In the final four episodes of Bridgerton season 3, lies were told, secrets were revealed, and Colin and Penelope’s love story reached its pleasant conclusion. Bridgerton season 3, part 1 ended with Colin and Penelope on the cusp of engagement, but episode 5 quickly turns the joyful moment into a nightmare. Penelope realizes she must tell Colin about Lady Whistledown, or someone else will do it for her. Meanwhile, the other Bridgerton siblings fall in love, in lust, and figure out truths about themselves.

As always, Bridgerton season 3, part 2 followed up on a handful of different storylines involving the Bridgerton family tree. Along with Penelope and Colin’s love story, the second part explored the budding romances between Francesca and John Stirling, and Violet and Marcus Anderson. Benedict entered a new relationship with Lady Tilley Arnold and Paul Suarez, while the Mondrichs continued adjusting to life in the ton. Anthony and Kate decide to take a trip to India. However, Bridgerton season 3, part 2’s most important plot revolved around the search for Lady Whistledown and Penelope’s fight to be her truest self.

How Bridgerton Season 3 Sets Up Penelope & Colin’s Future

Penelope & Colin Get Married And Have A Son

Amid the drama Penelope and Colin face throughout Bridgerton season 3, there are two huge milestones the pair surpass. First and foremost, Bridgerton season 3, episode 7 sees Colin and Penelope get married. Although Penelope’s Lady Whistledown secret leaves Colin feeling betrayed, he tells Penelope that he will honor his proposal to avoid disgracing her. Therefore, they go through with the wedding and move into their new house afterward.

Ultimately, Colin and Penelope’s son cements their relationship and their future together.

Colin and Penelope reach yet another relationship turning point at the end of the season: they have a child. In the final scenes of Bridgerton season 3, the series jumps forward in time and shows Prudence, Philippa, and Penelope with their babies. It is revealed that only Penelope’s child is a boy, making him the heir to the Featherington fortune. Ultimately, Colin and Penelope’s son cements their relationship and their future together. This achievement puts them on the same level as Daphne and Simon or Anthony and Kate.

What Happens To Cressida Cowper?

Cressida Fails To Escape Her Fate

Bridgerton season 3, part 2 sees Cressida Cowper become a major villain as she tries to take credit for being Lady Whistledown and attempts to blackmail Penelope when she is discredited. Despite her actions, though, Cressida is in a very difficult spot. Without any marriage prospects, she is doomed to live a miserable life with an old husband or her cruel aunt. Therefore, Cressida may be a villain, but she is at least redeemable.

Regardless, Cressida gets the villain treatment at the end of Bridgerton season 3. None of her schemes succeed, and she ends up being sent away to live with her Aunt Joanna. It is unclear whether Cressida will return in Bridgerton season 4 or later in the show’s future, but it would be a good thing to bring Cressida back. It would be nice to see Eloise visit Cressida or have Penelope try to use her power as Whistledown to help her. Hopefully, Cressida’s story doesn’t end here.

Why Francesca & John Stirling Leave The Ton When They’re Married

Francesca & John Seek Quiet

In Bridgerton season 3, Francesca and John Stirling get married and reveal that they are moving to John’s family home in Scotland. This is an unpleasant surprise for Violet, who doesn’t want her daughter so far away, but the decision makes sense. Francesca and John’s relationship is built on their shared love of quiet and privacy. By moving to Scotland, Francesca will get away from the chaos of the Bridgerton household and have a chance to find herself. This move will be an interesting change to Bridgerton season 4, especially if Francesca becomes the next Bridgerton main character.

Why Benedict Breaks Things Off With Lady Tilley Arnold

Benedict Wants To Be Free

Throughout the third season, Benedict has formed a close relationship with Lady Tilley Arnold, but unfortunately, their bond does not survive the final episode. During one of their meetings, Tilley tells Benedict that she wants a more serious relationship with him, and Benedict doesn’t agree. After being intimate with both Tilley and Paul Suarez, Benedict explains that he wants to be free for a while longer. This signals the end of Benedict and Tilley’s relationship. Ironically though, it also hints at the fact that, soon enough, Benedict will settle down with the right person.

Eloise’s Bridgerton Scotland Trip Explained

Eloise Decides To Travel

Francesca and John’s move to Scotland was already a surprising turn of events, but it became even better with the addition of Eloise. After attempting to fit in with the ton, Eloise realizes she truly would like to change the world. However, it’s hard to do that when she has never left England. Therefore, Eloise decides to accompany Francesca, so she can see more of the world. This is an exciting switch-up in Eloise’s story because it removes her from family drama and gives her a chance to grow. Eloise’s season 4 story will be one to look forward to.

Why Penelope Reveals Herself As Lady Whistledown To The Entire Ton

Penelope Wants To Do Better

If Bridgerton season 3 makes anything clear, it is that Lady Whistledown cannot stay hidden forever. At the end of the season, Penelope tells the Queen and the entire ton her secret. She does this because she wants to do better. Although Lady Whistledown has been a great outlet for her, it has also caused harm. Penelope takes a risk revealing herself to the ton, but she does it so that she can make up for her mistakes. She apologizes for what she has done, then pledges to use her power for good from now on.

In the issue where Penelope discredits Cressida, she reveals secrets that are much more than idle gossip.

What is most exciting about Penelope’s Lady Whistledown reveal is that Bridgerton can continue using Lady Whistledown, but in new and creative ways. In the issue where Penelope discredits Cressida, she reveals secrets that are much more than idle gossip. The information she releases helps people. All in all, it seems likely that Penelope’s commitment to being better means that Bridgerton will have an entirely new era of Lady Whistledown that could be even better than the original.

What To Expect From Bridgerton Season 4

Bridgerton Season 4 Has No Confirmed Star

Although most of Bridgerton season 3’s cast has a set direction for the future, there is still no word on who the main character of Bridgerton season 4 will be. Based on how the third season ended though, it will most likely be Benedict or Francesca. Francesca’s marriage and trip to Scotland is the ideal set up for her love story, while Benedict’s romance could begin at any time. However, no matter who the lead is, Bridgerton season 4 will likely see significant character development, new relationships, and a fresh page for Lady Whistledown and the ton as a whole.