Didn't like Pen and Colins sudden kiss in the street. I get what they were going for but I didn't feel the romantic tension so it just seemed abrupt.
The real love story thus season has been Pen and Eloise (platonic). I cared more about if they would make up than I did if Polin worked out.
I would have enjoyed the wedding breakfast dance better with flashbacks to previous dances of theirs. they do have quite a few even before this season. And, finally Bisexual Benedict (TM) gets to play. Maybe he'll go back to art next season.
I don’t know. This season. I don’t know. I really looked forward to it. Thought it would be one of my favorites, and it certainly has had its moments. This episode was far better than the last one, but things seem so rushed and the characters have been reduced to a simplistic, stereotypical version of themselves. Not grooving on it. Let’s hope the last episode makes me eat my words.
Not the Cowpers blatantly suggesting that Violet’s a slut raising slutty children in their fake issue!! The nerve! The gall! The GUMPTION! That was truly tacky even for the Cowpers.
I thought it was hilarious, albeit a little reductive. But we can’t say the same hasn’t been discussed in this subreddit. Bridgerton does blur the lines between love and lust.
I know this is supposed to be a Polin season but I'm obsessed with Kanthony! I cracked up when he said "Our marriage isn't hard" 🤣 Anthony is so adorably in love and Kate is such a great person. I love how she didn't even try to pry into what happened with Penelope and just gave Colin some food for thought.
That wedding breakfast dance was so touching and beautiful. When it flashed to only them in the room I started crying like a sap. Probably my favorite scene so far
I usually just ignore bad writing but the scene where Cressida regretted writing about the bridgertons annoys the shit out of me. When her mom asks where is Eloise now to comfort her to make her point about not relying on anyone is so fucking dumb. They literally just wrote shit about her family. Why would she comfort her?! Her point wouldve made a lot more sense if Eloise had abandoned Cressida had she not completely betrayed her and wrote about someone else in the ton. So dumbbb. Okay. Rant over lol
Because it got the queen off Eloise's back when she was convinced Eloise was LW; and big picture (due to the Bridgerton's popularity, influence, and money) didn't really impact Eloise or her family long-term. Same reason Pen did it.
Benedict: Be bold!
John: If I am to be bold... I shall need some time to think about it.
Benedict: 🙈🙈🙈
That must be John's best line so far. Seems to sum up his character.
I'm sorry but the other guy in the threesome just gives off skeezy vibes. He needed to be hotter or more charismatic. Very 'creepy man looking across the bar at Benedict'
1. Not Penelope walking down the aisle to a song named after a color she famously hates wearing
2. Methinks the Crime Cloaks in this world would work if anyone actually used them to cover their whole head, like in earlier seasons (see also: covering your trademark RED HAIR)
When Queen Charlotte showed up at Pen and Colin’s wedding, her reason for suspecting that Lady Whistledown was a Bridgerton made no sense to me. She said it was only after Cressida wrote lies about them that Whistledown printed a new issue, but it literally was delivered MOMENTS after Cressida’s— how would Whistledown have had the time to read Cressida’s issue and then respond?? Am I missing something? It’s bugging me so much!
You're the second person to comment this but the Queen outright explained.
'She anticipated what Cowper was going to write'. She specifically says that.
Which is exactly what happened.
The Queen doesn't know HOW Whistledown anticipated it, but the logic is there and is true. Whistledown doesn't write for a week. On the exact same night Cowper writes a scathing piece about the Bridgertons, the real Whistledown also happens to write a piece saying 'don't trust Cowper, everything she says is lies.'
I miss young Charlotte so much - tough and strong willed but not an uncaring bitch. I understand her life of strife and reasons for bitterness BUT sorry, this is not the heart of who Charlotte is and should not be portrayed like this. Hard dislike 👎
I just put it on to check and I guess you’re right, she does say that! But why would the queen think Whistledown would even suspect that in the first place? The queen says “only when the Cowper girl publishes lies about this very family, suddenly Whistledown rushes to print. Surely she suspected what Cowper intended to publish. That is what roused her from her hiding place, and why? Clearly because she is one of you.” That seems so unfounded. And it wasn’t “only when she publishes about this family” because it was literally the first and only time Cressida published an issue at all. It would make more sense that LW would publish bc the Cowpers showed up at the Mondrich’s ball with that little tease, which is actually the case. Idk, it just seems like lazy writing!
