One of my favorite scenes was, while Colin was drinking with his brother and friends on the eve of their wedding, Penelope snuck off to see Genevieve Delacroix. The exchange between them was so authentic, and that Pen chose to spend her wedding eve with Genevieve says a lot. I love that Genevieve feels safe to use her true voice with Pen, and everything she said to Pen about keeping her own voice was exactly what Pen needed to hear to navigate what's coming. It felt very pivotal for Pen as she was about to embark on her new life.

I was tired of benedict bedroom's shenanigans--too many subplots, not enough polin

The show misses on the 1st rule of the romance genre; a central love story, that’s what was so frustrating about season 2 and 3. At least there has been an HEA.

I really hope they keep the infertility plot. That is important to me as I tried to get pregnant for 12 years. I never did. We adopted a baby last year. But I also completely agree with you that there's no reason that storyline couldn't be translated to a lesbian couple. She could also still struggle getting pregnant with John before he dies. I think it's entirely possible to still have a meaningful infertility plot and I'm excited to see how they handle it.

I wish Penelope’s explained more why she wrote about Eloise. I feel like Colin and Eloise still think she just did it out of nowhere cause she had power. I know she said “I did it to protect her” but it was so vague and I wish she had explained in more details why she did it.

Collins' behavior in episodes 7+8 made me sick and was just too much. We had to see Penelope suffer too long. I was hoping so much for a decent conversation and love. In the last episode I kept checking how much time was left and so much time was wasted somewhere else. The “resolution” just wasn’t good. Why don't they talk about this sooner it drove me crazy. he is like a child! Was there simply not enough time? What would have been the simple idea of ​​​​Penelope writing Colin a letter in episode 7 explaining herself. Then he could have read her old letters again + clarifying conversation.

It’s a shame they’ve really steered off from the books and all the subplots it just seemed that there wasn’t much time for Colin and Penelope 😢

This second half just felt like the show should have been called Featherington, as Pen really felt like the lead and her family was more centered than Colin and the Bridgertons. I love Pen, but I wanted more Colin and them together. Also,the costuming, hair, and makeup were SO egregiously anachronistic that even though Nicola looked stunning, it kept pulling me out of the show a little. I think they could have stayed a little closer to what they did the last 2 seasons that at least still made it feel regency inspired.

Part 2: what I liked. A) the featherington family B) cressida’s motivation and her dynamic with her mom although some scenes of Cressida’s can be cut since they were repetitive. C) some of Polin. There were sweet moments in there. D) john being welcomed by the family. Bendetict’s “out mother ADORES you line” is so sweet. And loved seeing Will be part of that. E) the marcus/violet/LD storyline. I just wish they slowed down on that one because the story of what happened to LD and Marcus was fast and confusing. It needed more time. F) the costumes and soundtrack. G) lastly, I can’t get over how horny these Bridgertons get when they see their love interests eat. It is hysterical and I eat (no pun intended) every bit of that up.

With Cressida finding out that Penelope was Whistledown, I thought it did show how clever and resourceful she could be. Out of all the people in the Ton, she’s the only one who did the footwork and found the answer, while everyone else was just making wild guesses. I don’t think it ever occurred to anyone to speak to any of the “lower class” people to see what they know, but the thought did occur to Cressida.

I read all the Bridgerton books years ago, and my favourite is When He Was Wicked. It's the only book I read several times, because it explored serious topics and the characters felt more mature and real than the others. Michael is my favourite male character, so I disagree with the gender change and Francesca's reaction for several reasons: 1. For the entire season, Francesca said that she loved John and that it was a different kind of love. It is a love of understanding, of being comfortable with each other. So to have her disappointed at their first kiss and to have her react to Michaela in such a way negate all that was established in the season. 2. Michael was the one who fell in love at first sight, but he never declared his feelings. Themes of longing, quiet love, unrequited love, shame, and even self loathing were explored. Honour and familial love are important in the story. 3. Other story lines of Eloise and Benedict could have been easily changed to those of queer love stories. We have the writers explore and even hint upon such story lines, BUT Francesca's change of heart was so unexpected and ruined all the build up to her relationship with John. It felt a lazy attempt at representation. 4. Michael loved his cousin and felt that he somehow stole John's life since Michael became the new Earl. He felt so guilty that he wouldn't allow himself to think of Francesca. This was an important part of the story, but the writers/show runners just ruined that.

Your mention of Benedict telling Eloise that love is not finite reminded me of when Lord Kilmartin was drinking with the Bridgerton brothers and expressed concern about Violet not liking him. Benedict responded and said something to the affect of, “my mother likes you, she just loves a love match”. Violet could see early on this wasn’t the grand love match she is used to (via her own experience or watching it happen for three of her children). Benedicts mention of it also leads me to believe that he recognizes the same. Violets reluctance was strange to me because actually really loved the dynamic between Francesca and Lord Kilmartin Lol. I know people are really disappointed with Michaela’s introduction, and admittedly I am not a fan of the books but I am genuinely curious about how this kind of love can fit into this world.

