This comparison has me dying. But his attitude change isn’t talk about in this way. I think he was properly ready to see Pen as a woman before the guys started giving him shit. But he looked so conflicted. Like he’s saying the words, but doesn’t believe them. What so wrong with a man courting Pen how thoughts. He spends his whole trip trying to fill the hole in his heart that are Pen’s letters. Why is he thinking about her so much? Why is it he would rather be writing to Pen than being with this beautiful woman. He’s been thinking about Pen as loyal and loving since season 2. She had him MESSED up by not writing him.
Thank you for addressing the disappointment at not getting enough polin post-whistledown and reconciliation. I couldn’t have said it better, myself. We needed more Colin “obsessed with his wife” Bridgerton.
Hopefully we get some of that for season 4. Pen didn't get a wedding night. Why couldn't Colin been upset AND still be si in love he couldn't be apart from her. I think the sex connection between them could have been much more. And also the musicality for their passion seemed less than previous.
@@samanthasayson8118 I for one didn't even watch Benedict scenes because I'm all about Polin so I skipped a lot of scenes to just get to Polin scenes I mean I did watch a few other characters that were in scenes with Colin or Penelope but after that I just watched Polin scenes because I don't care about the other couples Polin is everything that matters the most they are a Beautiful couple!
Also I love that the Featherington family relationship isn't suddenly perfect overnight, like everyone involved has to actually TRY to be thoughtful and kind to each other over TIME or healing will go nowhere. Pen and her mom don't make unrealistic promises, they just agree to try and do better than they have been in understanding each other.
I didn’t even need a sex scene in ep 8 but the fact that we didn’t get to see them in bed together happy and in love AFTER all those nights on the couch??? Criminal
I mean we get the tiny clip of them with Penelope on top, honestly was living for that and wished it was longer. If they added 15 mins to the last episode it would have been perfect just to flesh out the end. Show them writing, show pen telling Colin she’s pregs, and show them making out in bed.
Tbh I would’ve preferred them going over their manuscripts in bed seeing them have that emotional and intellectual vulnerability in their marriage bed than them with the babies. Or if they did it like with season 2, have them talking in bed about their writing before quality family time.
@@katherineejessupl totally agree l loved this season so much best one imo l might be biased coz l love polin but a extra 15 mins with these things would have made it just that much more better but l still loved what we got. lm hoping for happy married polin in s4 with them all loved up and being just adorable parents with some of colin “my wife” bridgerton thrown in ❤
They did film a 10-minute sex scene after that kiss in the street... This was confirmed by viewers of initial screenings and Nikola... However, they cut many polin scenes from the final version
But that's so out of character from Colin. he needs to feel emotionally connected to his partner in order to enjoy it. How can someone like that enjoy the act when he doesn't trust her and is still trying to forgive her for lying.
this is EXACTLY how i feel about the fran situation. ppl can be dissapointed that their fave book is changing without being homophobic, and the biggest let down isn't the genderbend tho its the message that she isnt love with john. her accepting that she loves someone else after john is literally the plot of her book so yeah the kiss and name stumble had me really upset too, you explained it perfectly
Being upset of the genderbend is also not homophobic.If it was Queen Charlotte a Bridgerton story had Brimsely and the King's guard being gay and was met with alot of support and little homophobia .
@sakuraesther6309 Absolutely! I was totally upset by the gender bend Because I hate forced inclusion and changing things just for the sake of brownie points. I would much rather have new characters and new stories where the characters are gay instead of gay washing alreading established couples.
Honestly one of the best scenes in the entire show. That and the first confrontation between Marcus and Agatha where she’s like, “you DARE address me by my born name and expect it to make things better?!” (Paraphrasing.) Absolutely heart-wrenching.
I don't think it can be understated how much Penelope is asking Colin to abandon the gender rolls of their society. When she says no, I will be keeping my career and when she says I just need you to support me and love me instead of lead me or do things for me. That is an wild departure from everything he will have been taught, learned, or seen I society. Even his parents and married siblings have more traditional gender rolls than what Pen is asking of him. The fact that he adapts and gets it so quickly shows how compatible they truly are. Giving her what she needs actually gives him what he needs too. People pleasers actually kind of need someone to please, I say this as a big one myself. But what makes it actually healthy and nontoxic is when the people pleaser is paired with someone who loves them unconditionally, not for the things they do but for who they are. Penelope has seen the best and worst of Colin. She's had him on a pedestal and down in the dirt and she has come to love him to his very soul. She chooses him and to love him even when it's hard, even when she feels like he isn't loving her back. That's what he needs to feel safe to devote himself to her fully. And that's where they find themselves at the end of the show.
Absolutely! For God's sake, there are men NOWADAYS who feel like utter failures for not being providers. Like it's been shown before, Colin feels insecure, has a hero complex & has been trying to find his place in a society that is very restrictive, even for men. While he absolutely loves her, I'm sure he was still getting ready to fill his role as a protector & provider. So when Pen basically tells him she doesn't need any of that....his insecurities JUMPED.
👏👏👏💖 exactly this... thank you for explaining it so well. I agree completely. No person is perfect, there was a lot of mistakes, hurtful choices, tough situations, and it is based in that time. I think the show tackled the relationship struggles and dynamics perfectly. At the end of the day... it is about acceptance, respect, being supportive and loving someone fully as they are, and as a whole person. Season 3 gave me what I wanted.
Yes! I love it too coupled with the fact that Colin took forever to see Pen as a woman and a love interest. It was annoying for a while how blind he was to the idea of her as a lover/partner. Him just coming to the realization that she is an option to him, falling for her quickly (standing up for their love to her mother/others), and THEN having the bomb of Whistledown added on top within a short while could have crippled their love. Finding their way back to each other after all of it shows the strength of their bond and benefit of them having been friends first. The other matches didn’t have to overcome so much to exist and seeing them choose love and each other even when it didn’t seem possible was everything.
This is great point that I didn't see before. I can't wait to see what next season brings for POLIN, due to the changes the show has made. Pen is still writing her Column & Colin will need to be the man in charge of the Featherington estate until their son is grown.
I agree with you and appreciate you raising this, it was a big step of maturity for him to come to terms with this. I would also point out, as a man, that there is a hormonal/biological component to us often feeling the need to be guardians/protectors/providers in the same way that many women feel an innate urge to be motherly and nurturing. When I put my arm around my partner in bed and hold them tight, there is an innate biological satisfaction I get out of giving this person comfort and security. Of course in this day and age, not every woman feels the need to be a mother, and not every man needs to be a provider or protector, and as evolved beings we should be cognizant of these primitive constructs and challenge them when appropriate/necessary. But we should also acknowledge that as hunter-gatherers many of us are genetically wired this way, outside of societal gender-role constructs, which of course during Regency times were understood much more primitively, so it’s a big f-ckin’ step for Colin to embrace supporting his accomplished, successful, even rich (!) wife. 😌
I loved that Pen, even if she was happy her mother changed and gave her all the attention, also saw how it affected her sisters, and payed for their ball, and let their mother take the credit for it, so her sisters and mothers relationship wouldnt be damaged. AND letting her mother tell the solicitor that the money she had, wasnt from their cousin Jack, but from Pens writing. I adore her for that.
I loved this for the characters. They did not separate her from her family, they resolved and moved forward in treating each other better. The LW crisis pulled them together as one Family, which I greatly appreciated. I did cheer for Colin when telling Lady Featherington off for her comments on their relationship. That moment was needed too. 👏 The hand holding between Penelope and her Mother made me teary eyed. It was emotional.
I agree. I loved that Penelope becoming a Bridgerton did not make her any less a Featherington. None of the married women stopped being Featheringtons. They kept coming around to their family home, attending events with their mother and unmarried sister, having petty sisterly spats, and throwing balls together. I even liked that Penn's child with Colin is the next Featherington heir, making him one of the few folks to carry both his family names: Bridgerton and Featherington (much like Fitzwilliam Darcy does, it should be noted). Marriages aren't just about two people forming a new family. They're also about two people finding their ways into existing families. I'm as much a "Smith" (my mother's family) as I am a "Smythe" (my father's family) even though I got my father's name. Similarly, I'm equally a "Smitty" (my spouse's family). One of the things I most love about Bridgerton is the portrayal of siblings and families and friendships being important well into adulthood. Not all of these relationships are perfect, but I love that they are portrayed as being valuable enough to keep working at.
Yes to all this!!! Makes me excited for Featherington storylines in future seasons. The two sisters are great comic relief (and will makes for fun/silly B plots) and I think there is a lot of interesting widow storylines for Portia. I've really come to love their characters this season!
@@sircharlesmormont9300 Smythe-Smith, you say? Have you read Romancing Mister Bridgerton by any chance? Because there's literally a plot point in it with the Smythe-Smith musical. What a crazy coincidence!
Honestly my first thought after I finished Part 2 was your comment that they would benefit from 10 episodes… there was so much more that could have been done but I was overall so happy 🥰 Polin is always going to be my fave ❤
Yes!!! That's what I have been saying everywhere. S3 needed 2 more episodes with all 100+ side plots going on. To many plots = none of them felt deep enough and payoff didn't felt satisfied. Arch😵🤦♀️ The only way to feel satisfied with Polin relationship is to watch multiple times, or their compilations. I mean I like s3, but it was not enough.
The problem is that as the series grows you want to see the main couple but also your favourites that have already been, as well as some growth in the supporting cast so they don't seem 2 dimensional. The show has grown too big for its shoes in that regard. Even just 2 more episodes would give the pacing a better chance and a little more time with the characters. I know the ball/group scenes take a lot of time to film which is a big part of the problem. I would happily have missed one ball in this series for one or two more intimate moments.
1. Hated this instant negating of John and Fran's love 2. We NEEDED happy Polin after the LW reveal. Them writing together, giggling, happy, kissing, without the drama between them. We skipped straight to Colin on the couch to a baby. 3. Polin didn't get a happy engagement, a fully happy wedding, all big moments were clouded in drama. We were robbed. 4. Nicola and Luke talked alot of about sweet scenes they shot....that then we never saw. The actors didn't even know the scenes were cut, it wasn't fair to any of them or us.
Question- how does Fran stuttering with Michaela negate the love? Fran is currently the only Bridgerton who did not kiss their love interest prior to the wedding. She had NO idea that physical love and emotional love can be different. Pointing out she stuttered with Michaela does not inherently mean love at first sight (as Violet herself said, which is the direct parallel people are referring to she may have stuttered but they were friends first). Moreover, Anderson adds a new parallel to the mix of slow burn during marriage which she can have with John as she may learn to like him physically (and this is a woman who broke every social norm and fought the queen for him). To say she does not love him goes against everything she has done, and we have an opportunity to fully explore that love isn't this unilateral thing (she also was blushing hella hard during his Wedding Speech so yea...she loves him).
1:03:00 Colin started this season thinking that the best strategy would be to join the Toxic Lords Squad, when in reality he always belonged to the Loving Husbands Tribe.
I don't usually cry after watching series but I cried multiple times in this season. The wedding, Colin's confession at end, the epilogue but I sobbed at Portia and Penelope storyline. This really hit home for me. Their story healed something in me that I didn't know needed to be healed. God, I miss Polin so much. They will always be my ride and die ship 🫶💕💕
The struggles and love they showed with Penelope and her Mother was some of my top favourite moments... and I sobbed too. The coming to together of characters to support and help Penelope and their family. The themes of forgiveness, acceptance, support, and love. Both Familes merging into one, for me made this season so much sweeter. 💖
Only season of bridgerton that made me cry from the romance (cause I did cry at Anthony’s flashback scenes in s2). It was very healing for me also. I felt their love in a way I didn’t in try other seasons
Something I noticed later that I couldn't quite put my finger on while watching the show was that so many of the intimacy scenes between Polin happened right after a sad/heartbreaking moment. Their first kiss was after she believed her chances in the marriage mart were ruined and she felt hopeless. The carriage scene happened right after her marriage proposal opportunity with Debling was shot, and she was visibly (and understandably) upset. Then their first time was shortly after her mom made pretty hurtful comments to her about her engagement to Colin. And Polin were both so sad/conflicted for so much of the season. I think it's one of the reasons this season didn't feel very romantic. Part of me just wishes that their FIRST moments of intimacy weren't right on the brink of such crappy moments, esp for Pen cuz these were ALL of her firsts 🙁 I know she loves Colin and probably would've chose to have these moments with him anyway, but it would have been nice for them to occur in conjunction with romantic/sweet moments in which her head and heart were in a better space, and she was operating out of pure love/joy/excitement, and not sadness/hopelessness
I see it differently, so I guess it’s a matter of perspective. Every intimate scene I see as happening after Colin has defended her or shown his true feelings. Anytime he shows that he loves/cares for her.
@@chooka147this is exactly how I feel. Wat happened in the carriage scene was after a love declaration and the where both overcome with joy and the first was after first hearing that he proposed because of love did you hear her gasp that is the first time hearing that( I think by know she is used to her mother being nasty that is why she didn’t tell her) that is how she left their in awe that he professed his love and stood up for her her mother was not the focus at that point but that was and at the house it’s after a huge love declaration that she asked are you sure and not only said it but showed it to her the scene before the mirror and tells her what he loves about her and how he sees her and that she feels the love and beliefs that and then after that constantly asking for consent and making sure she is alright being sweet and tender and making her FIRST time special. With khantony was after an argument and Daphne after a stressful and tense wedding. That is how is see it.
I need to say something about the wedding dance that I haven't seen addressed yet. Not only does Pen approach Colin on her own, not only does she bring him off the wall and into the centre (the way he used to do for her), not only does she put herself in a situation where she becomes the centre of attention (which she isn't used to and gets anxious about normally), but she makes it a point to do something no one does at this time - dance at a wedding breakfast! She makes herself the newsworthy story, instead of observing and reporting on everyone else. Her and Colin dancing under these conditions is different than anyone else in the whole show, in the whole ton. They pay total rapt attention only to each other and wear their hearts on their sleeves, dancing like no one is there. It is a different kind of declaration of love than anyone else and takes a kind of courage I don't think even Penelope knew she had. When she got attention before, she would get so flustered that she'd embarrass herself and/or retreat. This time, with Colin, she felt so safe and confident that she could face the whole world and show how she really felt, stares and whispers be damned. They were so romantic that it inspired other couples to declare themselves by joining in. It effectively turned their wedding breakfast into a more modern wedding reception like we are used to attending now. She is also having the first more modern marriage of two career people in partnership and in love that we have seen depicted on the show. But I think one of the earliest steps in building that dynamic is this dance at their wedding. I also think if this dance had gone badly or if he had not reacted this way, then she'd never have been able to bring herself to make the speech outing herself as Whistledown so eloquently in front of the queen and the whole ton at her sisters' ball. Does anyone else see this and know what I mean here? Did you catch the dynamic shift, character growth, and the larger statement of dancing like that under those circumstances? Or am I reading too much into it?
Oh stop it, you're making me tear up :') You're so right. In all their previous interactions it was Colin helping Penelope feel confident, she even says so in their last scene with dialogue before the dance ("I should have told you myself. There are so many things I should've done myself. And now, with the confidence you've helped me find this year, I am finally able to", with beautiful delivery from Nicola), and in their wedding scene, it's Colin who reassures Penelope and _then_ she gathers the confidence to walk down the aisle. But in their dance scene she decides by herself "oh what the hell I'm just going to walk up to my husband and ask him to go the centre of the room and do something very bold", and _she_ convinces Colin when he doubts. And finally, in the Whistledown confession scene, the roles have been reversed. Colin has been feeling painfully insecure, helpless and useless, and from the centre of her stage, in a very vulnerable and exposed position, Pen looks at Colin and declares to him _you are worthy, being who you are is enough_, and it's so beautiful :') So anyways, I agree with you that the wedding dance scene is very narratively important haha
If they also go the route of Francesca never loved john romanticly, they're ignoring the very real and easy posibility that she could be bi or pansexual. Which is just upsetting. I never read the books, so i have no idea about the dynamics between characters, but there's been so many gentle, loving looks of Fran admiring John throughout this season, and taking that away to say, "No, Fran never loved him romantically, she's a lesbian actually :)" just feels so disappointing so I'm really hoping they don't do that.
I have read the books, and Francesca's book is my favorite of the series. I am one of the people that is devastated that they changed the story, because the emotional journey Franny and Michael go through caring DESPERATELY that her marriage and love with John was real and important, then recognizing that their feelings for each other are real and important, and that if John could have known in advance that he was going to die, he would have purposefully chosen Michael to take care of his wife... It's so special and good. I can't lie and pretend I don't care about them changing her story just so people aren't mad at me. I DO care. It's not about turning her into a lesbian, it's about changing such a special story. I think making Cressida and Eloise have an LGBT+ storyline would have made way more sense.
I think you meant neurodiverse/a-typical? Thats a bit how it felt for me. Like "oh perhaps they made her a little autistic" which I would've loved, some of my cousins are on the spectrum and her character was so similair. If they went with that, we both could have combined representation and her original book plot @@elliecvetkova5821
We saw Benedict have more sex than the main couple. I agree that his story could have been in season 2 so they would have more time for Penelope and Colin.
I absolutely loved this series. Don’t get me wrong, there were some things that I thought could have been changed. I think what they needed was two more episodes. Having only a couple minutes at the end of Colin and Pen being happy wasn’t enough after the angst they went through. But I think that angst was justified. In Colin’s eyes Pen had basically betrayed him and he needed to go through that anger otherwise it wouldn’t have been believable. But what I absolutely loved is that it was Pen who saved herself. Throughout her life she has had no agency and no power. She got to reveal herself on her terms. In the book it is Colin who does the saving and who reveals Pen to the ton and that never sat well with me. Pen’s speech in the series was a triumph. And also with Colin’s arc, that he didn’t need to be the hero he just needed to be himself. What a lesson to leave us on. That if we can work on our confidence so much of ourselves and the world can open up to us. And that being our flawed human selves is enough.
Loved it so much. Compared to what we got in other seasons, romance wise??! This was stellar And the angst was just for two episode, I Don’t know what the hell people are complaining about. The only tiny thing I wanted was for the last sex scene to be longer, to balance out the yearning and angst we saw❤ that would’ve been so so sexy if they made it like way longer. And then, I liked that Colin spoke to Cressida and I loved that he really understood the pain pen had gone through in her life… I would’ve wanted him to remind Cressida that she’s a freaking bully 😂 there, just this! Just go to remind her that she bullied pen… But apart from this, the season was perfect for me. I cried so much ❤
Fr! I just got into Bridgerton this year and had so much fun with this season, and it’s definitely my favorite. Like the amount of storylines really added to the heavy drama, soap opera feel of this season compared to the other 2. Polins relationship imo, felt the most genuine(ofc since they’ve known each other the longest out of all the couples) and I personally thought his love confession was so sweet. And idk abt yall but I felt their relationship pacing was good. Like it made sense and I’m so sad ppl are acting like it’s too fast when honestly It was pretty good! Especially when they laughed after their intimate scenes it really enhanced that feeling for me. Colin was better than me though with just forgiving Pen quickly after he found out cuz I wouldn’t have😭
I hated part 2 upon my initial watch. Then today, I did a run through where I watched 1-8, but just the Polin (and Eloise) scenes and I was actually much happier with it. I figured out that many of my issues just stem from the lack of screen time for the main couple, and how much time other storylines take up around them.
Lesson I learn: Don't get hype about movie/show or ship, you only setting yourself up for disappointment. I guess it is my fault for watching all interviews, reading book x2 times, listening to podcast, reading fanfics. I hyped up Polin and this season in general for myself, so have no one to blame. 😅 I still liked s3 don't get me wrong. But i needed more happy Polin post LW reveal too, Sammy. 1:08:10 Yeah oh well. They will be in s4, so maybe we still get our happy Polin in full martial bliss. 🤞🥺
I didn’t do any of that and I was STILL severely disappointed. It’s not that you were overzealous, it’s just that the show runners were a disappointment.
