Penelope & Colin’s romantic sparks

Netflix’s critically acclaimed 19th century ‘Bridgerton’ is back for the first half of its third season, and it’s more lush and enticing than audiences may remember. Season 3 begins as a new crop of debutantes enters the marriage market. As the young ladies prepare to dazzle Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), the latest gossip pamphlet from Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) is spread. In Season 3, Part 1, familiar faces are spotlighted, new and evolving friendships blossom, and blossoming romances bring a fresh atmosphere to the show. The catalyst for all this change begins with the metamorphosis of Penelope Featherington (a wonderful Nicola Coughlan).

Back in London, after a summer in the country, Penelope finds herself in the same place where we last saw her. Yet everything around her has changed. Still in trouble with her former best friend Eloise (Claudia Jesse), after their explosive outburst at the end of season 2, and annoyed with Colin (Luke Newton) for the disparaging comments he made about her, Pen is a lone wolf. Even though she has leaned on her work as Lady Whistledown in the past, the thought of being at the whims of her conniving mother Portia (Polly Walker), or her superficial and cruel sisters Prudence (Bessie Carter) and Philippa (Harriet) Caïns) , has become unbearable. Therefore, Penelope decides that her only way out is to find a husband. Unfortunately, entering the marriage market for a third season dressed in loud, flashy clothes with a whole bunch of terrible curls on her head won’t be enough.

Penelope’s first task is to revamp her wardrobe. She throws aside her childish citrus dresses. Instead, she wraps herself in beautiful baby blue and seafoam green silk (creations of “Bridgerton” costume designer John Glaser), styling her red hair in soft waves and carefully swirled baby hairs (the work of hair and makeup artist Erika Ökvist). Despite her new appearance, learning to talk to potential suitors is not a skill that Pen can acquire from the modest man.

While Penleope wallows in self-doubt, Colin is completely at ease with himself and the women vying for his attention. After his months of traveling through Europe, he has returned to London in a cool new look. Desperate to regain Pen’s favor, Colin offers to help her learn how to flirt with gentlemen. But as Colin sees Penelope’s self-confidence blossom as he catches the eye of the eccentric but attractive Lord Debling (Sam Phillip), he begins to see Penelope in a new light.

The chemistry between the leads in ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Queen Charlotte’ has been consistently praised. Still, there’s something about seeing Colin and Penelope’s bond transform from comfortably platonic to longing and passionate that takes this journey to the next level. Coughlan and Newton have always had a good relationship, but as Colin realizes his sexual desire for Penelope, which is reflected in his fixation on her lips and a newfound fascination with everything she does, Part 1 creates a sparkling tension that threatens to burst from the sky. screen. During a carriage ride after a ball at the end of episode 4, “Old Friends,” that almost happens.

As usual, diversity is paramount at ‘Bridgerton’. This season, the Mondrichs, Alice (Emma Naomi) and Will (Martins Imhangbe), are no longer on the sidelines. In addition, several disabled members of the Ton are exhibited, including a deaf debutant and a wheelchair-bound Gentleman. This inclusivity reinforces Shondaland and Netflix’s commitment to bringing the love stories of all six Bridgerton siblings to the screen while appealing to and representing a 21st century viewing audience.

Although Polin is kept firmly in the spotlight, new showrunner Jess Brownell and her writers serve up some juicy subplots. They take the time to reveal some layers of characters that were previously on the fringes of the story. Francesca (Hannah Dodd replaces Ruby Stokes), Bridgerton’s sixth sibling, who loves the pianoforte, also makes her debut on the marriage market. Although she is just as gorgeous and poised as her older sister, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), Francesca has her own unique ideas about love and partnership.

Just like Pen, the blonde and statuesque Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) tries to get a husband for the third year in a row. Despite her sour nature, the audience learns that there is more to Cressida than her snide comments and competitive nature. Like all women in the Ton, the future trajectory of her life depends on her receiving a suitable marriage proposal, and that is no small feat. As usual, Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) bend the Ton to their will in the background, but it is Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) who is allowed to do much more than mother this season.

“Bridgerton” Season 3, Part 1 marks the beginning of Polin’s electric romance, but that’s just the gist of the story. Pursuing what you desire is the theme that anchors these first four episodes. While different characters approach this tactic in a plethora of different ways, it’s extremely heartening to see Penelope choose herself (and Lady Whistledown), even when she’s unsure of the outcome. Plus, it’s a reminder that even if you get exactly what you want, it may come at a cost.

All episodes of “Bridgerton” Season 3 Part 1 are streaming on Netflix.