Bridgerton Season 3, Pt. 1 with Devon Hamilton

Susan and Whittney unpack the Bridgerton Season 3, Part 1 drop with Devon Hamilton. 

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Transcript

Susan: 0:07

Hello, and welcome to The Conversation with Susan and Whitney, the podcast where two friends from college discuss shared interests, insights, and how we're navigating our lives today.

Whittney: 0:16

This is an ongoing conversation about how we're surviving and thriving. We discuss the important

Susan: 0:22

and the trivial

Whittney: 0:22

and other fun topics in between.

Susan: 0:25

I'm Susan Field, a writer and teacher in Philadelphia,

Whittney: 0:27

and I'm Whitney Gould, a writer and marketing director in New Hampshire.

Susan: 0:33

Whitney, you're the kind of friend who introduced me to the wonderful world of Bridgerton and you continue to enlighten me on the parallels between the book series and the show. So thank you for always being my source material

Whittney: 0:45

Aw, Suze. I'll always be your source material expert for things like Bridgerton. And, Suze, you're the kind of friend who always embraces the things that I like, to the point where you start to become a fan of them yourself, so then we have even more things to talk about. I've so many examples of this, and Bridgerton is just one of them. So, thank you for that, Suze.

Susan: 1:08

Yes, Whitney. It's in some ways you've made me who I am. It's true. You've introduced me to so many things and thank you. And on today's show, we are going to review the first four episodes of the much anticipated Bridgerton season three, which explores the love story of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, otherwise known affectionately as Pollen.

Whittney: 1:29

And as an avid historical romance reader, I was so excited for this season. The two of you know I've already read all of the Bridgerton series back in 2020, but this book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, was my favorite and I could not wait to see it adapted on screen.

Susan: 1:47

Awesome. Well, I can't wait to get into it. And we're also joined today by our special guest who's becoming quite the regular around here. My sister and resident literary and film critic, Devin Hamilton.

Devon: 1:59

Thanks for having me back. I've been really anxious to have a conversation with you looking forward to it for the past couple of days since the season dropped.

Whittney: 2:08

Yay, we're so excited to have you back, Dev. We always love chatting with you about these things. So, girls, after watching the first four episodes let's do a temperature check. How are we feeling about the first four episodes of season three of Bridgerton?

Susan: 2:23

All right. So first impressions, everything stands out to me, the way it's presented. Everything's vibrant. It's very lush decadent. Sometimes it does feel repetitive with, Ball after ball after ball. However, what keeps me compelled is the character development. And I've also really been enjoying the continuation of diversity and representation on the screen. For example, this season I've noticed more Asian American and Pacific Islander descent, actors. And I've also noticed a character in the wheelchair in episode two, which that was good to see. I don't think we've ever seen a character that a disability. I've been enjoying the comedic relief that some of the characters provide, like the Featherington sisters. Is it the best piece of television I've ever seen? No, but is it a fun, steamy romp and the horse drawn carriage? Absolutely.

Whittney: 3:12

I will always, I think, love the book best, but this, so far I have really liked some of the same things, Suze, that you have said. Including the character in the wheelchair. Which was Lord Remington. I, I really liked the representation there and, we can talk about this maybe a little bit later, but I think that there are some neurodivergent characters in this season so that was a, something that I thought was a great representation as well. Dev, do you have other thoughts?

Devon: 3:45

I was very much looking forward to this. because I enjoyed season one and season two so much and so expectations were high. It took me a little while to warm up to the first episode. I just felt like it was trying to find its footing again after being away for so long. always wants to try to capture that magic again than it did with the first two seasons. But I think it did settle in after a while and it's left me wanting more. It seemed to be trying to take a different approach. A lot more scenes seem to be filmed, out in the open air as opposed to all being interior shots. It felt different than the previous seasons. And there seemed to be more handheld camera work, which gave it a little bit of a different feel. But I definitely enjoyed it and look forward to hearing more opinions on the plot points that unfolded us over these last couple episodes.

Whittney: 4:41

I was thinking about this a little bit because Susan and I were talking about this earlier, but. You know, the London season is literally just all balls and everyone in a certain echelon of society, just gathering in, in certain places. But it was nice that they did kind of try to mix up the settings a little bit this season. in future books, a lot of the plot doesn't take place at all in London or around other societies. So I'm interested to see what they do with those seasons coming up. If it's cool, I thought maybe I could give you some major differences between Colin and Penelope's history in the books and their relationship on the show, because I think it could make a huge difference as we're trying to understand their story, because I feel like this is just a shallow dip into their story. Whereas, in the books, it's a bit more of a history, if you will.

Susan: 5:38

love to hear that actually, because I love that you can add another layer to the conversation that we can't because we have not read the source material. So I'm very excited for you to tell us about the backstory with Colin and Penelope, and I'm really interested to hear how that differs from on screen.

Devon: 5:55

I definitely agree that the whole series, especially this season, seems a very surface level dip into Colin and Penelope's story, but also just the stories of all the family members. I'm just curious about what we're missing and why there isn't more in the screen adaptation that there must be in the books in order for there to be a full fledged novel.

Whittney: 6:18

So, Colin and Penelope actually met each other before she knew any of the other Bridgertons and she was 16 at the time. And, they had kind of a meet cute and he references it in season three, episode two, when they're at the market and they're talking about their lessons. But if you haven't read the books, it wouldn't trigger for you as like, Oh, they're talking about their first meeting. So, they're both in the park and he is riding on horseback. He's like racing his friend on horseback through the park. And she's wearing this like bright yellow bonnet. And she hates it because her mom picked it out. Cause her mom makes her wear all these like citrus fruit colors. And she kind of has like a small act of rebellion where she doesn't tie it as tight as she's supposed to and it's windy and so her bright yellow bonnet flies off her head and it hits him in the face as he's racing his friend on horseback so he like falls off his horse into a big mud puddle and like, of course her family is mortified and she runs over, but that's, that's the first time she meets Colin is she's like. Oh my gosh, my hat flew into your face, caused you to crash your horse basically, and you're covered in mud now, and that's when she like, has this moment where she's like, oh my gosh, you know, Colin Bridgerton. So she meets Colin before she even meets Eloise. She meets Eloise as a result of that interaction, and her family apologizing to Colin's family for what happened. So that was when she was 16 in the books. He was 21. She was 16. They're five years apart in the, uh, the book about their story. She's 28 and he's 33. So this is. How many years later, right? Like this is, this is not like three seasons. She's been on the, she's been, I think she was out either when she was 16 or no, when she was 16, they presented her when she was 16, the first season. So she's been out on the marriage Mart that many years. So it's not just three seasons. Like she's literally on the shelf basically. And she's known him for that entire period of time. And, um, so that was, that was a one thing that I think is important here. Secondly, um, so the comment that he hears her make at her mama's ball about not wanting to court her actually happened in front of her in the books. Um, she's coming around the corner and it's Anthony Benedict and Colin talking. And he makes the comment and she basically confronts him and says, I heard what you said and it's not a big deal. Like, why are you apologizing? Like, she's trying to play it off like it doesn't hurt her. And then when Anthony walks her around the corner to her house, cause he feels terrible that she heard Colin say that, um, she suggests that he travel. Maybe he needs to go traveling. And, um, When he travels, you know, he writes letters to people and she's one of the only people who always writes him back when he travels. Like, his own family stops responding to his, like, travel correspondence. And so for years they're, like, letter writing friends, right? Which I think is kind of a big deal. And then there's also one other piece that I think should not go, like, Um, not talked about. Every single ball he goes to, and she's there, he dances with her. Because Violet has always expressed to him the importance of Penelope and other girls like Penelope, like having some money, like, offered to dance with them at balls. And so he does this for like, ten plus years. He dances with her at least once every ball. So I think that, like, Stuff like that makes it a little bit easier to understand how they could be in this position.