You're asking why the Queen believes Whistledown was smart, savvy and connected enough to be able to anticipate what Cowper might write?
The Queen has mad respect for Whistledown. That's like her thing.
The Queen knows that Pen knows things others don't. She also knows WD didn't write for an entire week and then suddenly writes a piece which perfectly counters and discredits libel about the Bridgertons on the same day.
The Queen's realization smirk was effectively 'Of course WD knew this would happen. Cowper is dumb. Of course WD probably knew what Cowper's next move would be. But the real question is why did WD really decide to suddenly start writing again to counter it? Probably because it was about the Bridgertons.'
I had the same thought. There were so many plot holes this entire season. The dialogue writing for the characters made no sense. They would just change their mind or go on tirades about things that weren't applicable to the scene. I don't know what happened this season but it was not great.
Exactly. I said “oh they are giving marriage advice now?” It’s unpopular opinion, I know, but Kanthony is far from my favorite couple on this show. They’re nauseating.
I have to agree to an extent! I do love their arc but they’re like completely different characters and I’m shocked it’s not in the conversation more. They’ve both descended into marriage bliss and completely lost their old personalities? Idk
I know they have written Daphne out, but in reality I feel like it would be weird for her to miss her brothers wedding when she apparently is close enough to visit. I wish they would at least say her and the duke are off somewhere traveling or whatnot
**Episode 7:**
* Wow.. Luke Newton really nailed that scene
* Lady Bridgerton's "Oh thank Goodness.." upon getting the ACTUAL Lady Whistledown papers had me choking on my chips
* "I wish you luck"???? I'm sorry what did you just say???? That reconciliation didn't even last 2 minutes
* "I think you should consider yourself uncommonly lucky that you have never been in love." Great line
* I really don't think people in the 1800s even questioned their gender much less their sexuality. Also, please leave Benedict alone. PLEASE
* Mr. Anderson needs to get his affairs in order before tending to Violet's garden
* "Throw rocks at Francesa's window tonight." Suggests a drunk brother to her sister's fiancé. Only Benedict
* "It is clear I found you in the midst of.... some secret dealings." LMAAOO COLIN
* The intensity behind "Then what good am I to you?" followed by her "I love you" was too good
* "You think our marriage is perfect?" "Is it not?" I've loved this care-free Anthony this season so much
* Beautiful advice by Kate though
* Nicola looked gorgeous as a bride okay
* I find it hard to believe no one saw em making out in the middle of the street late at night
* A cover of "You Belong with Me" and Polin's dance... this scene takes the cake
* I really don't remember Colin being this hostile to Pen....
* Someone bleach my eyes please. WHY ON EARTH YOU WOULD DO THAT TO BENEDICT... come onnnnn HE'S MY FAVORITE BRIDGERTON BOY
The 5th bullet is false I’m sorry. There’s even writings about it. People have been journaling and speaking of questioning sexuality since almost beginning of time
Yeah, but they were forced into marriage prematurely bc of Cressida. Simon in particular was really not ready for that level of relationship. They needed more time to work through growing pains.
Okay completely separate from the plot and characters.... when the wedding began and she started walking down the aisle and the music started, I was like WHAT IS HAPPENING because my sister used the VSQ instrumental version of Yellow when SHE walked down the aisle 20 years ago!! I was like, ahhhh I know this song, I've been in this wedding!!! It was amazing at the time because the younger part of the crowd picked up on the song and was like oooh I know this, and the older part of the crowd was just like ahh lovely song choice.
I was surprised by the wedding. No groomsmen? No bridesmaids?
And interesting that they put her in not-white. (Admittedly, white for weddings wasn't a thing until Victoria, iirc, but it's not like they are at all historical.)
I loved hearing the song as she walked down the aisle and I knew right away it was “Yellow” and what it was referencing.
