But a more mature edge as Regency fears of spinsterhood explored says Danielle Mariann Dove Netflix’s Regency-inspired romance series Bridgerton has returned in all its garish glory (at least if you’re a Featherington) for the show’s much-anticipated third season. Transporting viewers once again into the glittering world of high society scandal, gossip and romantic intrigue, this latest instalment shifts the focus to Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), and their will-they-won’t-they courtship. Based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling historical fantasy novels, this season is the first to depart from the reading order of the books.
Quinn’s third novel An Offer From a Gentleman – which chronicles the second eldest, Benedict Bridgerton’s story – is passed over, at least for now, in favour of the friends-to-lovers narrative arc in Romancing Mister Bridgerton , the fourth novel. Unlike the steamier, earlier seasons, we see the contours of a slightly more serious, mature, and emotionally complex Bridgerton storyline emerge in the first four episodes of season three – one that is based around identity, self-acceptance, and romantic attachment. With its usual intoxicating blend of drama and Regency opulence, Bridgerton ’s latest chapter maintains the series’ signature vibrancy and irreverence.
Nevertheless, changes are afoot. At the end of season two, we saw Penelope reeling from two devastating heartbreaks. The notorious Lad.