Susan: 10:11

Yes, Whitney. Thank you for that thorough backstory. That really does help. I think and I spoke earlier about how you really can get to know someone through correspondence in a deeper way. Um, and it may be a nonjudgmental way to, um, you get to learn different aspects about somebody so I could see where they, you Could have formed a deep relationship that way. especially when you're traveling, you sort of cling to those lifelines of your home life. So maybe, you know, she became sort of an important touchstone for him. Uh, you know, haven't read the books, but I could imagine where that could develop. and so I thought that was interesting too, how in the book she confronted Colin, whereas here, it sounds like so much time has gone by since. overhearing that comment. Um, and we've yet to see that being confronted. It's going to happen, but not when the season starts.

Whittney: 11:00

Yeah, it is, it makes a huge difference that she holds this to the beginning of the season rather than just like addressing it on the spot like she did in the books.

Susan: 11:10

Yeah, absolutely. Wouldn't that have been then basically a whole year since she's heard Colin say these comments? It definitely sets up for this tension between the two characters we start out. In the first episode. So to fill everybody in on what happened here in episode one, it's called out of the shadows. The setup is that a new debutante season is beginning. The latest society pages from lady whistle down are circulating, introducing the latest debutante prospects. Um, the scene then cuts to the Bridgerton house. where the family is anxiously waiting outside Francesca's bedroom door. They've been waiting there like all morning. Turns out she's not even in the room. She had gotten up early and, you know, was already going about her day. And she was playing the piano, Mozart's Funeral March. So if that's any indication about how she feels about it being presented to society. And then we're also presented with Colin just returning from another trip abroad. In my opinion, he's looking fine. had this major Ralph Lauren model glow up. Uh, what did you guys think about the way Colin looked?

Whittney: 12:19

He's much more

Devon: 12:20

Yes, he's more tan, he's more chiseled, it's the male transformation that is definitely the most noticeable in the beginning before we get the female makeover that we always get in traditional romances. I've seen online, people are referring to him as a dashing pirate he's trying to capture his older brother, Antony's brooding look. And, those dark eyes and he's trying to embrace this man of confidence and this world traveler. And he's pulling it off pretty well. You can tell he's not completely comfortable with this new person, and he's really trying to himself as, an evolved, mature debonair Colin.

Susan: 13:03

with that, all the girls are fawning over him, except Penelope, who's still upset about the mean things that were said about her during the last we're also presented with Penelope and Eloise are still on the outs. This is really being set up as Penelope is such an outcast. She's so undesirable. According to everyone around her, it seems even her own mother. Think she has no prospects. So I actually felt really uncomfortable watching this. I felt bad for her because to me, I see that, you know, she's quite lovely. She's one of the most multifaceted characters, definitely the most real who isn't afraid to show who she is. I don't understand what I look at her and see who she is. I don't understand why she would be such an undesirable outcast. So I don't know if Whitney, you have some more light to shed on that.

Whittney: 13:50

In the books, whenever she comes out in her first season, she, there, there is like a weight storyline that they have, thankfully not portrayed on the show where she, loses weight after her first season. And then Is hopeful that that will change. but I do think her mother's insistence on dressing her in what she calls happy colors, which are basically yellows and like bright oranges and bright greens that are like, not really flattering on anyone. because, Portia says happy colors, make you look like a happy girl. And that will help you find a husband. That's kind of her, thought process on that. So I think in general, Penelope has been forced to wear a lot of really garish clothing and that potentially is not allowing her to shine like visually, you know, when she's going to these events, she's dressed pretty horribly, against her will. So I think that that's, that's a piece of it, right? that she has no control over that and that her mother is doing her zero favors. And, her, the best features of her, I think are her intellect and her wit and her humor and obviously her writing, but her writing, is not known to be her writing publicly. So it's not like that's helping her gain any friends or, influence. I mean, it is, but people don't associate it with her.

Devon: 15:14

They seem to be emphasizing the fact that she seems to be one of the only few women that has any type of intellectual pursuits or intellectual interests, and because she reads and she likes to have privacy and personal time, those are all supposed to be weaknesses. It's hard for us to understand because those are the things. That make her interesting, that she's above all this vapid. Chatter and mindless non activity that everyone else seems to be involved in. I think that makes her the most appealing.

Whittney: 15:44

What society valued in this time period is far, removed from what we value now. And I think that that's a huge piece of it. That's why Julia Quinn could write characters like Penelope and even Eloise, right? And have them be standout characters because they don't blend in with society in those ways.

Susan: 16:04

That's very true. It was just a different time. And in response to all the negativity surrounding her, Penelope decides she's like, no, I'm going to get a makeover. has sort of this Parisian style makeover, a new color palette, a more mature, modern hairstyle. And I have to say that when I saw her standing at the top of the stairs and that Emerald dress at the ball, she looks stunning. And I literally gasped. I was like, Oh, She's like Penelope. She just looks so amazing. what did you think?

Whittney: 16:31

Yeah, in the books, whenever she's bemoaning the citrus fruit color she has to wear and there's a comment she makes about like having requested green in the past and been denied or like a flattering shade of green. So, in general, when she is wearing green this season, it makes me think of that in the books when she's basically begging for greens and then she gave herself every shade of green, but what a green to start with, right?

Devon: 16:58

The actress, Coughlin, has such a glow about her. I think she's one of the most visually stunning and interesting people to look at on the screen. And she conveys a lot with her eyes. She conveys a lot of sensitivity with her face and I love her. And I, love the fact that she's been able to shine with this makeover and just her lovely hair and her beautiful skin. And these colors really do compliment her. And I think the costume department should be applauded. They really brought out some terrific designs this season. I've really enjoyed that aspect of it.

Whittney: 17:32

Yeah, Susie, you and I were even talking about not just Penelope's, Parisian makeover, but even, like, Cressida's styling this season has just been, you know, it's been great all the other seasons, but, this season, the bar has been even raised, I think, on, on previous seasons about how they're styling certain folks on the show.

Susan: 17:51

outfits were so visually appealing a couple of times. I was literally like, I need to pause this to look at her hair. And the one time she had these balloon sleeves, Cresta looked, intriguing. And I even noticed that, Eloise is wearing some ruffles this season as well.