This is so true, I'm not a great reader because I often forget what I have read. Either it sticks or it doesn't. So most likely I will watch the show or film first... then if I want to expand on that, read the books afterwards (if my brain absorbs it). It's an adaption, it's always best to not have any expectations. As they exist as separate forms. Nothing compares to human imagination. It's the only way I can enjoy both film and books. It is tough to mentally seperate.
Agreed that the PR was pushing more intimacy in part 2 and it wasn’t there. Like don’t have Luke & Nicola go around talking about it if it’s not making the final edit. Like Benedict had more scenes than Polin did and this was THEIR season.
I bet everyone was surprised at how popular the carriage scene was. I bet they expected the mirror scene to be the most erotic. It was very erotic but the viewers reaction to the carriage scene may have been unexpected by Shondaland
Have you seen the petition going around asking Shondaland to either include deleted scenes or make them just available to the public where there are more intimate scenes of Polin (a heated kiss after their fight and a montages of more intimate scenes in the finale episode) along with them discussing his book? Just some other scenes that would make this season a little more beneficial to die hard Polin fans.
You are so spot on about everything this season. I loved it! Until QC, Bridgerton was just guilty pleasure with not much to say in social commentary. This season felt mature and complex. It required and demanded a little more from the characters and the audience. I’m hoping it keeps this up moving forward. I can’t wait to hear the rest of your analyses.
Totally agree. "Than what good am I to you?" Nail on the head. He loves Pen because she's the only person that really sees him, and lets him feel important and needed. Her taking that from him would have absolutely crushed him.
I am quiet upset with this season actually i think they wasted hugee oppurtunities especially with that chemistiry such a shame! Everything especially colin was just paper thin they didnt justice their story there were so many themes to explore more depthly i am properly sad about it
Agree. Needed more writing passion of Colin, I missed that. And less time for side characters, some had so much wasted filler scenes. I like side stories but they should keep it clear and short and only in context with or relation to the Main couple.
After part 2 I was like, did the writers change halfway though the show? Listen. I know that Colin had emotions to process but he said unforgivably cruel things to Pen. Lets start with "I will never forgive you" just pick other words, any words and for Godsake put her back in the damn carrige to show that you are angry but she is still yours and you love her... Or atleast adress it later on? Have them have a private conflict resolution in which he hears her side (the time when he goes to her room and she is in the nightgown would have been a good time for this). Secondly "Planned entrappedment". Are. You. Kidding. Me. Sis.... Just give him the ring back. OR FIGHT BACK. At minimum, I wanted when she tells him (in the last bloddy minutes of the show might I add) that she would not object to an annulment, to really really drive that point home by saying back to him "I would not object to an anaulment if you requested one, I wouldn't want any harm to come to you or your family as a result of today. You are not trapped Colin..." just add those 5 words an atleast I would feel a bit better. The coffin has a nail. Yey.
The only problem I’ve seen with the Fran/Michaela/John storyline is what you mentioned regarding John. Jess Brownell tried to say that love isn’t a hierarchy and what she feels for Michaela doesn’t negate her love for John, but in my opinion, that’s what they’ve already done with episode 8. By them showing Francesca feeling nothing from kissing John to them having her have the Edmund/Violet tongue tied reaction to Michaela, there’s already SO MANY comments about how she’s a lesbian and obviously doesn’t love John in that way. They could have left out that moment post-kiss and had her have a normal reaction to Michaela while Michaela was the one that felt something instantly (like in the book), so it was clear that Fran was in love with John, and then have her fall in love with Michaela after John’s death. I don’t know how the show doesn’t realize that they just sentenced John/Fran to the general consensus of “She loved him but she wasn’t IN love with him” narrative. And with Jess talking about how her and John’s love is based off companionship and friendship, it basically seems like they’re just making John and Francesca soulmates like Penelope and Eloise, and then Michaela will be THE actual one and only romantic love. It’s such a disservice to Fran and John, and literally walks back everything that was said this season because now it makes it seem like Violet was right and that real love will have that “spark” when you find it. All of this and the people already invalidating John and Francesca’s love could have been avoided with two small changes in episode 8, but the show purposefully chose to linger on her face after the kiss and had HER have the reaction to Michaela the first time instead of the other way around, so Jess can keep her “there are many different ways one can feel love” bullshit because she could have just had Francesca be bisexual and let her and John be IN love before he died, but they had to take that away too.
I mean I understand your take, but also as you mentioned, the love she has for John is a soulmate kind of love which I don't think is inherently bad. Moreover, I think you are right, that in some ways Violet may have been right, however I'd like to say there is SO much potential to expand on this idea of "love". Also want to point out, I think this is honestly a very realistic take that people overlook with the era in that Fran, or any woman, has the opportunity to explore their feelings. So the exploration of Fran's love with John will be good in that regard because maybe she will learn that the physical love with John was a slow burn (and if we are going off parallels, lets not forget lord Anderson himself said his first marriage took time to grow). I do think diminishing her love for John in this season just based on her reaction is doing it a disservice though, because I dont think any other sibling maybe outside Colin so far, went to the lengths she did to fight for this man. She obviously loves him and we are going to see her explore these feelings further and will make the expected turning even more heartwrenching.
1:00:32 I love the growth they gave the Featheringtons, but I felt they prioritized that reconciliation over Colin and Penelope's. Especially at the end before the announcement, while I love that Portia was there for Penelope, it should have been Colin holding her hand and standing by her side. This made me even more upset that they sidelined Colin and Penelope this whole season. 1:04:09 You nailed so many of my thoughts regarding the Pilin relationship. It felt like they were halfway there-they started strong but didn’t stick the landing. As you mentioned, their growth with intimacy after finding out about Whistledown was needed! I wanted that reconciliation. I wanted to see Colin struggle with his love for her, his anger, and his inability to resist her. I wanted Colin to learn to trust her again, to see that vulnerability. I feel that Colin and his character were the victims of this season. Many people already didn’t like or understand him, and the choices made only furthered this sentiment among general audiences. He was robbed of all of his positive attributes. It still feels like we don't know him and it was HIS season. And because of how they handled him after the LW reveal, he doesn't get a redemption. I am so excited for your in-depth analysis of Colin and Penelope. You always point out the little moments that help me focus on the positives instead of what we didn’t get from them. I also wonder if the rumors about the cut scenes are true and how much better the season would have been with them. I don’t think fans would mind longer episodes if they included scenes that completed the Colin and Penelope love story. I continue to really enjoy your takes on the Bridgerton series. Also, I desperately need to know where you buy your corsets! ❤
First off love everything you talked about and agree 1000%. And I have to say I was extremely disappointed and dissatisfied of the lack of spicy scenes between Polin. Especially due to the fact that in interviews on multiple occasions they said part 2 was going to be extremely spicy. And I feel like they failed in that delivery. Like the fact that Benedict got dicked down more than Penelope?!! And on her wedding day?!! Twas a crime!!!
1:16:30 okay. I have a theory. We know that in the fourth season Colin and Penelope will be present. We know that (well,maybe) Anthony and Kate will be in India. We know that Francesca and Eloise will be in Scotland. And it is practically confirmed that the fourth season will be about Benedict and Sophie. My theory is Benedict will arrange for Sophie to come to work at Colin and Penelope's house, perhaps as a nanny for their children. And that both Penelope and Colin will be important in the help that Benedict and Sophie need to resolve the conflicts in their love story. So I feel like we'll see more of Polin's dynamic being already a marriage with more established dynamics. Perhaps those scenes of them loving each other, without secrets, concealments or lies that stalk them both, will be left to be explored in the fourth season.
You give me hope. You do. I still hope the petition to restore the deleted scenes will trigger something at Netflix/shondaland 🤞 Maybe it's all in vain but at least by signing it we would have try something. I'm gonna keep your idea in a corner of my head somewhere to cheer me up when I need it.
My problem with the entrapment comment was that they never acknowledged that afterwards (and the fact that it was even said). I needed a conversation about it in the show, so I could've process the season. My biggest problem was Colin's emotionally abandonment towards Pen after they got married. What I needed from him was to say I love you but I am angry at you and I need time to process, so she knows that he loves her still, because if she does she never say anything about the annulment. That was the prove that she thought his love is gone. These two things needed to be acknowledged and talk through everything about it, I am sad that the show didn't go for that. I think the fact that this scene is missing is the reason why so many of us (including me) had big problems with the season.
Omg you and full of lit are the vids i am DYING for! i was going to bed but nope i am SAT! i will probably edit my comment as i watch more of the vid lol Edit: My 2 cents 1) Kanthony & Colin: i think Kate's advice would've been better if it was based on the drama b/w her & Edwina. I think those experiences are more similar to what Polin is going through: secrets, betrayal, being humiliated by someone you love, etc. And Anthony was involved in all that so it would make sense if he was there at the table. Truly, the minute they got together, all was resolved. 2) I looooved John! He is so endearing & charming, and it was always a delight seeing him interact with the other men. He really feels like another [new] Bridgerton brother :) 3) Sex scenes: Yep, i agree w/you 100%. First of all, the way ppl were talking about ep 5, you would've thought it was the worse one of the series! Then i watched it & could barely breathe because i was actually quite taken by it. There were some decisions that could've been better but after digesting further, i think this scene fit their dynamic as a couple better & i would say its probably the most grounded one of the series. If anything, the biggest complaint should be ep 8. THAT was the time to have a scene like Simon & Daphnes reconciliation with a starting convo to finishing it because they need to communicate that there is still trust & love despite it all. And I KNOW it could've been done because I'm sure there was a reason Pen was on top. MISSED OPPORTUNITY! 4) My biggest complaint & I think it would've solved everything is that we just needed more Polin! There absolutely were some scenes that could've been taken away & still kept the other stories. Because everytime Polin were on screen, they ATE whether it was a happy or unhappy moment. Nic & Luke are so talented! Phew! Sorry for the long post! Just dont have a lot of ppl to talk about the show lol
Sammy, I was waiting to hear your thoughts! And your look is a slay as usual, of course!! I actually loved Part 2. There were a couple of things I didn’t like but overall I was very happy.
i am in love with how the character progression they did for Penelope... so happy for Pen... i totally agree on how the show should have made more intimacy scene for Polin... looking forward on your in-depth review for Penelope and Colin'...
I said it before and I’m gonna say it again…. Sammy Bates should be our honorary Bridgerton - Polin expert. Her insights and predictions are always spot on. Thanks once again for this great initial thoughts. Overall, I like s3 because I love seeing our Penelope and Colin. But I am deeply disappointed with the incomplete romantic journey that was Polin’s after the LW reveal. But I must remind myself that I’m not the show runner and I’m neither Netflix or Shondoland so I have to find a way to accept what’s given to us for these 2 characters , where it took more than 2 seasons before we see them finally come together. I read an article when the showrunner Jess stated that she was focused on the drama to keep the story going and have it be more interesting for the viewers. That was actually sad to read because due to all that drama, we never saw how Colin and Penelope’s love truly and fully developed once the whole LW issue was put out in the open. Honestly, I don’t think the writers were cut out to write within this context & narrative. They’re more into drama and they’ll hold onto that until the series ends. I’m hoping Sammy’s more analysis on Polin’s overall relationship in s3 and what could’ve been for both them would be very much appreciated. As we all know that Netflix will never be able to give us further satisfaction from what we got.
This is what I appreciate about your analysis it's in-depth and critical without being overly negative. I feel very similar about this season. I don't understand people hating on it because they gave us so much! Especially compared with S2. Would a few extra Polin scenes post whistledown have been the cherry on the cake of course they really needed 10 episodes to really get there but wow we got so much and Luke and Nicola did such an incredible job, really the whole cast was amazing. I'm really scared about where Jess and her team are taking the writing but I'm going into S4 openly with no expectations
Benedict this season felt like the token queer character. They gave him a couple scenes with a guy and said "see he is bi, happy?" and didn't actually do anything to meaningfully develop his character. They completely threw out his art plotline and gave him either irrelevant sex scenes again or emotional labor with his family. I think like the best thing to do would be to have Sophie crossdress next season so it would be more difficult for Ben to find her, plus it would actually explore his bisexuality
He's not bi. He's pansexual. Smh. If it wasn't clear from watching the show, read Luke's interviews before making these half-baked judgements. Luke said Ben is attracted to people's spirits. Not their gender or job or class. Don't make it reductive by saying he's bi. And the whole point of making him uncommitted and free and go through all this is that he'll soon realize that his relationships are rooted on breadth but not depth. Enter Sophie, (love at first sight) where he'll realise that he wants depth and commitment and not to have to share her with someone.
@@Pillowlips77 My words are based on what I've seen in the show. I'm not obligated to watch every interview and promo material out there to give my opinion. Edit: Plus making him follow that storyline is almost repeating beat by beat what they did with Colin this season. It certainly fits Benedict more than Colin, but is a repeat nonetheless and could have been done much more creatively than than. And without using promiscuous stereotypes
@@hobbitw3301 As a bi person (technically omni but it’s a niche term), bisexuality and pansexuality are not the same thing. Bisexuality is attraction to two or more genders; or attraction to your own gender and those not your gender. Both are acceptable definitions. Pansexuality is attraction regardless of gender. My attraction to someone can change based on their gender, i know because I’ve had thoughts of oh Person A would be so much more attractive as this other gender. Pansexuals don’t have thoughts like that. (Pan peeps feel free to correct me or elaborate) Even within the book, I got the sense Benedict was queer but that pan made most sense. Frequently he and Sophie describe their relationship and attraction as something spiritual, as if their souls were meeting instead of their bodies. Which is so beautiful and perfectly lends itself to him being more fluid with his sexuality or using pan as his label.
50:40 completely agree. That's exactly what I understood situation with Michaela too. And i don't know wh they do that? Why say and make us agree that not all relationship starts with hard fought drama and fireworks to what? to then make 180° turn to Fran get startled meeting Michaela in 0.1sec? 🤷♀️🤦♀️
Exactly! The show really seemed to say „Violet was right about love, it cannot be quiet and gentle, it has to be instant and flashy“. I was gutted watching it.
I hated it. A vital plot point for Michael is that HE was always in love with Francesca, but he FULLY respected their marriage, kept his distance in a certain way, and let them enjoy their love. Making Francesca have "a moment" with Michaela before John's death disrespects their love. I freaking hate it. I hate that whole storyline so far. That was my favorite book of the series.
Besides that, I thought the diversity in charachteristic with Francesca might be her coming over a little autistic (alot of people seem to reconize themselves in her). Which could've been incoörperated really well as a trait along with her original story plot.
I'm guessing Johnny and Simone are pretty expensive and will be sporadically in the show. They need to move Violet and the kids out of Bridgerton house, but a new set might also cost a lot. But the show sending Kanthony off randomly can't keep happening.
They can have business at Amberley Hall in future I guess but yeah missing Fran's wedding was sus. Like did they have to reshoot that scene and J&S weren't available, maybe, so they got cut? There isn't really a clear Send Off for them to go to India, they just talk about it and then they're gone, we don't see them telling the family, just telling each other what they're GOING to tell the family.
They're not expensive. They get paid the same as all the other actors. The casting agent recently clarified that. Those plotlines are based on how available they are though. Johnny was filming Fellow Travelers and Wicked during this time, which is why they couldn't get him. And same for Simone.
Since Pen and Colin move into Featherington house with their new Lord Featherington baby, Violet and the kids could move into the starter house they just moved out of.
@@jenniferhaake9818I ended up liking the details in the Polin starter house set! I could see them wanting some space that’s their own rather than being too immediately tied to Featherington House, especially if Portia and the sisters are still coming and going or in residence. Maybe from a practical standpoint if the Featherington extended family isn’t gonna be in the main storyline as much, that entire staircase/drawing room set they’ve built can be redressed/painted to stand in for more of Polin’s starter house than just the bedroom/study area they mostly focus on for scenes there so far. I loved the detail of all the built-in cabinets and wall displays of Colin’s cool Bric a Brac he picked up on his travels! I wanna rewatch all those scenes just to pore over the design.
Am I the only one who liked part 1 better??? It seemed like Colin cared more about pen in part 1 even though they were friends. I understand he should be angry about lady whistledown but the comment he made about pen entraping him was just so wrong . Like you are the one who brought her to an empty house without a maid. He was not supportive or protective of her at all. They should have had a better ,more serious conversation about lady whistledown. One of the things the book did right was that Colin really was impressed the moment he found out about it. He had his angry moments but it was clear it was because he was worried about her and wanted to protect her. In the show seemed to me like he just wanted to crush that part of her because of jealousy and he kept disrespecting and disregarding her. Which is something you wouldn't do if you truely love someone. When Pen asks him why he is being distant he says he doesn't know . He should have at least gave her a reason. I felt like he was just trying to be controlling and when she said she wouldn't stop her writing just because he says so , he wouldn't accept it. The love confessions didn’t really hit either. They kept saying "I love you " so many times it lost its spark. There were some good distinct love declarations in the book like there was for anthony and they should have used that . Or at least written something better. Overall I felt more love between them in part 1 . Part 2 seemed really flat to me. Even the carriage scene and their first kiss felt much more romantic and intimate than the scenes in part 2. Also I don't like what they did with Eloise. First she comes to her and says stop writing for my brother and also because she is envious of her. Then when her family's reputation is in danger she asks her to write again . And when Colin finds out She is like this has nothing to do with me solve it yourself. Like??? The Eloise we knew from past seasons wouldn't say that. Especially now that they have resolved things about Whistledown. Neither Colin nor Eloise supported Pen when she needed it the most. I feel like none of them deserve her. The other storylines were all over the place. The family scenes we so loved previously were nowhere to be found . Violet was so invested in Francesca even though its Colin's season not hers. Too many sex scenes from Benedict which I had to skip. Cressida's and the Mondrich's storyline went nowhere with all that screentime they had. The lady whistledown reveal was not done properly . The should have excluded Portia from finding out sooner so we would have at least have eloise ,colin,and pen as a trio . And it should have been Colin holding her hand before the reveal . Instead he wasn’t even near her.Like this is their love story not pen's story. Also what the hell are they gonna do now that everyone knows? You can't spill the beans on people if they know who you are and get away with it. Also the point was that Pen was so invisible she could hear everyone' private conversation. Now that everyone knows who she is how the hell is she going to get information. In conclusion when I watched part 1 I felt the flow of storylines was not great but I liked the main couple story and had high hopes for part 2.But the writing really disappointed me. Also they are stepping away from reality a little too much. The bttuerflies and the flower thing an the balloon , the makeup,etc. It is just making it so different from the previous seasons and not in a good way. We still want to see that era with the rules and aesthetic not whatever this is supposed to be. I am all for lgbtq. But if they want one of the main storylines be queer what would be the end of it? They can't still maryy in that period. I suspect they would want to change the rules in society. But it wouldn't be the 1800s anymore!!! If you modernize the rules , the costumes , the looks , what are you left with?And for Francesca's story she has struggles with child loss and infertility.They destroyed half of her story with this move. Imagine Simon was a woman . The second part of season 1 wouldn't exist. The changes the new show runner is making would be the downfall of bridgerton. I myself am no longer interested or excited for new seasons. My expectations are very low right now and I think I even might drop the show.
think everyone liked part 1 better, how was married polin so disconnected, it felt like part 2 was directed by someone who didnt get them or hated them from all the scenes tht was cut after being shot and shown at early screenings??
i am totally biased on part 1 actually... yes, i loved that Polin got their endgame, and tho the manner Colin showcase his love in part 2 somehow focused solely on physical attraction (ep 5) which thankfully were translated into chaotic emotional struggle over LWD... i just think they could have decrease Benedict's homosexual narrative and place more emphasis on Polin's dilemma and romance...