The new showrunner Jess Brownell basically made self-insert fan fiction. After this season's poor writing, pacing, editing... she really should leave before it gets worse.

Thank you for talking kindly about the michaela change, a lot of people have been so extremely negative and are even sending hate to the actress who plays her. People are acting like they already know how they are going to adapt the story from a ten second interaction. As a queer woman i’m so incredibly excited about finally being represented in one of my favourite shows.

Thank you for this nuanced view of this season. I have seen soooo much negative. I am a fan of the book, but I sort of see them as somewhat separate stories. Also, with the show, I fully enjoyed watching it. There were things I wish were handled differently things that gave the desired intention of a lot of viewers in a way that wasn't obvious. Your take on the side plot I totally agree with. Not all or nothing but trimmed down and maybe replace with more Peneople and Colin! Anyway, thank you. I was feeling a little pushed out of the fandom by the hate.

My problem with Michaela is not gender. It’s how they introduced this and all of a sudden the unique, introverted, potentially neurodivergent love story we saw play out with Francesca and John was basically for nothing. I thought the argument (even to Violet) was that this type of love was/is valid and just as special as the instant fireworks and passion of her other children and their partners. But nope. Turns out she just never felt butterflies because she’s attracted to women. Then why make that argument the whole season? Even if Michaela was Michael if they had made Francesca all flustered and attracted in that same moment, it would have made me feel the same. Why :( I wonder if they will still play the introverted/neurodivergent angle as well. I hope so. It just made me scared that those aspects would disappear.

Thank you for your observations and analysis which I agree with a lot. A couple of things passed through my head during it. Yes, the splitting up of so many new plot set ups and the decision to chisel down more intimacy time with Pen and Colin did leave many feeling a disconnect in their story. They needed to match all of the anger and bad times with something more screen time wise of happy and more confirming positive time. A four minute intimate montage, a fairly full? sex scene in the doorway when they have that moment and the massive editing of several positions? etc... in the chaise lounge moment really should perhaps been re-evaluated and more of that put back in. This was their season. There needed to be more of a "period" towards the end of their confirmation of love and growth. S3 P1 worked for me in the way that they gave length screen time to dialogue. Funny that Nic and Luke actually helped fill that in alone by their off screen interactions. LOL.

Was i the only one who saw colin nod at pen when she was in the centre talking to the room she looked and he acknowledged the look with a nod i took it as a i'm here for you like he did at the wedding I'm sorry if i was mistaken but your the second person that has said this today and i'm being to think i saw things

Is anyone else confused by the advertising and interviews, too? Why did Luke and Nikola act like there were many steamy scenes? There were... literally 2? Nikolas body is always really hidden, seems like the producers didn't believe in their own plus size character and adress, such a shame! Also it was way less than all the other sex scenes of romantic leads in the other seasons and I think even less than Benedicts scenes 😂

I love this review! I have found so many of the critiques of this season to be quite extreme, but your analysis felt a lot more thorough and yet more forgiving compared to a lot of videos I have seen. Personally I think there are a lot of external factors that are exacerbating peoples opinions of this season. Firstly the 2 year long wait, the increased popularity from last season, the massive press tour. In particular, I think the split of the season has not helped this issue, as ultimately the season was always intended to be released all at once. The month long wait also further heightened peoples expectations of part 2 which I don't think part 2 would ever have been able to meet. Especially since (imo) the last few episodes of bridgerton are often the most messiest and controversial due to how the show is formatted, with the drama being heightened throughout the episodes to only truly being resolved in the last 20 minutes. Now I am a massive Polin fan, and I will admit that this season did not deliver exactly what I had envisioned in my mind, but I do not think S3 ever would have delivered my perfect season. Considering the show is Bridgerton, and drama will be prioritised over pretty much everything else, I am happy enough with what we were given. I do think this season has flaws but I think people are being far more harsh than they were previously. People seem to be forgetting that there were plenty of complaints surrounding both S1 and S2 (particularly surrounding events during the last 4 episodes, e.g. the Simon and Daphne intimacy plotline, and the Edwina-Kate-Anthony triangle). And this is just down to personal preference, but I would take the flaws that s3 has in writing and directing, over the plotline of Daphnes betrayal to Simon in S1. I also think that episode 8 was probably one of the weaker episodes of the season (i particularly disliked how they handled the cressida storyline) which has left a more sour taste in peoples mouth of the overall season. I do understand peoples complaints about the decline in writing and the direction of a lot of the scenes(I'm looking at you hot air balloon scene). But there doesn't seem to be much acknowledgement of things that were improved upon or the scenes that were done really beautifully. One thing I think they majorly improved upon is the familial relationship of the Featheringtons in comparison to the Sharmas (they had me getting emotional over PRUDENCE like what?). And I know people have issues with the pacing and whatnot of Polin's story, but we were given a lot of really beautiful special scenes that I think go underappreciated. I found their last discussion at the butterfly ball to be one of the most beautiful confessions out of the entire franchise. I think the wedding was also really well done and really illustrated the love Pen and Colin have for each other, despite everything. Properly knowing their relationship in S1 + S2 really helps understanding their friendship beforehand as well, as I think a lot of people think of their friendship as a lot more one-sided than it truly was ( I think the scene in s2 episode 6 where Colin and Pen discuss finding a purpose is a really pivotal scene that makes a lot of their conversations in S3 make more sense ). I cannot blame viewers for not remembering their earlier scenes, but it does frustrate me when people nit pick every detail and yet turn a blind eye to other scenes that could address those complaints. In regards to the Michaela plotline I wish people would wait until that story is further explored before immediately labelling it as poor decision. I actually thought Francescas book would be brilliant gender swapped and have thought so since before s3. Apologies for the essay length comment, but I was glad to find a video that is more open minded and not immediately dismissive of any positive aspects of season 3. And you always have really well thought out, balanced analysis, which I think the internet could do with more of as a whole.

