Dearest gentle reader…

In the words of our dear gossip-monger Lady Whistledown, “Diamonds are not the only gems that sparkle.” On this season of “Bridgerton,” we are given an emerald, in the form of a no-longer-citrus-clad Penelope Featherington. The former wallflower is in full bloom, catching the eyes of both naturalist Lord Debling and her old friend Colin Bridgerton, newly returned from his travels around the continent.

Will these former friends become something more? And how will Lady Whistledown’s true identity complicate the whole affair? These are the main questions hovering over the third season of Netflix’s hit period rom-dramedy.

There’s a lot to love about “Bridgerton” season three: the friends-to-lovers trope, the escalating tension between Penelope and her former bestie Eloise (in some ways the true beating heart of the show), a relaunch for Francesca Bridgerton, the comic relief provided by the Featherington sisters, and some really hot sex scenes.

But not everything sparkles so brightly. The dialogue is (at times) wooden, the balls feel repetitive, and there are several storylines that seem more designed to fill space than further any real character development. (Also… why do Cressida Cowper’s costumes make her look like she arrived straight from The Capitol?)

In this Rich Text episode, we get into our full review of the season, including our thoughts on the central love story, the significance of Pen and Eloise’s friendship, potential future queer love stories for the Bridgertons, and more. We hope you enjoy!

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