I think we can all admit that we have worn a mask at some point to fit in. We don’t act the same at work or school as we do at home or on the weekends. We try to mold ourselves into what society expects us to be. On social media, we present the perfect picture of what people think our lives should be. Imagine having to wear this mask 24 hours a day. Historically, how you presented yourself determined your value in society. Young men had to be charming and debonair, while young women had to embody the ideal qualities of a potential wife and mother. The first episode of Bridgerton Season 3 conveyed a common message about the facade.

The way pirate colin is walking 😩❤️‍🔥 he knows he’s hot and I’m here for it#Bridgertonpic.twitter.com/ButizM0DNg

— sara⁷ (@ot7enthusiast) May 14, 2024

 

Colin

 

When we last saw Colin, he was often told by his brothers that he was too inexperienced and naive. Fresh from his world travels, Colin must now navigate life back in the Ton. He starts acting in a way that is unlike him, putting on the persona of someone who flirts with women and visits brothels, similar to how Anthony behaved in Season 1. As he disembarks from the boat, he immediately catches the eyes of the young ladies of the ton. As a gesture of appreciation and celebration, Anthony brings his brothers to lunch to thank Benedict for taking care of things while he was away and to celebrate the new and improved Colin. Although Colin’s flirtatious behavior was evident, it honestly felt so out of character for him.

Living for the Estimation of Others is a Trap – Colin Bridgerton

Colin has been so caught up in the facade that he doesn’t quite realize that those who truly know him – Violet, Eloise, and Penelope – can see through the mask. Violet can tell that while her son may have changed in appearance, he is a caring young man. Eloise, who knows her brothers, can tell that Colin is not being himself. Penelope, who probably knows him better than everyone, realizes right away that this is not the same Colin. It isn’t until Penelope is reading Colin’s journal that the viewer sees his inner thoughts. Here he is in beautiful places, surrounded by beautiful women, and he is alone. When he comes back from his travels, he isn’t as open to talking, except for what people want and expect to hear. Since the one person who truly enjoyed writing and listening to him was no longer communicating with him, he felt adrift.

Penelope

Throughout Penelope’s three seasons on the marriage market, she maintains the facade of being the biggest Wallflower. She can hear the latest gossip, remaining invisible to the ton (except for Cressida), and she can work as Lady Whistledown. Apart from her friendship with Eloise and Colin, she is practically invisible. She feels invisible at home and in society. When she loses the friendship of Colin and Eloise, she no longer feels valued. The Bridgertons respect her opinion, while in her own home, she is openly mocked.

In her family, she is treated as if she is nothing and will never amount to anything. While her sisters spend money on their looks and appearance, she focuses on reading. Her mother sees her only as someone who will take care of her in old age, while her sisters are praised and admired in the household. Feeling invisible, she decides to take a chance and find a husband. Changing her appearance turns heads, but she realizes that escaping her shadow is much harder than she thought.

She is torn between being a wallflower and a debutante. She requires the assistance of Colin, who has improved himself, to help her see the strength within herself. His guidance is more of a gentle coaxing to bring out the inner self that he sees in her.

Eloise

Eloise is a free spirit girl, hiding in the body of a debutante.  Losing Penelope this season, she has had to rely on the new friendship with Cressida.  Previously, Eloise was a very forward-thinking young woman against society.  Now she has joined the cross-stitch club that gushes about marriage.  Starting as a progressive young woman who openly mocked, to an active participant.

While trying to move on, she still feels drawn to Penelope because a part of her still cares for her. Eloise’s family can tell that she isn’t acting like her normal self. She is avoiding books, and her friendship with Cressida is a clear sign. Despite this, she pretends that her original thoughts and views were just a phase, but the viewer knows better.

Who would have expected such a peculiar pairing to become dear friends? pic.twitter.com/0oKB39DYVm

— Bridgerton (@bridgerton) May 29, 2024

Francesca

While trying to fit in with her Bridgerton sisters as they enter the marriage market, Francesca finds herself at odds due to her differences. Unlike her sisters, Francesca is very quiet and prefers to avoid the chaos of the family. She dislikes being overstimulated by external forces but feels obligated to comply with her family’s wishes. This season, she decides to forgo marrying for love and instead focuses on finding a match to escape her current situation.

The issue is that, being the product of her parents’ loving relationship, a part of her longs for that same connection. Even though it’s not common, she secretly desires it, despite her efforts to act tough and independent. Give her a house with a piano and she will be over the moon.

Out of the Shadows

As our characters progress, they realize that living according to societal expectations is not the best way to succeed in life. Colin, while conforming to societal norms, feels lonely. Similarly, Penelope attempts to distance herself from her friends and carve her path, only to realize that it’s more challenging than she thought. Changing her appearance is not enough to truly fit in. Eloise knows her societal role, but she needs to discover what she can achieve.

Francesca, while wanting to fulfill the expectations of her mother and the queen, truly desires peace. She is non-confrontational and has decided to prioritize the happiness of those around her at her own expense. Undoubtedly, all of these characters are putting up armor, and by the end, the armor will break away. The question is: who will they be once the armor is gone?

All this together makes the start of Bridgerton Season 3, a show to reckon with and we shall have to see where our characters go in Part 2.

What were your favorite parts in Bridgerton Season 1 Part 1?

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Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1 is available

on Netflix!  Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2 begins June 13th

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