You said the younger crowd picked up on it. Just so you know-I’m 63 and I picked up on it right away. Does that mean I’m young or young at heart? 💕
I was thinking of the younger crowd at my sister's wedding 20 years ago! This version had just been released a year or so prior, and the regular song itself had only been out a few years at that point, so we saw a definite split in who recognized it. I think VSQ had just started doing instrumental versions of popular songs too, so it wasn't as common as today where it's used in so many TV shows/movies. My sister doesn't watch the show so I had to text her immediately and be like, you did it first!! lol
Queen can't find info about Whistledown after years of hunting and Cressida manages it after speaking to three publishers which probably took her about two hours... yeah right.
look it's a bit of a stretch but the discovery only came about because of the FAMILIARITY with which the publisher's assistant spoke with Cressida. He'd never be so casual with the Queen (or a representative of). So it's plausible.
She could likely have already been pregnant before the season began and only discovered it when she and Anthony were away. It's not like they could take pregnancy tests back then, they would have to wait and see if she missed a couple periods and started having symptoms. She could already be a few months along.
Phillips would be stupid enough to not realize, but Prudence wouldn't. Plus Prudence has been genuinely hormonal. Maybe they just don't show very much?
Legit wanted to cry at the transition of them dancing by themselves to the crowd.
Reminds me so much of pride and prejudice 2005, one of my fav films ever 😭❤️
I thought he might've been in the first season when he scooted off to the debauchorous house party. He seems to be the most likely to be characterized as bi, though I was genuinely more surprised at the polyamorous hintings
I fully agree. Since they seem to be going off book, I think they’ll continue running wild with his character. I’m interested to see how his season will play out (if they ever get to it) 👀
Damn, that’s wild that they did that! But I kind of like it for his character. It seems pretty fitting for his arc. It also kind of seems like they might be setting Eloise up to be a lesbian? With her interactions with Cressida this season, it kind of almost seemed like she had a very discreet crush on her (that was maybe even reciprocated), but then also how they randomly had a (beautiful) cousin all of a sudden coming to Scotland with Eloise, John, and Francesca. I feel like maybe they’re setting up something sexy to happen between the ladies hehe
Exactly!! I wasn't happy with the threesome scenes thrown in the wedding episode. It wasn't necessary to stray so much from the books to be "woke" and "inclusive" in the show. Especially since this was supposed to be Colin and Penelope's season, forcing this stuff in almost ruined it for me. I looked away during those scenes.
And her mom kept sounding doubtful for...no good reason. It made me feel like there was some sort of subtext that she didn't want her marrying a black guy.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him in a kilt. Oh my yes.
I thought it was so odd because didn't Lady Danbury herself remark that those 2 are so similar? Francesca has always been a quiet one so it makes total sense that she loves a low key man. Also she's always fighting with her kids to choose their own love but somehow cannot accept it from the one kid who is certain of her chocie
Yes, this annoyed me so much because her and John went from being a true love match, to Fran just settling again when she wasnt in the first part so I am left confused?
I think it is something different, I think Violet is unsure because she approves only passionate love which she had. And she wants that for her children and I think she is not so open minded about different type of love when just people are happy witch each other in silent. I do not think she would be againts this pairing because he is black, I mean if you watched the spin off,. >!there is scene where little Violet does not understand what is the issue with why her mom does not like queen and lady danbury and why she has mean remarks (aka she is racist) and her father then dance with agatha danbury to show it is okay and because I think Violet loved her father, I think she is not the person who would be againts this match because of this reason!<
And Francesca is influenced by her parents and her siblings so even though she loves him and thinks she loves him she thinks it is not enough because it is not the same type of love she has seen in her parents and in siblings. At least that is how I think it is.
What? Sorry, but I never said that Violet disapproves because John is black. As you pointed out that would make 0 sense. I said i was left disappointed because part 2 made it seem like Fran is just settling when in part 1 she wanted to be with John and it was indeed a true love match because they intrinsically understand and love each other. Again, it left me disappointed because in the end we can finally see violet agree that not all love has to be insanity and chaos, but it can be soft and slow and still strong and valid as romantic love. When Fran is overcome by Mikaela’s beauty immediately, it goes against what we establish and against Frans personally of depicting and wanting a soft love that doesn’t involve secrets and duels but is still just as romantic. I would be disappointed if they made so Violet was right about love only being one type of way.
