Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 has recently been released, and many fans feel this season of the show feels quite different from what we’ve usually come to expect. Even compared to the spin-off show, Queen Charlotte, there’s a distinct shift in this season. With the first four episodes now settled in my mind, I’ve delved into why this season of Bridgerton just hasn’t quite landed the same.
Splitting the Season into Two Parts
One noticeable change is the decision to split the season into two parts. Netflix started this trend with Stranger Things and You in 2022 and 2023, and now it seems to have spread to nearly every large series. The main reason for this seems to be keeping subscribers engaged for an extra month, thus generating more revenue. This season of Bridgerton, for instance, has only a one-month gap between the episodes, raising questions about the necessity of the break.
This split disrupted the flow of the story. We only got four episodes, and the fourth was structured like a mid-season finale. In previous seasons, the story developed over eight episodes, climaxing and concluding in episodes 7 and 8. This time, the story had to provide a mini-climax in episode 4 and then reset for the second batch of episodes. This compression made the pacing feel unnatural, and the chemistry between Colin and Penelope wasn’t fully developed due to the limited screen time.
Changing Tone for Part Two
The tone of the show is also set to change in part two, as it appears Penelope will be revealed as Lady Whistledown. Instead of love blossoming, the focus will shift to fear, jealousy, rivalry, and relationships breaking up. This drastic change in tone might be jarring for viewers and could take some getting used to.
The formula and structure of the episodes were very clear in this first part, making the plot feel predictable. The episodes were more about setting up part two rather than allowing part one to have its own identity. This approach could potentially lead to a drop in viewers who might forget about the show during the break.
Penelope and Colin vs. Penelope and Lord Debling
Penelope’s romantic triangle with Colin Bridgerton and Lord Debling added an interesting dynamic this season. Despite Penelope’s heart being set on Colin, Lord Debling seemed better suited to her. The lack of screen time for Colin and Penelope made their connection feel weak. Colin’s sudden infatuation with Penelope after she showed interest in Lord Debling felt unrealistic, especially since he had previously shown no interest in her.
On the other hand, Penelope and Lord Debling had common interests and a genuine connection. He admired her for who she was, respected her time, and wasn’t involved in town gossip. The decision to write out the romance with Debling was surprising, as it felt more natural than her relationship with Colin.
Multiple Romances
This season also featured multiple romances, including Penelope and Colin, Penelope and Lord Debling, Francesca and Lord Kil Martin, and Violet and Marcus. While the side romances were well-developed and enjoyable, they sometimes overshadowed the main love story. Francesca and Lord Kil Martin’s relationship, for example, had good pacing and a genuine connection, which contrasted with the forced and unnatural feel of Colin and Penelope’s romance.
The show managed to get the side romances right, but the main one felt complicated and less genuine. Bridgerton has previously succeeded with its main romances, like Anthony and Kate or Daphne and Simon, but this season’s primary love story needs to feel more authentic in part two.
Final Thoughts
These are the main reasons why Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 feels different. While the show hasn’t dipped in quality and remains enjoyable, it has shifted tonally and structurally. The threat of Penelope’s identity being revealed and the Featherington estate being taken away adds a new layer of drama to the show.
With the final four episodes of Season 3 set to be released soon, it will be interesting to see if Penelope and Colin get their happy ending, if Francesca ends up with Lord Kil Martin, and if Violet finds companionship with Marcus. Only time will tell.
Cast of Bridgerton Season 3
Many of the cast members from the previous season of Bridgerton will be returning.
Bridgerton Season 3 Download in Netflix
- Jonathan Bailey – Lord Anthony Bridgerton
- Simone Ashley – Lady Kathani ‘Kate’ Bridgerton
- Nicola Coughlan – Penelope Featherington
- Luke Newton – Colin Bridgerton
- Florence Hunt – Hyacinth Bridgerton
- Claudia Jessie – Eloise Bridgerton
- Luke Thompson – Benedict Bridgerton
- Will Tilston – Gregory Bridgerton
- Ruth Gemmell – Lady Violet Bridgerton
- Adjoa Andoh – Lady Danbury
- Lorraine Ashbourne – Mrs. Varley
- Charithra Chandran – Edwina Sharma
- Harriet Cains – Philippa Featherington
- Bessie Carter – Prudence Featherington
- Golda Rosheuvel – Queen Charlotte
- Polly Walker – Portia, Baroness Featherington
- Martins Imhangbe – Will Mondrich
- Calam Lynch – Theo Sharpe
- Julie Andrews – voice of Lady Whistledown
It has already been confirmed that Phoebe Dynevor will not be returning as Daphne Basset, Duchess of Hastings.
When Bridgerton Season 3 part 2 Release
| Release date | Part 1 arrives May 16th 2024, only on Netflix. Part 2 arrives June 13th 2024, only on Netflix. |