Bridgerton is fantasy. It's not supposed to be historically accurate. How many do they have to keep saying? You can always go watch a documentary instead of bitching about Bridgerton
@@77bluegold imp scientific discoveries of the time has always been portrayed in bridgerton,in sw1 it was lights, ofc u probably didnt notice and abt the balloon whtever lady tilly said to those shitty ass men(representing u) in the tent, go watch tht with subtitles and slowed down maybe u'll get wht it meant then..?
Honestly for me with the Fran and John portrayal the error was in the reaction to the Kiss at the wedding. Like I think Francesca could still trip over her words in front of Michaela hinting to the love. But also at her wedding having a sweet kiss, with no weird looks. I think that would have worked for me cause it would allude to the different types of love.
I'm SO glad that we share the same feelings about fran's story. I never cared about Michael being a girl but watching the wedding scene really upset me cause not only doesn't it cheaper their story but it felt so OUT OF NOWHERE. Like all season we have her specifically saying how different kinds of love are possible and just as valid. Just to low-key throw the away at the end.
I think we agree on most things! Part 2 wasn't as good as part 1- but if you rewatch it a few times, it grows on you. I only care about Polin, so i just wish they had them not Benedict get more screen time. About the angst between the two of them, It was very realistic... True love isn't always about being happy and over the top, sometimes you have to work through problems and challenges to come back to each other. that's what real life is like and I really loved how mature this season was. Most people don't get that. Happy to see you saw that. My only complaint was that they should have given them more scenes instead of Benedict. There should be more happy moments and sex scenes after the confession (having Colin confess in the first few min of the finale so they have the rest of the episode to show them happily married). And they should have removed the entrapment line. I also agree that the carriage scene was superior. I also felt that 10 episodes would be better- because there was also the whole LW thing.
Honestly i still felt like i was wanting more, especially with so much switching back to the secondary characters and not enough polin. However, in the most respectful way, your outfit and body is TEAAAAAAAA!
All in all i was disappointed with the lack of family moments in this season!!! Benedict was out most of the time. everyone was practically split!! You said everything i felt about John and Frans story. I think the writers themselves invalidated the relationship between John and Fran by turning Michael into a woman. Her reaction to Michaela(whose gorgeous i gotta say. I would prefer her with Benedict) disrespects the love she feels for John. It makes it feel like she believed she thought she loved him until she met her and i do not like that! I admire John and Frans relationship. it is unique to most rather than having the whole passion is key to all love that is worthy where everything is i cant keep my hands of you type of fire. So when all of a sudden She's being nervous and flabbergasted around a woman destroys everything that was set up that made John and Fran so wonderful. (There shouldve been signs in the beginning that she was into woman before this quick reaction). I am extremely saddened by what the writers have done. It puts the future of their relationship in a bad light. (I know Fran story and she loves John!! that wedding kiss also why they did that??) All i can say is at the end of this season, I feel sorry for John.(She is a woman so how could she take charge of Johns things in society back then??) I wish at the end of Pen's confession at the party, Colin comes out and defends her after the Queen left, calming everyone down, then the sister Opens up the floor for the butterflies lol.
She does love him though lol but how can she know physical love and emotional love are different if she never had the chance to explore it before? All her actions and dialogue show that she loves him, and we're going to probably see her explore this disconnect between physical and romantic love which I'd argue will lead to the Michaela storyline to be so much more endearing.
Was eagerly awaiting your video ♥️ Do you already now about the petition that’s online for them to release the version of the last 4 episodes that they had already shown to early screeners? Apparently the deleted scenes AFTER and released it on Netflix. Scenes like a long spicy montage of Polin and them laying in bed editing his manuscript.. and more.. I feel robbed 😢
OMG??? 👁👄👁 Polin laying in bed editing his book? I need it!!! Why they cut it?! It's a crime, it's a f..ng crime. Because that's exactly what was missing from Polin ending: them being happy and cozy, laughing and just being Polin.
@@you_already_have_it it really is… I am just wondering why they showed this version to early screeners.. they must have known that we find out because of that… maybe it’s all pr
@@alinasart9135 but the show is out, pr tour is over. wait where did you heard about this cut scene ? Can you say to me, please? Edit: Nnm, i went on reddit and found it. There is even a pettition to Shondaland and Neflix to release Polin cut scenes (yeah there are several scenes). Ofcourse I already sign it ;)
I'm at work and haven't listened to your thoughts yet, but I'll leave mine here. In short, I enjoy Polin's storyline the most out of 3 seasons. However, side stories are a lot, to the point that I feel like we didn't get enough of Polin. Tbh, I'm a bit annoyed with those plots even though I think it is necessary for them to build the foundation of other siblings' stories. But I think we think the same, this season has a LOT more stories going on than the previous seasons.
I loved it as well. There were so many great aspects of it. I felt like the angst was just right, especially after watching your Colin and Polin videos. I’ve rewatched several times and agree I would’ve loved more time w/them after the reconciliation but then realized they literally have their HEA for the last 5 minutes every single season. I think that’s how Shonda likes it, more drama. Appreciate your recap and I’m looking forward to more videos. ♥️ Back to my 235638th rewatch.
There was so much missed potential there for Polin it left me flabbergasted. I do like where Pen and Colin ended up, but they must have cut a shit ton of Polin scenes... where was the Colin full of empathy and kindness exactly? Maybe he exists but it would have been nice to see him. They did Pen dirty by all those ups and downs. She didn't know if Colin still wanted to marry her, she didn't get her wedding night, she was in a new "home", without the friend or husband that she thought Colin was going to be. That makes me mad! Good on her not to give up LW. Why did Colin stay away from her at every ball? I always seek you out my ass. Couldn't care less about most of the subplots, but LD and her brother, and of course eloise and Pen were great and made up for a lot. Benedict is fun, but a bumbling fool and stole fo many happy Polin times, or rather time for us to see them resolve their issues. I still care about Polin the most and like their season the most, but still, what a colossal waste of potential.
I was mostly happy, but I just can’t get past the lack of intimate scenes, that is what I needed. The most was to have a proper intimate reconciliation. After the big lady whistle down reveal all that build up him finally finding out I needed a proper love scene a proper make up.
As always Sammy, your delightfully insightful commentary is spot on!!! 🎉 The reconciliation between Eloise and Pen was similar to Claire and Jenny’s relationship issues in Outlander. I was very happy to see how the show handled all the Lady Whistledown plot, but I admit, the only tears I shed during the ENTIRE part 2 was seeing Pen and Eloise try to realistically amend their friendship. I believe Eloise never stopped loving Pen. When we feel betrayed by those we love, we never truly stop loving them. Even while “courting” Cressida, Eloise still managed to grudgingly protect Pen. And, ultimately, she loves Colin too much to continue alienating Pen and becomes her ally against the Ton and its expectations once more. There were some things about these 4 episodes I think could have changed, but overall it was beautiful ❤. All actors were up to the task and played their roles so well!!! Now, as a Polin fan, I did want more Polin and I have seen the petition to Netflix and Shondaland for the release of Polin deleted scenes…😏. Hmm, could we have a short Polin spinoff to stave off the angst of waiting 2 years for season 4???? 😁
Agree with everything in this video. I felt bad for John, especially. When he was introduced in part 1 and ppl were all hinting it wouldn't last, and I read what this was about (I hadn't read books yet) and I was excited for one of my fav and rare tropes: moving on from your previous love and finding new one. They are doing him dirty.
1:56 SAME I LIVED!!! i loved it personally! they surely packed a LOT in there and i would have loved to see more honeymoon happy polin, but they definitely sprinkled it in :) and the pay off for everything was done quite nicely! they addressed colin’s development, his search for purpose, his facade during part 1, his response and envy when he discovered pen was whistledown, them coming together. the same with pen! i love her and the featherington’s coming together. how every episode it felt like her and whistledown was becoming more and more one and the same, along with her finding confidence in her voice. and then their relationship!!!! the love and care that they have for each other, even when they are at odds?? lovely
You are on point with Colin and Pen! Where is the passion?! Like let’s get into it! Colin can be mad and it’s valid but where is the intimacy in their relationship. Not just physical but getting to know each other fully. The conversations of what it’s been like to for each of them in society. Colin’s experience in traveling and learning about himself and pen exploring her strengths as whistle down and how that comes together. Missed opportunities for my favorite couple I’ve been wanting to see since season 1.
Yes, there is cruelty in that line that Colin would never have. Penelope didn't even know that there was more to do, than they had already done in the carriage. Colin has every right to be very angry but I just don't like how the show wrote this particular part of the story. There is enough Drama surrounding LW, we didn't need 4 episodes of strife between our couple.
I totally agree about S3 needing to have more spicy scenes between Pen and Colin, especially after they supposedly reconciled. We were robbed. There's absolutely nothing wrong with hoping for/wanting a romance novel to be legitimately adapted into a romance show. Spicy scenes that add meaning to a love story are extremely necessary for this genre! Edit: where was the happiness and "Polin against the world" we were promised??
Yes! Their conflict could have arisen from the Cressida blackmail and his jealousy. They didn’t need to drag out his anger for being LW as much as they did. The fact that it hung over every single interaction with them just made them both so sad when they should’ve been happy! I can’t even rewatch the wedding without feeling heartbroken for them. That isn’t why we tune in to historical romances!
Sammy’s back looking fabulous as usual! 😁I’ve been refreshing your page waayyyyyy too often waiting for this! Thank you for finding the words to describe my frustrations with some of the issues at the end. I totally wanted more happiness after the whistledown acceptance. MORE INTIMACY WAS DEFINITELY NEEDED!
I love how you managed to voice majority of my thoughts in this video :) I absolutely LOVED this season and I can't wait for your million other videos dissecting it!
I have seriously been waiting for this video since the moment the second half dropped, but even MORE so after I actually watched it. Sammy watching this was so incredibly healing and lovely and I'm really grateful for you busting butt to get it out! Thank you. So much reflected my own thoughts that I haven't seen anywhere else on the Internet and I feel seen and validated 👍 Looking forward to many more videos. All of them. Bring them all on!
I loved this season, but Pen is my favorite, and I've been waiting since season 1 came out for her to get her man. haha! I think we'll see a lot of happy Colin and Pen in at least season 4, if not beyond (you're so right they are for sure the 'favorites' of the show - which I selfishly am so pleased by!). The way Luke and Nicola talk about their characters leaves me no doubt they want to keep coming back, which leaves me winning as a Polin-stan. And man, are expectations a killer; it is so hard not to let them intrude on the experience of watching something, and a lot of people would do themselves a favor to try and look at media beyond their own expectation of what it should be, and I can say this as someone who still struggles with this exact thing. Having no expectations is always ideal, IMO. Anywho - I'm pleased you overall enjoyed the season! I've been hesitant to watch many s3 reactions because for some reason, there's so much anger and vitriol about this season and about Colin specifically and it boggles my mind. It was certainly not perfect and if I let myself I could become angry about what we did not get, but I would rather bask in the glow of the work Nicola and Luke put into the season, and treasure we got this at all. This is just the sort of romance I favor the most - gentle, and tender; friends to lovers. I am very happy with it!
I think ep1 to ep 6 are awesome. The last 2 are rushing and I kept checking time to see how much time left and how can they resolve the “big” issue. I am kinda mad becoz I think they could do less scene of Ben and more scene of Polin.
I agree with you! For Colin and Penelope there was sooo much they could of done for them after the reconciliation, them coming together fully with nothing between them, they could of taken 2 of the Benedict trio scenes out (they were redundant and placed in odd spaces of time (it felt like they were at it for days in stead of 1 night, unnecessary). For Fran and her story I don’t know how that will work.
I think the reason kate and Anthony were in only 3 episodes is the schedule of Jonathan. He was filming bridgerton, wicked, and fellow travellers (he was a main character). He talked about it in an interview with Matt Boomer, the poor guy was non-stop filming for months
NEVER thought I would have so much affection for the Featheringtons, especially Portia, who seems to internalize and take so much in Part 2 to heart -- Colin's confrontation with her, learning that Penelope is Whistledown and thinking about all the smack she talked about the family and herself, etc. Completely lost it at Portia walking Pen down the aisle.
My biggest beef is changing Michael to Michaela. None of Fran's story can happen if they do that. Michael has to inherit the Earldom. He has to feel like he's usurping John's life by doing so and that's why he leaves because he frets about taking his wife too. Michaela can't become the new Earl so none of that happens. Then Fran agonizes over not having children for years until her mom 'takes her pain' then she has two kids. That can't happen with Michaela. Michaela can't marry Fran or have kids with her. Precedent already set indicates all Fran ever wanted was a husband, children and quiet. Fran hates loud, lively people, even moved to upper Scotland to get away from them. She would hate this Michaela instantly. Michael is charming but broody, but not loud. Fran friendzones him until significantly after John dies. She loved John with all her heart. She had no clue Michael loved her. NONE of Fran's story can happen with a Michaela, who apparently she falls for instantly. Why completely toss and rewrite her story so it's no longer an adaptation? Esp. when there are other options if you wanted to add a gay or bi character just for inclusion purposes, which seems to be the case. And Fran shouldn't even have met and married John during Colin's season. Benedict we'd buy, though they've already set up the ball so we know he'll meet Sophie there. That foreshadowing happened. Eloise, however, loves her female friends, has no interest in men or children, etc. so she could meet a widow with 2 children and not change her story overmuch. I always thought her story with Philip seemed out of character for her anyway. But Francesca...no. There is zero precedent for that and her character wouldn't even like Michaela as she's far too loud and wild. It just won't work. Michael has to become the new Earl or her story doesn't happen. A new Earl will have to come take over the Earldom then she's homeless, because she didn't have an heir. Let Eloise have a tryst with Michaela then have Michael show up at the beginning of Fran's story. Michael is the sexiest character in the whole series and we do not want to be denied that! lol There was too much time spent on side stories we didn't need and not enough Polin to properly develop their story. It was disjointed and rushed. I do agree, I like the Whistledown reveal much better than the book. I'm so glad she got to handle it herself, her way, rather than Colin handling it. She got to make up with her sisters by throwing a great ball for them, make up with her mother by giving a better excuse to the solicitor, she allowed the Queen to save face, and she got to apologize to the ton for the bad stories. Excellently done. Loved the butterflies too-lol (Bugs, I died). It was a great 4 eps at the end there overall, but not enough Polin.
You bring up a good point about Michael/Michaela. Fran's reaction at seeing this stunning woman could simply be one of admiration. This could lead to something more, or maybe not. Michael could still show up for Fran's season. If the writers want to bypass the issues of what to do if there is no heir to the title, this may be the way to go.
@@suebob16 it could be, but we read the books (we know what eventually will happen one way or another) and they specifically made her react like Violet described true love. Add her reaction to the kiss with John and it already feels like they are saying that Michaela is Francesca's true love and John isn't
@@suebob16 The showrunner already said essentially, she decided she wanted Fran to be queer so she did so and changed Michael to Michaela. She clearly doesn't know how to do her job because they already set the precedents that prevent it from being possible. It's super sloppy bad writing and a disgrace to the source material and the intelligence of the audience. Groundwork would have had to be set to make it possible at the beginning, just as they set that race didn't matter, but they didn't. They set that one gets hanged for it, and they set that women must have a male 'minder' rather than live alone and titles only pass to male heirs, which means when John dies, another male relative will come take over and then where will Fran and Michaela go? They can't go to London and be gay and get hanged. Had they wanted this, they needed to set precedent that didn't prevent it. It's already set canon that it's not possible.
I loved hearing your initial thoughts I've only watched through once and need to do so at least one more time. My biggest disappointment is that their wedding had such a layer of despair about this secret. It made me so sad that we got a wedding (unlike Kathony) but we couldn't just be thrilled for them. The wedding should have been after the reveal. And no wedding night! Just heartbreaking. Also, I felt what Colin said to Cressida when he was trying to get her to stop the blackmail was something that should have been said to Penelope. Those words were so satisfying but so heart wrenching that Penelope was not the one that heard them. I feel Polin got cheated this season. They did a better job in Part 2 but, as you said,, we need more after the reveal/reconciliation. As to Eloise, I agree wholeheartedly that she was completely spot on with giving Pen an ultimatum. And she did show such growth. I love Eloise and cannot wait to see where they go with her. I am not upset at all with Michaela as opposed to Michael, but agree completely with you that I will be so disappointed if they continue down this route of her relationship with John being less than. It probably would've been okay if they hadn't made me love them as a couple so much, but I do. And you are so spot on that the idea of the book is that you can have more than one love. Aren't they possibly going down that route with Violet? Also have to agree that the bisexuality of Benedict would have made more sense in Season 2. I was actually thrown off by the thruple and it definitely felt shoehorned in. I don't hate Season 3 and in many ways I'm very satisfied, but I will admit that although the writing redeemed itself somewhat with Polin, it was not enough. For being one of my favorite couples and a fan favorite, I don't think they did enough.
I think Lady Cowper was in love with Edmund, and she’s still upset he chose Violet over her. That’s why she called Violet an adulteress. Look how Lady Cowper dresses herself and Cressida while she lives in such an austere household. She dresses like a peacock or a flower while her husband is all simple lines and reserved elegance. They do not mesh. He’s a 💩, and she blames Violet for her situation imho.
Also it hasn't been mentioned by many, but it's possible Cressida isn't even his biological daughter (if they're indeed going with the Sophie storyline). The way he treated both Cressida and his wife was in a very distanced way. And he kept saying 'your daughter' throughout the season. 👀
@@constancep7632when the Cowper released their own version of LW to prove to the Queen that Cressida is the real LW, they mentioned that the Bridgerton siblings might be from different lineage hence accusing Violet to be an adulteress. Once everyone realised that Cressida isn’t the real LW, Cressida told her mum that she told her to tone it down regarding the Bridgerton. It is alluded that it was Lady Cowper who wrote all these things on the Bridgerton.
As someone who hasn’t read the books, the direction (or lack there of) is confusing. I wasn’t sure if Michaela was being set up as a love interest, love rival or as a set up for a storyline where the Kilmartin family doesn’t like her (especially since Eloise was coming along) until I saw the reactions online. That wasn’t made super clear to us non-readers! And like you, I also felt Benedict’s thruple belonged in season 2. It didn’t make sense to me that he would be the romantic lead who will get married off next season when he’s just discovered this new facet of his sexuality. And I was actually really disappointed that the set up of Eloise and Cressida in the first half didn’t lead to a lasting friendship where they’re both happy “spinsters” OR a romantic relationship between the them (cause I really thought they were putting down those vibes??? Especially with how Eloise was looking at Pen sometimes??? And Cressida was jealous???) But most of all I was disappointed in Pen and Colin’s relationship taking a backseat in the second half. After the scene in their new house… it felt like we got nothing and they’re the LEADS! I was so disappointed. I felt like they needed at least 2 more episodes, both of which were entirely focused on them and not the B plot. Idk why the writers are speed running disappointing all their fans, but it’s clear that both book fans and us tv-only fans are not happy with the sloppy direction!
I also thought that Fran was looking at Michaela nervously because she could tell that she didn’t care about her. Not that she was a torture love interest!
Thank you Sammy for discussing the Michaela topic the way you did, a lot of people can't see the potential. I know tensions are high because it's a change and people don't like change, especially if they really liked the book, but I feel like they can do it justice even with minor tweaks. Only by making Michaela have a kid brother or son that inherits can make it make sense for both story lines. And even if they change things around more, I'm sure they won't get rid of the infertility story line. Some people are catastrophizing. I also feel for everyone reasonably upset and the actors, but as a queer person it's very hard to see some of the discussions around it.