Thank you for the calm and sensible commentary on Bridgerton 3 part 2. Personally I'm not happy at all about the change from Michael to Michaela. But then again I'm never happy about any tv series or movie that's suppossedly based on a book, when it drastically veers away from the book. If the show was sold as a reinvention of the book like "Snow White and the Huntsman" or "the Wiz" then I would have no problem with Michael to Michaela. It's just this particular change feels like, "Oh we have to throw in a queer story as a part our DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) agreement". For those of you who don't know Shondaland has a DEI agreement with Netflix that started in 2021 I belive. I get it (DEI) especially being that I'm a black bi-sexual woman. But I believe it could've been handled differently. Why not add queer a character rather than gender switch a main chacter? And what was the point of Benedict's bisexual scenes? As it is I (And I know I'm not alone) I was already board with his casual flings anyway? All it did was take time away from Polin. I've noticed this a lot with DEI, whear they just throw in a queer character even if has nothing to do with the story. I just don't understand why movie studios and streaming services just won't give a chance to LGBQT writers for new shows when there are so many great stories, rather gender switch? Like why risk angering much of your core audience by taking away their beloved characters? A lot of people are hurt by this. I will say this, so far on screen DEI has usually proven not be a winning business formula. Disney being the best example. They've been really heavy with DEI on screen, and there stock has plummeted. I've also noticed how I'm constantly seeing white characters replaced by black faces in movies. There may be some circumstances whear this works. But most of the time it doesn't. And the reality is that's not true representation. It's not a race thing. It's a cultural thing. And again why not give more black writers a chance with new stories that really represent us. Sorry for my rant. I hope I kept it respectful.

Yay, I'm so excited to hear your thoughts on this! Only just started the video, but love how you framed your perspective on the show with your background!

I loved how you compare the distance between Polin in the books vs the film. If they just put some verbal assurance and not just reading between the lines. There must be less of complain with Part 2. The thing with book Colin is we can still, see him on her side despite being angry. I am not talking of physical distance because yes he did marry her, still there in their bedroom despite sleeping in a sofa but is he really there? Isn't it more painful to have someone on your side and still feel he wants nothing to do with you. Complete torture. In the books, He wasn't careless with words like entrapment but would not shy telling her his thoughts that she may not agree with. They would fight but he is there with her, talking to her, assuring her verbally that they are in it together. I missed that Colin in the film.

I enjoyed hearing your thoughts! I just don't think S3 was well written. So many things were just done badly. One of the most important things from almost all of my creative writing classes is to show not tell. I feel like they dropped the ball with Polin. We should have seen their first meeting not have them narrate it to us quickly. Show her meeting Colin first and falling in love. Show a couple random moments from their past that might have shaped why he was so blind to her for years. Show us the romance because I didn't feel it. Show us those letters to QC and Violet. I've never finished WHWW. It's just not really my preference of tropes; however, they made me love Francesca and John during part 1. They were adorable. Then, they completely ruined it in part 2. Her looking at Polin then at John disappointed. The disappointed reaction to the kiss. Then, her reaction to Michaela. It was supposed to be the other way around. Poor John. The entire LW plot did feel anticlimactic. They mentioned Marina 6 times, but never actually dealt with the issue. She ended Colin's first engagement and drastically changed 4 other lives in doing so. But it was all just magically glossed over. They turned Penelope into Cinderella. The costumes and makeup were rough. We waited over two years, and I kind of feel like a deflated balloon. One thing I was completely surprised by was Violet's romance. I'm a book lover first, and I vehemently did not want them to change her story. However, it actually seems really sweet. I like Marcus. I think it was really tastefully done not at all tawdry like the fan memes were portraying it. I hope we see more sweet scenes with them.

