Bridgerton’s Slow Burn Romance Finally Ignites in First Look at Colin and Penelope’s Season 3 Courtship
Lady Whistledown’s most ardent admirer is about to become the subject of her gossip column’s probing gaze. Netflix unveiled the first footage from Bridgerton Season 3, debuting March 21, which previews the long-awaited courtship between Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan).
In a dramatic clip that conjures memories of Mr. Darcy’s first proposal to Elizabeth Bennett, Penelope confronts Colin about his reluctance to make her his bride. “Because I embarrass you, of course you would never court me,” she cries, the hurt evident in her voice. Colin appears stunned, potentially realizing for the first time the depth of her feelings.
It’s a moment fans have eagerly awaited since Season 1 as introverted wallflower Penelope pined for Colin from the periphery of high society. The new season promises a payoff for viewers invested in their slow-burn dynamic. “We feel very much that their love story has begun – though they seem further apart than ever,” showrunner Jess Brownell teased to Entertainment Tonight, referencing the strained relationship Penelope and Colin share as the season opens.
Penelope’s Unrequited Love Drives Her Double Life as Lady Whistledown
Penelope’s unrequited affection for Colin has fueled her most daring exploits, including her hidden life as the mysterious Lady Whistledown. As the writer behind the ton’s most scandalous gossip rag, Penelope wields tremendous influence despite her wallflower status. She clung to her anonymity to protect herself from Colin’s rejection, never dreaming he would one day return her feelings.
The consequences of her secrecy tormented their friendship last season when Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) discovered Penelope’s identity as Whistledown. The revelation shattered their sisterly bond, forcing Penelope into isolation. Her only comfort is her caregiver, Madame Thompson (Amanda Bright) who dispenses wisdom along with healing herbs.
With her two closest confidants estranged, Penelope contends with mounting pressure from her ambitious mother Portia Featherington (Polly Walker) to accept a marriage proposal from any respectable suitor. Though her family’s fortunes hang in the balance, Penelope struggles to abandon hope of winning Colin’s heart.
Colin Embarks on Grand Tour Only to Realize Penelope as His Perfect Match
Oblivious to Penelope’s affection, Colin focused last season on sowing wild oats across Europe while his brothers Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) found domestic bliss with their new wives. Though the younger Mr. Bridgerton fancied himself the worldly romantic on his grand tour, he returns home remarkably unchanged by his travels abroad.
It’s only when he reconnects with Penelope that Colin begins to see her through fresh eyes. To regain her trust in the wake of the Lady Whistledown revelation, he offers to mentor Penelope on navigating the marriage mart. But as friendship blossoms into ardent flirtation, Colin reckons with desires far beyond fraternal affection.
By teaching Penelope the art of attracting suitors, Colin sets forces in motion he proves ill-equipped to control. Will tentative steps toward intimacy end in happily ever after? Or will hasty confessions without commitment leave Penelope nursing an even more battered heart?
Shonda Rhimes and Julia Quinn Confirm Hand Wrap Scene from ‘Romancing Mister Bridgerton’
Fans can expect beloved moments from Julia Quinn’s novel, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, to leap from page to screen this season. Rhimes and Quinn confirmed during a London fan event that the tender “hand wrap scene” depicting Colin dressing Penelope’s wound will appear in the Netflix adaptation.
“We feel confident in saying that one of the most beloved scenes from the book has indeed made it into the show,” Rhimes revealed. The interaction promises to be one of many electric encounters as friendship catches flame.
New Relationships Anchor Expanding Cast
Alongside Penelope and Colin’s meandering romance, new bonds take root within the ton and beyond. Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) settles into her first season as Mrs. Anthony Bridgerton while her wayward sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran) seeks purpose apart from marriage.
Meanwhile, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) tests the limits of her political awakening when an intriguing new suitor Theo Sharpe (Calam Lynch) draws her into radical circles.
Even Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) contends with her domestic disturbance as she welcomes the recalcitrant Princess Charlotte (Hannah Dodd).
But it’s Lady Whistledown whose story rivets the most this season. At long last, her lonely midnight scribblings give way to a dream of shared confidence and companionship.