Dearest gentle reader, after waiting for nearly a month, the story of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton continues at last with the arrival of Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2. In the first half of the season, we watched Penelope's journey in finding her own voice, which resulted in a blooming romance between her and the boy-next-door whom she secretly loves. Evidently, their romance was not a powerful storm, but rather, a gentle wave. So, did Bridgerton succeed in delivering a satisfying conclusion this season?
Romance and Happy Endings
Our beloved Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), the diamond that shines brightly throughout this season, did get the happy ending she deserved-and so did all the Featheringtons. But even though romance is still the highlight of this show, Penelope's personal battle of keeping her identity as Lady Whistledown a secret steals the spotlight as this season's major turning point.
After the first part of the season ends with a steamy carriage scene and a marriage proposal from Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), the second part continues with Colin announcing to his family of his plan to marry Penelope. Everyone is joyful, except for Eloise who is still angry with Penelope and threatens to tell Colin her secret if she did not tell him herself.
The story then juggles between Penelope and Colin's slow burn romance, Francesca navigating the marriage mart, Lady Featherington's frustration with her daughters, and Cressida Cowper's desperation in finding a suitor. Out of all the characters' faith, Creasida Cowper's is one of the major disappointments from this season.
By adding depth and context to Cressida Cowper, the writers put her in a new light. Cressida, like every other upper-class woman in the regency period, is subjected to society's patriarchal norms which forces her to scheme her way out. This makes her struggle more aligned with this season's theme, especially since Penelope pledged to use Whistledown's power to give a voice for the voiceless. But after everything, she was shunned out from society and never got a proper redemption arc.
On the other hand, Penelope did not face any consequences after she revealed her identity in an emotional plea. Everything turned out to be just fine in the end; Penelope continued to write, Colin published his travel journal, and they both had a baby boy who will be the future Lord Featherington. Everything seems too easy, and yet, it's the perfect ending for Lady Whistledown.
In the previous seasons, Lady Whistledown was no more than a clever gossip columnist. But through Penelope's storyline, Whistledown's presence was signified as an instrument for empowerment. To Eloise, Penelope said that "Whistledown is power", and indeed she is. By the end of the final episode, when Penelope signs off her real name in Whistledown's last issue, everything feels right.
Nicola Coughlan and Polly Walker (Lady Featherington) stole the show with their brilliant performances. Even if Penelope and Colin's love story feels underwhelming, it all pays off when you see the Featheringtons live happily ever after.
(ANL/alm)