The third season of Netflix’s hit series “Bridgerton” centered around the friends-to-lovers arc between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, which is adapted from Julia Quinn’s fourth book in the Bridgerton series, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton”. The show adopted several aspects from the novel but also made significant changes to fit the narrative and characters. Here’s a detailed look at the comparison between the show and its literary inspiration.
No Ordinary Friendship
The on-screen adaptation sketches the dynamic relationship of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, known lovingly as Polin to fans. The show presents an ardent Penelope who secretly adores her best friend’s brother for an eternity, only to be shaken upon discovering a secret about Colin.
Contrarily, a weary Colin, who is exasperated with the never-ending gossip about him by the notorious Lady Whistledown and the sameness of his life, experiences a change when he returns to London. He starts noticing Penelope, who seemed ever-present yet invisible, suddenly becoming the woman of his dreams.
Bridgerton vs. The Book
“Bridgerton” season 3 premiered on Netflix on May 16, presenting both similarities and differences with Quinn’s novel. The show attempts a delicate balance between portraying the book’s iconic moments and adding new elements fitting to the characters.
Chronological Contrast
In the book, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” unfolds a decade after the third book “An Offer From a Gentleman”. Colin and Penelope are shown as a decade older. Penelope has accepted the idea of being a spinster and continues with her secret role as Lady Whistledown. The show, however, happens right after the second season, with Penelope actively seeking a husband.
Penelope’s World Expands
As Penelope takes center stage in season 3, audiences are introduced to more of her family. The Featherington sisters, Phillipa and Prudence, are shown to be married but are frequently visiting their family home. Curiously, the youngest of the Featherington sisters, Felicity, has no presence in the show.
A New Rival at Center Stage
Cressida Cowper takes up a significant role in season 3. Her newfound friendship with Eloise Bridgerton and the rising rivalry with Penelope is a significant addition to the on-screen adaptation. While the animosity remains consistent with the book, the reasons have been tweaked in the series.
Blossoming of Penelope
The show accurately portrays Penelope’s transition as she abandons the green and yellow frocks for dresses of her own choice, just like in the novel. The choice of blue-toned dresses is a spot-on depiction from the book.
Loading the Love Triangle
The inclusion of Lord Debling as a suitor for Penelope is a new addition to the show. Unlike the book, where Colin had no competition for Penelope, the show presents a more complicated dynamic with the love triangle.
Benedict’s Stagnant Love Life
Contrary to book loyalists’ hope for a romantic storyline for Benedict Bridgerton, he confesses his reluctance to court any lady in the new episodes. Furthermore, the show doesn’t hint at his successful artist lifestyle with his wife and children as described in the novel.
Colin’s Faithful Portrayal
The show very accurately encapsulates Colin’s journey from his frivolous behavior to his writing ambitions and his first encounter with Penelope. As rightly presented in the book, none of his life aspects remain the same.
A Novel Earl
The entry of John Stirling, Francesca’s eventual husband, is portrayed just as mentioned in the book “When He Was Wicked”. However, the absence of a Scottish accent for the Earl of Kilmartin, an actual location in Scotland, poses an interesting discrepancy.
Spice Up the Ton
Much of Colin and Penelope’s intimate scenes are taken directly from the book with minor changes. Colin proposes after the carriage scene, however, in the book, the proposal happens post the revelation of Penelope being Lady Whistledown.
Wrapping Up
Overall, Bridgerton Season 3 presents a faithful yet intriguing adaptation of the novel, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton”. The show succeeds in maintaining the core narrative while including new elements for character development and adding an extra layer of complexity to the story. The first half of season 3 is currently available for streaming on Netflix, with the remaining episodes scheduled for release on June 13th. Get ready to escape into the world of regency romance with an interesting twist!