The first four episodes of Bridgerton season three land on Netflix tomorrow and Shonda Rhimes’ period romp is showing no sign of slowing down on the heaving bosoms and sexy Regency shenanigans. This time it’s Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin’s (Luke Newton) moment to promenade in the spotlight, as the chemistry between the pair builds to danger levels. If you’re hazy on where season 2 left things, and what to expect from Lady Whistledown’s quill this time out, allow us to deliver this swift briefing epistle to you via silver salver.
1. The pheromone levels will be soaring
The first episode introduces the series’ key singleton, Colin Bridgerton, and provides a handy excuse for him to get his tailored top off. Following in the footsteps of the now-departed Duke of Hasting (Regé-Jean Page) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), he’s stepping in as Bridgerton’s resident smoke show. Watch as he objectifies himself by changing into formal garb in a carriage en route to a ‘ton event. That flash of pecs offer another reminder that Regency England was a secret hot bed of gyms.
And things remain steamy between Anthony and Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley), fresh from their honeymoon in season 2. Instead of longing stares and wistful sighs, they’ll be trying to make an heir this time out. They’ve got eight episodes, with a handy four week gap in the middle, to pull it off.
2. Everyone’s getting a makeover
Fresh from his 19th-century gap year to Europe, Colin has returned tanned and full of tales. No longer a shy second spare, he’s full of charm and cheek as he chats to the husband-seeking ladies around town. His sister, Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), seems to have had a between-seasons personality transplant. She’s now wearing the ‘style of the season’, reading romance novels like ‘Emma’ and befriending the awful Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen). As for Penelope, the recently revealed Lady Whistledown, she’ll be shedding her garish wardrobe to make a more poised return to society.
3. There’s a new debutant in town
The first two seasons focused on Daphne and Eloise’s debuts into society. This time, it’s little sis Francesca’s (now played by Hannah Dodd) time to be corseted and courted. More introverted than her older siblings, Fran struggles with the attention of older suitors, seeking solace in the company of big brother Anthony or self-confessed wallflower, Penelope. She knows her destiny is to enter the marriage market but has limited expectations of fireworks from a prospective hubby. Instead, she tells her fellow debutants she only hopes to marry someone kind. Aww.
4. The scheming never stops
Lady Featherington (Polly Walker) will be committing some casual fraud in her quest to better her children’s standing in society. In season 2, ‘Cousin Jack’ appeared as the male heir to the Featherington estate, promising to reverse the family’s fortunes, before being unmasked as a penniless grifter and sent packing to the Americas. Not one to accept defeat or destitution, Lady F makes her daughters’ unborn sons benefactors in his will. But the law soon comes knocking. Meanwhile, Bridgerton’s resident villainess Cressida will be sabotaging Penelope at every opportunity, trying to turn Eloise against her and ripping her revenge dress.
5. The soundtrack is spot on
With orchestral covers of Billie Eilish’s ‘Happier than Ever’, Taylor Swift’s ‘Snow on the Beach’ and Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’, there’ll be no shortage of baroque bangers to background the sex and scandal. A particular highlight is Penelope’s big reveal when she debuts a Titanic-esque emerald gown to Gayle’s ‘abcdefu’. The score is also cleverly used as a subplot when Francesca is found at the piano instead of getting ready for her audience with the Queen. The song she’s caught playing? Mozart’s ‘Funeral March.’
The first four episodes of Bridgerton season 3 launch on Netflix May 16, with the final four landing on Jun 13.