I think many of the issues could've been helped if there were at least 2 more episodes. I felt like four loves stories (Polin, Eloise-Pen, Francesca, Benedict) was too much and did a disservice to Polin. No other season had tried to similarly cram so much in. I'm also glad you brought up the press cycle! The way Luke and Nicola were talking about the season and their scenes, I was expecting so much more. Not only steamy scenes, but domestic friend/married couple scenes. I also was disappointed with how the ton responded to Pen being LW. It was too easy!

I'm excited to hear your take! I've been looking forward to it!

I'm very disappointed that Fran's story will center on Michaela instead of Michael, not because they've decided to change a plot to feature a queer love story, but specifically because they chose *Fran*. If they wanted to write a queer main love story between women, Eloise was the correct choice. Book Eloise was pretty meh as far as personalities go, but screen Eloise is a developed character who's progressively minded, disinterested in marriage and bothered by how it would impact her autonomy, still figuring out who she is as an adult and what she wants from life, still finding her space in society, is comfortable going against the ton's expectations to find her own happiness, and has demonstrated little interest in interacting with men outside of her family (aside from the very brief relationship with Theo). A romantic storyline featuring an exploration of her self/identity, a realization she's not hetero, and a willingness to openly explore queer romantic/sexual feelings all make sense for that character (and would add another beautiful subconscious layer of kinship to the very close relationship she has with Benedict). Her book plot is also so vile by current standards, the showrunners have absolutely no choice but to completely change it for the show. On the other hand, not only can Fran's book plot be translated directly to screen with zero changes and go down smoothly with modern audiences, but look at the screen Fran we've been given! Yes, she's different from the rest of her family and feels a bit like an outsider, but she also seems to be pretty clear on what she wants and confident about going after it. There's been absolutely no set-up for this kind of development, so it 100% feels like it's just being haphazardly crammed in for the sake of a queer main romance instead of feeling like Fran actually realizing she's queer. The character development in seasons 1&2 was on point, so this was a huge letdown (and that's not even touching on Colin & Pen).

Thank you for your thoughts, Melody! I was looking forward to hearing what you thought. I thought there were a lot of lovely moments this season that brought back that season one magic for me, however I was not that invested in some of the side plots and was anxious to return to the Bridgerton/Featherington family interactions, and Colin and Penelope.

Thank you for your commentary of part 2 series 3. I really enjoyed 🎉 As a reader of the books, too, I have been really conflicted at times the way the story has been re told. The side stories overtook a few times, but as you said, it will make sense in 2 years when session 4 is launched. I didn't get a chance to see it at 8 am. UK time. By the time I did that evening, Luke Newtons 'PR' photos with his girlfriend ( 14 yrs younger than Nicola) had been released 😢 The 6 mths tour of the world, and the romance bubble I was in eagerly anticipating how everything would end .... I felt a wee bit flat watching it. Listening to you today, I'll give it another couple of weeks and watch the 8 episodes again. Best wishes from Scotland x

Great video! I am fascinated with the change with Michael to see where they go with that and really loved the evolution of the Featheringtons, mainly because I just want more screen time with Nicola and Polly Walker, as they are both such good actors. My only real complaint was Benedict's story because I found it a bit boring, weirdly 😂. It could have made its point in half the time and gave us more room for the main couple. I guess we'll see in 2 years where they go with it all!

A very nuanced and highbrow foreword to an analysis indeed. Wishing you the best of luck on your channel growth!

It'd be interesting to know what was in the letters that she sent them. Like did she ask them to "stand down" and let her have her moment? Or asked them not to show any expressions as she knew she was going to offer an annulment to save the Bridgerton family?

So glad I found your channel! I live for your brigerton content ❤

I do like that the humor was brought out in some scenes. It just keeps the time period in regard to women not being informed about sex education before marriage. The family’s were both headed by widows who did not explain much to their daughters. It did emphasize what Penelope said to Colin about women not having the freedoms that men had. We have come a long way!

As always great exploration of the season. I’m with you on all the points you raised. I had to rewatch all the episodes a couple of times before I formed thoughts since this is my favorite couple. I’m grateful for everything we got and looking forward to Benedict and Sophie’s story next(I think!)thank you for this video 🌈