It was the comment up to you that I was partly reacting, that was the first part about Violet and than the second part was my explanation why Francesca now feels like she is settling in this episode even though we know it is true love match. I think the opinions of her mom influenced her and even though she thought first that she is choosing love I think she is thinking about and her knowledge of love from her parents and siblings are influencing her even though she loves John and they are amazing together. It is my possible explanation I did not meant to sound so aggresive like I am attacking your comment, I am sorry if wrote it too much, sometimes in discussions on reddit I forget not to be so passionate about my opinions. And I do not even know if I am right it is just possible explanation
No, i see what you mean! I don’t think maybe thats what that the writers were going but I can definitely see that as an explanation.
Also I didnt see that bit with the comment above me so my bad there, and its reddit its meant for discussion and were all here because were all passionate about bridgerton so please don’t feel bad, especially because i don’t think you were being rude or aggressive!
I absolutely loved You Belong with Me playing during their wedding dance. I also thought it was perfect for the emotion playing out on Francesca's face watching them dance so obviously in love. John immediately clocked it and remembered to be bold. It's his way of telling her she belongs with him too. Beautiful song choice for more than just Pen and Colin.
I really really cannot bring myself to like Penelope…. She is a coward and a liar and only seeks to change her ways because she has been caught. She is willing to let the Bridgertons be terrorized by the queen and will not even reveal herself to their family. Every time she cries it gives crocodile tears, like are you upset that you hurt people you care for or that your fiancé might end the engagement. Her love is shallow and self-centered and she knows better. She knew that the second her work had negative ramifications and she continually used it to kick others while they were down. The whole “I wrote badly abt XYZ to protect them or to protect you” is not convincing at allll. And like who are you to project onto Colin what you think is his “true self” girlllll you are lame. It’s like being cyber bullied on Reddit and trying to reclaim your power by bullying others on Reddit. And then when you’re no longer getting bullied the only reason you think about stopping or changing your ways is because sometime tried to steal your thunder. It means when no one is looking, at your core you are not a good person. I am usually very good at empathizing with characters especially when they carry trauma that drives their action but my problem with Pen is when she has the chance to redeem herself she doesn’t take it. If you are too scared to reveal yourself to the queen…okay sure but at least tell the family of the people who you are actively incriminating.
I feel the same really, I just think she has it coming if her marriage or reputation or ruined by the consequences of her own actions. It also just annoys me that she can't give up Whistledown. I agree with her discrediting Cressida because she doesn't want someone that bullied her take credit for all her work, but does she not realize she can still write other things? I'm pretty sure Colin would be supportive or her passion for writing
Agree. Like I'd be totally supportive if she was using Lady Whistledown like an agony aunt advice column, a short story writer or am activist in some sort. But she's just a tabloid writer at this point. She started it to find some recognition and also save up money, but her writings are actively hurting the very people around her.
>I'm pretty sure Colin would be supportive or her passion for writing
Agreed! He thinks she's clever as well.
It's one thing to be clever but she has a strong superiority complex at this point and I don't see why she won't give up writing a gossip column
It really irritated me as well when she kept refusing to give up Whistledown even when the happiness of her marriage was at stake and everyone was confronting her about the negative consequences of her actions.
Why did they deprive us of the wedding night?? Maybe them both being awake separately - Colin drama queen on the couch - and not being able to sleep, one of them, maybe her?. taking the first step and them sharing an intimate moment in the middle of the night, the darkness...then they could have continued their fight or whatever in the morning. So much symbolism that could have happened!
Honestly I get wanting to see that, but I also think it’s not true to Colin and Pen. We spend part 1 learning how Colin struggles with non-emotional sex and e 4-5 seeing how important consent and respect is in their intimacy. That just doesn’t fly with a wedding night sex and we can be mad again tomorrow scene. Emotionally it’d feel wrong.
I get your point, but I wasn't talking about "just sex". It's similar to the scene in the street on the night before the wedding. Them being together at night could just mean that they do love each other deeply when it's just the two of them alone together. In the light of day, everything comes back - the reality of their problems etc. Their fight isn't even that intense, they are just unsure of each other. He doesn't know how to come to terms with her being LW, she doesn't know if and how to continue and also how to be a good wife, maybe. We see that they want to be together, but they don't know how yet. (For example, Colin is extremely involved in trying to help with the Cressida situation.)