Devon: 18:06

They've added the hair ribbons for Eloise and she's trying to make a little bit more effort with her appearance and I agree. Cressida's costumes alone could warrant her own episode, analyzing those. I was reading something today that was saying the costume designers really wanted to get into her character a little bit more and give her some more development and show that she's like this caged bird. So like she has a lot of these feathers and this elaborate hair and she's sort of someone that needs to be released, that she's feeling more and more trapped each season. And the costume designers are going all in on as much symbolism as they can in the wardrobe with their color choices the hairstyles, the ribbons, the accessories, they're trying to tell the story in a visual mode as opposed to giving them more extensive dialogue.

Whittney: 18:55

I even the Some of the Bridgerton girls, their, gowns, I'm like, I, if that were in the store, I would totally want to wear that. some of the fashions, even though they're period fashions have been very appealing and beautiful to me, even in this modern day sense. I was telling Suze earlier about, Claudia Jesse, who plays Eloise was on Stephen Colbert and she was telling them about I think she had hurt her arm or something and she had a cast. so they had to do a summer muff

Devon: 19:26

I

Whittney: 19:27

they,

Devon: 19:27

this.

Whittney: 19:27

and then,

Devon: 19:28

hilarious telling about this. She was cracking Stephen Colbert up. She had so much personality. That was just the best story.

Susan: 19:35

And Whitney, after you told me that when I was rewatching some of the episodes this afternoon, I noticed when she had her In that muff, and I had to laugh because I'm like, Oh, that's the, that's the cast inside

Devon: 19:45

The summer muff. It was so perfect. And I don't think it would have been brought to my attention if I hadn't caught that interview because they always have all these crazy accessories. You don't really blink anymore when you see something a little off, but that was a really creative way to cover her,

Whittney: 20:02

that was So they even created just like, new fashions, right? So at the ball, Penelope unsuccessfully tries to talk to men, and then Cressida steps on the back of her gorgeous emerald gown and rips it. Then Penelope rushes home and writes a scathing Lady Whistledown column in which she accuses Colin of having an attention seeking identity crisis, right? But then the next day he comes over to make amends and offers to help her find a husband, but she can't take back what she's written in Whistledown.

Susan: 20:37

Right. So now we're at the end of episode one here, Colin reads the latest society pages. He's not so bothered about what's said about him, but after what Lady Whistledown did, Did in previous seasons, how she nearly ruined Marina and then Eloise last season, he declares he will never forgive her. Eloise asked him, do you have any idea who she might be? And he says, no, but trust me, if I ever find out, I will make sure her life is ruined.

Devon: 21:02

dun, dun. They're trying so hard raise the stakes.

Susan: 21:07

Yes, the stage has now been set for this parallel storyline of the potential love interest that we know is going to blossom between these two, but also underneath that potential their enemies, basically, he just said he was going to destroy her not knowing it's Penelope. I thought that was a pretty good ending for episode one. And then we're into episode two already.

Whittney: 21:27

Yeah, so in episode two, How Bright the Moon, we see Colin giving Penelope flirting lessons. Which I will say was not of the book, but plot of the show. So let's talk about it. Yeah,

Susan: 21:39

have that in the book?

Whittney: 21:41

no,

Susan: 21:42

Ah, so interesting, because when, uh, they started these flirting lessons, it reminded me so much of season one, where Simon was helping Daphne, or they were helping each other really, but you know, they like create this agreement and that's kind of what this reminded me of. And I was like, Oh, that's a typical, trope here for them to fall in love while helping each other. But, I will say, I enjoyed Colin's, suggestions. He said, in his travels, he's learned that you can teach charm. You can teach charm. And, he also just encouraged her to be herself. He said, men are quite simple beings. And I feel like a truer words have never been,

Whittney: 22:20

right? I mean, come on, but this time it was said by a man, right? So,

Susan: 22:27

That's right. Yes. Very

Devon: 22:29

Especially the male beings presented in this show.

Whittney: 22:33

right?

Devon: 22:34

into that category.

Susan: 22:35

right. Like the Featherington husbands, which we will, well, their, their last name is not Featherington, but the husbands of the Featherington sisters. And we will touch on that for sure.

Whittney: 22:44

What we see next is a funny scene at the Featherington house with Portia talking with her daughters about what is necessary to conceive an heir. So, Dev, do you want to tell us how you felt about these? Cause, uh, I think you liked some of these scenes.

Devon: 22:59

The writers, know that they've got four people with comedic gold between the sisters on their faces and the two men who seem be head over heels in love for these women and clueless in their own way. They are amazing and these characters are so underutilized. They barely get more than a line or two. They slay those lines. I really think they should lean in on these characters. There's such a strong asset and there's a nice change from the other melodrama going on. And I'd like to see more of all four of them.

Susan: 23:33

Oh my gosh, they were hilarious. And the scene, the scene in particular where Portia was talking to her daughters about the importance of conceiving an heir. she said, have you been engaging in the, uh, necessary activities and both the sisters are like, what activities? And the one's like, well, I was at the market this morning or whatever. I don't understand what she's talking about, Prudence admits she's been with her husband once on their wedding night, but hasn't since because laying on her back flattens her hair. Then the scene goes right into Colin in bed with two prostitutes at the brothel. And I thought this contrast was really fascinating between, um, The difference in sex education between the male and the females in this time period, like the women are completely clueless, including Daphne in season one, who I remember had to ask, I think her housemaid to fill her in on how babies are conceived. Whereas here we see Colin, obviously very experienced with not only one, but two women at once. Whitney, I thought maybe you could enlighten us a little bit on Why was this the norm for the day? Why is it acceptable that Colin's in the brothel with two women right now and the women know nothing?

Whittney: 24:41

Well, it kind of boils down to at this time, men had the choice and the freedom and women did not. So like, especially marriageable women were supposed to be, very chaste, very virginal, very, inexperienced because their husbands were to take the lead in that department. And so, obviously, we see, Philippa and Mr. Finch, and I can't remember the name of the person that, Prudence married in this, see, this show, because, fun fact, in the book, she marries Nigel Burbrook, and that would not have the same effect as, the comedic, you know, and I'll Silly, husband she has in the show, but, there would be no heirs conceived, right. If somebody didn't understand what was happening. So it was very common for, especially like, you know, well to do gentlemen to frequent brothels. And it served the purpose of, they had money to spend, right. And they had the freedom to do these things and society would not look down upon them. But then also the, on the other side, it was an education in how to produce an heir basically, right? Because the Featherington husbands, as we're going to call them, I guess, uh, don't know what they're doing in that department, right? So that's what happens if you don't have some sort of education on that side back in this time period.

Devon: 26:03

And I agree with you, Susan. This is very much a mirroring of what we see in the first season. With Colin being with the two women and, Penelope being guarded, but also in the first season, Daphne, was clueless, she's trying to hint to her mom that she needs some guidance, and the mother's sort of just like, oh, you'll see. Find out on your wedding night. And meanwhile, her brother Anton is visiting his mistress, for rigorous practice sessions every day. It was definitely calling back to that first season and in the same boat. The girls are clueless, the men are promiscuous, and, it's quite a disparity between the two and their experiences. And I would imagine that sets up for some awkwardness. on their wedding nights.