You nailed a bunch of the criticisms I also have with this season of Bridgerton, such as, not necessarily less screentime for Polin as a main romance, but that the Lady Whistledown drama consumed a lot of those scenes that in other seasons would have been used for the love story. I didn't like seeing Pen suffer and beg for love for the entire season, while Colin's character was flat, immature and all over the place. The Michaela thing is gonna be interesting -- I'm a straight viewer, and not a book reader, but I'm looking forward to it. My only qualm with the Francesca storyline is that we set up this incredibly sweet romance with John Kilmartin all season long, between potentially two neurodivergents, only to sweep him out of the picture in the finale -- at the apex of their love story! We could have had another B plot romance, or more Polin actual love story scenes, and done the whole Francesca-meets-and-marries-John at the start of HER season, in the first 2 episodes. It would have been just as sweet and effective, BUT it would not have functionally frustrated the viewers. As is, the emotional investment there feels like we were set up just to have the rug pulled out last minute. It's like "And they lived happily ever aaaaa -- nevermind, she falls in love with someone else!" This is doing a disservice to both the romance with Kilmartin AND the romance with Michaela. You don't want the Michaela thing to have to labor against the viewer's frustration, and create character resentment for her to have to overcome so that we can get on board with the Francesca-Michaela pairing. It's just creating an obstacle that doesn't need to be there, just by timing and developing this whole thing the way they did.

Wish people stop comparing movies to the books. Keep doing same thing and expecting a different result. Movies will never be identical a book. You need to see it as its own story. Just like a dozen multiple versions of King Author and excalibur or different versions of Robin Hood. Not meant to be the same.

The thing is this series draws alot of lovers of the Jane Austin books. When adapting those books into to film most of them play out the source material with accuracy 90 percent of the time. Even when they adapt the books into a new vision they still hold true to the central theme ,characters and plot. ( bride and prejudice, clueless and so on) Bridgerton has always taken liberties with the story telling. So the audience will get bits and pieces from the books but it may not be told in the way or order that was originally intended. This can really work if it improves on the original source material but Netflix has yet to work out this formula so far. (Example PERSUASION 22 🤢) I classify a decent retelling of the story as how rewatchable that version will be .With the Jane Austin shows I find myself drawn to watch them over and over. I can repeat iconic lines from the book and look forward to this playing out on screen as written. Bridgerton is an entertaining show but has yet to fully fulfill that urge in me to want to rewatch again and again .This is why I feel they fall short The book lovers may have angst and dissapointment because the showrunners have chosen to shifts away of what happens in the book and retell it in a extremely different way on screen .This works some of the time but not completely as seen in S3.

You make an excellent point throughout your analysis. The Netflix Bridgerton series consists of avid book fans and new comers who have never read the book. The audience is mixe with people from the four corners of the world, men, women, queer community and non queer community. I am not big fan of one size fits all and something for everybody. In the film world there are not that many skilled and talented people who are able to satisfy everyone at the same time to the extent. For example I have been so disappointed by Seasons 2 and 3 that I don't think I could stomach Season 4 and am in the process of order the books, and praying someone else comes up to propose an alternate interpretation of the Netflix series. I don't like diversity and inclusion for the mere sake of diversity and inclusion. Social agenda reflected in art can be artistic expression or license. Or, it can be propaganda. I have not been impressed by the Season 3 showrunners. Yeah, there were some interesting things, but on the whole it didn't work for me. I didn't read the books, but it was only after I went on the forums that I realized "Oh, Season 3 is supposed to be about Penelope and Colin." That whole storyline was meh. I don't blame the actors. I blame the lighting people, the costumes, the direction, the editing and the camera angles. I guess reasonable people can disagree regarding the introduction of the Michaela character. Typically, at least in a predominantly white/european film, an afro black woman is cast in the following roles: (1) mama/mamie. In the US think about Scarlett O'Hara's mammy played by Hattie McDaniel. In the Bridgerton series Lady Danbury is mammy. Aruguably the same can be said about Queen Charlotte. (2) the sexless/a sexual best friend or work colleague. Sometimes she can be pretty like Eve Moneypenny played by Black actress Naomie Harris in the 2019 James Bond film "No Time To Die." Even if that best friend is sexy, there's an invisible line that does not cross into romance with the leading male character. (3) the slut, the whore and the woman of ill repute. I like Halle Barry, the actress, but I'm still traumatized by her role in "Monster's Ball." Or, she can be the victim. That's not an improvement. (4) She is gay. Hollywood loves casting afro black women in these stereotypes. They make an exception for racially ambiguous black women like Zendaya. The showrunners have openly declared they want a queer Bridgerton story line. Okay. It is their show. I don't understand why Eloise is not the preferred choice to represent queer love. But okay. Masala Baduzi, the actress cast as Michaela, is an accomplished actress. She has won much praise for her work on the series Noughts & Crosses which re-imagines the history of colonization where Black South Africa colonized Britain. She is charming. She has charisma. But I didn't get any great chemistry from seeing Hannah Dodd, the Francesca actress, and Masala Baduzi in the same frame. I am sure Masala Baduzi would make whatever role she takes her own. I am curious about Masala and I will check out some of her work. But I am not excited or intrigued by the prospect of Masala Baduzi cast in a lesbian romance. What is so new, diverse and different about that? Is she supposed to be a "reformed rake?" Great! Isn't a female "rake" indicated in my checklist of stereotype casting of Black Afro women? Oh, but this is a regency historical love story that is all about manners. So previously quiet Francesca will lurk about in hushed corners of the Killmartin Scotish castle seeking her beloved Michaela? maybe Francesca is the wicked one? Okay. This is too much. I can't.