Hi, I didn't read the books and still think that changing Michael to Michaela was the worst idea ever. It makes me so angry. Especially when I have read the comments and learned how the book's storyline is going forward. It is not a minor change. It is a huge change. This changes the Francheska story completely. They will not be able to execute anything from books (which is quite a deep plot). The scene when she meets Michaela and her reaction... What does that make John of? It looks like she never loved him truly like she will be unhappy the whole time. I don't like it. And to be honest, why do there always need to be changes to please minorities? How would you feel when there will be a queer story and they will change the story to be "normal" and heterosexual. Wasn't it to be worse? Then why people can't be angry when they make such big changes in the plot. I really hope that this is not the truth but the showrunner said what she said. I'm really disappointed.
@@Dziwniejsza I also don’t like the way the John and Francesca side of it looks like it’s going, but they still have time to fix that for their season. Other than that, I disagree with you completely. Gay and bi people struggle with fertility issues too, it can be done. And inclusivity is good, it’s been all three seasons + Queen Charlotte with straight couples, it’s not the end of the world that we’ll get a lesbian season. I see this argument of “how would you feel if they changed gay to straight” all the time and it’s exhausting and in bad faith. You cannot compare the two situations. One is a very oppressed and vulnerable minority and the other is the norm and what we’ve been watching all these seasons. It’s okay to change outdated books in adaptations.
@@aprilthecat I'm ok with the changes which make sense. Here this change will rob the story of other important moments and situations in live with which people also struggle. Tbh I'm sick of all of these changes in the adaptation of films, tv shows etc. We have seen this everywhere now. And there is a lot of situations where it doesn't make sense. I'm really happy that people can walk through the streets openly with whatever they love which I'm observing more and more. And I will be happy to see queer stories in tv series or films. But let's write their own stories and do take it from someone else ;)
Wow it's like you're reading my mind with your initial thoughts but especially about the Fran/John/Michaela dynamic. I am very worried if they are setting up John to be a platonic love interest, like they seem to be doing, then it opens up the possibility for emotional cheating and maybe more for the sake of drama and angst. I agree, that for me, the most important takeaway from the book is that you can find romantic love again after you've lost it. So much more interesting to see in a romance series when everyone else has the OTP dynamic. I cannot wait to hear your more in depth thoughts about everything but I know I'm feeling very turned off from Bridgerton due to the parasocial nature fandom that has gotten even worse now.... Hopefully people will take a step back and realize harrassing human beings who are just doing there jobs is not it. Much love to everyone feeling their feelings and still being respectful. Y'all are the real ones. I honestly loved the season overall because in a lot of ways I was just happy to have Pen and Colin together and that I know they are back next season so we'll see some happy stuff for them. However the lack of intimacy and communication between them as the season was wrapping up was very disappointing. The writers really left Colin out to dry, and only Luke's acting helped me stay connected to Colins journey. The biggest disappointment to me was the editing, it felt so inconsistent but I'm going to go back and watch 1-8 to really get the feel of it. All that to say Sammy you're constantly killing it with your breakdowns, can't wait for more!
Something small that I haven't seen anyone talk about: after their first time, Colin walks off to deal with the staff, expecting Pen to get dressed. She can't do that by herself. Ladies need a maid every morning to get them into their corset, dress, fix their hair and makeup. She looked perfect in the carriage. Did Colin do all that?
Now that you mention it & I’m thinking about it - I think Penelope had to figure out how to dress herself, at least enough to go out in public. As Lady Whistledown she sometimes had to go out after everyone was in bed & idk if her magnificent cloak would cover everything so I’m assuming she’s dressed pretty normally underneath. Also, wasn’t it stressed last season Varley was their only staff? Did Varley have time to cook and also get all 4 women in the Featherington house ready? And if she did, Penelope was dead last on that list. Can you imagine waiting for the staff to help your 3 family members before you?! I’d probably learn at least some of the steps by myself to not sit around waiting lol I could be wrong with my thought process, but I feel Pen can dress herself for the most part & that would include hair and make up, to a degree. (Though in S1 we see Daphne have her staff lady at the Bridgerton house & then that same staff person is there after her marriage to the Duke, so what about Pen’s staff lady that was helping her before the first Ball of the season? Where’d that chick end up?)
@@nikkydalby7126At one point they were down to just Varley because of finances, but that turned around when Portia engineered the fake inheritance from her aunt. They would have hired some staff back.
For Polin there might not be any additional intimate scenes shot but i think they were lot longer than we got in the show. Example wedding dance scene. We only see Colin caressing Penelope's cheek for a second but the unedited version shows it to be lot longer- him caressing her cheek, looking longingly into her eyes and leaning in to kiss her. So maybe the last scene is shot longer but got cut in editing.
Calling someone homophobic for being disappointed of the gender and sexuality swap is so weird .It implies that being supportive to LGBTQ means that you cannot have expectations at all for heterosexual stories . Also Brimsely and the kings guard were gay and their story was beautiful and was met with alot of support
Exactly !! Whenever the romance are centered around the LGBT community it’s met with a round of applause but when with heterosexual it’s like « damn no »
The only change that the fandom knows for sure is that there has been a gender swap. They know nothing about the plot or story so the only thing they are made about is that she is a woman... So maybe there is some homophobia there. On top of that, there definitely is virulent homophobia in some sections of the fandom. It's okay to be disappointed with the change but the way a lot of people are talking about it is homophobic.
@@ThemperorZir if you think so then you definitely know nothing about the story . the main male character was not only fan favorite , it wasn’t just about their romance but also the topic of how so many women related with Francesca’s infertility and how she dealt with those struggles . I find it absolutely disgusting how you guys can’t even comprehend that ! And speaking of « homophobia » that’s a complete lie y’all keep repeating
@@ThemperorZir people can’t even display their disappointment without being called « homophobes » which to be honest no longer has any effect on us that word has been used so many times we don’t just care
@@ThemperorZir Ummm....the plot has already been changed . Francesca was supposed to be in love with John then later with Micheal . Francesca was supposed to battle with infertility with Micheal but she cannot now that she will be with a woman .Again we didn't even see how an introverted marriage looks like ,Which would be different from that of Kanthony ,Polin,And Daphne and Simon .Also now that we have seen Fran stuttering after meeting Micheala, we will see her being in love with someone else while being married up until John dies which cheapens their love .
I can honestly say that at first I was mad that there wasn't that much Polin screen time in my opinion, but after watching it 6 times lol, it is growing on me. I have read the book many times than I can count and every Polin moment captured the essence of the book. Especially ep 5, if you know what i mean😉. I mean Nic did a very good job and so did Luke and I am very proud of them.
I love that she asked what she can do during their lovemaking, just like the book ❤ The only thing that drove me crazy was the fact that he told her he was dreaming of her breasts, and, after they were exposed, he DIDNT TOUCH THEM EVEN ONE TIME! :(
I think you're bang on the money on the importance of the story of two great loves in Francesca's story. I read when he was wicked recently (to be quite honest I'm not as keen on the bridgerton books as the show), I loved the uniqueness of a love story that does not dismiss how hard it can be to be a young widow. My mum is a widow, her husband died when she was only 32. She initially swore to never love again, but she did. She loves my father, had two children and is happy. Her love for her husband isn't any less special or deep, I think she loved him very much, but also loves my dad very much. I see a lot of people treating those who lost their loves disrespectfully for wanting love again. To me, this story is important. There's hard, emotional decisions that come with being a widow. For example, my mum was asked at the young at of 32 if they should dig her husbands grave deep enough so she can be buried there too. That's a heavy question to ask someone grieving. I don't mind if Francesca's second love is a woman, it could be great if they write it well. But to me, she needs to be the second love, not the first and for both loves to be equal.
For a second, I thought I was the only one who enjoyed part 2 lol. I wish there were more happy polin scenes post the reveal, but i loved the direction of the season. I may be in the minority in that.
I thank you for holding space for a balanced perspective on Fran’s storyline. I am open to the change as long as they execute it in a way that makes sense, but I am disappointed by the change because infertility is an issue that is hardly addressed on TV. With Michael being Michaela it’s not as simple as them just doing IVF because that wasn’t a thing in those days. And, for people saying they can do the infertility thing with John, he will more than likely die in the first episode as he died in the first chapter of the book. And so the only way to do that is to make it a subplot during Benedict’s and Eloise’s season which I believe would minimize the very relevant theme of Fran’s story. I’m sure there are people who are genuinely homophobic about it but I would appreciate it if people like me would be believed when we say that’s not where we’re coming from instead of being accused of having ulterior motives and still being “secretly homophobic” like it’s so unproductive. Also: I agree with you about Benedict, I’m a bit concerned that him finding himself may be a bit rushed. But I do enjoy Bi Benedict
What annoyed me about Eloise was that she was questioning things, she wouldn't need to, had she paid attention to Penelope instead of projecting her own views/beliefs/feelings onto her.
After rewatching S1 and S2 I think the show really didn't do a good job of showing their friendship. They stated it and implied it but in reality most of their scenes where both of them oblivious to what each other were feeling or doing in their lives.
Before I watch another of your amazing videos that I always love. My overall feelings of Bridgerton Season 3 is, It was ***EMOTIONAL*** and I have never been that consumed by butterflies, anxiety, goosebumps, smiles, gasps, frustration, giggles, tears and ugly crying in any other season of Bridgerton. Especially the 'Are you sure?' line ripped my heart out. I was consumed by the feels of Colin and Penelope. I think overall pushing aside any buts and what ifs. I lived for this season, it gave me the feels I have had with my favourite regency era films and series. That was what I personally wanted, that overall feeling. Yes, so much could have been better and expanded on. I think flashbacks would have resolved that, instantly. A flashback of young Colin and Penelope and how they met, maybe how Lady Featherington and the Sisters or even her Father treated Penelope as a child within that flashback. That feeling and perspective that flashbacks give was missing. But again, overall I was in awe of the journey. I am excited to see more Polin, and Eloise and Penelope in Season 4. 💖 Edit Sorry lol: and THE MUSIC is phenominal. I listened to Part 1 since it came out everyday... now with Part 2 omgosh even more gorgeous epic music to listen to on repeat. Perfection. 🤌
I had to watch part 2 several times to fully wrap my head around it, and I think the main reason being that I just desperately wanted more happy Polin after everything was out in the open. Call me needy I guess 😭
I feel like there was a bait and switch where Cressida in Part One is Redemption Arc and Cressida in Part Two is her Villain Origin Story. I'd bet money on her for a returning (Somehow.................Palpatine has returned.) major antagonist in S4 to provide some more conflict and intrigue and revenge plots.
Yea, I think it feels weird now because you could see how Eloise was being a better influence to her in Part 1, all for it to be thrown out the window. Maybe continue with her villain arc in part 2 but show that she is conflicted? Or feel guilty? I understand she was being backed into a corner but this villain arc could've happened without Eloise's friendship arc so I'm not sure why try to even start redeeming her.
@@mariazamora6824 If I'm writing S4 she needs to somehow hook Debling offscreen and he's off to the North Pole so she sweeps back into London with his name and standing and fortune and has nothing else to do but wreak vicious havoc on the Bridgerton-Featherington family. With her Genteel Lady Companion/Lover. The way Cressida's actress has been IN ON the press tour for S3, they can't just be quietly writing her off for S4, and she's too good for shenanigans to stay away in exile forever. Same reason they had to work in a reconciliation of sorts with the Featheringtons rather than have Pen cut them out of her life completely (cathartic as that might have been in some ways). But they're worth too much as the comedic/more chaotic elements of the show, going forward, so we're KEEPING THEM.
Ok so kinda of a book spoiler here, so in an offer from a gentleman, Sophie’s step mom’s name is Araminta, and it was confirmed a while back that that is Lady Cowpers first name. So I could totally see Cressida either taking the role of Posy or the mean step sister (forgot her name). I think it would be really cool if she were to play the part of posy in the series because at some point in season 3 I was like fuck u, but I was also like, no I get it….so idk
@@avamusic1107 I mean having Cressida have that shred of vulnerable humanity just means she’ll be an even more chaotic villain because there might be things she still hasn’t got that she wants or needs and is desperate to achieve and now she’s kinda got nothing left to lose, so…she’s a delicious wild card character with iconically atrocious outfits and hair, no way they aren’t bringing her back.
@@GotLostProductions i reread my comment & edited it hopefully for more clarity on my part. Oh yes, Cressida could come back and absolutely be a thorn in everyone's side, and that could be super entertaining! but I hope it flows better than season compared to S3 Part 1 Cressida vs S3 Part 2 Cressida
Personally I enjoyed the season overall and I think I'm one of the few people who liked the hot and cold dynamic of polin post WD reveal. It felt realistic, and I'm not one to watch for the steammy scenes though not judging anyone who does. However, I had a big issue with the show and the fandom sort of becoming dismissive of Colin's valid concerns and acting like WD is such a sacred thing that he must accept to be considered a good person. So this is a personal anecdote but after high school, when I was around Pen's age, I wanted to go to a certian college, but that college was in a dangerous part of the city, and I mean really dangerous there was like a civil war in my country at the time, and so people in my family discouraged me from going, I felt bad, cried my eyes out then accepted that the people I love are right to try to protect me and I went to a different college, it's many years now and I don't regret it, I like my new major and managed to find success in it. That feeling when you are a teenager being forced to walk away from your dreams is difficult, I understand it, but it doesn't mean that to be a girlboss icon you have to ignore sound advice or find alternatives in life and still thrive. So this brings me back to Pen, her insistance on staying as WD is understandable but doesn't mean it's not valid of Colin to want her to stop doing such a dangerous job, he never said she can't write at all! For some reason the show decided to go with "WD is a power for good" angle and made it the hill to die on, when in reality they haven't shown us how it can be a power for good, especially now that Pen is out, like who is going to gossip anywhere near her? I guess the show wanted to keep the narrative device of WD but we had to sacrifice Colin's character for it, make him seem unreasonable and not understaning of how his wife really needs this one specfic gossip column to vent her frustration at socity! Maybe it's just a me thing I don't know, but it did bug me that this conversation was one sided and lacked nuance.
Ah such great points. I actually liked how in the book, Pen gives up LW but moves on to writing a novel. She doesn't have to give up her dream it just doesn't have to be the same as when she was 17/18. LW doesn't need to go on. Julie Andrews did the voice over for Queen Charlotte when it could not have been LW/Pen. Did that even make sense and did we even care? No.
@@megangaetano5420 Thing is I don't mind that they kept her, the column is gonna be lame now with absolutely no tea but whatever, I like that Pen revealed herself and owned up to it, and if the queen said she can continue, ok she can, but I don't like how Colin was made to be the bad guy for worrying about such a secret, especially when to me at least it looked like he forgave her lying and writing all that stuff by their wedding, it was the queen coming that made him upset again, and it makes sense, he thinks she's putting herself in danger and the queen literally crashes his wedding to threaten them, yet when he confronted Pen and asked her to stop she made it into a patriarchy thing, she can feel how she want and consider it unfair, I would have preferred they sit down and have a reasonable discussion or if they idea she writes something else was brought up, but the show framing Colin as unreasonable in that instance rubbed me the wrong way, and the fandom of course is taking it to the next level, not trying to see it from both sides.
I love that you can recognize nuance in situations and bring that into your discussions. It’s one of my favorite aspects of watching your videos. Media literacy Queen 👸🏻 just wanted to pause and recognize that fact. Still watching the video.
I guess that with a longer second sex scene and a scene of them talking about his writing and his future book (after the LW reveal), people would be happier with the season
I feel like this season was full of missed opportunities . There were some excellent moments but almost every story arc left me wanting more. As someone who has read the books, I’ve tried to separate them from the show, but Fran’s situation at the end low key crushed me. Her story of overcoming the hardships of grief and loss are what got me through some tough times in my own life . The direction they seem to be going put these ideas in conflict. Her fumbling around make it seem like she isn’t 100% for John.
i love your channel because you start the videos with "relax guys im so sorry this is just a teaser of the rest of what im gonna be dropping about this" and it's a over an hour video
I just need to say- you’re SO good at analysis. (Even though you said this isn’t the formal analysis) I always think “is she gonna talk about this perspective?” And you ALWAYS do. I love your channel so much!
I gotta say I was disappointed I had sich a huge expectations as the pr was very over hyping the romance and steaminess but it we didn't get much Polin for which is so bad because it is their season , I liked part one better at least they hade more interactions, I think they should have made som cut down on Benedict and Tilly's scenes and not polins. And totally agree with on their romantic scenes.
That is my only sticking point with the Michalea situation. I havent read the books so im not attached to the idea of Michael. Im happy/ excited for a change up, bring it on. But i was so dissapointed that they looked like they were trying to invalidate her love with Jhon. The kiss reaction plus the tongue-tied reation to Michaela were pretty blatant. Why make me so invested and give them so much screen time to then erase their relationship of any substance & a genuine love connection.
They hyped the whole intimate scenes and the number of it that at the end it left me disappointed and wanting more but what I was most disappointed in was they didn’t show much of Colin fighting his love for Pen as he was angry and how he was laying his vulnerable side by asking Pen for her input and help to edit his writing as she is more experienced in it 🥺 nonetheless I appreciate how great their acting skills were in part 2 👏👏👏
The queen, much like Colin on his European trip, spiraled after Pen stopped writing to her.
This comparison has me cackling 😂
This comparison has me dying. But his attitude change isn’t talk about in this way. I think he was properly ready to see Pen as a woman before the guys started giving him shit. But he looked so conflicted. Like he’s saying the words, but doesn’t believe them. What so wrong with a man courting Pen how thoughts.
He spends his whole trip trying to fill the hole in his heart that are Pen’s letters. Why is he thinking about her so much? Why is it he would rather be writing to Pen than being with this beautiful woman. He’s been thinking about Pen as loyal and loving since season 2. She had him MESSED up by not writing him.
I never thought of it that way! LOL!!! The power of Pen's pen. Everyone felt ghosted. They love Lady Whistledown!
wait this is kinda true they were spiralling when she ghosted them 😂
Thank you for addressing the disappointment at not getting enough polin post-whistledown and reconciliation. I couldn’t have said it better, myself. We needed more Colin “obsessed with his wife” Bridgerton.
Hopefully we get some of that for season 4. Pen didn't get a wedding night. Why couldn't Colin been upset AND still be si in love he couldn't be apart from her. I think the sex connection between them could have been much more. And also the musicality for their passion seemed less than previous.
@@candigirl46yeah, if benedict ate up their screen time, they should eat more on his season.
Hopefully we'll see it more next season like we did with Kate and Anthony this season. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
@@samanthasayson8118 I for one didn't even watch Benedict scenes because I'm all about Polin so I skipped a lot of scenes to just get to Polin scenes I mean I did watch a few other characters that were in scenes with Colin or Penelope but after that I just watched Polin scenes because I don't care about the other couples Polin is everything that matters the most they are a Beautiful couple!
@@BleedingHeartFlowerCrying lol
Also I love that the Featherington family relationship isn't suddenly perfect overnight, like everyone involved has to actually TRY to be thoughtful and kind to each other over TIME or healing will go nowhere. Pen and her mom don't make unrealistic promises, they just agree to try and do better than they have been in understanding each other.
I didn’t even need a sex scene in ep 8 but the fact that we didn’t get to see them in bed together happy and in love AFTER all those nights on the couch??? Criminal
I mean we get the tiny clip of them with Penelope on top, honestly was living for that and wished it was longer. If they added 15 mins to the last episode it would have been perfect just to flesh out the end. Show them writing, show pen telling Colin she’s pregs, and show them making out in bed.
Tbh I would’ve preferred them going over their manuscripts in bed seeing them have that emotional and intellectual vulnerability in their marriage bed than them with the babies. Or if they did it like with season 2, have them talking in bed about their writing before quality family time.
