ROMANTIC DRAMA BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 STRUGGLES TO CATCH FIRE

  3/5                                    

Dear Reader, this season has the carriage wheels spinning with hot scenes, the return of fashionable old London sets and young ladies going into society. 

The long wait of two years for the first four episodes of NETFLIX’s Bridgerton is out now and while having many of the same elements that made the first two seasons a smash hit, is slightly disappointing. Let’s delve into why it’s not as compelling as other Seasons. 

The period drama began in 2020 and became an instant sensation. Much of this success was down to main characters Daphne and Simon and their will they, won’t they storyline. Their relationship ups and downs made for iconic TV. 

It’s always hard to follow season one, however, in Season 2 the storyline of Anthony and Kate’s enemies to lover’s plotline kept the show fresh and audiences on their toes. 

So, you would think the evolution in Season 3 between Penelope and Colin’s friendship to lovers would have the same romantic effect as the other two seasons. While some scenes that actress Nicola Coughlan, who plays the main protagonist are satisfyingly intimate the overall story arc so far is underwhelming.

The main reason for this is a lack of chemistry between the two leads. We are only halfway through the season so maybe their relationship will blossom for audiences as the second half develops.  

The first few scenes start with Francesca, sixth child of the Bridgerton family entering “Diamond of the market”, which is who will become the most accomplished, most beautiful, and most eligible maiden on the marriage market, as chosen by Queen Charlotte. The characters in these scenes are well written, and the viewer gets to feel what it must have been like to be a debutante. Francesca’s burgeoning love affair with the Earl of Kilmartin with the sneaky glances and sweet gestures between them has more chemistry than the ‘Polin’ romance.

The season should have perhaps concentrated on Francesca, which is beautifully played by Hannah Dodd and left Penelope’s search for love for Season 4.

It’s also great to see Violet, the mother of the Bridgerton family get the spotlight she deserves and to see her character find love. I’m excited to see where this goes.

Production wise the budget remains impressive with the costumes and sets magnificent. However, some of the dance scenes are a tad too long and I found myself skipping slightly through them. Never a good sign. 

In fact, I found the behind-the-scenes dance footage more entertaining than the real thing. 

The acting all round was still on point, the music was still poetic, and the sets looked historically accurate. 

To be fair, the fourth episode ends on an intoxicating cliff-hanger which keeps the audience guessing and wanting more. 

It’s just the central relationship of ‘Polin’ that struggles to catch fire, which unfortunately is the core storyline. 

With a hotly anticipated second half to come it is hoped that the best will be left till last, and the show can kick on and live up to its predecessors.

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