Part 3: what I did not like. This is going to be a long one. Sorry. You guys can skim. A) michaela. Bear with me. At first, I was like “noo” but for two reasons. First, I thought she was going to be Sophie and b) I loved Michael so much. I thought if she has Michael’s qualities. Fine. And people did provide ideas on how to keep the infertility storyline with a few changes. But the inheriting the estate storyline confuses me because if she does inherit, it retcons even the show’s universe’s rules, in my opinion. Also, it felt like she should have fallen in love at first sight with Francesca not the other way around. And I do feel she was introduced too early. i feel she should be introduced in ep. 2 of season 4 and we get the trip friendship that was the heart of the story. B) part 2’s writing. There was too much of tell v. Show and some of the themes felt like pandering like the women empowerment. I appreciate that, but we do not need it in every piece of dialogue either. The previous seasons already showed that in subtle ways. Penelope’s reasons to be LW went all over the place. First, it is because of her being over looked. Next it was because she wants to be a voice to the people. Next ot was this other thing. Stop. Go back to the drawing board and watch the other seasons and read the book. C) not bendetict’s bisexuality, but introducing Paul out of nowhere and Tilly’s speech just felt like more pandering that we did not need. I feel Paul would have been better introduced in season 2. Art school. And this storyline along with Cressida’s took over the romance of Polin and seeing the progression of him gradually forgiving Penelope and wanting to be at her side again. D) lack of Polin development. They were shoved to the side in their own episode. And it was like Jess remembered she had to finish their storyline in ep. 8 and shoved all of that in exposition and dialogue. There was time Jess, that you spent elsewhere. See why I am mixed about my feelings about Jess (the show runner) this season. E) eloise’s and penelope’s friendship. This plotline could have worked if they did not make eloise do a 180 from part 1. I felt her breakup with Cressida was rushed and I felt her reconciliation with Penelope was rushed. It needed to slow down so we can breathe and just be there for them. Part 1 made Eloise nuanced and mature and gave her development, but that went away in ep. 5. What? F) last one. Cressida’s storyline which I am 50/50 on. Liked her motivation and her going to the print shops and everything. Liked the dynamic with her mother. Good, but the scenes with her father and johanna needed to be cut. It was repetitive as hell. We understood what she was going through in part 1. We did not need more scenes shoving that in our face. And seeing how quickly the friendship between her and Eloise got destroyed, why add that in the first place. I feel Alice would work better for the friendship with Eloise and it would go with her storyline in part 1.

Loved this breakdown!!

Part 1: Ok my big question. Did Jess, the new show runner write all of season 3. I stupidly assumed that CVD did 1-5 because it was the most consistent and took things from the book and the changes to it actually was in line of the spirit of book which fit the previous seasons. The rest of the episodes felt disjointed and you can tell someone new worked on it. Were there multiple writers? I have a hard time looking for an article that discusses this. Was there time to do multiple redrafts? If Jess was responsible for part 1, I feel bad giving her a lot of hate because I thought it was fantastic. If yes, what happened to make part 2 so disjointed and rushed? If they trimmed the fat and cut some scenes, there would be time for all these subplots. Maybe. I am disappointed that the “romancing mr. Bridgerton”episode was rarely about them. They kept cutting to the unnecessary sub plots which a lot of our anger towards Jess is stemming from especially since many praised part 1. And it is confusing if Jess likes the source material. She sometimes says, “at least you have the books” to giving us lines in the show that are verbatim from the books. It feels contradictory to me. And I felt she got over excited and overly ambitious and added storylines that distracted why we watched: polin.

Too much Tilley and not enough Polin.....Michaela scene was weird to a book reader... bevause Michael is in unrequited love for Francesca.. but her odd behaviour turned that upside down

The scene in the book you mentioned where he nervously shares his writing would have been absolutely fantastic for them to have put in! That scene and the musicale were the moments in the book I missed that I wish they had done, but I have to remind myself, the book is always gonna be there, I can reread it 😆 Overall I did really enjoy the season and I especially have liked it more in my rewatches. Love your reviews!

I really love your content ❤

I think your analysis of the season is the one I must agree with, I really loved hearing your thoughts on the season. I feel very strongly about this season of the show, for me I liked that it was more than just the romance between the leads. It felt like this season had more to say about women, family, friendship, romance, and power dynamics of that time. Tho I will always insist that we needed more moments of Polin together alone trying to talk and go through this situation.

There are a lot scenes we wanted to see but I feel like they will be in next season just like kanthony who did not have much happy moments but this season you see them really happy.

Interesting video. I think I may have to rewatch it later.

