These puffy and frilly dynamic pieces indicate her being trapped by her father who would do anything to get her into an arranged marriage. The exaggerated and ornate nature of the clothing reflects the restrictive and oppressive expectations placed upon her. The puffiness suggests a lack of freedom as if she is swathed in layers of her father's control and societal norms. The frills, often associated with traditional femininity and decorative excess, further emphasize her confinement within the roles imposed on her. Cressida who fell short of having a moral realignment was undeniably the villain of the season as she pressured, threatened, and forced Penelope to come out of the shadows. 

This season focused on more than one love connection as Francesca Bridgeton made a memorable entrance before the queen, adorned in a stunning white silk gown embellished with gold beads around the chest and sleeves, making a bold statement of elegance and grace. However, Francesca and the eighth Earl of Kilmartin, John Stirling, did not have enough screen time as viewers would have hoped, especially since her story took a completely different route than the books. However, the season 3 finale did reveal a shocking plot twist as John introduced Francessa to his cousin Michaela Stirling. 

It is important to note that Michaela is the gender-swapped version of Francesca's love interest Michael Stirling who is the love story according to the books that follow John's death. I predict that these women might be one of the many queer love stories introduced as Lady Bridgerton told her daughter when she met her father “I could barely speak my own name, I was so taken by him,” and at the end, she is speechless when Michaela asks for her name. 

While this new love interest initially sparked disbelief in viewers, the author of the Bridgerton book series, Julia Quinn, asked viewers to have faith as Shondaland Productions and producer Shonda Rhimes move forward with the show. “I think that all the negative comments by people about this love interest were unnecessary and I think it's great,” said Bridgerton fan, Lina Hunsperger. “Gay people have always existed and they are a part of history, but they tend to get covered up.”

Queen Charlotte undoubtedly showcased some of the most impressive hairstyles of the series. In Episode 4, Her Majesty hosted a grand ball where Penelope was set to get engaged to Lord Debbling, an event dramatically interrupted by Colin, sparking their love story in the public eye.

However, the most captivating aspect of the episode was not their budding romance, but Queen Charlotte's extraordinary wig. Towering over twice the size of her face, the white masterpiece featured intricate curls and a diorama within its voluminous structure. To elevate the spectacle, chandelier-like crystals dangled toward the centerpiece, where two crystal swans gracefully rotated, performing a delicate dance. The entire creation was illuminated from within, casting a mesmerizing glow that left the guests—and viewers—utterly entranced.

Set Design 

This season's balls were remarkable and so creative that I believe the ton would talk about them for days to come. Alice and Will Mondrich started their rags-to-riches storyline by throwing their first ball. This botanical masterpiece had sage green walls with coral drapes wrapped around the windows and pink and white flowers all over. Chandeliers resembling floating floral arrangements hung above the dance floor, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere. At the heart of the ballroom, a symmetrical centerpiece bloomed like a garden in full flourish, captivating every guest in attendance.

The queen graced the Mondrich ball with her presence, her every move captured by high-angle shots that subtly reinforced her unwavering authority. A surprising twist occurred when Cressida arrived in spite of her previous claims of being Whistledown. Meanwhile, Lord Marcus Anderson, Lady Danbury’s brother, pursued Lady Bridgerton following a heated argument with Francesca, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the evening's events. This ball rekindled the friendship flame between Penelope and Eloise Bridgerton after Cressida threatened the Bridgerton family. This led to Penelope rushing to publish to save the Bridgerton name and Collin finding out she was Whistledown. 

The grand revelation came at the Butterfly Ball, hosted by the Featherington sisters, Philippa and Prudence. The dance floor was framed by sunset orange columns, and the room was adorned with a cascade of purple and orange ostrich feathers. An eight-piece ensemble filled the air with enchanting melodies. At the center of it all hung a magnificent glass chandelier, marking the spot where the queen made her dramatic entrance to unmask Whistledown before the astonished ton.

While it would have been more dramatic to see the queen object to Collin and Penelope’s wedding and unmask her, this moment was perfect. After the awkward silence following the revelation, the Featherington sisters quickly acted to shield their sister by unveiling their pièce de résistance. Their maid, Varley, pulled a string, revealing curtains that opened to release butterflies from cages. The fluttering butterflies mesmerized the crowd, swiftly diverting attention from the season's biggest scandal. “I absolutely loved the last ball,” said Bridgerton fan Lily Salazar. “The colors, the vibes, everyone learning the truth and being accepting of it, and most importantly the butterflies, made it the most memorable in my opinion.”

Conclusion

While this author would have loved to have seen a deeper dive into Francesca's story and learned more about Lady Bridgerton and her newest flame, I do believe that the fourth season will not disappoint. Eloise acted unjust throughout most of this season and her reconciling with Penelope was not long enough after the pain she had inflicted. 

Benedict finds himself navigating uncharted waters after discovering a budding interest in exploring multiple relationships. As he contemplates this revelation, fans eagerly anticipate the return of their favorite couples, Anthony and Kate, and Simon and Daphne. While longing for their return, this author acknowledges that the show must evolve and continue captivating audiences with new stories and characters.

This author may know better than to make comments about what the past held, as there are many chapters left and many stories remaining to be told. 

Yours truly, 
The Whistledown of Bryan and College Station