Polin Romance Sets Up a Major Challenge for Bridgerton Season 3
The romance between the two established characters is the first for the Shonda Rhimes show.
Following its source material, Julia Quinn's romantic book series, Bridgerton focuses each new season on a different love story with its unique tropes and plot twists. While Season 1 followed the romantic journey of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, which leaned heavily on Daphne's innocence and the 'let's deceive everyone' trope, Season 2 was the classic enemies-to-lovers narrative with Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma exuding palpable sexual tension and chemistry. Now, Season 3 is poised to be very different from the previous narratives.
Based on the fourth Julia Quinn novel, the upcoming story revolves around the relationship between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington and presents a significant challenge for the show's creators. Here's why.
Established Characters
In previous seasons, at least one of the protagonists was a new character who was given ample screen time for development. The situation with Penelope and Colin is different. They have both featured prominently in the show since the beginning, and viewers have already formed opinions about them and expect them to behave in specific ways. Wherever their story arcs lead in Season 3, fans will be paying extra attention, and the risk of disappointing them is extremely high.
Friends to Lovers
Since Penelope and Colin have known each other for years, and Pen's crush on Colin is a well-established fact, their love story will likely follow the friends-to-lovers path. That is an engaging trope, but it presents several challenges. Just like in real life, breaking out of the friend zone is a difficult task that the show's creators will have to make believable.
Lady Whistledown
The major challenge this season is the Lady Whistledown plot. It seems impossible for Penelope to develop a relationship with Colin without revealing her secret identity, which would likely mean giving up the hobby that's been the centre of her life. But how will that work? Who will narrate the series if Lady Whistledown retires? And wouldn't Penelope face serious repercussions for her words and actions? The show's writers will have to navigate all these issues.
Dark History
The fact that Pen hurt the Bridgertons and their friends with her column is another challenge stemming from the Lady Whistledown plot. In an effort to protect Colin and Eloise, she embroiled them in scandals that tarnished their reputations. How will the Bridgertons be able to forget, forgive, and welcome Penelope into their family? Season 3 will have to present a believable narrative that explains that.