So much information in such a short time. I feel like I need to get you a big Ice water after your recording as you spoke for so long and so quickly, LOL. Sufficed to say, your review was both very thoughtful and informative and as such I am now following you. As for myself, I am, to my knowledge a rarity in the romance sphere as I am a straight white male, but I think that there must be others out there like me. While I do agree with you no many points, chiefly that there simply wasn’t enough Polin in season three (fat shaming on the part of Netflix), one aspect of the show i did enjoy more than the book was Colin being less of a mean hothead. In the book he says cruel things that I can’t imagine saying to someone I love even at my most angry (and I am Italian, lol). The show Colin in my view was more worthy (even though no one is truly worthy enough for her) of Pen than the book version. Looking inward I must acknowledge that it could also have to do with the book’s physical description of Penelope and the emphasis on her NOT being beautiful. In contrast Nicola Coughlan (in my opinion) is quite frankly the most physically attractive person currently in the entertainment industry. Probably my Italian heritage and the woman in my world growing up being full figured. So the stark difference in what I pictured in my mind as to how Pen looked opposed to how she looked in the show was jarring to say the least. Even still the book Pen in my mind was the most attractive of all the characters for her intelligence, wit, and kindness. To find a woman who is as intelligent or even more intelligent as yourself, who challenges you and can push you to see things from a different perspective. A woman who you can laugh with, who is caring and thoughtful, this is the dream of all men whether they wish to admit to it or not. Book Colin and for that matter, show Colin both get that in the end. So, while I may have wished for more, what we got was beautiful in execution

Would you do a video here’s what to read if you liked Bridgerton ? ❤

Tucked in like a pizza!

thanks so much for your nuanced perspective on the back half of season 3. I also felt the loss of the happy intimacy between Pen and Colin - with their reconciliation coming so late in the season. But I can suspend disbelief enough to believe they really did get there. In terms of Frannie and Michaela -- I really think a gay relationship could really vibe with the "wickedness" and scandal that surrounded Michael in the book -- there could be scandal around Michaela, which Frannie resists because it frightens her -- because it goes against accepted values. The difficulty I see -- and I suppose Bridgerton could get around it just by it being a fantasy -- is how to make the happily ever after happen for a gay couple in the 19th century. I hope the show runners can make it ring true and that the family and friends rally around the couple and they get their shining moment too. Thanks again -- I did subscribe just now too

I was very disappointed with how colin was treated this season by the writers...this seasons pacing and writing and direction felt...off

You didn’t bring up the fact that Penelope was pregnant from their first time during this or the epilogue!

Why did Colin REFUSE to sleep with Marina before marriage but immediately bed Penelope? It felt a bit like he respects her less. I didn't read that scene as passion they couldn't ignore... but more as passion they were choosing to ignore. If that makes sense. I didn't like anything about Polin. Every part of it just felt off and uncomfortable and sad. I felt like I didn't believe any of it either. His anger at her being Lady Whistledown? Didn't buy it. His love for Penelope? Came out of the BLUE. Up to the point he kisses her he shows NO romantic interest and then bam one kiss and he's madly in love? What? The threesomes? EW. It just ruined him for me. Completely and totally.

I’m not a book reader. I am so accustomed to ensemble casts in TV series these days that I don’t think anything of having many storylines going on during a show season. I like it just fine. ❤

This is beautiful. I can't wait to rewatch & take notes. I love deep dives esp for Bridgerton 🤭🪭🐝🪶🐝😁💎 "I'm an millennial I have lived through some bad adaptations" 😂 I felt that 🤌🏾

