“I do not fear change. I embrace it.” -Lady Whistledown (“Bridgerton” Season 3, Episode 1)
In preparation for Bridgerton, Season 3 Part 1, I listened to the audiobook of “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.” I’m not the biggest fan of the friends-to-lover trope, but what I enjoyed about the book, and knowing the past two books, is the progression of Colin and Penelope’s love.
Not every pair of friends will get together. But Colin and Pen’s friendship was so genuine (especially in the book) that I think the next step was getting together. Their first kiss sealed the deal for them.
One thing that this season taught me was that people change over time. Look at Colin for example.
I viewed Colin as the charming brother who gets along with everyone. But this season was different. Colin is grown, and people need to accept that! For those who said Colin wanted to be like his older brothers with his new look and extracurricular activities…not true.
Colin is trying to figure out who he is and his role within the family, which is one of the reasons why he is always traveling. In season 2, we saw Colin lost in his ways. He went to see Marina in the hopes that he could find the person who he was. But the truth is, we are never the same person twice. Every experience that we have shaped us into who we are now. And we meet the new Colin 5 minutes into episode one.
While Colin’s transformation happens off-camera, Pen’s changes throughout the seasons. No longer is she the wallflower stuck to the side of the room while watching everyone dance the night away.
Horrid of the idea of living with her mother for the rest of her life, Pen gave herself the Cinderella montage that viewers were waiting to see (but no one in her family questioned how she got the money for it).
It truly amazes me how getting clothes that fit your body type and redoing your hair can give you the confidence boost you need. But beyond that, Penelope shows that it shouldn’t matter about your appearance or body type to find love. But being yourself and being genuine will get you farther in the race.
We also watched Pen change and accept that she and Colin might not end up together. Though we know how the stories end, Pen is ready to move on and find a more “suitable” match.
And best believe I was screaming for the duration of the carriage scene!!!!
The friends-to-lover trope takes time to develop. And those who say that Luke and Nicola had no chemistry during the season, probably failed to remember their love is a slow burn. From the beginning of the series, we know that Pen has a crush on Colin. But if you look closely, there had been signs directing Colin to Pen.
I think what is great about this love story, is that we get to see “Polin” grow up. Not just as a couple, but also as individuals and how they navigate through regency society.
Now that “Polin” is engaged, let’s see what events will play out in part two!
Let me know your thoughts on “Bridgerton:” Season 3: Part 1 in the comments below.
Nadine Bourne's Blog 