Dearest Gentle Reader, the town is abuzz with whispers of scandal, romance, and excitement. Lady Whistledown’s quill has been idle, but not for long, as she chronicles the latest season of our beloved Bridgerton. With Netflix gaining such high praise for the first two seasons, fans had high expectations for season three. But after watching, one cannot help but wonder: is Bridgerton losing its magic?

Season three focuses on the long-awaited story of Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), affectionately dubbed “Polin” by fans. The trope of choice this season—having already covered marriage of convenience and enemies-to-lovers—is a friends-to-lovers story, with a sprinkling of the love mentor trope in Colin attempting to teach Penelope how to attract a husband. 

On paper, this pairing should be an audience favorite; Penelope is fiercely clever and empathetic, and Colin is charming and geeky – perfect for a soft friends-to-lovers storyline. Both characters had ample time for their character development in previous seasons, and Penelope’s alter ego, Lady Whistledown, offered a ready-made obstacle for the pair. However, fans were more than confused when the once endearing and loyal friend transformed into a rakish, sometimes cringe-worthy male lead, seemingly overnight. Disappointingly, the season struggles to deliver what fans had eagerly anticipated, leaving many to wish for what it should’ve been. 

Nicola Coughlan does a spectacular job portraying Penelope, bringing depth and nuance to her character’s transformation from a high-societal wallflower to a stunning romantic lead. Her performance is a highlight of this season, capturing Penelope’s vulnerability, ambition, and wit and truly bringing justice to the book’s characterization. She shines so brightly in this role, in fact, that Luke Newton’s portrayal of Colin frankly pales in comparison. This is not to blame Newton’s acting skills, but rather the unconvincing pacing of his character arc. 

The pacing of their romance has displeased many fans, to say the least. What should’ve been a satisfying slow burn (thank you, Simon and Daphne, for setting the bar) instead feels abrupt and unromantic. Colin’s realization of his feelings for Penelope lacks the yearning and obsession that made previous Bridgerton couples so compelling to watch. As a result, their eventual union, while sweet and delivering the happy ending they promised, fails to pack the emotional punch viewers expected. 

Even with its many flaws, Bridgerton remains a visually stunning and entertaining spectacle. This season in particular has some of the most glamorous costume designs and sensational backgrounds that you just can’t tear your eyes away from. Fans also loved the amount of screen time the Featheringtons had this season, specifically Philippa Featherington (Harriet Cains) and Lady Featherington (Polly Walker), who easily had some of the funniest moments in the show (insert the ‘insert’ scene).

The season also benefits from the new addition of the shy and loveable Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and the development of Cressida Cowper (Jessia Madsen), whose storylines add depth and intrigue to the plot. Our beloved newlywed couple Anthony and Kate also make several appearances, still brimming with chemistry and glowing with honeymoon bliss. 

Still, amidst the scandals and romantic rendezvous, Bridgerton’s third season reminds us why we fell in love with the show in the first place. It still manages to balance witty banter, heartfelt moments, and romanticized historical portrayal, even as it expands into new narrative territories. This eagerness to evolve is not necessarily a bad thing, as the show deviates from Julia Quinn’s novels into something of its own rather than a poor retelling of the books – an important standard for any adaptation. 

In the end, dear reader, Bridgerton season three has sparked both fervent praise and pointed criticism from viewers. As with any matter of taste, one must form their own opinion, so don your finest viewing attire, prepare a cup of tea, and see for yourself. Happy viewing! And as a fair word of warning, don’t watch this with your parents.