I love this review! I have found so many of the critiques of this season to be quite extreme, but your analysis felt a lot more thorough and yet more forgiving compared to a lot of videos I have seen. Personally I think there are a lot of external factors that are exacerbating peoples opinions of this season. Firstly the 2 year long wait, the increased popularity from last season, the massive press tour. In particular, I think the split of the season has not helped this issue, as ultimately the season was always intended to be released all at once. The month long wait also further heightened peoples expectations of part 2 which I don't think part 2 would ever have been able to meet. Especially since (imo) the last few episodes of bridgerton are often the most messiest and controversial due to how the show is formatted, with the drama being heightened throughout the episodes to only truly being resolved in the last 20 minutes. Now I am a massive Polin fan, and I will admit that this season did not deliver exactly what I had envisioned in my mind, but I do not think S3 ever would have delivered my perfect season. Considering the show is Bridgerton, and drama will be prioritised over pretty much everything else, I am happy enough with what we were given. I do think this season has flaws but I think people are being far more harsh than they were previously. People seem to be forgetting that there were plenty of complaints surrounding both S1 and S2 (particularly surrounding events during the last 4 episodes, e.g. the Simon and Daphne intimacy plotline, and the Edwina-Kate-Anthony triangle). And this is just down to personal preference, but I would take the flaws that s3 has in writing and directing, over the plotline of Daphnes betrayal to Simon in S1. I also think that episode 8 was probably one of the weaker episodes of the season (i particularly disliked how they handled the cressida storyline) which has left a more sour taste in peoples mouth of the overall season. I do understand peoples complaints about the decline in writing and the direction of a lot of the scenes(I'm looking at you hot air balloon scene). But there doesn't seem to be much acknowledgement of things that were improved upon or the scenes that were done really beautifully. One thing I think they majorly improved upon is the familial relationship of the Featheringtons in comparison to the Sharmas (they had me getting emotional over PRUDENCE like what?). And I know people have issues with the pacing and whatnot of Polin's story, but we were given a lot of really beautiful special scenes that I think go underappreciated. I found their last discussion at the butterfly ball to be one of the most beautiful confessions out of the entire franchise. I think the wedding was also really well done and really illustrated the love Pen and Colin have for each other, despite everything. Properly knowing their relationship in S1 + S2 really helps understanding their friendship beforehand as well, as I think a lot of people think of their friendship as a lot more one-sided than it truly was ( I think the scene in s2 episode 6 where Colin and Pen discuss finding a purpose is a really pivotal scene that makes a lot of their conversations in S3 make more sense ). I cannot blame viewers for not remembering their earlier scenes, but it does frustrate me when people nit pick every detail and yet turn a blind eye to other scenes that could address those complaints. In regards to the Michaela plotline I wish people would wait until that story is further explored before immediately labelling it as poor decision. I actually thought Francescas book would be brilliant gender swapped and have thought so since before s3. Apologies for the essay length comment, but I was glad to find a video that is more open minded and not immediately dismissive of any positive aspects of season 3. And you always have really well thought out, balanced analysis, which I think the internet could do with more of as a whole.

I love this review! I have found so many of the critiques of this season to be quite extreme, but your analysis felt a lot more thorough and yet more forgiving compared to a lot of videos I have seen. Personally I think there are a lot of external factors that are exacerbating peoples opinions of this season. Firstly the 2 year long wait, the increased popularity from last season, the massive press tour. In particular, I think the split of the season has not helped this issue, as ultimately the season was always intended to be released all at once. The month long wait also further heightened peoples expectations of part 2 which I don't think part 2 would ever have been able to meet. Especially since (imo) the last few episodes of bridgerton are often the most messiest and controversial due to how the show is formatted, with the drama being heightened throughout the episodes to only truly being resolved in the last 20 minutes. Now I am a massive Polin fan, and I will admit that this season did not deliver exactly what I had envisioned in my mind, but I do not think S3 ever would have delivered my perfect season. Considering the show is Bridgerton, and drama will be prioritised over pretty much everything else, I am happy enough with what we were given. I do think this season has flaws but I think people are being far more harsh than they were previously. People seem to be forgetting that there were plenty of complaints surrounding both S1 and S2 (particularly surrounding events during the last 4 episodes, e.g. the Simon and Daphne intimacy plotline, and the Edwina-Kate-Anthony triangle). And this is just down to personal preference, but I would take the flaws that s3 has in writing and directing, over the plotline of Daphnes betrayal to Simon in S1. I also think that episode 8 was probably one of the weaker episodes of the season (i particularly disliked how they handled the cressida storyline) which has left a more sour taste in peoples mouth of the overall season. I do understand peoples complaints about the decline in writing and the direction of a lot of the scenes(I'm looking at you hot air balloon scene). But there doesn't seem to be much acknowledgement of things that were improved upon or the scenes that were done really beautifully. One thing I think they majorly improved upon is the familial relationship of the Featheringtons in comparison to the Sharmas (they had me getting emotional over PRUDENCE like what?). And I know people have issues with the pacing and whatnot of Polin's story, but we were given a lot of really beautiful special scenes that I think go underappreciated. I found their last discussion at the butterfly ball to be one of the most beautiful confessions out of the entire franchise. I think the wedding was also really well done and really illustrated the love Pen and Colin have for each other, despite everything. Properly knowing their relationship in S1 + S2 really helps understanding their friendship beforehand as well, as I think a lot of people think of their friendship as a lot more one-sided than it truly was ( I think the scene in s2 episode 6 where Colin and Pen discuss finding a purpose is a really pivotal scene that makes a lot of their conversations in S3 make more sense ). I cannot blame viewers for not remembering their earlier scenes, but it does frustrate me when people nit pick every detail and yet turn a blind eye to other scenes that could address those complaints. In regards to the Michaela plotline I wish people would wait until that story is further explored before immediately labelling it as poor decision. I actually thought Francescas book would be brilliant gender swapped and have thought so since before s3. Apologies for the essay length comment, but I was glad to find a video that is more open minded and not immediately dismissive of any positive aspects of season 3. And you always have really well thought out, balanced analysis, which I think the internet could do with more of as a whole.