Dearest reader, can we talk for a second about the โBridgertonโ Season 3, Part 1? Unpopular opinion: I didnโt like Colin this season,ย andย the romance fell flat. And I know this is just the first installment, but that still doesnโt change my mind.ย But hear me out before everyone coming for me (because I get it, I watch the โBridgertonโ series at least once a month).
โBridgertonโ Season 3 Recap
Our last glimpse of the series involved two very passionate lovers in a carriage ride home.ย Iโll be the first to say that Iย might haveย rewatched that scene a few times.ย
In addition to that scene, this season, severalย hugeย moments occurred as well:ย
- Pen and Eliose Donโt Rekindle Their Friendshipย
- Cressida Cowper is BearableโฆKindaย
- Francesca Bridgerton is the Newest Diamond
- Anthony and Kate Bridgerton Want an Heir
- Lady Danburyโs Peace Is Disturbedย
- Mr. and Mrs. Mondrichโs Status Changes
- Colin Proposes to Pen #Polinย
Even with theseย keyย moments, I was still underwhelmed.ย
The Problem With Colin Bridgerton
Colin Bridgerton got off too easy when it came to Penelope. I mentioned before that this season is for wallflowers and plus-size individuals whoย are often overlooked; therefore, I am excited Pen is getting her fairytale ending.ย
Colin has always been the charming, cute one in the background.ย But this season, his personaย turned, leavingย me less than impressed.ย Lady Whistledown even calls it out. Colin didnโt need to transform into a โrakeโ to be compelling. A prince charmingย doesnโt have toย be a bad boy or some unattainable hunk. I wanted Colin to stay true to himself, to be just Colin. Penelope, on the other hand, carried this season for me. I enjoyed Penelope stepping into the spotlight, albeit it wasnโt long enough.ย She remained true to herself while still growing into a more confident woman.ย
Plus, it was too easy for Colin.ย I needed to see himย workย harder for Penelopeโs affection after his hurtful comments last season โ whether he meant them or not.ย He didnโt sweat enough. Instead, it felt like Colin got a pass.ย The show briefly addresses his past comments, but it wasnโt enough. Weโve seen too often how people love plus-size individuals in the dark while making them the butt of their jokes. Colin needed to do more to show he was worthy of Penelopeโs love. Iโm not saying Colin settled, and I am happy heโs realized his affection for his dear friend, but I wish she wouldโve given him a harder time.ย
This Season Didnโt Sweep Me Off My Feetย
While Colin fell short, the rest of the cast did their part (IMO).ย The Featheringtons, their husbands, Crisseda and Francesca Bridgerton,ย delivered.ย Their stories and performances were engaging and kept the narrative moving. But they couldnโt entirely make up for the central romance that felt a bit lackluster. Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newtonโs chemistry feels more real, and theyโre not even dating.
Maybe itโs because the bar was set so high by previous seasonsโ couples, and thatโs why this one didnโt quite hit the mark for me. However, it didnโt feel like Colin would stand with Pen between the heavens and the earth (Call back to โQueen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Storyโ)
I understand itโs still early.ย We have a second part of the season to look forward to, andย maybeย thingsย willย turn around.ย But Part 1 left me wanting more.ย I wanted the same magic andย emotional rollercoaster that previous seasons provided.ย
Penelope deserved her happy ending, and Iโm thrilled she got it. But I wanted to see her with someone who had to work for her, someone who realized her worth through struggle and growth. Colin needed to be more than just a cute face; he needed to be a man worthy of the woman Penelope had become.
โBridgertonโ Season 3 has its moments.ย Itโs still a beautiful show, but the central romanceย didnโt quiteย liveย up toย my expectations.ย Letโs hope Part 2 delivers the depth and passion that Part 1 lacked. For now, Iโm conflicted, and Iโm sure Iโm not the only one.
