Bridgerton Season 3: Colin Bridgerton’s Redemption and Penelope’s Future

Bridgerton fans are debating whether Colin Bridgerton has truly redeemed himself in the first half of season 3. Is Colin Bridgerton worthy of being with Penelope Featherington, a.k.a. Lady Whistledown?

(Spoiler for Season 3 Part 1 of Bridgerton)

Bridgerton, based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, dives into the alluring, opulent, and fiercely competitive world of Regency London’s high society. From the dazzling ballrooms of Mayfair to the aristocratic palaces of Park Lane, the series unveils a seductive and sumptuous world governed by intricate rules and dramatic power plays, where stability is an illusion. At its heart lies the powerful Bridgerton family. Eight witty, daring, and close-knit siblings navigate the marriage market of the ton, seeking love, adventure, and romance.

Bridgerton Season 3

Shondaland’s Bridgerton returns for its third season with a new showrunner, Jess Brownell. Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), heartbroken by Colin Bridgerton’s (Luke Newton) hurtful remarks, has finally relinquished her longtime crush. Determined to find independence and escape her overbearing family, she sets her sights on finding a suitable husband who will allow her to continue her secret life as Lady Whistledown. However, Penelope’s lack of confidence leads to a string of disastrous encounters on the marriage mart.

Meanwhile, Colin returns from his travels sporting a new look and newfound confidence. Yet, he’s bewildered by Penelope’s coldness, the one person who always accepted him. Eager to mend their friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope, hoping to boost her confidence and secure her a husband. But as his lessons prove unexpectedly successful, Colin grapples with the realization that his feelings for Penelope might be more than platonic.

Colin’s Redemption and Penelope’s Future

Colin’s actions in the season two finale were a mixed bag. Heroically, he saved the Featheringtons from financial ruin. However, he then shattered Penelope’s heart with a cruel remark she overheard. Colin’s disparaging remark that he wouldn’t even consider courting her cast a devastating blow to Penelope’s self-esteem, contributing significantly to her pain throughout the first episodes of the new season.

Further compounding the issue, Colin is supposed to be one of her closest friends, yet he treats her as someone so far beneath him. He enjoys the comforts of Penelope’s companionship but fails to reciprocate her feelings. This one-sided dynamic has left some fans unconvinced that a mere four episodes are enough for Colin to believably earn forgiveness. They argue that his past mistakes warrant a longer journey toward redemption.

Colin and Penelope Highlights from Season 3 Part 1

Despite pacing concerns, Penelope’s character arc offers some positive developments. In fact, her secret identity as Lady Whistledown has become her only outlet to express herself freely and showcase her talent. Stuck on the marriage mart for three years, Penelope has seen little hope for love or escape from her stifling family situation.

A highlight of part one is Colin’s unexpected role as Penelope’s flirtation and courtship tutor. This classic trope takes a delightful turn as Colin, completely unaware, begins to fall for the very woman he’s mentoring. Their conversation about marriage and freedom, a rare moment of vulnerability, allows Penelope to be seen for who she truly is by Colin.

Bridgerton fans are divided on whether Colin Bridgerton has truly redeemed himself in the first half of season three. Although Colin’s past missteps haven’t stopped some viewers from warming up to him. His newfound jealousy and appreciation for Penelope earn him points with some fans. Those eager for a Penelope and Colin romance (“Polin”) are hopeful for their future together.

This first installment will be followed by Part 2, featuring episodes 305-308, on June 13, 2024. In addition, each episode promises a captivating hour of drama and romance.