Netflix: “Bridgerton” Season 3

Dearest Gentle Reader:

We humbly acknowledge that the good things in life rarely stay that way. As evidence, we refer to the first half of the third season of “Bridgerton” on Netflix.

As Season 3 opens, the still-unmarried-but-aching-to-be-married ladies of the “ton” are a-twitter as to whom will be named the season’s “diamond” (i.e., the most marriage-ready socialite). Their parents are eager to find out as well. Who will decide? Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) whose numerous and fabulous wigs—one of which looks like a miniature terrarium—announce her presence as soon as she enters a room.

The most eligible bachelor this season is Colin, the second Bridgerton son (Luke Newton) who has just returned from travels abroad. Possessing the smoothest skin, the flattest abs and the most luminous eyes, he may in 20th century parlance be what is called a “snack.”

Then there is Penelope (Nicola Coughlin), the brainy, curvy redhead who faces her third season without a marriage prospect. As we longtime Bridgertonians know, she only has eyes for Colin, who regards her merely as a friend. As a consolation prize, will she accept the marriage proposal of Lord Debling (Sam Philips), who’s more fond of animals and nature than he is of human beings?

Season 3 features hats that look like dessert courses, interiors that are sumptuously appointed, and quadrilles danced to a fare-thee-well. But at the end of the day, I regret to say that it is a B-plus Cinderella story. And even grading on a curve, the story of women craving for a husband and nothing more strikes me as a bit retrograde for 2024.

Perhaps the second half of the third season which premieres on June 13 will have more interesting developments. Let us wait until then to judge.

Kind regards, and non-judgementally yours,

Aug Whistledown

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