Susan: 26:49

Well, as the episode continues, the flirting lessons that Colin is giving Penn continue. I feel like their fire starting to kindle a little bit when Colin and Penelope are role playing at the Bridgerton household. he said pretend I'm at a ball and you're coming up to flirt with me. And she says something to him and he's kind of like dumbfounded. Damn, that's pretty good, and then at another point right after that, Colin, he leaves Penelope alone for a couple minutes in his study and she starts to read his diary in which he's really going into detail about, the women he encountered on his travels. he comes in and they argue about why she was reading his diary. He knocks over a lamp and cuts his hand and they're on the ground. She's caressing his hand, trying to bandage it. And you can just feel the electricity between them. It's this palpable surge. and then, right after that, we also get another hilarious scene between Portia and her sexually clueless daughters. Portia actually has to explain to Philip, uh, how the anatomy works and no, her husband's breaches should not remain on.

Whittney: 27:50

That was a really funny scene.

Devon: 27:53

Featherington really gets some of the best lines in the whole show and that actress is fabulous. really love her and I hope we get to see something a little more interesting in terms of her material that she can do something other than roll her eyes at Penelope and sigh about secret money issues that she's always hiding. I really would like to see. different for her, and I would say I would like to see something different for all the characters, really. There's a lot of repetition, I'd like the writers to push these characters a little more. They're being paid to write good stories. Let's give us a little bit more depth on screen. The actors can handle it. You clearly have a fantastic cast. Give them something to do. That's one of my major complaints with the show. I enjoy it, it's fluffy, it's light, but I want them to just do something. Give me more.

Susan: 28:40

Portia had a bit more of a storyline with teeth in season two with the cousin that was trying to swindle them out of money. I'm a little fuzzy on the details because it's been two years since I've seen it, but I feel like there was a little bit more of a juicy storyline given to her there. but you're right. She is fantastic. And I would love to see more from her than just, um, Telling Penelope that she's pathetic or teaching her daughters how to, be with their husbands.

Devon: 29:06

Yeah, absolutely. I agree. She had a little bit more of a storyline in season two and that shows us how capable she is and how entertaining that can be. So when they give her practically nothing to do, that much more noticeable because we know what she can do when she has a little bit of a heftier storyline.

Whittney: 29:22

Unfortunately, the source material, she's pretty much the domineering mother in all of the books. So they're fleshing her out a bit more than Julia Quinn did. Obviously in the book series, there is a deep dive on two characters in each book, right? And so the minor characters don't get as flushed out. I think what the Raiders have done with Cressida this season in particular is like way deeper than Julia Quinn got with her because she is basically just a mean girl throughout the series. She has no other role. She does play a, a role in Penelope's story that I had forgotten about until I was talking to Suze this morning and, I'll get into that a little bit later, but, um, yeah, some of the, the minor characters are much more one dimensional just because their story isn't explored, right? This, the focus of the book is a romance between two people who aren't Portia Featherington, or, you know, Cressida.

Susan: 30:23

Two comments here. One, um, the actress who plays Portia, her name is Polly, Polly Walker. Um, She's wonderful. So just wanted to shout out her real name. and second, I, I really liked the way that Cressida has been utilized this season. I didn't think I was going to like her, especially after the first episode where she ripped Penelope's dress. That was just ruthless. But I think since then we've seen a little more depth to her. And, um, course, they have to have her in there as a friend for Eloise, since the way the show's written, Eloise and Penelope are on the outs, so, you know, Eloise needs a friend, I guess. But I have liked the way they've developed Cressida. And again, we'll kind of get into that more as she appears in the plot points.

Whittney: 31:03

Yeah. So, in the, back in the season, uh, eventually word gets out that Penelope has enlisted Colin, who is one of the season's most eligible bachelors, to help her find a husband. Her mother scolds her for even thinking she ever had a chance at marriage. Stating, single life is not so bad. This is a recurring theme, for Portia in the book, too. Where she's always trying to tell her, like,, Single life is not so bad. And Portia is actually starting to, picture a future where Penelope will be the spinster who takes care of her in her old age. So, Later Penelope stares dejectedly out the window through nightfall, when suddenly Colin, looking dashing in the moonlight, shows up to see her, and this was a huge surprise, right? And one of my favorite quotes was when Lady Whistledown's narrator, Julie Andrews, the amazing Julie Andrews, Dame Julie Andrews, says, And once hope is lost, a lady may become reckless. Because, I feel like that's the theme of this season. Once hope is lost, the lady becomes reckless, right?

Susan: 32:07

Segue into Penelope asking Colin to kiss her. She's desperate in case she dies tomorrow and she's never been kissed. there's been two seasons building up to this moment. this is when I crack the windows open in my apartment anticipation of what was to come. So they have their kiss. what did you all think of that?

Devon: 32:26

It was a great kiss. They were really trying to amp up the drama and give it a little bit of a dreamy quality And I do think it worked. It was effective. These two characters are not Kate and Antony. They are not Daphne and the Duke. So I have to keep in mind that they're their own individual characters with different personalities and that they are. They're going to have different levels of sultriness to them. But I think it was a great kiss and it did get me excited to see something going between them. They took some time to sort of find their footing. And it was very meaningful and it was effective and it helped wet the palate for more to come.

Susan: 33:05

you crack your windows?

Devon: 33:07

The were, were not cracked. Not much got me going until we get to the last episode where you finally feel some heat. I felt like the steam factor on the first couple episodes here was very restrained It was a little awkward. They were really trying to push it, but it just wasn't it for me. But, this, this first kiss was a special moment and then the follow up dream that we get afterwards is even more effective. The train is starting to get steaming down the track, but it's not quite at the level of the first two seasons yet for me, but I have high hopes.

Whittney: 33:39

It's definitely a slower pace that they're kind of tiptoeing into this, but the, I thought the kiss was sweet and, as Dev has already referenced, the next part, I thought that was a refreshing, a way to show that, Colin's still thinking about it, right? He, it's not just the girl waking up, you know? About it the next day.

Devon: 34:01

That was a good twist.

Whittney: 34:03

So, as we're referencing, episode three, forces of nature starts with Colin kissing Penn up against the doorway. And it's this very steamy scene. And he's saying things like, I couldn't stop thinking about you since our kiss. And she's like, neither could I, you've occupied all my thoughts. And then suddenly he wakes up with a start in his bed to learn that it had all been a dream.

Susan: 34:25

And as Colin himself said, men are simple beings. Once he's had this little taste of Penelope and what their love could be like, he can't compose himself. And I love the next scene where he was at breakfast with the family and he was all hot and bothered. He was so distracted and like fumbling his words, fumbling with his morning tea. And his brother's like, what's up with you? And I thought that was, it was really effective and funny.

Whittney: 34:47

Especially because one side of his, collar was sticking up still and noticed yet.

Susan: 34:52

I didn't notice that, but Whitney has now watched three times, so I can understand why you four times. I can understand

Whittney: 34:58

Yeah.

