In season 3, Penelope experiences a transformation, receives unexpected guidance, and becomes the main character of "Bridgerton".
After a successful second season, which featured the romantic storyline of Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), the focus now shifts to two beloved characters: Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). Fans of the Regency-era romance series are anticipating the events of the latest installment as Colin and Penelope are set to take center stage.
The previous season saw Colin unintentionally hurting Penelope when she overheard him say he would never court her, creating tension that will carry over into the upcoming story. Coughlan discussed the characters' struggles in a recent interview: "When you meet them, they're both putting on masks. They each feel like they need to be other people to survive and to be loved, and to find a match."
From friendship to love
The third season opens with Colin returning from a trip abroad, sporting a new look and gaining attention from ladies. In contrast, Penelope is determined to find a husband to leave her family home and escape her manipulative mother and married sisters. Her resolve leads to a transformation in her appearance.
"They’re trying to be someone they're not," Coughlan explained. "Penelope’s thinking, 'I don't care about romance or love, that doesn't interest me. I’m going to be practical and find a husband.' But she realizes she never worked on herself. Her transformation doesn't fix anything."
In a surprising turn of events, Colin offers to guide Penelope through the world of courtship, which leads her to attract Lord Debling (Sam Phillips). This piques Colin's jealousy, leading to a question in the latest trailer: “Is the best foundation for love friendship?” However, Coughlan maintains that before Colin and Penelope can be together, they both need to learn to love themselves.
“There’s a big overarching theme in their story about loving themselves, which sounds cheesy, but it’s important. Once they learn to become comfortable in who they are, then they can really blossom," Coughlan remarked. Newton agreed, adding, “We've known each other for a long time, and we know each other’s insecurities. It's about accepting that person rather than idolizing a version of them that's not real.”
While the actors have worked together for the past four years, they acknowledge that their strong bond and open communication have helped them portray the romance between Colin and Penelope with ease. "It’s so nice to play characters who have been friends for a while and have gone through these experiences together. We have such a good relationship off-set, and that has really translated to the screen,” said Newton.
Embracing the pressure
Taking on the mantle of the series' main love interest comes with certain pressures, but Newton feels prepared after four years in the role. He finds Colin's sensitivity and empathy for other characters to be unique traits that distinguish him from previous leads.
"Colin is a little softer, more emotional, and more understanding of other people," he concluded.
The third season of "Bridgerton" will air in two parts: Part 1 on May 16 and Part 2 on June 13 on Netflix.
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As the anticipation for the latest installment of "Bridgerton" grows, fans can look forward to the romantic storyline between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, who will take center stage in the entertainment world. With Colin offering guidance and Penelope's transformation, the third season promises a journey of self-discovery and love.
Source: edition.cnn.com
