Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 Review: Penelope’s Time Has Come

Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 gives Penelope all the time to shine. It is also quite steamy, a department that Bridgerton Season 2 lacked in.

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 review
Bridgerton. Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in episode 301 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 is here and it is now time for the light to shine on Penelope. Book readers have been eagerly awaiting for this season to start because of several steamy scenes that were sure to play out on the screen. While Bridgerton season 2 was entertaining and exciting, it seemed to lack something compared to the first seasons. Viewers should not worry as season 3 truly brings back the spice!

Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 is comprised of four episodes which absolutely fly by. Of course, there are a lot of characters featured as they make their way through the season, trying to find a match, but we are all here for Penelope’s story. Thankfully we get to spend a lot of time with her, and Colin, on this journey.

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 review
Bridgerton. (L to R) Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton in episode 303 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024

A Friendship In Trouble

After Eloise discovered that Penelope is, in fact, Lady Whistledown, it hurt their friendship. Clearly more upset about the lying than the things that were said about her and her family, that rift and hurt continues on in this season. It only gets worse when she realizes that her brother, Colin, is still friends with Penelope, and perhaps even more than friends. While she does not wish to cause harm to her ex-friend, it is apparent she bites her tongue to hold back her secret, which will inevitably come out at an inopportune time.

To fill the gap left by Penelope, Eloise patches things up with Cresseda. It is very strange to see the two of them getting along this season, however because of it, Cresseda becomes more likable to the audience. She very much is trying to be a better person. There are times you almost – almost – feel bad for her even.

Still, it is hard to see Eloise and Penelope at odds, even if they are both distracted by others. Theirs was a friendship that seemed to be unbreakable, and we can only hope they mend their rift evenutally.

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 review
Bridgerton. (L to R) Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in episode 301 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024

A Blossoming Love

The friendship turned love between Colin and Penelope is what we have all come for this season. Book readers know that one scene in particular, the carriage scene, is one worth waiting for and trust us — it absolutely is. Penelope has loved Colin from afar for years, so to see him finally realizing what he has right in front of him is exciting and will come as a relief to many viewers.

Initially, he signs up to help her find a husband, but quickly finds himself enthralled with her. This relationship has been such a long time coming that it is impossible to not be filled with passion. Those who enjoyed hte steamy moments of Bridgerton season 1, will be thrilled with what Bridgerton season 3 part 1 delivers.

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 review
Bridgerton. (L to R) Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, Hugh Sachs as Brimsley in episode 301 of Bridgerton. Cr. Laurence Cendrowicz/Netflix © 2024

A Gossiping Ton

There is a lot going on in the Ton during this season, bot just Penelope and Colin’s relationship, although that is very much the most exciting. Cresseda is in search of a husband as well, and does not feel that she has much competition to best.

Francesca Bridgerton is also on the market this season, and while she isn’t as enthusiastic as others, she does seem committed to finding someone. Anthony has returned with his new wife, Kate, from their honeymoon. And Penelope’s sisters are both trying to produce an heir.

Queen Charlotte has not given up the hunt to discover the identity of Lady Whistledown, however it is not at the forefront of this season, at least in part 1. There is a newfound respect and understanding of her after watching Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

All of that being said, anything not surrounding Penelope and Colin is very much on the backburner, and rightfully so. They are all entertaining enough story lines to fill in the cracks, but are not the reason that viewers are tuning into Bridgerton Season 3.

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 review
Bridgerton. Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton in episode 301 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024

Overall Thoughts

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 ends on a massive cliffhanger, albiet an exciting one. Viewers will have to wait a month for the final four episodes of the season, but these ones can be enjoyed over and over. Penelope’s time has finally come, and it was well worth the wait.

NEXT: Netflix’s Bridgerton Ending Explained (Plus Differences From The Books)

Bridgerton Season 3 poster

About Bridgerton Season 3

From Shondaland and new showrunner, Jess Brownell, Bridgerton is back for its third season and finds Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after hearing his disparaging words about her last season.

She has, however, decided it’s time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters. But lacking in confidence, Penelope’s attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly.

Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But he’s disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly.

Complicating matters for Penelope is her rift with Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place, while Penelope’s growing presence in the ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 is streaming on Netflix now.

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