Bridgerton S3 Lady Whistledown Theory is Either Genius or Incredibly Dumb

One of the primary questions Bridgerton fans are anticipating for Season 3 is how the writers will manage the Lady Whistledown story arc. After all, for two seasons and a spinoff, this mysterious gossip columnist of the ton has proven to be an invaluable narrative and plot device. How could the Bridgerton universe exist without Julie Andrews' iconic rolling Rs?

At the same time, Julia Quinn fans will confirm that by the conclusion of the fourth book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, which is slated to be the basis for the forthcoming season, Penelope Featherington abandons her writing hobby for a blissful married life with Colin Bridgerton, and Lady Whistledown disappears. So how will the show's creators tackle this storyline?

Actually, devoted fans deciphered this quite some time ago. It remains unclear, however, whether their solution is a satisfactory one. According to a theory that has been circulating in Bridgerton fan discussions lately, all the writers need to do is have Penelope pass the Lady Whistledown baton to another character.

Imagine this: After Season 3, Penelope, having redeemed herself in the eyes of the Bridgertons and perhaps even the Queen, sees a new issue of Whistledown being circulated throughout the ton, but she had no involvement in it. Shock. Fade to black.

Could this work? A twist like this could certainly keep viewers on the edge of their seats. More importantly, it allows Bridgerton to maintain Julie Andrews' narration and for Penelope to maintain her dignity. After all, how could she continue writing gossip about one of the most influential families in the ton while being a member of that family?

The theory has its shortcomings, though. A new person posing as Lady Whistledown will take the show back to Season 1, when we were unaware of the identity of this irritating yet influential London gossip columnist. The search for the writer's true identity will begin afresh. But who could be a better Lady Whistledown than Penelope? Regrettably, no such character appears to exist.

Moreover, and more importantly, a new Whistledown means that Penelope will be deprived of the storyline she has earned. Over the first two seasons, Pen evolved into one of the show's most developed characters. With all her failures, emotions, and dreams, she feels like a relatable human being and a true leading lady. It would be a shame to let her arc end after the solo season.

If the Bridgerton creators decide to go with this ambiguous fan theory, we hope they respect Penelope's character and find a way to keep her in the show until the end.