THIS
@@katherineejessupl totally agree l loved this season so much best one imo l might be biased coz l love polin but a extra 15 mins with these things would have made it just that much more better but l still loved what we got. lm hoping for happy married polin in s4 with them all loved up and being just adorable parents with some of colin “my wife” bridgerton thrown in ❤
All of Benedict’s scenes could have been cut for more intimacy scenes with pen and Colin. 🙄
I truly expected helpless angry hookup with the silk nightgown scene. I wanted Colin to want her too much despite his heartbreak and uncertainty.
true... it could increased the complexity of the dilemma between Polin...
Agree. I was waiting
They did film a 10-minute sex scene after that kiss in the street... This was confirmed by viewers of initial screenings and Nikola... However, they cut many polin scenes from the final version
But that's so out of character from Colin. he needs to feel emotionally connected to his partner in order to enjoy it. How can someone like that enjoy the act when he doesn't trust her and is still trying to forgive her for lying.
@@Lime1958 this is such a great point, and true to Colin's character and choices.
this is EXACTLY how i feel about the fran situation. ppl can be dissapointed that their fave book is changing without being homophobic, and the biggest let down isn't the genderbend tho its the message that she isnt love with john. her accepting that she loves someone else after john is literally the plot of her book so yeah the kiss and name stumble had me really upset too, you explained it perfectly
Being upset of the genderbend is also not homophobic.If it was Queen Charlotte a Bridgerton story had Brimsely and the King's guard being gay and was met with alot of support and little homophobia .
Yes! Thank you 💯👏
She said she loves John. She feels it. But the physical intimacy isn’t there.
I think it is mostly is that when u read about a character and u root for them so it is a bit difficult to accept changes.
@sakuraesther6309 Absolutely! I was totally upset by the gender bend Because I hate forced inclusion and changing things just for the sake of brownie points. I would much rather have new characters and new stories where the characters are gay instead of gay washing alreading established couples.
The conversation between Violet and Lady Danbury was one of the highlights. So heartwarming.
Honestly one of the best scenes in the entire show. That and the first confrontation between Marcus and Agatha where she’s like, “you DARE address me by my born name and expect it to make things better?!” (Paraphrasing.) Absolutely heart-wrenching.
I don't think it can be understated how much Penelope is asking Colin to abandon the gender rolls of their society. When she says no, I will be keeping my career and when she says I just need you to support me and love me instead of lead me or do things for me. That is an wild departure from everything he will have been taught, learned, or seen I society. Even his parents and married siblings have more traditional gender rolls than what Pen is asking of him. The fact that he adapts and gets it so quickly shows how compatible they truly are. Giving her what she needs actually gives him what he needs too. People pleasers actually kind of need someone to please, I say this as a big one myself. But what makes it actually healthy and nontoxic is when the people pleaser is paired with someone who loves them unconditionally, not for the things they do but for who they are. Penelope has seen the best and worst of Colin. She's had him on a pedestal and down in the dirt and she has come to love him to his very soul. She chooses him and to love him even when it's hard, even when she feels like he isn't loving her back. That's what he needs to feel safe to devote himself to her fully. And that's where they find themselves at the end of the show.
Absolutely! For God's sake, there are men NOWADAYS who feel like utter failures for not being providers. Like it's been shown before, Colin feels insecure, has a hero complex & has been trying to find his place in a society that is very restrictive, even for men. While he absolutely loves her, I'm sure he was still getting ready to fill his role as a protector & provider. So when Pen basically tells him she doesn't need any of that....his insecurities JUMPED.
👏👏👏💖 exactly this... thank you for explaining it so well. I agree completely.
No person is perfect, there was a lot of mistakes, hurtful choices, tough situations, and it is based in that time. I think the show tackled the relationship struggles and dynamics perfectly.
At the end of the day... it is about acceptance, respect, being supportive and loving someone fully as they are, and as a whole person.
Season 3 gave me what I wanted.
Yes! I love it too coupled with the fact that Colin took forever to see Pen as a woman and a love interest. It was annoying for a while how blind he was to the idea of her as a lover/partner. Him just coming to the realization that she is an option to him, falling for her quickly (standing up for their love to her mother/others), and THEN having the bomb of Whistledown added on top within a short while could have crippled their love. Finding their way back to each other after all of it shows the strength of their bond and benefit of them having been friends first. The other matches didn’t have to overcome so much to exist and seeing them choose love and each other even when it didn’t seem possible was everything.
This is great point that I didn't see before. I can't wait to see what next season brings for POLIN, due to the changes the show has made. Pen is still writing her Column & Colin will need to be the man in charge of the Featherington estate until their son is grown.
I agree with you and appreciate you raising this, it was a big step of maturity for him to come to terms with this. I would also point out, as a man, that there is a hormonal/biological component to us often feeling the need to be guardians/protectors/providers in the same way that many women feel an innate urge to be motherly and nurturing. When I put my arm around my partner in bed and hold them tight, there is an innate biological satisfaction I get out of giving this person comfort and security. Of course in this day and age, not every woman feels the need to be a mother, and not every man needs to be a provider or protector, and as evolved beings we should be cognizant of these primitive constructs and challenge them when appropriate/necessary. But we should also acknowledge that as hunter-gatherers many of us are genetically wired this way, outside of societal gender-role constructs, which of course during Regency times were understood much more primitively, so it’s a big f-ckin’ step for Colin to embrace supporting his accomplished, successful, even rich (!) wife. 😌
I loved that Pen, even if she was happy her mother changed and gave her all the attention, also saw how it affected her sisters, and payed for their ball, and let their mother take the credit for it, so her sisters and mothers relationship wouldnt be damaged. AND letting her mother tell the solicitor that the money she had, wasnt from their cousin Jack, but from Pens writing. I adore her for that.
I loved this for the characters. They did not separate her from her family, they resolved and moved forward in treating each other better. The LW crisis pulled them together as one Family, which I greatly appreciated.
I did cheer for Colin when telling Lady Featherington off for her comments on their relationship. That moment was needed too. 👏
The hand holding between Penelope and her Mother made me teary eyed. It was emotional.
I agree. I loved that Penelope becoming a Bridgerton did not make her any less a Featherington. None of the married women stopped being Featheringtons. They kept coming around to their family home, attending events with their mother and unmarried sister, having petty sisterly spats, and throwing balls together. I even liked that Penn's child with Colin is the next Featherington heir, making him one of the few folks to carry both his family names: Bridgerton and Featherington (much like Fitzwilliam Darcy does, it should be noted). Marriages aren't just about two people forming a new family. They're also about two people finding their ways into existing families. I'm as much a "Smith" (my mother's family) as I am a "Smythe" (my father's family) even though I got my father's name. Similarly, I'm equally a "Smitty" (my spouse's family). One of the things I most love about Bridgerton is the portrayal of siblings and families and friendships being important well into adulthood. Not all of these relationships are perfect, but I love that they are portrayed as being valuable enough to keep working at.
Yes to all this!!! Makes me excited for Featherington storylines in future seasons. The two sisters are great comic relief (and will makes for fun/silly B plots) and I think there is a lot of interesting widow storylines for Portia. I've really come to love their characters this season!
@@sircharlesmormont9300 Smythe-Smith, you say? Have you read Romancing Mister Bridgerton by any chance? Because there's literally a plot point in it with the Smythe-Smith musical. What a crazy coincidence!
Honestly my first thought after I finished Part 2 was your comment that they would benefit from 10 episodes… there was so much more that could have been done but I was overall so happy 🥰 Polin is always going to be my fave ❤
Yes!!! That's what I have been saying everywhere. S3 needed 2 more episodes with all 100+ side plots going on.
To many plots = none of them felt deep enough and payoff didn't felt satisfied. Arch😵🤦♀️
The only way to feel satisfied with Polin relationship is to watch multiple times, or their compilations. I mean I like s3, but it was not enough.
Absolutely agree 💯. It felt abit rushed, 10 episodes would have been better.
The problem is that as the series grows you want to see the main couple but also your favourites that have already been, as well as some growth in the supporting cast so they don't seem 2 dimensional. The show has grown too big for its shoes in that regard. Even just 2 more episodes would give the pacing a better chance and a little more time with the characters. I know the ball/group scenes take a lot of time to film which is a big part of the problem. I would happily have missed one ball in this series for one or two more intimate moments.
1. Hated this instant negating of John and Fran's love
2. We NEEDED happy Polin after the LW reveal. Them writing together, giggling, happy, kissing, without the drama between them. We skipped straight to Colin on the couch to a baby.
3. Polin didn't get a happy engagement, a fully happy wedding, all big moments were clouded in drama. We were robbed.
4. Nicola and Luke talked alot of about sweet scenes they shot....that then we never saw. The actors didn't even know the scenes were cut, it wasn't fair to any of them or us.
Nailed it with every one of your points.
I agree with everything except 4.
Nicola confirmed nothing was cut, which just means her and Luke hyped very little scenes.
Question- how does Fran stuttering with Michaela negate the love? Fran is currently the only Bridgerton who did not kiss their love interest prior to the wedding. She had NO idea that physical love and emotional love can be different. Pointing out she stuttered with Michaela does not inherently mean love at first sight (as Violet herself said, which is the direct parallel people are referring to she may have stuttered but they were friends first). Moreover, Anderson adds a new parallel to the mix of slow burn during marriage which she can have with John as she may learn to like him physically (and this is a woman who broke every social norm and fought the queen for him). To say she does not love him goes against everything she has done, and we have an opportunity to fully explore that love isn't this unilateral thing (she also was blushing hella hard during his Wedding Speech so yea...she loves him).
1:03:00 Colin started this season thinking that the best strategy would be to join the Toxic Lords Squad, when in reality he always belonged to the Loving Husbands Tribe.
Thank you for this. I had to fast forward and praying someone had a time stamp.
I don't usually cry after watching series but I cried multiple times in this season. The wedding, Colin's confession at end, the epilogue but I sobbed at Portia and Penelope storyline. This really hit home for me. Their story healed something in me that I didn't know needed to be healed. God, I miss Polin so much. They will always be my ride and die ship 🫶💕💕
The struggles and love they showed with Penelope and her Mother was some of my top favourite moments... and I sobbed too. The coming to together of characters to support and help Penelope and their family. The themes of forgiveness, acceptance, support, and love. Both Familes merging into one, for me made this season so much sweeter. 💖
I liked the season but didn't "feel" all of the story. I did have a busy week so perhaps I should rewatch and both parts together as a whole😅
Only season of bridgerton that made me cry from the romance (cause I did cry at Anthony’s flashback scenes in s2). It was very healing for me also. I felt their love in a way I didn’t in try other seasons
Something I noticed later that I couldn't quite put my finger on while watching the show was that so many of the intimacy scenes between Polin happened right after a sad/heartbreaking moment. Their first kiss was after she believed her chances in the marriage mart were ruined and she felt hopeless. The carriage scene happened right after her marriage proposal opportunity with Debling was shot, and she was visibly (and understandably) upset. Then their first time was shortly after her mom made pretty hurtful comments to her about her engagement to Colin. And Polin were both so sad/conflicted for so much of the season. I think it's one of the reasons this season didn't feel very romantic. Part of me just wishes that their FIRST moments of intimacy weren't right on the brink of such crappy moments, esp for Pen cuz these were ALL of her firsts 🙁 I know she loves Colin and probably would've chose to have these moments with him anyway, but it would have been nice for them to occur in conjunction with romantic/sweet moments in which her head and heart were in a better space, and she was operating out of pure love/joy/excitement, and not sadness/hopelessness
Exactly.
Next season. The main conflict, LW, was not and could not be resolved until the end of the season bc that's how storytelling works.
I see it differently, so I guess it’s a matter of perspective. Every intimate scene I see as happening after Colin has defended her or shown his true feelings. Anytime he shows that he loves/cares for her.
@@chooka147this is exactly how I feel. Wat happened in the carriage scene was after a love declaration and the where both overcome with joy and the first was after first hearing that he proposed because of love did you hear her gasp that is the first time hearing that( I think by know she is used to her mother being nasty that is why she didn’t tell her) that is how she left their in awe that he professed his love and stood up for her her mother was not the focus at that point but that was and at the house it’s after a huge love declaration that she asked are you sure and not only said it but showed it to her the scene before the mirror and tells her what he loves about her and how he sees her and that she feels the love and beliefs that and then after that constantly asking for consent and making sure she is alright being sweet and tender and making her FIRST time special. With khantony was after an argument and Daphne after a stressful and tense wedding. That is how is see it.
The way I’ve been on youtube waiting for you to release ANY analysis is just insane 😂😂 girl spill!
I’ve been checking on Sammy’s channel at least 2-3 times a day to check for a video release!!
Agree. Just do it all and more!
I need to say something about the wedding dance that I haven't seen addressed yet. Not only does Pen approach Colin on her own, not only does she bring him off the wall and into the centre (the way he used to do for her), not only does she put herself in a situation where she becomes the centre of attention (which she isn't used to and gets anxious about normally), but she makes it a point to do something no one does at this time - dance at a wedding breakfast! She makes herself the newsworthy story, instead of observing and reporting on everyone else. Her and Colin dancing under these conditions is different than anyone else in the whole show, in the whole ton. They pay total rapt attention only to each other and wear their hearts on their sleeves, dancing like no one is there. It is a different kind of declaration of love than anyone else and takes a kind of courage I don't think even Penelope knew she had. When she got attention before, she would get so flustered that she'd embarrass herself and/or retreat. This time, with Colin, she felt so safe and confident that she could face the whole world and show how she really felt, stares and whispers be damned. They were so romantic that it inspired other couples to declare themselves by joining in. It effectively turned their wedding breakfast into a more modern wedding reception like we are used to attending now. She is also having the first more modern marriage of two career people in partnership and in love that we have seen depicted on the show. But I think one of the earliest steps in building that dynamic is this dance at their wedding. I also think if this dance had gone badly or if he had not reacted this way, then she'd never have been able to bring herself to make the speech outing herself as Whistledown so eloquently in front of the queen and the whole ton at her sisters' ball. Does anyone else see this and know what I mean here? Did you catch the dynamic shift, character growth, and the larger statement of dancing like that under those circumstances? Or am I reading too much into it?
Oh stop it, you're making me tear up :') You're so right. In all their previous interactions it was Colin helping Penelope feel confident, she even says so in their last scene with dialogue before the dance ("I should have told you myself. There are so many things I should've done myself. And now, with the confidence you've helped me find this year, I am finally able to", with beautiful delivery from Nicola), and in their wedding scene, it's Colin who reassures Penelope and _then_ she gathers the confidence to walk down the aisle. But in their dance scene she decides by herself "oh what the hell I'm just going to walk up to my husband and ask him to go the centre of the room and do something very bold", and _she_ convinces Colin when he doubts. And finally, in the Whistledown confession scene, the roles have been reversed. Colin has been feeling painfully insecure, helpless and useless, and from the centre of her stage, in a very vulnerable and exposed position, Pen looks at Colin and declares to him _you are worthy, being who you are is enough_, and it's so beautiful :') So anyways, I agree with you that the wedding dance scene is very narratively important haha
If they also go the route of Francesca never loved john romanticly, they're ignoring the very real and easy posibility that she could be bi or pansexual. Which is just upsetting. I never read the books, so i have no idea about the dynamics between characters, but there's been so many gentle, loving looks of Fran admiring John throughout this season, and taking that away to say, "No, Fran never loved him romantically, she's a lesbian actually :)" just feels so disappointing so I'm really hoping they don't do that.
as well as also just dissing the very rare but necessary representation of neurotypical relationships in media too!! :((
The actors of John and Fran confirmed that they are in love and their love is very real!
I have read the books, and Francesca's book is my favorite of the series. I am one of the people that is devastated that they changed the story, because the emotional journey Franny and Michael go through caring DESPERATELY that her marriage and love with John was real and important, then recognizing that their feelings for each other are real and important, and that if John could have known in advance that he was going to die, he would have purposefully chosen Michael to take care of his wife... It's so special and good. I can't lie and pretend I don't care about them changing her story just so people aren't mad at me. I DO care. It's not about turning her into a lesbian, it's about changing such a special story. I think making Cressida and Eloise have an LGBT+ storyline would have made way more sense.
I Agee !!! I am very sad about this 😢
I think you meant neurodiverse/a-typical? Thats a bit how it felt for me. Like "oh perhaps they made her a little autistic" which I would've loved, some of my cousins are on the spectrum and her character was so similair. If they went with that, we both could have combined representation and her original book plot @@elliecvetkova5821
We saw Benedict have more sex than the main couple. I agree that his story could have been in season 2 so they would have more time for Penelope and Colin.
I absolutely loved this series. Don’t get me wrong, there were some things that I thought could have been changed. I think what they needed was two more episodes. Having only a couple minutes at the end of Colin and Pen being happy wasn’t enough after the angst they went through. But I think that angst was justified. In Colin’s eyes Pen had basically betrayed him and he needed to go through that anger otherwise it wouldn’t have been believable. But what I absolutely loved is that it was Pen who saved herself. Throughout her life she has had no agency and no power. She got to reveal herself on her terms. In the book it is Colin who does the saving and who reveals Pen to the ton and that never sat well with me. Pen’s speech in the series was a triumph. And also with Colin’s arc, that he didn’t need to be the hero he just needed to be himself. What a lesson to leave us on. That if we can work on our confidence so much of ourselves and the world can open up to us. And that being our flawed human selves is enough.
Thank God for you, Sammy! The negativity was really getting me down. I was mesmerised when I watched part 2. It's not perfect but it was sooooo good.
Thank you for your comment. I feel like I'm going insane! Like am I the only person who really enjoyed it?
@@aterribleperson5149 You are not the only ones! I LOVED IT! I loved all the character growth and story archs
@@aterribleperson5149oh millions of people did 😂😂😂
That haters are just loud
Loved it so much. Compared to what we got in other seasons, romance wise??! This was stellar
And the angst was just for two episode, I
Don’t know what the hell people are complaining about.
The only tiny thing I wanted was for the last sex scene to be longer, to balance out the yearning and angst we saw❤ that would’ve been so so sexy if they made it like way longer.
And then, I liked that Colin spoke to Cressida and I loved that he really understood the pain pen had gone through in her life… I would’ve wanted him to remind Cressida that she’s a freaking bully 😂 there, just this!
Just go to remind her that she bullied pen…
But apart from this, the season was perfect for me. I cried so much ❤
Fr! I just got into Bridgerton this year and had so much fun with this season, and it’s definitely my favorite. Like the amount of storylines really added to the heavy drama, soap opera feel of this season compared to the other 2. Polins relationship imo, felt the most genuine(ofc since they’ve known each other the longest out of all the couples) and I personally thought his love confession was so sweet. And idk abt yall but I felt their relationship pacing was good. Like it made sense and I’m so sad ppl are acting like it’s too fast when honestly It was pretty good! Especially when they laughed after their intimate scenes it really enhanced that feeling for me. Colin was better than me though with just forgiving Pen quickly after he found out cuz I wouldn’t have😭
I hated part 2 upon my initial watch. Then today, I did a run through where I watched 1-8, but just the Polin (and Eloise) scenes and I was actually much happier with it. I figured out that many of my issues just stem from the lack of screen time for the main couple, and how much time other storylines take up around them.
This! When I skipped through all the sub plots and just watched those you mentioned, I loved the second part of the season.
I did the same thing and totally agree!
That was my issue
The first time. I’m
Here for Polin. I do not care about anyone else.
Part two had me in tears pretty much the entire way through???? I had to pace myself I was getting dehydrated.
😊😂 I am glad for you.
I binge p2 and then rewatch x2 times😅
Same OMG I was hyperventilating 😂😂😂😂😻
Omg I was crying so much too like let me catch a break
Same. Such an emotional second half.
Lesson I learn:
Don't get hype about movie/show or ship, you only setting yourself up for disappointment.
I guess it is my fault for watching all interviews, reading book x2 times, listening to podcast, reading fanfics.
I hyped up Polin and this season in general for myself, so have no one to blame. 😅
I still liked s3 don't get me wrong. But i needed more happy Polin post LW reveal too, Sammy. 1:08:10
Yeah oh well.
