why Penelope is the real star of these new episodes

NETFLIX – Penelope overshadows the Bridgertons. This Thursday, May 16, Netflix (finally) put the first four episodes of the third season of The Bridgerton Chronicles. You will have to wait until June 13 to discover the four other episodes which will close the season. This time the plot focuses on… Penelope Featherington. A big first for the series which breaks with its tradition of focusing on a member of the Bridgerton family.

And, if since the beginning of The Bridgerton Chronicles, Penelope has always hidden behind the acerbic pen of Lady Whistledown – the columnist whose writings agitate all of London’s high society; we had to wait until season three for her to reveal herself in a new light. She thus emerges from Lady Whistledown’s shadow to become the protagonist of her own story, the common thread of which seems to be emancipation. [Attention, les lignes qui suivent dévoilent une partie de l’intrigue de la saison 3.]

After being unmasked as Lady Whistledown by her friend Éloise Bridgerton, Penelope played by actress Nicola Coughlan makes the decision to completely free herself from their friendly relationship, even if it is Éloise who ends their friendship. This decision, although difficult, allows her to assert herself as an independent woman, especially since she does not seek the friendship of other young girls.

But it is not only her friendship with Eloise that she wishes to leave behind because Penelope also and above all aspires to free herself from the family ties that imprison her. Her mother, Lady Portia, and her sisters, Philippa and Prudence, represent a burden from which she wants to free herself at all costs. Their lack of discernment and intelligence contrasts sharply with the liveliness of Penelope, who now embarks on a more personal quest: finding a husband.

Penelope and Colin’s romance

Beyond the struggles for emancipation, it is in the realm of feelings that Penelope’s true essence manifests itself. Penelope’s secret love for Colin Bridgerton, Eloise’s brother, draws a subtle thread throughout this first part of the season, where a bond is gradually forged between the two protagonists despite an unfortunate misunderstanding.

And for good reason, remember, after having traveled a lot, Colin makes his return at the end of season 2. While he exchanges with friends he expresses his disinterest in Penelope, completely unaware that the latter is nearby and hears each of his words. Following these hurtful words, Penelope is deeply upset at not being wanted or even considered by one of her closest friends.

Stung to the quick in her ego, she tries her hand at seduction by trying to charm other suitors from high society. In doing so, she reveals a hitherto unknown side of her personality, which does not seem to displease Colin, despite his efforts to hide it. A situation that could also lead the young man to realize that his own feelings go beyond friendship. Thus, in the middle of the balls and the gossip, the story of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton promises to be one of the highlights of season 3, between balls galore and gossip galore. And like a sign of destiny, Featherington rhymes with Bridgerton…

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