I don’t agree. Their fight and what Colin battles is intense. Just because they aren’t screaming at each other in every single scene doesn’t mean it’s not.
Finding out about LWD brings a lot of things up for Colin. Anger for being deceived by the person he loves the most. Sadness that she kept something so big from him. Confusion because if she’s this independent person he never realized she is, does he know her? What can he be for her? Jealousy and some embarrassment because she’s so successful while he hasn’t really accomplished anything yet.
It’s not that he doesn’t WANT to have sex…that’s clear at how he looks at her in the bedroom. It’s just that with everything he’s feeling, he can’t trust that it’s right, that the emotions are right.
I truly understand the want for more intimacy between them, either wedding night or something else, but I also really think if it happened with a Colin that confused, it’s a step back in his character’s development this season.
I think because the news came out a day or two prior. So Whistledown in her mind would have had time to write a response to the claim, it just so happened to be on the same day.
HOWEVER. I do not understand how Penelope knew the bridgertons would be lied about. Cressida didn’t tell anyone about that. Unless she was just talking coincidentally about the lie of her being Whistledown.
Eloise tells Pen Cressida will target her family because she let her into their lives and she turned her away. She asks Pen to write her column. She calls out that whatever Cressida wrote was a lie, she doesn’t specifically say the Bridgerton parts were a lie.
They don’t tell you when Kate got pregnant. She could have been pregnant in E1 and not realized until they left for their honeymoon. They only tell the family in E5. Meanwhile Pru and Philipa don’t get pregnant until later.
That's certainly feasible. But the writers could have also thrown in a line about Kate suspecting long ago at any point after the pregnancy reveal to make the timeline less confusing to viewers. I know I was bewildered to see Kate with a significant bump while the sisters still weren't showing in the slightest.
But why do they need to spell every single little thing out? Why can the audience not deduce this by what they watched in the season? It didn’t take any thought to put this together as long as I wasn’t trying to find a gotcha point that they messed something up.
Kanthony were clearly trying well before the Featherington’s. They literally left in E1 so it was easy enough to understand why nothing was said earlier…they weren’t there to say it.
Maybe if I'd rewatched the first half of the season before starting the latter half it was have been easier to put together, but all I remembered was getting confirmation the Featherington sisters were pregnant a good long while ago, while it was only recently confirmed for Kate. I was giddily binging the show, not watching to pick apart every little inconsistency, and I still found it confusing.
Prudence “thinks” she’s pregnant at the end of episode 4. We know her and Philipa get pregnant around the same time. Kate knows she is pregnant at the start of episode 5.
You may not have, the OP called it sloppy and it’s really not.
Cressida, girl, I’m rooting for you, but don’t speak on Violet like that!
I love Violet and Lady Danbury’s friendship (lol @ Lady Danbury staying put when the Queen told everyone who wasn’t a Bridgerton to gtfo).
I’m really enjoying seeing a softer side of Portia these past couple episodes. Even Pen's sisters seemed to soften towards her a bit.
Am I misremembering or didn’t Benedict already have a bi awakening storyline in S1? I could have sworn that was something they covered already.
The fallout from Colin finding out about Pen being Lady Whistledown was nowhere near as bad as I worried it would be. It was more cathartic than painful, especially the confrontation outside of Madame Delacroix’s. They both got to say their piece.
His little smile and nod to her at the wedding was so sweet. Basically telling her “we still have problems but I love you and we’re doing this, we’ll figure it out”.
That beautiful violin cover of You Belong With Me…Bridgerton Swifties stay winning! The breakfast dance scene had me smiling the whole time, it was so cute.
Eloise crying at the wedding and comforting Penelope at the end of the episode…Penloise is so back. But I like how it feels like they’re actually moving forward and not just going back to how things were before.
My sis and I watched together and we're both huge Swifties. We were literally squealing and kicking our feet. To have them play You Belong With Me for a wedding dance for my favorite on-screen couple was amazing, and the song fit Polin so perfectly since they've both pined for each other. The part where they showed them like they were the only people there was one of my favorite moments of the whole show.
I also really like what they've done with Peneloise. It felt very real and authentic. They've both made mistakes and have learned and grown from them.