They will be in s4, so maybe we still get our happy Polin in full martial bliss. 🤞🥺
I didn’t do any of that and I was STILL severely disappointed. It’s not that you were overzealous, it’s just that the show runners were a disappointment.
the show runner fucked this up for us girl its their fault lmao
If it's anything like Kanthony’s full marital bliss, you'll get about 5 minutes. Soak it in.
This is so true, I'm not a great reader because I often forget what I have read. Either it sticks or it doesn't.
So most likely I will watch the show or film first... then if I want to expand on that, read the books afterwards (if my brain absorbs it).
It's an adaption, it's always best to not have any expectations. As they exist as separate forms. Nothing compares to human imagination.
It's the only way I can enjoy both film and books. It is tough to mentally seperate.
Agreed that the PR was pushing more intimacy in part 2 and it wasn’t there. Like don’t have Luke & Nicola go around talking about it if it’s not making the final edit. Like Benedict had more scenes than Polin did and this was THEIR season.
I bet everyone was surprised at how popular the carriage scene was. I bet they expected the mirror scene to be the most erotic. It was very erotic but the viewers reaction to the carriage scene may have been unexpected by Shondaland
Have you seen the petition going around asking Shondaland to either include deleted scenes or make them just available to the public where there are more intimate scenes of Polin (a heated kiss after their fight and a montages of more intimate scenes in the finale episode) along with them discussing his book? Just some other scenes that would make this season a little more beneficial to die hard Polin fans.
How do we sign that petition? Where can I find it?
It’s already been confirmed they don’t exist.
You are so spot on about everything this season. I loved it! Until QC, Bridgerton was just guilty pleasure with not much to say in social commentary. This season felt mature and complex. It required and demanded a little more from the characters and the audience. I’m hoping it keeps this up moving forward. I can’t wait to hear the rest of your analyses.
Also yes, you were so spot on with your polin analysis and their dynamic, especially Colin’s lack of self worth and his need to be the hero. Spot on!
Totally agree. "Than what good am I to you?" Nail on the head. He loves Pen because she's the only person that really sees him, and lets him feel important and needed. Her taking that from him would have absolutely crushed him.
I am quiet upset with this season actually i think they wasted hugee oppurtunities especially with that chemistiry such a shame! Everything especially colin was just paper thin they didnt justice their story there were so many themes to explore more depthly i am properly sad about it
Agree. Needed more writing passion of Colin, I missed that. And less time for side characters, some had so much wasted filler scenes. I like side stories but they should keep it clear and short and only in context with or relation to the Main couple.
They did though. They cut a bunch of polin scenes after showing the screeners containing them. Those scenes exist and should be put back in!
After part 2 I was like, did the writers change halfway though the show? Listen. I know that Colin had emotions to process but he said unforgivably cruel things to Pen. Lets start with "I will never forgive you" just pick other words, any words and for Godsake put her back in the damn carrige to show that you are angry but she is still yours and you love her... Or atleast adress it later on? Have them have a private conflict resolution in which he hears her side (the time when he goes to her room and she is in the nightgown would have been a good time for this). Secondly "Planned entrappedment". Are. You. Kidding. Me. Sis.... Just give him the ring back. OR FIGHT BACK. At minimum, I wanted when she tells him (in the last bloddy minutes of the show might I add) that she would not object to an annulment, to really really drive that point home by saying back to him "I would not object to an anaulment if you requested one, I wouldn't want any harm to come to you or your family as a result of today. You are not trapped Colin..." just add those 5 words an atleast I would feel a bit better. The coffin has a nail. Yey.
realmente eso hubiera sumado bastante, estoy deacuerdo para mejor narrativa
The only problem I’ve seen with the Fran/Michaela/John storyline is what you mentioned regarding John. Jess Brownell tried to say that love isn’t a hierarchy and what she feels for Michaela doesn’t negate her love for John, but in my opinion, that’s what they’ve already done with episode 8. By them showing Francesca feeling nothing from kissing John to them having her have the Edmund/Violet tongue tied reaction to Michaela, there’s already SO MANY comments about how she’s a lesbian and obviously doesn’t love John in that way. They could have left out that moment post-kiss and had her have a normal reaction to Michaela while Michaela was the one that felt something instantly (like in the book), so it was clear that Fran was in love with John, and then have her fall in love with Michaela after John’s death. I don’t know how the show doesn’t realize that they just sentenced John/Fran to the general consensus of “She loved him but she wasn’t IN love with him” narrative. And with Jess talking about how her and John’s love is based off companionship and friendship, it basically seems like they’re just making John and Francesca soulmates like Penelope and Eloise, and then Michaela will be THE actual one and only romantic love. It’s such a disservice to Fran and John, and literally walks back everything that was said this season because now it makes it seem like Violet was right and that real love will have that “spark” when you find it. All of this and the people already invalidating John and Francesca’s love could have been avoided with two small changes in episode 8, but the show purposefully chose to linger on her face after the kiss and had HER have the reaction to Michaela the first time instead of the other way around, so Jess can keep her “there are many different ways one can feel love” bullshit because she could have just had Francesca be bisexual and let her and John be IN love before he died, but they had to take that away too.
I mean I understand your take, but also as you mentioned, the love she has for John is a soulmate kind of love which I don't think is inherently bad. Moreover, I think you are right, that in some ways Violet may have been right, however I'd like to say there is SO much potential to expand on this idea of "love". Also want to point out, I think this is honestly a very realistic take that people overlook with the era in that Fran, or any woman, has the opportunity to explore their feelings. So the exploration of Fran's love with John will be good in that regard because maybe she will learn that the physical love with John was a slow burn (and if we are going off parallels, lets not forget lord Anderson himself said his first marriage took time to grow). I do think diminishing her love for John in this season just based on her reaction is doing it a disservice though, because I dont think any other sibling maybe outside Colin so far, went to the lengths she did to fight for this man. She obviously loves him and we are going to see her explore these feelings further and will make the expected turning even more heartwrenching.
Totally agree that we needed more Polin intimacy later in episodes! Hopefully we get more next season……
1:00:32 I love the growth they gave the Featheringtons, but I felt they prioritized that reconciliation over Colin and Penelope's. Especially at the end before the announcement, while I love that Portia was there for Penelope, it should have been Colin holding her hand and standing by her side. This made me even more upset that they sidelined Colin and Penelope this whole season.
1:04:09 You nailed so many of my thoughts regarding the Pilin relationship. It felt like they were halfway there-they started strong but didn’t stick the landing. As you mentioned, their growth with intimacy after finding out about Whistledown was needed! I wanted that reconciliation. I wanted to see Colin struggle with his love for her, his anger, and his inability to resist her. I wanted Colin to learn to trust her again, to see that vulnerability.
I feel that Colin and his character were the victims of this season. Many people already didn’t like or understand him, and the choices made only furthered this sentiment among general audiences. He was robbed of all of his positive attributes. It still feels like we don't know him and it was HIS season. And because of how they handled him after the LW reveal, he doesn't get a redemption.
I am so excited for your in-depth analysis of Colin and Penelope. You always point out the little moments that help me focus on the positives instead of what we didn’t get from them.
I also wonder if the rumors about the cut scenes are true and how much better the season would have been with them. I don’t think fans would mind longer episodes if they included scenes that completed the Colin and Penelope love story.
I continue to really enjoy your takes on the Bridgerton series. Also, I desperately need to know where you buy your corsets! ❤
First off love everything you talked about and agree 1000%. And I have to say I was extremely disappointed and dissatisfied of the lack of spicy scenes between Polin. Especially due to the fact that in interviews on multiple occasions they said part 2 was going to be extremely spicy. And I feel like they failed in that delivery. Like the fact that Benedict got dicked down more than Penelope?!! And on her wedding day?!! Twas a crime!!!
😂😂😂 I was so mad that aimless Benedict was getting banged out on the regular but not our girl Pen.
@@LoveK1Haha no exactly 🤣🤣🤣
1:16:30 okay. I have a theory. We know that in the fourth season Colin and Penelope will be present. We know that (well,maybe) Anthony and Kate will be in India. We know that Francesca and Eloise will be in Scotland. And it is practically confirmed that the fourth season will be about Benedict and Sophie. My theory is Benedict will arrange for Sophie to come to work at Colin and Penelope's house, perhaps as a nanny for their children. And that both Penelope and Colin will be important in the help that Benedict and Sophie need to resolve the conflicts in their love story. So I feel like we'll see more of Polin's dynamic being already a marriage with more established dynamics. Perhaps those scenes of them loving each other, without secrets, concealments or lies that stalk them both, will be left to be explored in the fourth season.
I need YOU in that writing room! That plot line sounds great for us to get more happy everyday Polin scenes
You give me hope. You do.
I still hope the petition to restore the deleted scenes will trigger something at Netflix/shondaland 🤞 Maybe it's all in vain but at least by signing it we would have try something.
I'm gonna keep your idea in a corner of my head somewhere to cheer me up when I need it.
Wow, I love that idea so much! That would be so wonderful.
Exactly, we need you in that writing room with Jess, otherwise I don't see anything good happening.
Penelope was so powerful that she was introduced by the queen herself in the last ball
My problem with the entrapment comment was that they never acknowledged that afterwards (and the fact that it was even said). I needed a conversation about it in the show, so I could've process the season. My biggest problem was Colin's emotionally abandonment towards Pen after they got married. What I needed from him was to say I love you but I am angry at you and I need time to process, so she knows that he loves her still, because if she does she never say anything about the annulment. That was the prove that she thought his love is gone. These two things needed to be acknowledged and talk through everything about it, I am sad that the show didn't go for that. I think the fact that this scene is missing is the reason why so many of us (including me) had big problems with the season.
Omg you and full of lit are the vids i am DYING for! i was going to bed but nope i am SAT! i will probably edit my comment as i watch more of the vid lol
Edit: My 2 cents
1) Kanthony & Colin: i think Kate's advice would've been better if it was based on the drama b/w her & Edwina. I think those experiences are more similar to what Polin is going through: secrets, betrayal, being humiliated by someone you love, etc. And Anthony was involved in all that so it would make sense if he was there at the table. Truly, the minute they got together, all was resolved.
2) I looooved John! He is so endearing & charming, and it was always a delight seeing him interact with the other men. He really feels like another [new] Bridgerton brother :)
3) Sex scenes: Yep, i agree w/you 100%. First of all, the way ppl were talking about ep 5, you would've thought it was the worse one of the series! Then i watched it & could barely breathe because i was actually quite taken by it. There were some decisions that could've been better but after digesting further, i think this scene fit their dynamic as a couple better & i would say its probably the most grounded one of the series. If anything, the biggest complaint should be ep 8. THAT was the time to have a scene like Simon & Daphnes reconciliation with a starting convo to finishing it because they need to communicate that there is still trust & love despite it all. And I KNOW it could've been done because I'm sure there was a reason Pen was on top. MISSED OPPORTUNITY!
4) My biggest complaint & I think it would've solved everything is that we just needed more Polin! There absolutely were some scenes that could've been taken away & still kept the other stories. Because everytime Polin were on screen, they ATE whether it was a happy or unhappy moment. Nic & Luke are so talented!
Phew! Sorry for the long post! Just dont have a lot of ppl to talk about the show lol
Part 2 was so stressful and angsty, I never felt like the knot was fully untied by the end. I’m still waiting to feel relieved.
Sammy, I was waiting to hear your thoughts! And your look is a slay as usual, of course!!
I actually loved Part 2. There were a couple of things I didn’t like but overall I was very happy.
i am in love with how the character progression they did for Penelope... so happy for Pen...
i totally agree on how the show should have made more intimacy scene for Polin...
looking forward on your in-depth review for Penelope and Colin'...
I said it before and I’m gonna say it again…. Sammy Bates should be our honorary Bridgerton - Polin expert. Her insights and predictions are always spot on. Thanks once again for this great initial thoughts. Overall, I like s3 because I love seeing our Penelope and Colin. But I am deeply disappointed with the incomplete romantic journey that was Polin’s after the LW reveal. But I must remind myself that I’m not the show runner and I’m neither Netflix or Shondoland so I have to find a way to accept what’s given to us for these 2 characters , where it took more than 2 seasons before we see them finally come together.
I read an article when the showrunner Jess stated that she was focused on the drama to keep the story going and have it be more interesting for the viewers. That was actually sad to read because due to all that drama, we never saw how Colin and Penelope’s love truly and fully developed once the whole LW issue was put out in the open. Honestly, I don’t think the writers were cut out to write within this context & narrative. They’re more into drama and they’ll hold onto that until the series ends. I’m hoping Sammy’s more analysis on Polin’s overall relationship in s3 and what could’ve been for both them would be very much appreciated. As we all know that Netflix will never be able to give us further satisfaction from what we got.
This is what I appreciate about your analysis it's in-depth and critical without being overly negative. I feel very similar about this season. I don't understand people hating on it because they gave us so much! Especially compared with S2. Would a few extra Polin scenes post whistledown have been the cherry on the cake of course they really needed 10 episodes to really get there but wow we got so much and Luke and Nicola did such an incredible job, really the whole cast was amazing. I'm really scared about where Jess and her team are taking the writing but I'm going into S4 openly with no expectations
Benedict this season felt like the token queer character. They gave him a couple scenes with a guy and said "see he is bi, happy?" and didn't actually do anything to meaningfully develop his character. They completely threw out his art plotline and gave him either irrelevant sex scenes again or emotional labor with his family.
I think like the best thing to do would be to have Sophie crossdress next season so it would be more difficult for Ben to find her, plus it would actually explore his bisexuality
He's not bi. He's pansexual. Smh. If it wasn't clear from watching the show, read Luke's interviews before making these half-baked judgements. Luke said Ben is attracted to people's spirits. Not their gender or job or class. Don't make it reductive by saying he's bi. And the whole point of making him uncommitted and free and go through all this is that he'll soon realize that his relationships are rooted on breadth but not depth. Enter Sophie, (love at first sight) where he'll realise that he wants depth and commitment and not to have to share her with someone.
@@Pillowlips77 My words are based on what I've seen in the show. I'm not obligated to watch every interview and promo material out there to give my opinion.
Edit: Plus making him follow that storyline is almost repeating beat by beat what they did with Colin this season. It certainly fits Benedict more than Colin, but is a repeat nonetheless and could have been done much more creatively than than. And without using promiscuous stereotypes
@@evelina2619 Yeah it's just funny how I automatically got all that from watching the show but most people didn't 😂
@@hobbitw3301 No it isn't. Bc you would see gender first.
@@hobbitw3301
As a bi person (technically omni but it’s a niche term), bisexuality and pansexuality are not the same thing. Bisexuality is attraction to two or more genders; or attraction to your own gender and those not your gender. Both are acceptable definitions. Pansexuality is attraction regardless of gender. My attraction to someone can change based on their gender, i know because I’ve had thoughts of oh Person A would be so much more attractive as this other gender. Pansexuals don’t have thoughts like that. (Pan peeps feel free to correct me or elaborate)
Even within the book, I got the sense Benedict was queer but that pan made most sense. Frequently he and Sophie describe their relationship and attraction as something spiritual, as if their souls were meeting instead of their bodies. Which is so beautiful and perfectly lends itself to him being more fluid with his sexuality or using pan as his label.
50:40 completely agree. That's exactly what I understood situation with Michaela too. And i don't know wh they do that?
Why say and make us agree that not all relationship starts with hard fought drama and fireworks to what? to then make 180° turn to Fran get startled meeting Michaela in 0.1sec? 🤷♀️🤦♀️
Exactly! The show really seemed to say „Violet was right about love, it cannot be quiet and gentle, it has to be instant and flashy“. I was gutted watching it.
I hated it. A vital plot point for Michael is that HE was always in love with Francesca, but he FULLY respected their marriage, kept his distance in a certain way, and let them enjoy their love. Making Francesca have "a moment" with Michaela before John's death disrespects their love. I freaking hate it. I hate that whole storyline so far. That was my favorite book of the series.
Besides that, I thought the diversity in charachteristic with Francesca might be her coming over a little autistic (alot of people seem to reconize themselves in her). Which could've been incoörperated really well as a trait along with her original story plot.
@@marlena. Definitely.
.
I'm guessing Johnny and Simone are pretty expensive and will be sporadically in the show. They need to move Violet and the kids out of Bridgerton house, but a new set might also cost a lot. But the show sending Kanthony off randomly can't keep happening.
They can have business at Amberley Hall in future I guess but yeah missing Fran's wedding was sus. Like did they have to reshoot that scene and J&S weren't available, maybe, so they got cut? There isn't really a clear Send Off for them to go to India, they just talk about it and then they're gone, we don't see them telling the family, just telling each other what they're GOING to tell the family.
They're not expensive. They get paid the same as all the other actors. The casting agent recently clarified that. Those plotlines are based on how available they are though. Johnny was filming Fellow Travelers and Wicked during this time, which is why they couldn't get him. And same for Simone.
Since Pen and Colin move into Featherington house with their new Lord Featherington baby, Violet and the kids could move into the starter house they just moved out of.
@@jenniferhaake9818I ended up liking the details in the Polin starter house set! I could see them wanting some space that’s their own rather than being too immediately tied to Featherington House, especially if Portia and the sisters are still coming and going or in residence. Maybe from a practical standpoint if the Featherington extended family isn’t gonna be in the main storyline as much, that entire staircase/drawing room set they’ve built can be redressed/painted to stand in for more of Polin’s starter house than just the bedroom/study area they mostly focus on for scenes there so far.
I loved the detail of all the built-in cabinets and wall displays of Colin’s cool Bric a Brac he picked up on his travels! I wanna rewatch all those scenes just to pore over the design.
Am I the only one who liked part 1 better???
It seemed like Colin cared more about pen in part 1 even though they were friends. I understand he should be angry about lady whistledown but the comment he made about pen entraping him was just so wrong . Like you are the one who brought her to an empty house without a maid. He was not supportive or protective of her at all. They should have had a better ,more serious conversation about lady whistledown. One of the things the book did right was that Colin really was impressed the moment he found out about it. He had his angry moments but it was clear it was because he was worried about her and wanted to protect her. In the show seemed to me like he just wanted to crush that part of her because of jealousy and he kept disrespecting and disregarding her. Which is something you wouldn't do if you truely love someone. When Pen asks him why he is being distant he says he doesn't know . He should have at least gave her a reason. I felt like he was just trying to be controlling and when she said she wouldn't stop her writing just because he says so , he wouldn't accept it. The love confessions didn’t really hit either. They kept saying "I love you " so many times it lost its spark. There were some good distinct love declarations in the book like there was for anthony and they should have used that . Or at least written something better. Overall I felt more love between them in part 1 . Part 2 seemed really flat to me. Even the carriage scene and their first kiss felt much more romantic and intimate than the scenes in part 2.
Also I don't like what they did with Eloise. First she comes to her and says stop writing for my brother and also because she is envious of her. Then when her family's reputation is in danger she asks her to write again . And when Colin finds out She is like this has nothing to do with me solve it yourself. Like???
The Eloise we knew from past seasons wouldn't say that. Especially now that they have resolved things about Whistledown. Neither Colin nor Eloise supported Pen when she needed it the most. I feel like none of them deserve her.
The other storylines were all over the place. The family scenes we so loved previously were nowhere to be found . Violet was so invested in Francesca even though its Colin's season not hers. Too many sex scenes from Benedict which I had to skip. Cressida's and the Mondrich's storyline went nowhere with all that screentime they had. The lady whistledown reveal was not done properly . The should have excluded Portia from finding out sooner so we would have at least have eloise ,colin,and pen as a trio . And it should have been Colin holding her hand before the reveal . Instead he wasn’t even near her.Like this is their love story not pen's story.