Devon: 34:58

when? It just came out on

Susan: 35:01

of a Whitney

Whittney: 35:01

I mean, I multitasked through two of the watches, also, my house is very open concept, so I can be in any of my main room areas, and I can still, see and hear my TV if I want to, which good and bad. It was good in this instance, because I could watch Bridgerton on repeat, basically. So, also in this episode, we get to see more of the character of Lord Debling, a naturalist and vegetarian who Penelope had previously met at a ball. There's a bit of a love triangle forming between Debling, Penelope, and Cressida, who is hot on his trail. so, Lord Debling is interesting because, I think he's a very Deep and, and I would say peculiar in a great way character because I think that's how he describes himself later in the episode to Penelope. but he is not in the book. So this is all what we see on screen is all I, all I know about him. So I know about him just as much as you do at this point. But what do we think? What do we think about Debling?

Susan: 36:05

So, I really liked him, because he seemed very genuine. Also, I like that he also has interests. We were talking about no one has anything to do, it seems. And he goes on these nature expeditions. they don't really go too specifically into what he does. There's just a lot of general talk about his trips and, you know, I think he's trying to protect, uh, What the great arc from becoming extinct or something that, seems interesting. And he's genuine in his conversations with Penelope. He seems to really see her and appreciate her for who she is. and I, I have to say, I enjoyed the scene at the Hawkins balloon. Festival in which Cressida had been reading up about the Great Auk to try to make small talk with him. And Penelope was trying to chime in and all she came up with was, I like birds and I like grass. Thought that was a really humorous scene.

Whittney: 36:55

Yeah, I Like Grass will go down as of the, one of the, uh,

Susan: 37:01

And don't overlook the sparrow!

Devon: 37:04

I think visually they're trying to make this contrast between him and Colin. Colin's got this thick head of dark hair and these dark eyes and thick eyebrows and this chiseled tan jaw line. And then Lord Dublin is very blonde. He's got this very bright, blonde hair, his face and his hair sort of all in together. They've, they've created this contrast of. What does Penelope like? Does she, is she going to go for the blonde or is she going to go for the brunette? He's an interesting guy and I do like the fact, Susan, as you said, that he seems to be one of the very few men who has any type of passion in his life, any type of hobby or interest in something other than this social scene. So that was definitely a breath of fresh air.

Susan: 37:49

So at this Hawkins Balloon Festival, we have a conversation between the Mondridge's their story arc has been unfolding since episode one. they received news that Mrs. Mondridge's aunt has passed away, leaving an estate and a title to their oldest son. And so what we've been seeing in the last few episodes have been this family transitioning from their working class life to higher society, with mixed success, right? Mr. Mondridge, who runs the bar, the club, the gentlemen's club, Mrs. Mondridge's. Mrs. Doing that. He misses his work and Mrs. Mondridge said, actually with all these balls, she misses being at home. so I thought it was really interesting to see their transition to higher society. have that include them feeling this kind of loss of satisfaction that came with the life that they had built for themselves through their hard work and the pursuit of their own interests, you know, working hard to achieve something versus living in this pretentious world where there isn't much to do., What's personally gratifying about high society. You're not really doing anything. Right. So I can imagine it, maybe it feels empty and unfulfilling. And I thought that they were, interesting characters to explore.

Devon: 39:03

Yes, I'm interested to hear from you, Whitney. Do they develop these characters more in the book or is this a creation of the show?

Whittney: 39:09

They don't exist in the novels. This is entirely a show created couple and family.

Devon: 39:15

Interesting. Okay. I was wondering about that.

Susan: 39:19

them. I like both of them. I feel like they, they add something. And again, I guess they really don't have too much of a role, just the whole conversation of them making the transition to higher society and the contrast between that is an interesting, portrayal.

Whittney: 39:35

yeah,

Devon: 39:36

They give us something different to look at. Just different faces on screen. They're very likable. They're very attractive. They've got a great way about them as a couple. I wish they would give them more screen time and develop their story more. Shonda Rhimes is known for having great writers on her shows and that's just something that's not being utilized Bridgerton. I want some more character development. I want them to get a little bit more creative with how they show depth with their characters. We have 54 minutes of each episode. Give us something to latch onto. it feels a little repetitive. It feels very shallow. I want the writers to stretch their wings and give us something more.

Susan: 40:17

There's so many characters. That's probably one of the challenges of an ensemble cast. It's almost like, how can you go super deep with?

Whittney: 40:26

yeah.

Susan: 40:26

them. So I mean, maybe they need to almost pare down the cast a bit. Um, I think they do a good job with trying to manage all the characters that they do and we're getting enough to make it compelling. I know what you're saying about maybe making it a little deeper, but I'm almost wondering, like, maybe is it just truthful to the way the time was like, maybe there really just isn't more to do. There's gotta be more of a backstory, I guess,

Whittney: 40:49

I mean, the, the lives of people in high society during this day was very cyclical, right? the spring, you came to London for the season, you tried to marry off your eligible family members, and then, like, it's, you know, summer, from summer to, like, through winter, you went to your country estate, and you did even less out there, and you had fewer people to interact with unless somebody literally came to stay at your house, right? I think the reason maybe we're getting so many characters in the beginning of this season is that as we, as each of the Bridgertons have their love story, well, they'll kind of fade into the background. So I'm wondering if the Mondridges are going to have a bigger storyline in the future, because I think there's a lot of interesting things they could do here. And, uh, one of them that I was telling Suze about is like, What if the crown made a mistake? What if Mr. Dundas made a mistake? And there is actually a male heir that was overlooked, but, that one of her cousins had, and they lose all of this, right? What if they give up the club and everything they've worked for, and then they have nothing. And then Will Mondrich is like, I should have kept the business, right? Cause I think we're leaning towards, Mrs. Mondrich is trying to convince him to like give up. The club, right? Because all the lords are, like, taking their memberships away, and the queen will not look favorably on a working man and high society and, you know, all of these cues, but, like, what if it were gone tomorrow? They're not in a position where this can't be taken back from them, because if this was, if the crown decides that this was given to them, unnecessarily, they will give it to whoever deserves it, right? And then they'll be back where they started, potentially without the business that they had, built up, right? I wonder what, I wonder what is in store for them, and I wonder if that will be one of the London season storylines that is happening when some of the other Bridgerton stories take place elsewhere, because a lot of them aren't set in London during the season, so.

Susan: 42:55

Point, Whitney. I think you're right that maybe they're being set up for something more, but also we have to remember there's only been four episodes of this season dropped so far. So there's still four more in which more things can be developed. So maybe, it's still kind of premature in their story to see where it's going to go or for anybody at this point, we still have four more episodes. So let's see what happens. But speaking of other storylines and expanding the cast, once again, I feel like there's just been like this, onslaught of new characters this season. Um, in this episode at the queen's ball, we meet lady Danbury's brother. We didn't even know she had a brother. Lord Marcus Anderson, who appears to be positioned as a potential love interest for Violet, she drops her glove and he picks it up for her, and they have this conversation at the ball, and I feel like they have chemistry. your thoughts on this potential? I don't know, love match or something between them,

Devon: 43:50

Marcus Anderson seems like a lovely man. He has a strong visual presence. He's definitely a good looking guy. He talks about his children and the empty nest and the happy life that he had with his wife after they settled into their non love match and then it grew into something more and he seems like a really likable guy and, and Violet seems to let her guard down with him right away. She seems very comfortable and she's not always a completely comfortable character. So I think she's been trying to find her place in society. Ever since she lost her husband.