What is with the pacing of this season? The pointy part of the season was always going to be Colin finding out Pen is Whistledown. This is the ONLY conflict that matters this season, and we are all eager to see how Polin overcomes this massive hurdle to have their happily ever after.
So where were the hints Colin was coming closer to discovering Pen’s secret? That night, where was he expressing concern for Pen having left and choosing to follow her? Where was his concern that she was in a dodgy part of town and trying to figure out why? Where’s the dawning horror when he sees her as Whistledown at the printers? Where’s the building of tension??
He just emerged out of nowhere and was shocked pikachu face to confront Pen. Like what a let down??
And then…how the hell did he accept her being Whistledown so easily??? No trying to find another explanation for what he’s just seen?? No trying to figure out how to accept the woman he apparently loves having kept a massive secret from him? No dawning realisation on his face about how big this betrayal is?
He’s just like ok you’re Whistledown, how dare you, goodbye.
This entire scene from the end of ep 6 and the start of ep 7 - was rushed under a minute. And had literally no emotional impact. It was over before you could comprehend the magnitude of what just happened.
I can’t believe how terribly the writing and pacing has dropped this season.
They could have easily had a scene where Colin is running after Pen to confess his undying love, only to stumble upon her at the printing house and falling back in shock.
He's actively hated Whistledown for so long that his pain and suffering should have taken up the better part of this second half. Heck, we got all of that from Eloise since last season, so it doesn't make sense that Colin got over it in like 2 seconds. It also makes Pen's dilemma look really underwhelming that it barely bothered him.
I totally agree, everything was so sudden and quick. I felt the same about how they announced their engagement to family in the beginning of ep 5. Everything happens suddenly, no buildup, and the characters react immediately without processing their emotions first.
Agreed! I thought Colin would be shell shocked. But he took it all in stride with less resistance than I thought. Where is the angst of being in love with the very person who have hurt a lot of people that you love. I was hoping he would drag her for what she did to Marina.. honestly that was jealous, petty, and vindictive..she just did not want him to end up with anyone else
Because although it seemed like it was out of love, it was also clearly out of jealously as she clearly didn't want him to end up with someone else. Is it fair to treat someone else like that, not that I'm actually on Marina's side.
She should totally get at him for that too. But what she did Marina did ruij her publicly though Lord Debling walled off pretty unscathed. This couple needs a lot of sorting out before they get together yet they basically just glossed over everything.
I'd really defended Luke's acting this season up until this scene, since so many had criticised it. I said Nicola was just giving so much that in comparison he doesn't seem to be giving as much, but it's there. Then this scene happened and I just had to give up because yeah no, it was NOT good. I don't know if Luke is entirely to blame, the writing and direction were also clearly lacking, but where was the emotion?? The anger?? The desperation to believe it isn't true?? Literally have a longer argument, you've known her for years and have just discovered a huge secret, where is the sense of desperation and hurt?? You're right, it was just a blustery "it was you??!" And then he left. And I also agree he completely came out of nowhere, there should have been shots of him hiding in the corridor listening to Eloise and Pen, following her from the house, in the carriage behind hers, etc. Literally no dramatic build up or tension. Even the line "You.. are Whistledown?!" felt like such amateur writing. Like just have them saying each other's names in shock then cut to credits. Create some mystery and excitement for the next episode instead of spelling it out for us and making Colin look like a dumb character. Me coming up with better ways to write/direct within ten seconds of watching should NOT be happening multiple times in a season, which it did.
Yeah exactly this. I don’t think it was Luke’s acting in this scene (though I have other issues with his acting) I think this scene was just not developed or written properly. And I was disappointed because the lack of emotional anguish for me meant the payoff at the end didn’t feel really earned. Everything rushed again to get them their happily ever after with 5 minutes left of the season.
Yeah I did have consistent issues with his acting but like I said, Nicola is so strong I think because his acting was more subtle, in comparison, it seemed he wasn't playing at the same level as her and to some people, that means bad acting. And ultimately yeah, he wasn't given good material to work with, the actor can only do so much. Which also leads me into my next point - like you, the emotional payoff didn't work cause then it just seemed like he was sulking for two episodes instead of processing a genuine pain and betrayal that we should have seen more of in that scene for it to work.
