She just did what Eloise wishes she could’ve.
With the third season of Bridgerton arriving on Netflix in the coming months, many have detested the idea of Penelope Featherington leading the season. Her character has been faced with a lot of negativity, none of which is helped by the third book following a fan-favorite couple for novel readers instead of Penelope and Colin. However, after reading the first six Bridgerton novels myself, I’ve decided that Penelope and Colin’s love story is second only to Kate and Anthony. I want to explain why Penelope Featherington deserves a second chance from non-book reading audiences and why I cannot wait for the new season.
1. Major changes from the novel mean more surprises
I visited the novels only after finishing the second season of Bridgerton on Netflix, and as a result, I already knew Penelope’s alter ego as Lady Whistledown. With the announcement that the third season will follow her after revealing her secret in the first season, I cannot understate my excitement to see how they rectify that change in plot. In the novel, the reveal to Colin that Penelope is the snarky writer airing everyone’s dirty laundry was brilliantly constructed and I am excited to see how the writers of the show edit this to fit their narrative.
2. Plus-sized representation in a mainstream spicy show
One of the driving forces of Bridgerton is its infamous spicy scenes and the building tension between its characters. However, shows that prioritize steaminess are not known for their body positivity. Seeing a plus-sized character like Penelope being both loved and desired by a partner such as Colin in a mainstream show will bring about great representation and maybe help some women find their own confidence and sexuality in their bodies.
3. More focus on female friendship
With Eloise being the only character on the show who knows Penelope’s secret and with much of the season two finale focusing on their falling out, it only seems fitting that much of season three will focus on them. Eloise is the closest person to Penelope until she and Colin find one another and the two women have a lot of rebuilding to do for their friendship following their big fight. We also understand friendship is a priority for the show because of the focus on Kate and Edwina’s dynamic in season two, so we can expect to see some great scenes exploring this complex friendship. Hopefully, the new season gives this female friendship the stage it deserves.
4. Colin’s redemption arc
It is no secret that before Anthony Bridgerton led his own romance in season two, his character was largely hated following the first season. Going into season three, Colin seems to have a very similar reputation with many casual fans seeing him as immature and superficial. However, if season two is any indication, we can expect to see some serious revamping from the writers and costume department to make Colin into a charming, romantic hero. His novel counterpart was known to the whole town as the most charming and contagiously happy man to grace anyone’s presence, and I hope we see some of that charm appear in the third season.
5. New status quo for the show – What will it be without Lady Whistledown?
While novel fans already had to deal with the adjustment, fans of the show have yet to experience Bridgerton without Lady Whistledown. As of now, it would be like Gossip Girl without Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars without A. However, when Penelope’s secret is revealed, the show will still have to go on. While many may approach changes like these warily, I welcome the idea of seeing creative ways to drive the plot forward. The absence of Lady Whistledown in future seasons will force the writers to create new ways to inspire conflict in their characters and new plots to explore.
The third season following Penelope Bridgerton opens the door to a wide new range of plots that vary from the novel to keep fans of both, like myself, on their toes. I hope the new season will bring about major changes, representation, female friendships, a Colin Bridgerton redemption arc and a new status quo for the show.