Whittney: 44:22

Alright, so I have very strong thoughts on this, and I do not want Violet to have any, second marriage. And I feel like they're kind of pointing her in that direction. And I think the books are a big reason why I'm so set on her, keeping on with her existing life. I don't want to sound mean that she can't have happiness or anything, but they paint her story with Edmund as such a love story that she grieved for, So many years of her children's childhood, and, it is the inspiration for why she insists all of her children have love matches, and it's like the central piece of her character in the books, and so it feels like she's betraying that a little bit, if she's, developing a second love story, I guess, in, in my mind. In my heart, but you know, if she has a little fling, whatever, it's just, you know, in the, in the book, she doesn't ever remarry. She's never interested in that. If that happens at all, it is not covered in the book. Like if she's having her little flings on the side, which she could do, technically, it was acceptable for married women to do that as we see with Benedict and Lady Tilly, this, season, but, Yeah, so I'm just not into it. And another thing that I don't like is that Lady Danbury doesn't seem to be excited about her brother being there, so I know he's done something terrible in the past that we don't know about yet.

Devon: 45:44

She seems to be implying that he's some sort of, what you call him a rake and how he seems to just be so desperate to find a love match she's implying that he's a womanizer. Dunno, Talking to another friend who read and loved the Bridgerton novels my friend told me that she sees the books and the show as completely separate entities and they each have to have their own life because they're so different and so maybe the show violet it would work for her to have a new relationship But the novel violet had that great romance that was written for her. she'll stay single, but maybe that will just be one of those cases where it's gonna stray from the plot completely because they're just their own separate things and in a way, their own separate characters.

Whittney: 46:25

I think that's a great way to actually look at this, is that they are two separate things, I know we'll talk about Cressida a little bit later, but the Cressida Eloise storyline. Not a thing. Penelope and Eloise didn't have a falling out in this book. There's so many, in so many ways, the season has made huge departures from, from where the book is going. So your friend is probably smart to say that they're two separate entities. So, in this episode, we also meet John Sterling, Earl of Kilmartin, who is introduced as a potential love interest for Francesca. The two have a different kind of cute, where they stand next to each other in comfortable silence. and I love this, because I am quite sure that one or both of them is neurodivergent because the traits that they display to each other when they are most being themselves, to me just feel very neurodivergent. And, I thought this was adorable. Also, I love that we're seeing Francesca's story because Francesca, I don't want to give spoilers, but John Sterling is very important in Francesca's story, but that is not going to be her love story. That's the biggest spoiler I'll put there because I'm wondering if they're going to do her story either next or almost next, like right after the next one. and so I think it's really nice that we, we're seeing the beginning of this because in the books we get none of her, we, we don't know anything about her and John Sterling really.

Susan: 47:58

I find the introduction of John Sterling to be really intriguing because we don't really know anything about him. We just see them standing next to each other, but obviously they have this comfortable silence and immediate connection. I'm so curious to learn more about him and how the two of them are going to interact.

Devon: 48:14

I Francesca's behavior more as she's just shy. And this other character is also shy. So just sort of showing introverts as opposed to, several of the other characters that are clearly much more comfortable in society. We have two people that have other passions and a lot more interest in their own personal, quiet time. And so they just seem like two peas in a pod in terms of their introvert style.

Whittney: 48:40

I there are also signs that they're both, easily overstimulated, which is. My flag for neurodivergence because I live that life. and the, the silence thing, plays into that also, their communication style is much more direct. Then people of their time period, which, could indicate, an impatience for, an extra amount of words, clear communication, which can be a neurodivergent tree as well. Also, whenever he's on the street and she approaches him. He's looking, I don't know if you all have noticed this, but I've watched times, so I'm very well versed. he's actually looking at a shop window when she approaches him. And then she has the conversation, and he said, That's helpful, if you'll excuse And then he leaves. I am convinced he was trying to find something, like some token of something to get for her, and he's, completely lost because he's, looking shop storefront and he can't figure it out, and then she mentions the music and he has the idea, and so he's like, I need to, I need to do it now, So that, me, was a very neurodivergent interaction.

Devon: 49:51

That's true. That's a good point.

Susan: 49:53

That's so interesting. Well, I can't wait to see where that goes. also in this episode, we have, the connections continuing to build between Penelope and Lord Debling. we also have a conversation with Colin and his mother in which he asked her about her relationship with his father and, they started out as friends. How were they able to make that transition from friends to more? And the mother says, well, he had the courage to say something. so Colin's realizing he needs to say something to Penelope before it's too late because Lord Debling's closing in on this deal. Right. So that's basically where episode three ends and now we're already into episode four.

Whittney: 50:31

In episode four, Old Friends, we see Lord Debling pursue Penelope by bringing her a plant to get her to enjoy, nature from her favorite window perch. Violet tries to get Colin to open up about how he's feeling. To, you know, limited success. And then John Sterling stops by to visit Francesca in silence. So we just talked about these interactions between Francesca and John Sterling. So, let's see how the family reacts, I guess. Right.

Susan: 51:00

Yes. And this scene was so funny how John Sterling and Francesca sit down on the couch and then just, you know, forward and don't communicate. And the family is like, what is going on?

Devon: 51:14

Mm hmm.

Susan: 51:15

always has my favorite comedic moments. She was like, I'm in awe. I thought one had to use wit or banter to dissuade a suitor, but simple silence is radically more effective, which was so funny. Oh my gosh, she is wonderful with her comedic timing. I love everything she says. A few scenes later, we learn that Lord Debling actually wants to propose to Penelope. Her mother shares this information with her, but Penelope's a little bit hesitant. And Portia says, Oh, don't tell me that you're holding out for love. That is the very reason I discouraged you from reading. I thought that was funny because, at this time having more education and getting these radical ideas is going to, turn you against the conformity of society. So, I think it just shows how Penelope is different from some other women. She actually has a mind of her own and wants to do something different than what society is telling her. And I, for one, I'm glad that she reads.

Whittney: 52:12

Yes. Also, if she were a Bridgerton, her mother would encourage you holding out for love, which, you know, what a difference being across the square in a different house could make. Right.

Susan: 52:21

Good

Whittney: 52:22

at that evening's ball. Instead of telling Penn how he feels, Colin tries to dissuade her from marrying Lord Dublin. As, you know, men will often do, right? Avoid sharing their own feelings, but telling you why you should do something for a different reason. Dublin sees the undeniable connection between Colin and Penelope and decides to choose another direction. And so this is, of course, for Penelope, a very sad ending, right? That Dublin is just like, I can't. I think he says something like, I can't, go do my research for three years and have you, being involved with somebody while I'm away, which I thought was interesting, right? Because, yeah, three years is a long time.