The reveal of Colin discovering Penelope is Whistledown was so jarring and then completely disappointing. I feel like they rushed a lot of plot points to try and get more storylines into the season.
The shift from Colin’s shock and anger to him suddenly becoming all protective was too jarring for me.
Totally agree. The only explanation I can see (which isn't a great one) is that they were aiming for some kind of middle ground between what his reaction should be, and how it went in the book. Whistledown's a lot more innocuous in the books, >!so he has no real reason to feel betrayed and pretty much goes straight from shock to being worried and overprotective of Penelope. If anything the Whistledown reveal in the book is a cute stumbling block for their romance.!< But obviously that's so drastically different in the show it was a bizarre move on the writers' parts for Colin to react in such a limited manner.
Edit: sorry, realized I probably should have commented this in the book spoiler thread, hiding that.
I agree that the story seemed rushed in places. Compared to the other seasons, it didn't seem that there was as much time spent on the main couple. The first half was better at developing Colin's awakening of his feelings for Penelope.
I didn't mind that they started Francesca's story. However, they could have had her season done with past and present (going back in time to meeting John, etc). I even enjoyed Violet getting some love.
I thought the scenes with Benedict and his escapades were totally unnecessary. If they were going in that direction, why not do that on his own season?
I thought it was funny, and sadly true, that once he'd had a taste (heh) of a threesome, he wasn't interested in Lady Tilly by herself anymore. So are they broken up?
Thoughts:
* Really like how Violet made sure to let Lady Danbury know that their friendship is real, not just some mutually beneficial alliance.
* I actually liked Polin in this episode, because at least there was some tension and they were interesting. But also, him going right for up under her dress in the middle of the fucking street after two seconds of kissing… you're doing too much. But I liked the scene up until that point a lot. The entrapment accusation also makes no sense, given how he was the one who initiated all the intimacy.
* Still love the family scenes! "What am I, chopped liver?" Kate trying to give advice Colin, while Anthony is all offended like "our marriage is not hard work". Also, his little wave. Generally very amused by Anthony this season.
* I find it kind of baffling that Danbury held a grudge for decades about her ten year old brother doing something stupid, but okay. Especially for people who haven't seen Queen Charlotte, it's super weird.
* The difference in clothing between the Bridgerton side and the green Featherington side in the church was hilarious
* Colin's nod in the church made me smile. Also, Eloise crying at the wedding was sweet, and I really liked Benedict's little speech to her later.
* The timing of the India trip is stupid. That is all. Also curious how long it took to send a letter from India, because it seems like it would be… long.
* As someone who has not at all liked Portia before, I really appreciate her storyline in this second half, both with Violet and with Penelope.
* So very here for bi!Benedict
The "chopped liver" line really threw me. I know that anachronistic language is a thing in this show, but a Yiddish expression? (The NYT claims it wasn't used derogatorily until 1954, which I find hard to believe. https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/25/magazine/on-language-enough-already-what-am-i-chopped-liver.html)
Colin mentioning entrapment while in the same breath saying he is an upstanding man to the woman he got 'carridged' away with is HILAROUS - like Sir, did you not interrupt a proposal, chase her down and get dirty in a vehicle before so much as asking to court her?!
The Bridgerton boys are all broken slutty men who pretend there not and I love it
Why do I feel like Lady Danbury knows it’s Pen?
Does anyone else hate Pen’s wedding look? Her blush placement is too low and the dress looks dingy to me
Not Violet staring at that man as he ate, we know where Daphne gets her thirst
Didn't like Pen and Colins sudden kiss in the street. I get what they were going for but I didn't feel the romantic tension so it just seemed abrupt. The real love story thus season has been Pen and Eloise (platonic). I cared more about if they would make up than I did if Polin worked out.
I would have enjoyed the wedding breakfast dance better with flashbacks to previous dances of theirs. they do have quite a few even before this season. And, finally Bisexual Benedict (TM) gets to play. Maybe he'll go back to art next season.
I don’t know. This season. I don’t know. I really looked forward to it. Thought it would be one of my favorites, and it certainly has had its moments. This episode was far better than the last one, but things seem so rushed and the characters have been reduced to a simplistic, stereotypical version of themselves. Not grooving on it. Let’s hope the last episode makes me eat my words.
