Bridgerton: 8 Mistakes Season 3 Should Avoid | Screen Rant
Content warning: This article contains spoilers for season 2 of Bridgerton.
Bridgerton debuted its much-anticipated second season to the delight of viewers worldwide. The show's sophomore effort centers on the fan-favorite romance between Anthony and Kate, arguably the most beloved couple from the source material, Julia Quinn's Bridgerton novels.
The show remains as romantic and sexy as ever, although fans are no longer blind to its shortcomings. Two seasons in, it's clear Bridgerton is far from perfect. Still, its flaws are few and easily avoidable, so there's hope that season three might be the best one yet.
Reality truly is stranger than fiction. Regency-era London was full of curious and often extreme behaviors, like using lead to whiten the skin or using "tooth powders," which included sulphuric acid, among other things. These treatments would be a fun addition to the show, providing further insight into life in these times.
Bridgerton's real-life figures could also use more attention, especially considering how fascinating their lives were. Queen Charlotte was a close friend of Marie Antoinette and suffered a great deal after she died during the French Revolution. Her husband, King George III, dealt with mental illness throughout much of his late life, the so-called "madness of King George." Bridgerton is one of the best Regency-era romances, and while its focus should remain on the season's main couple, it could also use some detours to some of its most interesting characters.
In Bridgerton, some characters have less to do than others. Violet and Portia were two characters that season one misused; as a result, they came across as unnecessary and somewhat annoying. On the contrary, season two uses them to the fullest by making Violet act like a mother rather than a matchmaker and turning Portia into a hugely entertaining antagonist.
Lady Danbury, so fresh and crucial in season one, takes a backseat in season two by taking on the matchmaker role left by Violet. It's a weird choice because such a strong and independent character doesn't work as a bystander; Lady Danbury should do, not advise. Season three must find a way to involve these three women in the main plot simultaneously and not at the expense of each other.
Bridgerton season one was one of the best examples of the fake relationship trope, while season two was a masterclass in the enemies-to-friends genre. Season two also made the smart choice to avoid repeating itself; in the books, Anthony and Kate marry after Violet catches them in a compromising situation, much like it happened to Simon and Daphne in season one. This storyline would've seemed repetitive, making Anthony and Kate feel like a rehash of Simon and Daphne; instead, the show gives "Kanthony" their own identity.
Season three should follow suit and find ways to remain fresh, especially in a genre as clichéd as the period romance. It won't be easy, but the show is up for the task.
The Bridgerton books follow a simple structure: each entry focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling, presenting a unique and devastatingly romantic love story. Fans of the saga already know who each sibling will end with, and they are expecting to see those pairings come to life on the show.
Bridgerton includes several key differences from the books because it is an adaptation that needs to fill eight episodes every season, but disposable love interests are never the way to go. As charming as Theo was this season, fans couldn't become invested in his blossoming attraction to Eloise because they expect her to end with Sir Philip Crane; same thing with Anthony and Siena in season one and Benedict and his many love interests.
Bridgerton became an instant sensation in 2020 thanks to its lavish production values, charming anachronisms, and shameless sexiness. Unlike other period pieces, Bridgerton wasn't afraid to show how sensual and erotic a Regency romance could be. Indeed, its many sex scenes set social media on fire, with fans appreciating the daring change to an otherwise conservative genre.
Season two considerably tones down the sex part of the show to focus more on the eroticism. It's a valid choice that pays off, but the show shouldn't forget what made it so popular in the first place. Season three needs to find the right balance between all these elements, especially if it wants to make it to season eight.
Fans and critics were impressed by Bridgerton's choice to present an inclusive London where a Black man could be Duke and a Black woman Queen. Some people showed aversion to the changes, but the show experienced an overall positive reception, with fans embracing this new take on the Regency romance.
The Bridgertons are all white, but the show made headlines by race-bending Daphne and Anthony's romantic partners. The show already had a Black man and a woman of Indian descent as romantic leads, and they need to keep the diversity coming; after all, it's already one of their trademarks. An Asian woman would be a welcome change in season three.
In many ways, Penelope is the most interesting character in Bridgerton. She doesn't fit the beauty standards of the time, gets neglected and, at times, mistreated by her family, and seldom gets involved in London's social life. However, Penelope wields more power than any other character in the show, Queen Charlotte included. So why does Bridgerton keep treating her as another of its many characters when she's the one running the show?
In theory, Penelope will be the fourth season's leading lady, but the show could use season three to explore her personal life and her Lady Whistledown persona. So far, Penelope has been somewhat one-dimensional; whenever she's not pining for Colin, she's listening to Eloise. Fans know very little about her desires or interests, although season two does make an effort to show how she runs her Whistledown business. Still, season three needs to go further, especially now that Eloise knows the truth.
Bridgerton has a large cast of characters, but that doesn't mean they should all feature prominently. Of course, there are some exceptions - mainly Penelope and a select few others - but overall, the season's focus should be on the couple of the hour. Season one had too many side stories that threatened to pull focus from the Daphne-Simon romance, like Anthony's unnecessary affair with Siena or the whole Marina-Colin debacle.
Season two remains firmly centered on Anthony and Kate, making the side stories seem all the more unnecessary. Characters like Colin and Benedict are kind and charming, but there's no point in spending that much time with them when their storylines are so bland. Similarly, Eloise, one of the best characters in Bridgerton, also seemed like a needless distraction this season, mainly because the show didn't seem to know what to do with her. Fans watch Bridgerton because of the romance, and the show should keep that in mind.