The reason is simple.
Bridgerton isn’t truly adept at crafting deep romance. For two seasons, this wildly popular Netflix series has revitalized the romantic genre by wholeheartedly embracing its pleasures and injecting modern quirks, complete with an attractive cast that keeps audiences coming back for more. However, beneath the glitz and allure, Bridgerton has struggled to imbue its romantic narratives with genuine depth.
Throughout the first two seasons, we witnessed characters indulging in unrestrained passions or enduring Austenian repression. Despite these scenarios, the central romantic pairings felt formulaic and lackluster. Yet, amidst these superficial romances, the show has meticulously developed the characters whose story now drives season three. Surprisingly, the spotlight isn’t on a romantic relationship but on the fractured friendship between the second-eldest Bridgerton sister, Eloise (Claudia Jessie), and her lifelong friend Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan).
This evolving storyline, which has been simmering since season one, culminates in an emotionally charged third season. Eloise and Penelope’s friendship deteriorated at the end of season two when Eloise discovered that Penelope was Lady Whistledown, the enigmatic gossip columnist whose writings have repeatedly stirred turmoil for both families.
The revelation of this betrayal, combined with Penelope’s manipulative use of her alter ego to influence public opinion, sets the stage for the most compelling narrative Bridgerton has offered yet.
Despite the series sprinkling in more courtship than ever before, it ironically undermines these romantic entanglements by allocating insufficient time to develop them. Instead, the most poignant moments are reserved for the strained interactions between Eloise and Penelope. This season subtly reveals that Bridgerton’s true strength lies not in its romantic escapades but in its portrayal of familial bonds and friendships.
A successful romance hinges on moments of intense connection—those electric touches and meaningful glances. However, these moments only resonate when the audience feels a genuine connection to the characters involved. The finest romances portray characters drawn to each other through shared traits and natural chemistry, an area where Bridgerton’s writing has faltered.
Season one aimed to modernize the bodice-ripper genre, prioritizing the visual appeal of characters like Simon (Regé-Jean Page) over deep characterization. The conflict between Simon and Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) felt contrived, relying on a fundamental personality clash rather than organic relationship growth. Season two, featuring Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), offered a beloved pairing but leaned heavily on tired Austenian tropes rather than fostering a believable emotional connection.
Contrastingly, the friendship between Penelope and Eloise has been the show’s most consistently developed relationship. Both social misfits, their friendship provided a sanctuary from their respective families’ expectations. Penelope’s secret identity as Lady Whistledown, however, led to betrayals that fractured this bond, setting the emotional core for season three.
As Eloise grapples with feelings of betrayal and Penelope with guilt, the series explores the complexities of their relationship. Despite the romantic subplots featuring other Bridgerton siblings and characters, none match the emotional intensity of Penelope and Eloise’s friendship.
Season three also introduces a new romantic subplot involving Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd), previously absent due to a casting change. Her budding romance with the shy earl John Stirling (Victor Alli) hints at future developments, though it remains overshadowed by the main narrative.
Ultimately, Bridgerton excels when it shifts focus from superficial romances to the intricate dynamics of family and friendships. Penelope’s estrangement from Eloise casts a shadow over the entire Bridgerton clan, highlighting the series’ underlying theme of belonging and connection.
The fractured friendship between Eloise and Penelope, with its deep emotional stakes, resonates more profoundly than the romantic entanglements that have characterized the series. This focus on platonic love, particularly between two women, subtly subverts the show’s traditional romantic framework, adding layers of complexity and nuance.
As the season progresses, there remains potential for new narrative directions, perhaps even exploring queer relationships. However, the core strength of Bridgerton lies in its exploration of friendship and family, which continues to captivate audiences far more than its romantic storylines.
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