In season one of Bridgerton we had a spicy scene 5 minutes in thanks to a tree and a very late Viscount Bridgerton. It wasn’t until episode 5 that we got a glimpse into married life with Daphne and Simon. In season 2 we didn’t get full-on spice until episode 7. The numbers are in however and this season is being noted as the spiciest season so far. Hold on to your bonnets as we walk through the couples who bring the heat in the first four episodes.
The Bridgerton Family
Following a few months after season 2, Kate and Anthony are back at the Bridgerton household, navigating married life. When we last saw Kanthony, we finally got a glimpse of their happily ever after following the slow burn that lasted 8 episodes. Was I on the edge of my seat last season, yes. Did I want them to kiss closer to episode 4 or 5, also yes. This season, we finally get to see into their married life and I am here for it.
Setting up life in a house with 6 siblings, Violet, and staff, can be a hefty ask for the newlyweds but they are up to the task. Fear not gentle reader, this author has it on good authority they were able to take on their task again. A Bridgerton heir will surely come post haste if the Viscount has a say.
Benedict isn’t far from the action when he meets widow Tilley Arnold, a free independent spirit. Her assurance she is not looking for a match strikes an acquaintance. Acquaintance strikes up a friend with benefits and our boy Benny is temporarily off the market.
Last but not least, our leading man Colin, has also had some time to sow his wild oats. The Colin we knew from previous seasons has changed into a well “seasoned” traveler with the charisma to make women swoon, and the membership card fully stamped with the women of Europe. As Colin gets into a routine we note he has frequented the local brothel with not one but two ladies. One word… Scandalous.
Last season, Portia forced Lord Featherington to sign over the title to the next Featherington son. As the government is now questioning the validity of the paperwork, the sisters are now to work towards producing an heir. Portia decides to have a conversation to see what she is working with – Prudence answers — Only once on my wedding night… dear god indeed.
“Albian and myself have frequented three places of business just this morning.” – Phillipa
“Places of business, what kind of places?” – Portia
“An upholster, a silk mercer, and interviewing a new housekeeper.” – Phillipa
“I didn’t want to mess up my hair”, Prudence proclaims.
The fact that she only wanted the husband for an arm decoration makes her story even funnier.
When Portia tries to follow up with the girls to find out exactly how they are doing as time is ticking… the response will go down in history.
never met one character that inspires in me both contempt and mad respect at the same time in almost equal measure as Portia Featherington does, Polly Walker the master actress that you are pic.twitter.com/ryWSJbItM3
— Giada Federica; 🐺 bridgerton S3 (@lupainthenorth) May 25, 2024
Polin
Following the two-season slow burn, Season 3 starts rocky. Penelope is understandably upset with Colin after last season. He decides to make things up with her by helping her find a husband. Colin becomes injured, Penelope helps to care for him and he is caught in an unexpected linger in the study. That evening they have their first kiss and it is the kiss that starts the domino effect.
“I have not been able to sleep, not been able to… eat. I can barely speak these days. My entire thoughts consumed by our kiss” – Colin Bridgerton 3.2
Seeing another suitor talk to her, make her smile, really take that part which he used to enjoy – makes him jealous. When she tells him she can no longer take lessons from him… he is deflated. Colin sees Pen in the path of the wayward balloon and while is first to run to the ropes, it is Debling whose hands are around Penelope. Slowly building feelings that he isn’t quite sure of.
In the carriage, we see him kneeling at her feet to confess how he feels. The moment when Penelope says that she wants to be more than friends is the moment that the build-up finally breaks out. On the short ride to his home, he takes the time to show the effect she has had on him. In his dreams, he could only hope for this to become a reality. When she reciprocates his attentions – you knew he was a goner.
As we are only halfway through there is nowhere to go but up with the spice. The question begs however given the delayed coupling of our leads last season, are these scenes to appease the fandom or plot devices to further character development? I feel this is more of the latter. Kanthony gets to finally have their happily ever after. We get to see them coming into their own and starting life as the Viscount and Viscountess. The newlywed frolicking sequences make sense for Kanthony at this time as it is where their priorities are and their relationship this season.
The Featherington sister’s storyline helps with the issue continuance of the Featherington title. The sister’s scenes are also a way to give a comedic interlude for the angst in the season. In comparison to the transactional relationship of the sisters, Colin and Penelope’s scenes express empowerment. The key element to their scene is female consent and pleasure. Their scene didn’t happen in a house or drawing room but in a carriage. It goes against the norm of the period. In the scene, Penelope very much has complete control over everything that happens in the carriage.
Benedict’s scenes use his moments as his pursuit of free love and liberation from societal constraints. The fact is *** Spoilers ahead*** very soon Benedict will not be part of the normal ton because of his book. In the first four episodes, he complains about the marriage mart as he knows soon it will be his turn. He ends up finding a friends-with-benefits situation with the widow.
As a rule, can I watch it with grandma or my in-laws? Admittedly plan to watch in advance as there are scenes in each episode. Below is a chart to help aid in your viewing.
What did you love most about the first four episodes of Season 3?
Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1 is available
on Netflix! Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2 begins June 13th
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