Romancing Mrs. Bridgerton

** Prepare yourself, Spoilers ahead.***

While loyal fans prepare for season 3 of Bridgerton, one thing comes to mind, who is being pursued?  In the original narrative by Julia Quinn, Colin is being pursued.  This season’s narrative, however, appears to show a different perspective.  Instead of Romancing Mister Bridgerton, in Colin’s perspective of pursuit, it appears we will see Romancing Mrs Bridgerton.  Penelope finally has her moment to shine, and I am here for it!

Penelope

Finding plus size representation in regency is unheard of. Usually women seen in regency fit a perfect mold.  Penelope in the books, is constantly having to listen to that voice in the back of her head tell her she isn’t desirable.  She sees herself as overweight, and even brings it to the forefront many times in the book.  This is at odds with the fact that she lost the weight she brings up, over a decade before. This is reinforced by the treatment she has received from her mother, sisters, and society.  Much of the focus in the books is of her feeling she isn’t worthy of love or attentions.  Because of this I think I connect to Penelope most in that she represents many of us out there who are always on the side lines.  Always listening to that voice from everyone saying that we don’t fit in.

This season, Penelope is no longer the wall flower, but instead becomes confident, and desired. In the newest clip from  Shonda Rhimes, Penelope walks into the Ballroom with confidence.  She shines like the precious stone that she is, and Colin, Portia, everyone sees her as a force.   Subsequently she catches the eyes of suitors, a big difference from the books.

In the books, Penelope is ready to live the life of a spinster.  She really plans growing old with Eloise.  In the show, she makes a decision that she will find a husband this season.  As a result, she catches the eye of various suitors.

Colin

In the books, Colin returns after travels, and visits with his family.  When at a ball, he sees Penelope, looking confident in a dress that highlights her features. And just eight years earlier he claimed, “I would never dream of marrying Penelope Featherington” to his brothers. In the book, Colin is persuaded to dance, and interact with Penelope.  It is the bare minimum until he sees her as more than his sister’s friend. As Penelope is no longer searching for a suitor but instead a chaperone for her younger sister, she can now wear the colors she wishes.  This change catches Colin’s eye.  When he compliments her, she immediately counters that he is only being nice to her because he has always had to be.

The big difference in the show however is Colin and Penelope have a friendship.  Colin actively seeks out Penelope at gatherings.  He speaks to her openly as a friend does, and he is able to see a part of her that others overlook.  She enjoys listening to his travels, whereas others in his family plug their ears. In the first clips we have seen from the season, Colin wonders why Penelope has ignored his letters, and isn’t happy with the way she responds.  Colin decides to help her find a husband to mend the fences in their relationship, and when those lessons start to work, he realizes he desires her.

Romancing Mrs. Bridgerton

A big change that I am enjoying from the clips I have seen thus far is just the levels of confidence.  In the books, Penelope has eight years to grow confidence. In the show she really has just one season.  The fact that Colin pursues her, and sees she is desirable, is delightful.  He notes this in the book that she is his Aphrodite, but we are going to see first hand, his jealousy.  After spending two years lusting after Colin, the roles are finally reversed.

While I did enjoy reading the series, I am very excited with the changes occurring on Bridgerton.  What are you most excited about for the new season?

Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1 begins May 16!

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