Susan: 53:06

Right. And he makes the connection between why she loves to sit in that window. So there's a few reasons as you pointed out to me, Whitney, obviously she's Lady Whistledown and she's observing what's going on in society from her window and writing and everything. but also, she's really looking across the street at the Bridgertons at Colin. She's able to have this. Bird's eye view of what they're doing. And I think Lord Dublin really put two and two together for the connection between she and Colin and why she enjoys to stare at the Bridgerton household. so I was a little sad to see him go, even though obviously I want Colin with Penelope, but now I'm curious to see if Cressida is going to have a chance with Lord Dublin. So we'll have to see. How that plays out. At this point, Penelope feels really sad because her only realistic marriage prospect has just ended given that in her mind, Colin Bridgerton, having feelings for her is not possible. She rushes into her carriage only to be chased by some Ralph Lauren model. Oh, Colin. Lady whistled down narrates when one chooses the heart over the head, often all reason goes out the window, which leads us to. Drum roll, please. The carriage scene,

Whittney: 54:18

The character.

Susan: 54:20

So what are our thoughts about the carriage scene?

Devon: 54:24

I was so glad that we finally got some real steam. I felt like there was real connection between and Penelope, some real sexual attraction. They've been sort of playing it off, but I haven't really been convinced in the earlier episodes. So finally, Colin starts approaching her. He's pulling down her, Sleeve on her shoulder and I'm like you're gonna have to give me more because this is just not Living up to seasons one and season two. I wanted these characters to have the same type of personality intensity that the writers wrote for the characters in the previous seasons. So, when Colin started going up her skirt, we're finally getting what we tuned in for, for Bridgerton. And, well, we wanted see Penelope finally have a passion, that she deserves a passion just like everybody else. She hasn't been getting that same type of story development. But finally, We see some real action and I, I think it's a really strong scene.

Susan: 55:20

About your requirements for spice factor. It's about you wanting to see Penelope have her moment. I, loved when you screamed that, it's all about, we want Penelope to have that. And also we didn't mention this before, but when Colin kissed her for the first time, that was her first kiss ever. And this is her first anything ever. So, it's extra charged and extra special and important. I thought it lived up to the expectations that I had.

Whittney: 55:46

I have a lot of thoughts because obviously I've read the one in the book and it's a lot different and also a little different, but there were, some parts of this that they did keep faithful. Suze, did you want to talk about, some things you liked in the scene before I get to that point?

Susan: 56:01

sure. I actually really liked how in this point, Penelope took the driver's seat because she mentioned something to Colin, like, Oh, but we're just friends. And he was like, Oh, you know, I'm sorry. He kind of backed away for a minute to be like, Oh yeah, you're right. And, um, And then she was like, but I very much like to be more than friends. And that's really what sparked the fire. So I liked that the initiative and made sure that he knew what she wanted. And then, Whitney, I had said to you earlier that I felt like the soundtrack wasn't quite as powerful as it was in say season two. And you said, you're like, well, in the carriage, they did give us, Pitbull song, give me everything stripped down, which I went back and watched again. And I was like, Ooh, that was a really good song choice. And. The moment they both like collided together and passion was right when the song started. So I thought that was really effective. so I liked the way that all played out. And, I think to Devin's point, maybe we didn't get as much spice we wanted for Penelope because they are in a carriage, maybe there's not enough space I don't know. Whitney, you tell us.

Devon: 57:03

When I was talking about Not Enough Spice, I just meant thinking about the development of the other characters love stories in the previous two seasons. Antony and Kate. Cantoney. They had a lot of highly charged moments leading up to this. And in the first season, Duke and Daphne had a lot of highly charged moments. And I feel like those were missing in this season. And of it could just be the way that they've laid out the season and broken it up into these two parts. So we're not getting the full momentum and build of the previous seasons. But, this moment in the carriage. Penelope saying, I want more and clearly giving her consent. She even nods to Colin at one point, like, go ahead. I want you to do this. And so they were making it clear that they both were very much aware of what the other person wanted. But, their relationship has developed in a different way than the previous two seasons.

Whittney: 57:57

I think part of that is because the plot has changed enough that they had to rearrange some events. So, this takes place about the same point in the book, as it is during the season. But, there's a major plot point that I think will change the next four episodes. Thank you. So this carriage scene was kind of inspired by, Colin thinking that, Penelope was going to marry Lord Dublin, and he was quite jealous, right? In the book, the carriage scene unfolds because, uh, He discovers she is Lady Whistledown, and is angry at her, and they are arguing in the carriage, which starts the passion, and then the passion turns from arguing about her being Lady Whistledown into something else, and it is a more charged and, more steamy scene, and, she is in much more of a state of undress when the, the carriage finally arrives at its destination. I think, you know, if you read the book, you'll get more steam from the carriage scene there. But the carriage scene in the book, Colin sees Penelope taking a hired cab, late at night, and he's like, what is she doing? She's by herself, she's going somewhere, he wants to go stop her, but he follows her, in his own carriage, and then, discovers she's dropping off a missive for Lady Whistledown. She's dropping off a missive for Lady Whistledown because she has stopped writing as Lady Whistledown at this point in the story. But then, because there's a lapse in Lady Whistledown, Cressida Cowper says she's Lady Whistledown. At this point, she's actually married, so she's Cressida Twombly. And so she's kind of like blackmailing Penelope. She's like kind of playing chicken with her. Like, you say you're Lady Whistledown. And then the identity is revealed. And in the meantime, I'm going to take credit for Lady Whistledown. So Penelope goes to, to drop a missive that she's saying, no, Cressida is not me. I, you know, I'm still here and I'm not Cressida. Right. So she's going to drop that off when Colin follows her. And he can, he goes in to the place where she's dropping it off. He confronts her about it. And then her, her cab left. Cause they were in there arguing about Lady Whistledown long enough that she has to go home in his carriage and he is mad at her. And he's kind of like working out why he's mad at her. And he's mostly mad at her because of the danger she's put herself in both. Societally, and, influence wise, and her prospects and also then You know, danger wise, she did just hire this cab in the middle of the night. And that all collides. And then we have the carriage scene in the book. So The end of the carriage scene in the book and the end of the carriage scene in the show are the same.

Susan: 1:00:46

Okay. to say, speaking of that, and then I'll comment on what you said. I love the part at the end when the carriage stops at the Bridgerton house, cause that was the first stop before going to Penn's house and column was like, Oh God, could the carriage driver not keep driving? I thought that was really And then they both laughed and I really love that. They always do have this light banter between them. They have jokes. It can laugh and be real with each other. And I thought that was really sweet. So after this moment of passion, then they're giggling in the carriage, and I really love that. And then we get the ending. So Whitney, tell us what happens here. And then you said it's the same as in the novel.

Whittney: 1:01:27

Yes. Although I want to say in the novel, they don't go to Bridgerton house because Colin doesn't live in Bridgerton house. He lives in his own lodgings, he has a bachelor pad. And so I think they were going to Penelope's house, so he was trying to take Penelope home, right? I need to read it again, but I want to say he wants to go in and tell her family. Like he wants to do all of that.

