SPOILER alert: If you haven’t watched Season 2 of “Bridgerton,” spoilers are ahead.
Beloved gentle readers, it’s been far too long. While we were graciously welcomed into the world of “Queen Charlotte” last year, there is nothing quite like returning to the original Ton. “Bridgerton” Season 3 ushers in a new chapter of the acclaimed franchise, and it’s coming with quite a few changes. “Inventing Anna” writer Jess Brownell is stepping aboard the series as showrunner, and this new season is also divided into two chapters. Part 1 will premiere on May 16, and Part 2 debuts on June 13. These tidbits are just the beginning of the show’s transformations.
“Bridgerton” is no longer following the book order
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Until now, “Bridgerton” has followed the same timeline as Julia Quinn’s novels. Season 2 showcased the love affair between Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Swarma (Simone Ashley), a tension-fueled enemies-to-lovers love story. Now, Netflix and Shondaland are shaking things up a bit. Instead of showcasing Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) quest to find love, the show skips over book three, “An Offer From A Gentleman” (for now), to center fan favorites Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), whose romance was first spotlighted in the Quinn’s “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.”
Eloise and Penelope had a massive blowout fight
The Season 2 finale, “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” was a shock for Peneople. During the episode, her inquisitive best friend, Eloise (Claudia Jesse), uncovered her alter ego, Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews). Though Penelope’s lie hurt Eloise, she was further enraged by Pen’s willingness to spread personal information about her and her family, which tarnished her reputation. During their gut-wrenching showdown, Eloise accused Penelope of “self-serving manipulation.” The whip-smart feminist told her ex-friend, “I wish never to see or speak to you again.” In the Season 3 trailer, Eloise is seen chatting with the vicious Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen), Penelope’s arch nemesis, so clearly they haven’t made up.
Kate and Anthony are returning to “Bridgerton,” but Daphne is not
Kathony lovers will be thrilled to glimpse the sultry couple’s married life. However, don’t expect to see eldest daughter Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor). Like her co-star Regé-Jean Page, who portrayed Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, in Season 1, Dynevor has exited the series. Thankfully, the characters still live on in the “Bridgerton” Universe.
The Featheringtons have regained their social status
The rift between Penelope and Eloise is only the beginning of Pen’s problems. With her mother, Portia (Polly Walker), regaining her footing in society after ousting their thieving cousin Jack (Rupert Young) from the family home, taking his money and shipping him back to America, the newsletter-writing gossip feels stifled. Desperate to distance herself from her mother and her insufferable sisters, Prudence (Bessie Carter) and Philippa (Harriet Cains), Penelope decides to strike out on her own.
Penelope is ready to enter the marriage market
Since “Bridgerton” is set in the 19th century, there are few avenues for women to gain independence. Penelope decides that in order to protect her Lady Whistledown brand, she must find a husband. Unsurprisingly, years of being a wallflower doesn’t bode well for London’s grueling marriage market.
Francesca Bridgerton has been recast
Hannah Dodd is taking over the role of Francesca, the piano-loving sixth Bridgerton sibling. Ruby Stokes portrayed the character in the first two seasons of the show, but stepped away to pursue other opportunities. Now that Dodd is in the role, viewers will see a lot more of Francesca, since she’s officially making her debut in society. Eager fans can read Francesca’s love story in Quinn’s novel, “When He Was Wicked.”
Penelope and Colin are on the outs
The Polin affair will take more than a bit of flirting and kissing to blossom. At the end of Season 2, Eloise wasn’t the only Bridgerton with whom Penelope was on the outs. During her mother’s lavish ball, she overheard Colin talking disparagingly about her, saying, “Are you mad? I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest dreams.” Devastated and angered at her long-held crush, Penelope isn’t a part of Colin’s welcoming committee when he returns to London after a summer of globe-trotting.
He’s stunned that Penelope is paying him dust. Uneasy about being sidelined in her life, Colin offers his services as a courting coach. As the ice around their friendship begins to thaw and Penelope blossoms under Colin’s tutelage, he realizes his feelings for her aren’t as platonic as he initially thought.
Thus, my dear readers, you are now up to speed about everything you need to know before we dive into Polin’s romance. From what I understand, it’s supposed to be especially saucy.
