Review: Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1

I still have not discovered what type of drug Shonda Rhimes pumps into her Bridgerton series. All I know is that they continue to be as addictive as ever. Every time I believe I’m ready for a new season, I quickly learn that I am, in fact, not ready.

Season 3 switched up the order of the source material, bringing a long-awaited story first. Unlike its predecessors, season 3 is split into two parts. I had the privilege of watching part 1, and let me tell you, dearest gentle reader, the first half is a happy medium between seasons 1 and 2. Season 1 was full steam ahead, while season 2 was a slow burn. Season 3 jumps right into the story without missing a beat. What makes this different from the first two is that these characters already have a rapport with one another. Their years-long friendship adds to the sexual tension, and it does not disappoint in the end. But do the two leads have chemistry? Of course, they do! They’ve had chemistry the whole time; it’s just that this season puts it on full display.

Once a wallflower hanging around the back wall, Penelope is now front and center as the series lead. Nicola Coughlan has been making quite the name for herself since the series’ birth. Some fans knew her from Derry Girls, but her stardom has risen in recent months. Now, in this season of Netflix’s Bridgerton, she proves why she is leading lady material—her impressive wit and charm, which have always been there, now shine brightly. Without giving anything away, it’s lovely to finally see her step out from the shadows of the Bridgerton ladies and into the spotlight in this latest series.

Much like the other men of Bridgerton, Colin has had his own “glow-up” for the new season. I have nothing against Luke Newton, but I will say I was never fond of Colin. He just didn’t intrigue me enough. However, Colin Bridgerton will find his way into your heart in this new season. Trust me, there are many moments I found myself still rolling my eyes at his antics, but by episode four, Colin may sweep you off your feet.

Multiple subplots feed the main plot throughout part 1 of the series, and for the most part, you’re hooked on all of them. My hope is that when part 2 comes around, most of these storylines will also be tied up with a nice little bow. But only time will tell.

You will love the new season if you’re a fan of the series. This time around, the show has a slightly different look, with a deeper contrast and amped-up colors, making everything and everyone look beautiful. Of course, more sweeping orchestrated versions of your favorite top-40 songs add to the lush environment, making you wish you were also at the coveted balls.

Part 1 of season 3 is the start of something great. There is a good foundation that will ultimately build a dramatic ending when part 2 comes our way. Once again, we are hooked on characters and are waiting, not so patiently, for their stories to be resolved. I think the pacing of each episode is perfect. There are no scenes that drag and are only amped up by sweeping music and camera movements. Season 2 introduced side plots that further the story, and Season 3 does the same. The exciting side stories will feed into something larger when part 2 comes around. Our leads have fantastic chemistry, satisfying our taste for tension until the end of the entire season.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it: watching Bridgerton is like opening a bag of fresh chips. You start with one, and then a few hours later, you’ve eaten the whole bag and started contemplating what you’re doing wrong in your life. Of course, you can’t find love sitting on your couch devouring each episode. And unfortunately, Shonda Rhimes has set our expectations of men incredibly too high. But watching this show is pure joy, and by the end, why shouldn’t you have these standards? Every girl is the diamond of the season, and we all deserve a “Bridgerton man” who looks at us like we’ve hung the moon. So get ready, girls. You’re in for another wild, whirlwind romance that will have you swooning from beginning to end. Just remember not to get too disappointed in real life because not all men have the “written by a woman” energy we’re looking for.