Susan: 1:01:51

That

Devon: 1:01:52

in the Penelope specifically says, before the carriage gets rolling, she says to the driver, if she calls out the window, we're stopping at Bridgeton house, or we're dropping Colin off first. So they're clearly changing the destination book.

Susan: 1:02:10

You had mentioned about Cressida having a role in the way the plot was in the book. It looks like in the previews that we saw, she's going to also have some kind of a role in the figuring out of Lady Whistledown. It sounds like there's going to be a reward for, bringing forth evidence to the palace. It looks like Cressida is involved in that pretty highly. So again, it looks like she's going to have More of a role in the next few episodes, but, they were utilizing her very nicely. what you were saying about the steaminess and the carriage, you said there was more steam from the carriage. So I just want to quote that, that we always want more steam from the carriage. Remember that.

Whittney: 1:02:46

Yes.

Devon: 1:02:47

Yes.

Whittney: 1:02:48

Nate made the comment, from the back of a carriage and I was like, um, The back of the carriage, what are you talking about? let's think of the anatomy of the carriage here. If you're on the back of the carriage, you're like, a footman or something, right? To open the not, there's no action back there. It's kind of hard to have action back there. The action is inside the carriage, okay? Inside. The call came from inside the carriage, yes.

Susan: 1:03:15

steam came from inside the carriage. It's kind of like in Titanic, they're inside the car, and the windows get steamy. I wanted a moment like that, We wanted the Titanic steamy car moment. Maybe we'll get

Devon: 1:03:25

They kept it very short considering we got more extended love scenes or extended kissing scenes in the first couple seasons. I feel like these characters are being shortchanged. I don't know why.

Whittney: 1:03:35

Thoughts

Susan: 1:03:36

That Nicola gave with, Luke Newton and they said they actually broke furniture in their love scenes and we haven't seen that yet. So, you know, to come.

Whittney: 1:03:46

Yes, I think that that is a piece of it. And then two, a carriage is a small place and filming a love scene in a carriage. I can't imagine that was easy for the camera folks to, to figure out those angles. So I wonder if that was a piece of it. And then I also wonder. If, you know, the tight space and the, the intimacy coach or who was on set with them, if they couldn't figure out a way that everybody was comfortable in that particular scene. So, holding out for the other scenes because there were other steamy scenes in the book.

Susan: 1:04:17

It's teasing us a little bit. It's setting up what's yet to come. It's again, important We've only the first half of this so there's still so much more time for it to flesh out in the next four episodes, hopefully. Yes.

Whittney: 1:04:31

I feel like they had to give us the carriage scene before break in episodes.

Devon: 1:04:35

They had to give us something because I thought that the episode was going to end before the last carriage scene. And I'm thinking there's just not enough right now to get the momentum going for this second half. just frustrated as a viewer that it's broken up to begin with. And I don't know why they chose to do that, especially since it's just a very small break in between, but, I'm glad they gave us the carriage scene. I do feel like it's enough to make it through the break, but I still feel like it's going to be tough to pick up the momentum again.

Whittney: 1:05:00

I also feel like we haven't just recapped that last line, which I feel like the last line is everything in the carriage scene, really. So Colin gets out of the carriage, he reaches for Penn, which actually let's, let's take it two steps back. Colin, makes sure her sleeve is back, her hair is not out of place. And she's like presentable. Which I thought was sweet. Everything is, where it's supposed to be. And then he gets out of the carriage, he reaches for Penn and he says, are you going to come with me? And she says, but your family, they'll see me. And he says, this is the best line of the entire first half of the series so far. For God's sake, Penelope Featherington, are you going to marry me or not? Which, was what we came for. Right.

Devon: 1:05:42

Yes, what we came for.

Susan: 1:05:43

we're left then with the previews for what's coming up next. so what are your thoughts about what's coming up? We have to wait until June 13th, but, what, what are your predictions or how you feeling about the next installment?

Devon: 1:05:56

Well, clearly because they set it up in these two parts, we've got to have the fall from the high. We had sort of the climax at the end of this. There's got to be a crash down. There's got to be something keeping them apart for them to drag this out for a couple more episodes. So I'm Something big. I guess the revelation that she's Lady Whistledown or, something else to be throwing a wrench into this.

Susan: 1:06:20

Wait, why do you say they're dragging it out for four more episodes?

Devon: 1:06:24

They give you this last line, Are you to marry me so you know that they're not going to get married in the next episode because there's still four more. So there has to be other plot points in order for them to have four more episodes of a story, but we know we can't have four episodes of happiness. That there's got to be some That's what I meant.

Susan: 1:06:41

I'm looking forward to seeing how Penelope and Colin's relationship continues to develop. I'm really curious to see if this changes the friendship with Eloise, now that her brother wants to marry Penelope, I'm curious how that's going to play out. I'm expecting more, chemistry and some spicy scenes between them, more steam from the carriage, to quote Whitney. I'm excited to see if Lord Debling and Cressida make a match. I'm not sure how that's going to go, there's a lot to look forward to. I'm excited.

Whittney: 1:07:10

I think this is the Calm Before the Storm, so I'm more on Dev's, perspective there, what's happened so far, I mean, Penelope's taken kind of a little bit of a hit, but it was a mild hit, and it was mostly happy, right? It was mostly, building up to a nice point, so, now, just the chaos will ensue. Big's gonna happen in the next episode that's gonna threaten the engagement, and Eloise will be involved because there'll be high tension and drama from her former best friend and brother of her supposed fiancé. I don't think anybody who's read the book will know anything other than hopefully we'll get a happy ending at the end of the season.

Susan: 1:07:49

I wasn't thinking about the explosion that's going to happen. We were already teased with that with Colin saying, if I find out who Lady Whistledown is, her. And now it's really high stakes because the person he's saying that about is now someone he just asked to marry him. So you're right. There is going to be a huge, a

Whittney: 1:08:07

will he ruin Lady Whistledown? Will it be physically? be, will he ruin her for, for the marriage mart? Cause I think we're on our way.

Devon: 1:08:16

With Eloise, she's held on to this, grudge against Penelope for quite some time and they've really drawn that out. So obviously that's going to be coming to a head and I really hope they get over this soon. Eloise, we really like her as a character. She's got charm. She's got great wittiness to her. But it's leaving a bad taste in my mouth how much she's ignoring Pen and letting some of these injustices happen to her and not stepping in like she should. It's hurting her character for me. So I hope that they're able to mend their ways so that we can have that friendship back. Because I really miss that.

Whittney: 1:08:48

Agreed.

Susan: 1:08:50

It's been fun. Deb, thanks for joining us for this discussion. As always.

Devon: 1:08:54

Thank you so much for having me. I love talking with you ladies. I

Whittney: 1:08:59

love more Dove time. So, let us know your thoughts on Bridgerton Season 3. Send us an email at susanandwhitneyatgmail. com or DM us on Facebook or Instagram.

Susan: 1:09:11

Yes. And stay tuned for our Bridgerton part two review. Of course, we're going to cover episodes five through eight. So look for that drop after the release of June 13th. Stay tuned. Talk

Whittney: 1:09:23

later. We are so bad at this. We are so bad at syncing them up.