Also what the hell are they gonna do now that everyone knows? You can't spill the beans on people if they know who you are and get away with it. Also the point was that Pen was so invisible she could hear everyone' private conversation. Now that everyone knows who she is how the hell is she going to get information.
In conclusion when I watched part 1 I felt the flow of storylines was not great but I liked the main couple story and had high hopes for part 2.But the writing really disappointed me. Also they are stepping away from reality a little too much. The bttuerflies and the flower thing an the balloon , the makeup,etc. It is just making it so different from the previous seasons and not in a good way. We still want to see that era with the rules and aesthetic not whatever this is supposed to be.
I am all for lgbtq. But if they want one of the main storylines be queer what would be the end of it? They can't still maryy in that period. I suspect they would want to change the rules in society. But it wouldn't be the 1800s anymore!!! If you modernize the rules , the costumes , the looks , what are you left with?And for Francesca's story she has struggles with child loss and infertility.They destroyed half of her story with this move. Imagine Simon was a woman . The second part of season 1 wouldn't exist. The changes the new show runner is making would be the downfall of bridgerton. I myself am no longer interested or excited for new seasons. My expectations are very low right now and I think I even might drop the show.
think everyone liked part 1 better, how was married polin so disconnected, it felt like part 2 was directed by someone who didnt get them or hated them from all the scenes tht was cut after being shot and shown at early screenings??
i am totally biased on part 1 actually... yes, i loved that Polin got their endgame, and tho the manner Colin showcase his love in part 2 somehow focused solely on physical attraction (ep 5) which thankfully were translated into chaotic emotional struggle over LWD... i just think they could have decrease Benedict's homosexual narrative and place more emphasis on Polin's dilemma and romance...
Bridgerton is fantasy. It's not supposed to be historically accurate. How many do they have to keep saying? You can always go watch a documentary instead of bitching about Bridgerton
Also, part 1 was shitty with all the unnecessary scenes and plots like the balloons that went no where.
@@77bluegold imp scientific discoveries of the time has always been portrayed in bridgerton,in sw1 it was lights, ofc u probably didnt notice and abt the balloon whtever lady tilly said to those shitty ass men(representing u) in the tent, go watch tht with subtitles and slowed down maybe u'll get wht it meant then..?
Honestly for me with the Fran and John portrayal the error was in the reaction to the Kiss at the wedding. Like I think Francesca could still trip over her words in front of Michaela hinting to the love. But also at her wedding having a sweet kiss, with no weird looks. I think that would have worked for me cause it would allude to the different types of love.
I'm SO glad that we share the same feelings about fran's story. I never cared about Michael being a girl but watching the wedding scene really upset me cause not only doesn't it cheaper their story but it felt so OUT OF NOWHERE. Like all season we have her specifically saying how different kinds of love are possible and just as valid. Just to low-key throw the away at the end.
Totally agree.
I think we agree on most things!
Part 2 wasn't as good as part 1- but if you rewatch it a few times, it grows on you. I only care about Polin, so i just wish they had them not Benedict get more screen time.
About the angst between the two of them, It was very realistic... True love isn't always about being happy and over the top, sometimes you have to work through problems and challenges to come back to each other. that's what real life is like and I really loved how mature this season was. Most people don't get that.
Happy to see you saw that.
My only complaint was that they should have given them more scenes instead of Benedict. There should be more happy moments and sex scenes after the confession (having Colin confess in the first few min of the finale so they have the rest of the episode to show them happily married). And they should have removed the entrapment line.
I also agree that the carriage scene was superior. I also felt that 10 episodes would be better- because there was also the whole LW thing.
Honestly i still felt like i was wanting more, especially with so much switching back to the secondary characters and not enough polin. However, in the most respectful way, your outfit and body is TEAAAAAAAA!
All in all i was disappointed with the lack of family moments in this season!!! Benedict was out most of the time. everyone was practically split!! You said everything i felt about John and Frans story.
I think the writers themselves invalidated the relationship between John and Fran by turning Michael into a woman. Her reaction to Michaela(whose gorgeous i gotta say. I would prefer her with Benedict) disrespects the love she feels for John. It makes it feel like she believed she thought she loved him until she met her and i do not like that! I admire John and Frans relationship. it is unique to most rather than having the whole passion is key to all love that is worthy where everything is i cant keep my hands of you type of fire. So when all of a sudden She's being nervous and flabbergasted around a woman destroys everything that was set up that made John and Fran so wonderful. (There shouldve been signs in the beginning that she was into woman before this quick reaction). I am extremely saddened by what the writers have done. It puts the future of their relationship in a bad light. (I know Fran story and she loves John!! that wedding kiss also why they did that??) All i can say is at the end of this season, I feel sorry for John.(She is a woman so how could she take charge of Johns things in society back then??)
I wish at the end of Pen's confession at the party, Colin comes out and defends her after the Queen left, calming everyone down, then the sister Opens up the floor for the butterflies lol.
True
She does love him though lol but how can she know physical love and emotional love are different if she never had the chance to explore it before? All her actions and dialogue show that she loves him, and we're going to probably see her explore this disconnect between physical and romantic love which I'd argue will lead to the Michaela storyline to be so much more endearing.
Was eagerly awaiting your video ♥️
Do you already now about the petition that’s online for them to release the version of the last 4 episodes that they had already shown to early screeners? Apparently the deleted scenes AFTER and released it on Netflix. Scenes like a long spicy montage of Polin and them laying in bed editing his manuscript.. and more.. I feel robbed 😢
OMG??? 👁👄👁 Polin laying in bed editing his book?
I need it!!!
Why they cut it?! It's a crime, it's a f..ng crime.
Because that's exactly what was missing from Polin ending: them being happy and cozy, laughing and just being Polin.
@@you_already_have_it it really is… I am just wondering why they showed this version to early screeners.. they must have known that we find out because of that… maybe it’s all pr
@@alinasart9135 but the show is out, pr tour is over. wait where did you heard about this cut scene ? Can you say to me, please?
Edit: Nnm, i went on reddit and found it. There is even a pettition to Shondaland and Neflix to release Polin cut scenes (yeah there are several scenes). Ofcourse I already sign it ;)
@@you_already_have_it haha okay good! You found it yourself 😁
@@alinasart9135 yeah. you wrote about a petition in your original comment, I missed it. Lol
I'm at work and haven't listened to your thoughts yet, but I'll leave mine here. In short, I enjoy Polin's storyline the most out of 3 seasons. However, side stories are a lot, to the point that I feel like we didn't get enough of Polin. Tbh, I'm a bit annoyed with those plots even though I think it is necessary for them to build the foundation of other siblings' stories. But I think we think the same, this season has a LOT more stories going on than the previous seasons.
Agree. They need 10 episodes rather than 8 to cover more and especially Polin
I loved it as well. There were so many great aspects of it. I felt like the angst was just right, especially after watching your Colin and Polin videos. I’ve rewatched several times and agree I would’ve loved more time w/them after the reconciliation but then realized they literally have their HEA for the last 5 minutes every single season. I think that’s how Shonda likes it, more drama. Appreciate your recap and I’m looking forward to more videos. ♥️ Back to my 235638th rewatch.
There was so much missed potential there for Polin it left me flabbergasted. I do like where Pen and Colin ended up, but they must have cut a shit ton of Polin scenes... where was the Colin full of empathy and kindness exactly? Maybe he exists but it would have been nice to see him.
They did Pen dirty by all those ups and downs. She didn't know if Colin still wanted to marry her, she didn't get her wedding night, she was in a new "home", without the friend or husband that she thought Colin was going to be. That makes me mad! Good on her not to give up LW. Why did Colin stay away from her at every ball? I always seek you out my ass.
Couldn't care less about most of the subplots, but LD and her brother, and of course eloise and Pen were great and made up for a lot.
Benedict is fun, but a bumbling fool and stole fo many happy Polin times, or rather time for us to see them resolve their issues.
I still care about Polin the most and like their season the most, but still, what a colossal waste of potential.
I was mostly happy, but I just can’t get past the lack of intimate scenes, that is what I needed. The most was to have a proper intimate reconciliation. After the big lady whistle down reveal all that build up him finally finding out I needed a proper love scene a proper make up.
As always Sammy, your delightfully insightful commentary is spot on!!! 🎉 The reconciliation between Eloise and Pen was similar to Claire and Jenny’s relationship issues in Outlander. I was very happy to see how the show handled all the Lady Whistledown plot, but I admit, the only tears I shed during the ENTIRE part 2 was seeing Pen and Eloise try to realistically amend their friendship. I believe Eloise never stopped loving Pen. When we feel betrayed by those we love, we never truly stop loving them. Even while “courting” Cressida, Eloise still managed to grudgingly protect Pen. And, ultimately, she loves Colin too much to continue alienating Pen and becomes her ally against the Ton and its expectations once more. There were some things about these 4 episodes I think could have changed, but overall it was beautiful ❤. All actors were up to the task and played their roles so well!!! Now, as a Polin fan, I did want more Polin and I have seen the petition to Netflix and Shondaland for the release of Polin deleted scenes…😏. Hmm, could we have a short Polin spinoff to stave off the angst of waiting 2 years for season 4???? 😁
Agree with everything in this video. I felt bad for John, especially. When he was introduced in part 1 and ppl were all hinting it wouldn't last, and I read what this was about (I hadn't read books yet) and I was excited for one of my fav and rare tropes: moving on from your previous love and finding new one. They are doing him dirty.
Totally agree.
1:56 SAME I LIVED!!! i loved it personally! they surely packed a LOT in there and i would have loved to see more honeymoon happy polin, but they definitely sprinkled it in :) and the pay off for everything was done quite nicely! they addressed colin’s development, his search for purpose, his facade during part 1, his response and envy when he discovered pen was whistledown, them coming together. the same with pen! i love her and the featherington’s coming together. how every episode it felt like her and whistledown was becoming more and more one and the same, along with her finding confidence in her voice. and then their relationship!!!! the love and care that they have for each other, even when they are at odds?? lovely
You are on point with Colin and Pen! Where is the passion?! Like let’s get into it! Colin can be mad and it’s valid but where is the intimacy in their relationship. Not just physical but getting to know each other fully. The conversations of what it’s been like to for each of them in society. Colin’s experience in traveling and learning about himself and pen exploring her strengths as whistle down and how that comes together. Missed opportunities for my favorite couple I’ve been wanting to see since season 1.
I was waiting for your take over and over YAY it is here
Yes, there is cruelty in that line that Colin would never have. Penelope didn't even know that there was more to do, than they had already done in the carriage. Colin has every right to be very angry but I just don't like how the show wrote this particular part of the story. There is enough Drama surrounding LW, we didn't need 4 episodes of strife between our couple.
I totally agree about S3 needing to have more spicy scenes between Pen and Colin, especially after they supposedly reconciled. We were robbed. There's absolutely nothing wrong with hoping for/wanting a romance novel to be legitimately adapted into a romance show. Spicy scenes that add meaning to a love story are extremely necessary for this genre! Edit: where was the happiness and "Polin against the world" we were promised??
Yes! Their conflict could have arisen from the Cressida blackmail and his jealousy. They didn’t need to drag out his anger for being LW as much as they did. The fact that it hung over every single interaction with them just made them both so sad when they should’ve been happy! I can’t even rewatch the wedding without feeling heartbroken for them. That isn’t why we tune in to historical romances!
Sammy’s back looking fabulous as usual! 😁I’ve been refreshing your page waayyyyyy too often waiting for this! Thank you for finding the words to describe my frustrations with some of the issues at the end. I totally wanted more happiness after the whistledown acceptance. MORE INTIMACY WAS DEFINITELY NEEDED!
I love how you managed to voice majority of my thoughts in this video :) I absolutely LOVED this season and I can't wait for your million other videos dissecting it!
I kept saying while I was watching that this whole season just felt like fan fiction! Like idk just felt weird.
I have seriously been waiting for this video since the moment the second half dropped, but even MORE so after I actually watched it.
Sammy watching this was so incredibly healing and lovely and I'm really grateful for you busting butt to get it out! Thank you. So much reflected my own thoughts that I haven't seen anywhere else on the Internet and I feel seen and validated 👍
Looking forward to many more videos. All of them. Bring them all on!
I loved this season, but Pen is my favorite, and I've been waiting since season 1 came out for her to get her man. haha! I think we'll see a lot of happy Colin and Pen in at least season 4, if not beyond (you're so right they are for sure the 'favorites' of the show - which I selfishly am so pleased by!). The way Luke and Nicola talk about their characters leaves me no doubt they want to keep coming back, which leaves me winning as a Polin-stan. And man, are expectations a killer; it is so hard not to let them intrude on the experience of watching something, and a lot of people would do themselves a favor to try and look at media beyond their own expectation of what it should be, and I can say this as someone who still struggles with this exact thing. Having no expectations is always ideal, IMO. Anywho - I'm pleased you overall enjoyed the season! I've been hesitant to watch many s3 reactions because for some reason, there's so much anger and vitriol about this season and about Colin specifically and it boggles my mind. It was certainly not perfect and if I let myself I could become angry about what we did not get, but I would rather bask in the glow of the work Nicola and Luke put into the season, and treasure we got this at all. This is just the sort of romance I favor the most - gentle, and tender; friends to lovers. I am very happy with it!
these videos are actually keeping me afloat like every time one comes out i get enough motivation to leave my bed and clean my room while listening
I think ep1 to ep 6 are awesome. The last 2 are rushing and I kept checking time to see how much time left and how can they resolve the “big” issue. I am kinda mad becoz I think they could do less scene of Ben and more scene of Polin.
I agree with you! For Colin and Penelope there was sooo much they could of done for them after the reconciliation, them coming together fully with nothing between them, they could of taken 2 of the Benedict trio scenes out (they were redundant and placed in odd spaces of time (it felt like they were at it for days in stead of 1 night, unnecessary). For Fran and her story I don’t know how that will work.
I think the reason kate and Anthony were in only 3 episodes is the schedule of Jonathan. He was filming bridgerton, wicked, and fellow travellers (he was a main character). He talked about it in an interview with Matt Boomer, the poor guy was non-stop filming for months
Yes agree. I thought this also as he’s so busy and in demand right now.
NEVER thought I would have so much affection for the Featheringtons, especially Portia, who seems to internalize and take so much in Part 2 to heart -- Colin's confrontation with her, learning that Penelope is Whistledown and thinking about all the smack she talked about the family and herself, etc. Completely lost it at Portia walking Pen down the aisle.
My biggest beef is changing Michael to Michaela. None of Fran's story can happen if they do that. Michael has to inherit the Earldom. He has to feel like he's usurping John's life by doing so and that's why he leaves because he frets about taking his wife too. Michaela can't become the new Earl so none of that happens. Then Fran agonizes over not having children for years until her mom 'takes her pain' then she has two kids. That can't happen with Michaela. Michaela can't marry Fran or have kids with her. Precedent already set indicates all Fran ever wanted was a husband, children and quiet. Fran hates loud, lively people, even moved to upper Scotland to get away from them. She would hate this Michaela instantly. Michael is charming but broody, but not loud. Fran friendzones him until significantly after John dies. She loved John with all her heart. She had no clue Michael loved her. NONE of Fran's story can happen with a Michaela, who apparently she falls for instantly. Why completely toss and rewrite her story so it's no longer an adaptation? Esp. when there are other options if you wanted to add a gay or bi character just for inclusion purposes, which seems to be the case. And Fran shouldn't even have met and married John during Colin's season.
Benedict we'd buy, though they've already set up the ball so we know he'll meet Sophie there. That foreshadowing happened. Eloise, however, loves her female friends, has no interest in men or children, etc. so she could meet a widow with 2 children and not change her story overmuch. I always thought her story with Philip seemed out of character for her anyway. But Francesca...no. There is zero precedent for that and her character wouldn't even like Michaela as she's far too loud and wild. It just won't work. Michael has to become the new Earl or her story doesn't happen. A new Earl will have to come take over the Earldom then she's homeless, because she didn't have an heir. Let Eloise have a tryst with Michaela then have Michael show up at the beginning of Fran's story. Michael is the sexiest character in the whole series and we do not want to be denied that! lol
There was too much time spent on side stories we didn't need and not enough Polin to properly develop their story. It was disjointed and rushed. I do agree, I like the Whistledown reveal much better than the book. I'm so glad she got to handle it herself, her way, rather than Colin handling it. She got to make up with her sisters by throwing a great ball for them, make up with her mother by giving a better excuse to the solicitor, she allowed the Queen to save face, and she got to apologize to the ton for the bad stories. Excellently done. Loved the butterflies too-lol (Bugs, I died). It was a great 4 eps at the end there overall, but not enough Polin.
You bring up a good point about Michael/Michaela. Fran's reaction at seeing this stunning woman could simply be one of admiration. This could lead to something more, or maybe not. Michael could still show up for Fran's season. If the writers want to bypass the issues of what to do if there is no heir to the title, this may be the way to go.
@@suebob16 it could be, but we read the books (we know what eventually will happen one way or another) and they specifically made her react like Violet described true love. Add her reaction to the kiss with John and it already feels like they are saying that Michaela is Francesca's true love and John isn't
@@suebob16 The showrunner already said essentially, she decided she wanted Fran to be queer so she did so and changed Michael to Michaela. She clearly doesn't know how to do her job because they already set the precedents that prevent it from being possible. It's super sloppy bad writing and a disgrace to the source material and the intelligence of the audience. Groundwork would have had to be set to make it possible at the beginning, just as they set that race didn't matter, but they didn't. They set that one gets hanged for it, and they set that women must have a male 'minder' rather than live alone and titles only pass to male heirs, which means when John dies, another male relative will come take over and then where will Fran and Michaela go? They can't go to London and be gay and get hanged. Had they wanted this, they needed to set precedent that didn't prevent it. It's already set canon that it's not possible.
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I loved hearing your initial thoughts I've only watched through once and need to do so at least one more time. My biggest disappointment is that their wedding had such a layer of despair about this secret. It made me so sad that we got a wedding (unlike Kathony) but we couldn't just be thrilled for them. The wedding should have been after the reveal. And no wedding night! Just heartbreaking. Also, I felt what Colin said to Cressida when he was trying to get her to stop the blackmail was something that should have been said to Penelope. Those words were so satisfying but so heart wrenching that Penelope was not the one that heard them. I feel Polin got cheated this season. They did a better job in Part 2 but, as you said,, we need more after the reveal/reconciliation.
As to Eloise, I agree wholeheartedly that she was completely spot on with giving Pen an ultimatum. And she did show such growth. I love Eloise and cannot wait to see where they go with her.
I am not upset at all with Michaela as opposed to Michael, but agree completely with you that I will be so disappointed if they continue down this route of her relationship with John being less than. It probably would've been okay if they hadn't made me love them as a couple so much, but I do. And you are so spot on that the idea of the book is that you can have more than one love. Aren't they possibly going down that route with Violet?
Also have to agree that the bisexuality of Benedict would have made more sense in Season 2. I was actually thrown off by the thruple and it definitely felt shoehorned in.
I don't hate Season 3 and in many ways I'm very satisfied, but I will admit that although the writing redeemed itself somewhat with Polin, it was not enough. For being one of my favorite couples and a fan favorite, I don't think they did enough.
I think Lady Cowper was in love with Edmund, and she’s still upset he chose Violet over her. That’s why she called Violet an adulteress. Look how Lady Cowper dresses herself and Cressida while she lives in such an austere household. She dresses like a peacock or a flower while her husband is all simple lines and reserved elegance. They do not mesh. He’s a 💩, and she blames Violet for her situation imho.
Also it hasn't been mentioned by many, but it's possible Cressida isn't even his biological daughter (if they're indeed going with the Sophie storyline). The way he treated both Cressida and his wife was in a very distanced way. And he kept saying 'your daughter' throughout the season. 👀
@@Pillowlips77 That's what I was thinking. Cressida must not be his kid. Makes perfect sense.
