Bridgerton season 3 has left audiences on the edge of their seats since the first episode, but there will be just as many exciting things to expect from part 2 of the thrilling season. Season 3 centers on Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s romance, played by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, who have been central parts of the cast thus far. The high expectations following the success of the first two seasons put a lot of pressure on Bridgerton season 3. However, the newest story has been filled with just as much intrigue and romance as the earlier installments.
Netflix recently dropped the season 3, part 2 trailer, and fans of the TV series and books have been scrambling to uncover what lies in wait. Bridgerton season 3, part two sets up a massive twist, not to mention the promise of many more steamy scenes like the carriage cliffhanger that part 1 concluded on. It’s safe to say that the story will end with a happily-ever-after and a wonderful wedding night for Penelope and Colin. Still, the road to get there will have many obstacles along the way.
10. The Featheringtons’ Shock At Penelope’s Engagement
Will they finally learn to respect the wallflower of their family?
Penelope’s family is one of the internal embarrassments of her life, as the Featheringtons might be an institution in the ton, but they’re frequently a laughingstock. Next to the poised and handsome Bridgertons, it’s difficult for the Featheringtons to be taken seriously. Not to mention that, since Penelope’s sisters got married, they’ve treated her more and more like a second-class family member. Though her mother, Portia (Polly Walker), tries to be supportive, she often falls short. This is because no one in Penelope’s family sees her value or understands her.
Now that Penelope finally has Colin’s love and is joining the Bridgerton family, she’ll be ready to leave her painful past behind her. Of course, this will prove more difficult than she imagines, but the momentary bliss of witnessing her family’s shock will be fantastic. In the trailer, it’s hinted that it isn’t Penelope herself who tells them, choosing to let them read it in Whistledown and be floored by the news. This sense of vengeance is a key part of Penelope’s character, even if it gets her into trouble.
9. Cressida Claiming To Be Whistledown
Though she’s been a friend to Eloise, Cressida is known for her schemes.
The rift between Eloise (Claudia Jessie) and Penelope that occurred at the end of season 2 has wreaked havoc on the emotions of both women throughout season 3. When Eloise finds out that Penelope is Lady Whistledown she feels betrayed, and so she turns to Cressida (Jessica Madsen) for companionship in season 3. This hurts Penelope deeply, as Cressida is one of her biggest bullies among the ladies in society. However, as the audience learns more about Cressida, it’s easier to empathize with her.
However, Bridgerton season 3 sets up Cressida to be a villain, as shown in the trailer and revealed in the books. As her prospects dwindle, Cressida claims to be Whistledown, causing problems for Penelope as she grapples with her role as the gossip columnist and how to tell Colin. In the book, Cressida goes so far as to blackmail Penelope after she finds out that she’s Whistledown. After going to so much trouble to get the audience on Cressida’s side, it will be interesting to see what path part 2 takes.
8. Violet & Lord Marcus Growing Closer
Lady Bridgerton deserves a romance of her own, and it looks like she’s getting it.
Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) has been the head of the Bridgerton household for many years, as her husband tragically died so young. Since then, she’s dedicated herself to caring for her children and putting herself and her potential love life second. Likely, Violet rarely thinks of ever marrying again, as Lord Bridgerton was her true love. However, the introduction of Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), Lady Danbury’s (Adjoa Andoh) brother, has sparked something Violet thought long gone.
Though Lady Danbury doesn’t approve, and rumors are flying about Marcus’ past behavior, Violet and Marcus are drawn to each other. So far, his interest seems genuine, and their interactions have hinted that a romance between them could blossom into something beautiful. Bridgerton focuses most closely on the love lives of the Bridgerton children, Violet is just as important as any of them. Shining a light on romance later in life could be a great next move for the series.
7. The Return Of Anthony & Kate
The fan-favorite couple can’t stay away from the ton forever.
Bridgerton season 2 is widely regarded as arguably the best of the series so far, and part of this is thanks to the amazing chemistry between Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley). What happens to Kate and Anthony in the Bridgerton books might be a mystery to fans who only watch the show, but it foreshadows what might be seen in the coming installment of season 3. Part 1 saw Anthony and Kate extend their honeymoon and disappear from the ton for a while longer, but the part 2 trailer signals their return.
Based on the epilogue from Anthony’s book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, Kate and Anthony welcome their first child the year that they’re married. While Bridgerton hasn’t been afraid to deviate from the books, seeing the beloved couple start a family is something fans are eager to see. Anthony is likely coming home to celebrate his younger brother’s engagement and ensure he’s ready for marriage. However, he and Kate could have another reason for returning, resulting in many sweet scenes between them.
6. Eloise & Penelope Reconciling
Theirs is the strongest and most important friendship in the series.
Based on the trailer, Eloise’s initial reaction to Penelope and Colin’s reunion is slightly less than enthusiastic. The clips from part 2 hint that Eloise will put extreme pressure on Penelope to reveal her identity as Whistledown to Colin, even giving her an ultimatum to tell him, or Eloise will take matters into her own hands. This will put Eloise and Penelope even further at odds and could spell disaster for Penelope and Colin’s engagement. Though Eloise is angry at Penelope, she still wants her to be happy.
In the book, Eloise and Penelope are brought back together after Eloise begins to form a romance of her own, and their fight is not as large a part of the story. There are some Bridgerton theories about Eloise’s husband’s replacement since her story takes place around when Colin’s does. How the pair of friends heal their relationship is arguably as impactful on Penelope’s life and her marriage to Colin, and the show will need to think of a clever way for the young women to put aside their differences and come together.
5. The Mirror Scene
One of the most anticipated, and most risqué scenes from the book.
The final moments of Bridgerton season 3, part 1 saw Colin and Penelope get physical with each other like never before. Though Bridgerton is a period drama, it is far from chaste and is well-known among viewers for having some seriously romantic and thrilling sex scenes between the leads. It’s clear from the trailer, and the outline of Romancing Mister Bridgerton, that the carriage scene is only the tip of the iceberg, and that it won’t take long for their love to break the barrier of what’s considered proper in society.
In the trailer, Colin comes up behind Penelope when she’s at a mirror, foreshadowing that the series will deliver a faithful adaptation of the mirror scene written in Julia Quinn’s book. This will likely only be one of many moments that will leave viewers breathless, and cement Bridgerton as a show for older audiences. However, after many years of Penelope not being able to see her own beauty, having this confirmed and celebrated by Colin will be an emotional moment.
4. Colin Learning Penelope Is Whistledown
The turning point, and most dramatic moment, of season 3, part 2.
The series reveals Penelope is Whistledown far earlier than the books, and this colors seasons 2 and 3, as the audience is aware of who’s behind the curtain. It also means the build-up for Colin to discover Penelope’s secret has been growing for years, and will likely be the most intense part of season 3. Colin has been open about his contempt for Lady Whistledown and the lives she’s jeopardized with her writing, but he may feel differently when he finds out Whistledown is the woman he loves.
For their relationship to last, Penelope must be the one to tell Colin her secret, not letting someone else tell him or having it come out by accident. Though there will be an initial shock, the transparency between them will only deepen their love and bond. Additionally, their connection about writing has been teased throughout season 3, and when Colin realizes that Penelope is a writer herself, they’ll have even more to discuss and share.
3. The Queen Interfering With Francesca & John Stirling’s Courtship
Francesca’s first season out in society hasn’t been the quiet affair she was hoping for.
Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) picks a diamond every season, and most young ladies clamor to be chosen. However, for Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd), there’s nothing worse than having that kind of attention on her. Of course, this means that fate and a little help from Lady Danbury came together to ensure the Queen set her sights on Francesca. There is a good deal of pressure for Francesca to make a match worthy of her newfound title of diamond, as the Queen has a reputation to maintain.
While Francesca might be Daphne’s Bridgerton replacement on paper, the two sisters couldn’t be more different. Francesca doesn’t want the enormous family and noise that the rest of the Bridgertons cherish, and she wants a husband who understands that. So far, the Queen has pushed a few suitors on Francesca, but she’s had her head turned by Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli), a lesser-known and quiet member of the ton. The Queen will have much to say about this potential match throughout the remaining episodes.
2. Teasing Eloise Or Benedict’s New Love Interests
Either Eloise or Benedict will have their story told next season, but no one is sure who.
Eloise and Benedict (Luke Thompson) are difficult members of the Bridgerton family, as neither one of them has been much interested in marriage throughout the series. Of all the siblings, their book stories have been altered the most. The love matches in their respective novels might not be who they end up with in the TV show. This wouldn’t be shocking, but it does open the door for the series to take more liberties with the plot, introducing new characters invented by the writers to pave the way for Eloise and Benedict.
Eloise hasn’t had her eye on anyone in season 3, but Benedict has been engaging in an affair with the character Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New), who doesn’t appear in the books. It would be surprising if Benedict ended up with the new Lady Tilley, but it’s not ultimately out of the question. If he or Eloise are to start hearing wedding bells in season 4, the groundwork needs to be laid by season 3, part 2. So far, neither of them are any closer to walking down the aisle.
1. Colin & Penelope’s Wedding
The event of the season, and the beginning of the rest of their lives.
Though there have been obstacles, and there will continue to be as Bridgerton season 3 progresses, there’s no doubt that before it comes to an end, Colin and Penelope will be married. The trailer for season 3, part 2 has shown the ring, and their engagement party, but has revealed little about the wedding day itself. This is lucky to preserve a sense of mystery, but the formula of the books and show, as well as the love the characters share, all but ensures that the season won’t conclude without heartful nuptials.
Fans are looking forward to seeing Penelope’s dress for the occasion, as her newfound styling and beauty influences have taken her natural beauty to the next level. Penelope was always gorgeous, but season 3 allowed her to come into her own, and the ton took notice. However, this beauty will be chiefly shared with Colin from the end of the season on, after their love is cemented. Where their relationship will go after this is up to the showrunners and how much they decide to adapt from the books.