Wait, I missed this. When does Lady Cowper call Violet an adulteress?
@@constancep7632 yes I missed that as well.
@@constancep7632when the Cowper released their own version of LW to prove to the Queen that Cressida is the real LW, they mentioned that the Bridgerton siblings might be from different lineage hence accusing Violet to be an adulteress. Once everyone realised that Cressida isn’t the real LW, Cressida told her mum that she told her to tone it down regarding the Bridgerton. It is alluded that it was Lady Cowper who wrote all these things on the Bridgerton.
It’s 1am, and I was about to go to bed. Then I saw this drop, and here we are. 😂
As someone who hasn’t read the books, the direction (or lack there of) is confusing. I wasn’t sure if Michaela was being set up as a love interest, love rival or as a set up for a storyline where the Kilmartin family doesn’t like her (especially since Eloise was coming along) until I saw the reactions online. That wasn’t made super clear to us non-readers! And like you, I also felt Benedict’s thruple belonged in season 2. It didn’t make sense to me that he would be the romantic lead who will get married off next season when he’s just discovered this new facet of his sexuality. And I was actually really disappointed that the set up of Eloise and Cressida in the first half didn’t lead to a lasting friendship where they’re both happy “spinsters” OR a romantic relationship between the them (cause I really thought they were putting down those vibes??? Especially with how Eloise was looking at Pen sometimes??? And Cressida was jealous???) But most of all I was disappointed in Pen and Colin’s relationship taking a backseat in the second half. After the scene in their new house… it felt like we got nothing and they’re the LEADS! I was so disappointed. I felt like they needed at least 2 more episodes, both of which were entirely focused on them and not the B plot. Idk why the writers are speed running disappointing all their fans, but it’s clear that both book fans and us tv-only fans are not happy with the sloppy direction!
I also thought that Fran was looking at Michaela nervously because she could tell that she didn’t care about her. Not that she was a torture love interest!
Thank you Sammy for discussing the Michaela topic the way you did, a lot of people can't see the potential. I know tensions are high because it's a change and people don't like change, especially if they really liked the book, but I feel like they can do it justice even with minor tweaks. Only by making Michaela have a kid brother or son that inherits can make it make sense for both story lines. And even if they change things around more, I'm sure they won't get rid of the infertility story line. Some people are catastrophizing. I also feel for everyone reasonably upset and the actors, but as a queer person it's very hard to see some of the discussions around it.
Hi, I didn't read the books and still think that changing Michael to Michaela was the worst idea ever. It makes me so angry. Especially when I have read the comments and learned how the book's storyline is going forward. It is not a minor change. It is a huge change. This changes the Francheska story completely. They will not be able to execute anything from books (which is quite a deep plot). The scene when she meets Michaela and her reaction... What does that make John of? It looks like she never loved him truly like she will be unhappy the whole time. I don't like it. And to be honest, why do there always need to be changes to please minorities? How would you feel when there will be a queer story and they will change the story to be "normal" and heterosexual. Wasn't it to be worse? Then why people can't be angry when they make such big changes in the plot. I really hope that this is not the truth but the showrunner said what she said. I'm really disappointed.
@@Dziwniejsza I also don’t like the way the John and Francesca side of it looks like it’s going, but they still have time to fix that for their season. Other than that, I disagree with you completely. Gay and bi people struggle with fertility issues too, it can be done. And inclusivity is good, it’s been all three seasons + Queen Charlotte with straight couples, it’s not the end of the world that we’ll get a lesbian season. I see this argument of “how would you feel if they changed gay to straight” all the time and it’s exhausting and in bad faith. You cannot compare the two situations. One is a very oppressed and vulnerable minority and the other is the norm and what we’ve been watching all these seasons. It’s okay to change outdated books in adaptations.
@@aprilthecat I'm ok with the changes which make sense. Here this change will rob the story of other important moments and situations in live with which people also struggle.
Tbh I'm sick of all of these changes in the adaptation of films, tv shows etc. We have seen this everywhere now. And there is a lot of situations where it doesn't make sense.
I'm really happy that people can walk through the streets openly with whatever they love which I'm observing more and more. And I will be happy to see queer stories in tv series or films. But let's write their own stories and do take it from someone else ;)
Wow it's like you're reading my mind with your initial thoughts but especially about the Fran/John/Michaela dynamic. I am very worried if they are setting up John to be a platonic love interest, like they seem to be doing, then it opens up the possibility for emotional cheating and maybe more for the sake of drama and angst. I agree, that for me, the most important takeaway from the book is that you can find romantic love again after you've lost it. So much more interesting to see in a romance series when everyone else has the OTP dynamic. I cannot wait to hear your more in depth thoughts about everything but I know I'm feeling very turned off from Bridgerton due to the parasocial nature fandom that has gotten even worse now.... Hopefully people will take a step back and realize harrassing human beings who are just doing there jobs is not it. Much love to everyone feeling their feelings and still being respectful. Y'all are the real ones.
I honestly loved the season overall because in a lot of ways I was just happy to have Pen and Colin together and that I know they are back next season so we'll see some happy stuff for them. However the lack of intimacy and communication between them as the season was wrapping up was very disappointing. The writers really left Colin out to dry, and only Luke's acting helped me stay connected to Colins journey. The biggest disappointment to me was the editing, it felt so inconsistent but I'm going to go back and watch 1-8 to really get the feel of it. All that to say Sammy you're constantly killing it with your breakdowns, can't wait for more!
Something small that I haven't seen anyone talk about: after their first time, Colin walks off to deal with the staff, expecting Pen to get dressed. She can't do that by herself. Ladies need a maid every morning to get them into their corset, dress, fix their hair and makeup. She looked perfect in the carriage. Did Colin do all that?
Now that you mention it & I’m thinking about it - I think Penelope had to figure out how to dress herself, at least enough to go out in public. As Lady Whistledown she sometimes had to go out after everyone was in bed & idk if her magnificent cloak would cover everything so I’m assuming she’s dressed pretty normally underneath. Also, wasn’t it stressed last season Varley was their only staff? Did Varley have time to cook and also get all 4 women in the Featherington house ready? And if she did, Penelope was dead last on that list. Can you imagine waiting for the staff to help your 3 family members before you?! I’d probably learn at least some of the steps by myself to not sit around waiting lol I could be wrong with my thought process, but I feel Pen can dress herself for the most part & that would include hair and make up, to a degree. (Though in S1 we see Daphne have her staff lady at the Bridgerton house & then that same staff person is there after her marriage to the Duke, so what about Pen’s staff lady that was helping her before the first Ball of the season? Where’d that chick end up?)
@@nikkydalby7126At one point they were down to just Varley because of finances, but that turned around when Portia engineered the fake inheritance from her aunt. They would have hired some staff back.
For Polin there might not be any additional intimate scenes shot but i think they were lot longer than we got in the show. Example wedding dance scene. We only see Colin caressing Penelope's cheek for a second but the unedited version shows it to be lot longer- him caressing her cheek, looking longingly into her eyes and leaning in to kiss her. So maybe the last scene is shot longer but got cut in editing.
Calling someone homophobic for being disappointed of the gender and sexuality swap is so weird .It implies that being supportive to LGBTQ means that you cannot have expectations at all for heterosexual stories . Also Brimsely and the kings guard were gay and their story was beautiful and was met with alot of support
Exactly !! Whenever the romance are centered around the LGBT community it’s met with a round of applause but when with heterosexual it’s like « damn no »
The only change that the fandom knows for sure is that there has been a gender swap. They know nothing about the plot or story so the only thing they are made about is that she is a woman... So maybe there is some homophobia there. On top of that, there definitely is virulent homophobia in some sections of the fandom. It's okay to be disappointed with the change but the way a lot of people are talking about it is homophobic.
@@ThemperorZir if you think so then you definitely know nothing about the story . the main male character was not only fan favorite , it wasn’t just about their romance but also the topic of how so many women related with Francesca’s infertility and how she dealt with those struggles . I find it absolutely disgusting how you guys can’t even comprehend that ! And speaking of « homophobia » that’s a complete lie y’all keep repeating
@@ThemperorZir people can’t even display their disappointment without being called « homophobes » which to be honest no longer has any effect on us that word has been used so many times we don’t just care
@@ThemperorZir Ummm....the plot has already been changed . Francesca was supposed to be in love with John then later with Micheal . Francesca was supposed to battle with infertility with Micheal but she cannot now that she will be with a woman .Again we didn't even see how an introverted marriage looks like ,Which would be different from that of Kanthony ,Polin,And Daphne and Simon .Also now that we have seen Fran stuttering after meeting Micheala, we will see her being in love with someone else while being married up until John dies which cheapens their love .
I can honestly say that at first I was mad that there wasn't that much Polin screen time in my opinion, but after watching it 6 times lol, it is growing on me. I have read the book many times than I can count and every Polin moment captured the essence of the book. Especially ep 5, if you know what i mean😉. I mean Nic did a very good job and so did Luke and I am very proud of them.
I love that she asked what she can do during their lovemaking, just like the book ❤
The only thing that drove me crazy was the fact that he told her he was dreaming of her breasts, and, after they were exposed, he DIDNT TOUCH THEM EVEN ONE TIME! :(
@@amiliarizzo8342 ughhh!! I know right!!
I think you're bang on the money on the importance of the story of two great loves in Francesca's story. I read when he was wicked recently (to be quite honest I'm not as keen on the bridgerton books as the show), I loved the uniqueness of a love story that does not dismiss how hard it can be to be a young widow. My mum is a widow, her husband died when she was only 32. She initially swore to never love again, but she did. She loves my father, had two children and is happy. Her love for her husband isn't any less special or deep, I think she loved him very much, but also loves my dad very much. I see a lot of people treating those who lost their loves disrespectfully for wanting love again. To me, this story is important. There's hard, emotional decisions that come with being a widow. For example, my mum was asked at the young at of 32 if they should dig her husbands grave deep enough so she can be buried there too. That's a heavy question to ask someone grieving. I don't mind if Francesca's second love is a woman, it could be great if they write it well. But to me, she needs to be the second love, not the first and for both loves to be equal.
For a second, I thought I was the only one who enjoyed part 2 lol. I wish there were more happy polin scenes post the reveal, but i loved the direction of the season. I may be in the minority in that.
I thank you for holding space for a balanced perspective on Fran’s storyline. I am open to the change as long as they execute it in a way that makes sense, but I am disappointed by the change because infertility is an issue that is hardly addressed on TV. With Michael being Michaela it’s not as simple as them just doing IVF because that wasn’t a thing in those days. And, for people saying they can do the infertility thing with John, he will more than likely die in the first episode as he died in the first chapter of the book. And so the only way to do that is to make it a subplot during Benedict’s and Eloise’s season which I believe would minimize the very relevant theme of Fran’s story. I’m sure there are people who are genuinely homophobic about it but I would appreciate it if people like me would be believed when we say that’s not where we’re coming from instead of being accused of having ulterior motives and still being “secretly homophobic” like it’s so unproductive.
Also:
I agree with you about Benedict, I’m a bit concerned that him finding himself may be a bit rushed. But I do enjoy Bi Benedict
What annoyed me about Eloise was that she was questioning things, she wouldn't need to, had she paid attention to Penelope instead of projecting her own views/beliefs/feelings onto her.
After rewatching S1 and S2 I think the show really didn't do a good job of showing their friendship. They stated it and implied it but in reality most of their scenes where both of them oblivious to what each other were feeling or doing in their lives.
Before I watch another of your amazing videos that I always love.
My overall feelings of Bridgerton Season 3 is,
It was ***EMOTIONAL*** and I have never been that consumed by butterflies, anxiety, goosebumps, smiles, gasps, frustration, giggles, tears and ugly crying in any other season of Bridgerton. Especially the 'Are you sure?' line ripped my heart out.
I was consumed by the feels of Colin and Penelope. I think overall pushing aside any buts and what ifs. I lived for this season, it gave me the feels I have had with my favourite regency era films and series. That was what I personally wanted, that overall feeling.
Yes, so much could have been better and expanded on. I think flashbacks would have resolved that, instantly. A flashback of young Colin and Penelope and how they met, maybe how Lady Featherington and the Sisters or even her Father treated Penelope as a child within that flashback. That feeling and perspective that flashbacks give was missing.
But again, overall I was in awe of the journey.
I am excited to see more Polin, and Eloise and Penelope in Season 4. 💖
Edit Sorry lol:
and THE MUSIC is phenominal. I listened to Part 1 since it came out everyday... now with Part 2 omgosh even more gorgeous epic music to listen to on repeat. Perfection. 🤌
I totally agree with wanting to see more of happy Polin together, it would have wrapped everything up soooooo nicely.
I had to watch part 2 several times to fully wrap my head around it, and I think the main reason being that I just desperately wanted more happy Polin after everything was out in the open. Call me needy I guess 😭
I feel like there was a bait and switch where Cressida in Part One is Redemption Arc and Cressida in Part Two is her Villain Origin Story. I'd bet money on her for a returning (Somehow.................Palpatine has returned.) major antagonist in S4 to provide some more conflict and intrigue and revenge plots.
Yea, I think it feels weird now because you could see how Eloise was being a better influence to her in Part 1, all for it to be thrown out the window. Maybe continue with her villain arc in part 2 but show that she is conflicted? Or feel guilty? I understand she was being backed into a corner but this villain arc could've happened without Eloise's friendship arc so I'm not sure why try to even start redeeming her.
@@mariazamora6824 If I'm writing S4 she needs to somehow hook Debling offscreen and he's off to the North Pole so she sweeps back into London with his name and standing and fortune and has nothing else to do but wreak vicious havoc on the Bridgerton-Featherington family. With her Genteel Lady Companion/Lover.
The way Cressida's actress has been IN ON the press tour for S3, they can't just be quietly writing her off for S4, and she's too good for shenanigans to stay away in exile forever. Same reason they had to work in a reconciliation of sorts with the Featheringtons rather than have Pen cut them out of her life completely (cathartic as that might have been in some ways). But they're worth too much as the comedic/more chaotic elements of the show, going forward, so we're KEEPING THEM.
Ok so kinda of a book spoiler here, so in an offer from a gentleman, Sophie’s step mom’s name is Araminta, and it was confirmed a while back that that is Lady Cowpers first name. So I could totally see Cressida either taking the role of Posy or the mean step sister (forgot her name). I think it would be really cool if she were to play the part of posy in the series because at some point in season 3 I was like fuck u, but I was also like, no I get it….so idk
@@avamusic1107 I mean having Cressida have that shred of vulnerable humanity just means she’ll be an even more chaotic villain because there might be things she still hasn’t got that she wants or needs and is desperate to achieve and now she’s kinda got nothing left to lose, so…she’s a delicious wild card character with iconically atrocious outfits and hair, no way they aren’t bringing her back.
@@GotLostProductions i reread my comment & edited it hopefully for more clarity on my part.
Oh yes, Cressida could come back and absolutely be a thorn in everyone's side, and that could be super entertaining! but I hope it flows better than season compared to S3 Part 1 Cressida vs S3 Part 2 Cressida
Personally I enjoyed the season overall and I think I'm one of the few people who liked the hot and cold dynamic of polin post WD reveal. It felt realistic, and I'm not one to watch for the steammy scenes though not judging anyone who does. However, I had a big issue with the show and the fandom sort of becoming dismissive of Colin's valid concerns and acting like WD is such a sacred thing that he must accept to be considered a good person.
So this is a personal anecdote but after high school, when I was around Pen's age, I wanted to go to a certian college, but that college was in a dangerous part of the city, and I mean really dangerous there was like a civil war in my country at the time, and so people in my family discouraged me from going, I felt bad, cried my eyes out then accepted that the people I love are right to try to protect me and I went to a different college, it's many years now and I don't regret it, I like my new major and managed to find success in it. That feeling when you are a teenager being forced to walk away from your dreams is difficult, I understand it, but it doesn't mean that to be a girlboss icon you have to ignore sound advice or find alternatives in life and still thrive.
So this brings me back to Pen, her insistance on staying as WD is understandable but doesn't mean it's not valid of Colin to want her to stop doing such a dangerous job, he never said she can't write at all! For some reason the show decided to go with "WD is a power for good" angle and made it the hill to die on, when in reality they haven't shown us how it can be a power for good, especially now that Pen is out, like who is going to gossip anywhere near her? I guess the show wanted to keep the narrative device of WD but we had to sacrifice Colin's character for it, make him seem unreasonable and not understaning of how his wife really needs this one specfic gossip column to vent her frustration at socity!
Maybe it's just a me thing I don't know, but it did bug me that this conversation was one sided and lacked nuance.
Ah such great points. I actually liked how in the book, Pen gives up LW but moves on to writing a novel. She doesn't have to give up her dream it just doesn't have to be the same as when she was 17/18.
LW doesn't need to go on. Julie Andrews did the voice over for Queen Charlotte when it could not have been LW/Pen. Did that even make sense and did we even care? No.
@@megangaetano5420 Thing is I don't mind that they kept her, the column is gonna be lame now with absolutely no tea but whatever, I like that Pen revealed herself and owned up to it, and if the queen said she can continue, ok she can, but I don't like how Colin was made to be the bad guy for worrying about such a secret, especially when to me at least it looked like he forgave her lying and writing all that stuff by their wedding, it was the queen coming that made him upset again, and it makes sense, he thinks she's putting herself in danger and the queen literally crashes his wedding to threaten them, yet when he confronted Pen and asked her to stop she made it into a patriarchy thing, she can feel how she want and consider it unfair, I would have preferred they sit down and have a reasonable discussion or if they idea she writes something else was brought up, but the show framing Colin as unreasonable in that instance rubbed me the wrong way, and the fandom of course is taking it to the next level, not trying to see it from both sides.
I love that you can recognize nuance in situations and bring that into your discussions. It’s one of my favorite aspects of watching your videos. Media literacy Queen 👸🏻 just wanted to pause and recognize that fact. Still watching the video.
I guess that with a longer second sex scene and a scene of them talking about his writing and his future book (after the LW reveal), people would be happier with the season
I feel like this season was full of missed opportunities . There were some excellent moments but almost every story arc left me wanting more.
As someone who has read the books, I’ve tried to separate them from the show, but Fran’s situation at the end low key crushed me. Her story of overcoming the hardships of grief and loss are what got me through some tough times in my own life . The direction they seem to be going put these ideas in conflict. Her fumbling around make it seem like she isn’t 100% for John.
i love your channel because you start the videos with "relax guys im so sorry this is just a teaser of the rest of what im gonna be dropping about this" and it's a over an hour video
BAHAHAHA so true
I just need to say- you’re SO good at analysis. (Even though you said this isn’t the formal analysis) I always think “is she gonna talk about this perspective?” And you ALWAYS do. I love your channel so much!
I gotta say I was disappointed I had sich a huge expectations as the pr was very over hyping the romance and steaminess but it we didn't get much Polin for which is so bad because it is their season , I liked part one better at least they hade more interactions, I think they should have made som cut down on Benedict and Tilly's scenes and not polins. And totally agree with on their romantic scenes.
That is my only sticking point with the Michalea situation. I havent read the books so im not attached to the idea of Michael. Im happy/ excited for a change up, bring it on. But i was so dissapointed that they looked like they were trying to invalidate her love with Jhon. The kiss reaction plus the tongue-tied reation to Michaela were pretty blatant. Why make me so invested and give them so much screen time to then erase their relationship of any substance & a genuine love connection.
They hyped the whole intimate scenes and the number of it that at the end it left me disappointed and wanting more but what I was most disappointed in was they didn’t show much of Colin fighting his love for Pen as he was angry and how he was laying his vulnerable side by asking Pen for her input and help to edit his writing as she is more experienced in it 🥺 nonetheless I appreciate how great their acting skills were in part 2 👏👏👏