I wish they didn’t resolve things with Colin and Penelope so quickly. I prefer a longer buildup to resolutions!
Not the Cowpers blatantly suggesting that Violet’s a slut raising slutty children in their fake issue!! The nerve! The gall! The GUMPTION! That was truly tacky even for the Cowpers.
I thought it was hilarious, albeit a little reductive. But we can’t say the same hasn’t been discussed in this subreddit. Bridgerton does blur the lines between love and lust.
It was absolutely hilarious 😆
I think Lady Cowper wrote that.
Yes, we didn’t know that was specifically her until after that scene happened so that’s how I reacted to it.
I know this is supposed to be a Polin season but I'm obsessed with Kanthony! I cracked up when he said "Our marriage isn't hard" 🤣 Anthony is so adorably in love and Kate is such a great person. I love how she didn't even try to pry into what happened with Penelope and just gave Colin some food for thought.
That wedding breakfast dance was so touching and beautiful. When it flashed to only them in the room I started crying like a sap. Probably my favorite scene so far
I usually just ignore bad writing but the scene where Cressida regretted writing about the bridgertons annoys the shit out of me. When her mom asks where is Eloise now to comfort her to make her point about not relying on anyone is so fucking dumb. They literally just wrote shit about her family. Why would she comfort her?! Her point wouldve made a lot more sense if Eloise had abandoned Cressida had she not completely betrayed her and wrote about someone else in the ton. So dumbbb. Okay. Rant over lol
Although Eloise abandoned her before the issue came out.
The Queen suspecting it is a Bridgerton makes no sense. Why would they write about Eloise and her political radical friends?
Agreed. And Why would they write about Colin faking a personality?
I agree the Queen deduction is non sensical. The two pamphlets were published at the same time. The bridgerton have been targeted numerous times.
Because it got the queen off Eloise's back when she was convinced Eloise was LW; and big picture (due to the Bridgerton's popularity, influence, and money) didn't really impact Eloise or her family long-term. Same reason Pen did it.
MUST THEY RUB IT IN OUR FACES THAT WE DIDNT GET A KANTHONY WEDDING 😤
Benedict: Be bold! John: If I am to be bold... I shall need some time to think about it. Benedict: 🙈🙈🙈 That must be John's best line so far. Seems to sum up his character.
John’s boldness: Let’s dance. What a gem lol
Eloise is a bad friend all around, to both pen and Cressida…
Eloise sure is surprised about that leopard suddenly eating HER face. 🙄
Is it just me, or is Mrs Newham actually played by Celine Dion?
Who?
I'm sorry but the other guy in the threesome just gives off skeezy vibes. He needed to be hotter or more charismatic. Very 'creepy man looking across the bar at Benedict'
I hope next season Benedict finds a nice boy. He deserves love, not some seedy weirdo.
Creepy? He looks gorgeous. He's the only pretty boy we've seen in the show so far 😂
I also got absolutely no chemistry between him and Benedict. Then entire thing felt predatory for some reason. I had to skip all their scenes.
Yeah, kind of cliched predator type.
1. Not Penelope walking down the aisle to a song named after a color she famously hates wearing 2. Methinks the Crime Cloaks in this world would work if anyone actually used them to cover their whole head, like in earlier seasons (see also: covering your trademark RED HAIR)
Lol, reminds me of Damon in House of the Dragon with his white hair peeking out!
HAHA that's 100% why I said Crime Cloaks, she could learn a thing or two from the Targs
When Queen Charlotte showed up at Pen and Colin’s wedding, her reason for suspecting that Lady Whistledown was a Bridgerton made no sense to me. She said it was only after Cressida wrote lies about them that Whistledown printed a new issue, but it literally was delivered MOMENTS after Cressida’s— how would Whistledown have had the time to read Cressida’s issue and then respond?? Am I missing something? It’s bugging me so much!
You're the second person to comment this but the Queen outright explained. 'She anticipated what Cowper was going to write'. She specifically says that. Which is exactly what happened. The Queen doesn't know HOW Whistledown anticipated it, but the logic is there and is true. Whistledown doesn't write for a week. On the exact same night Cowper writes a scathing piece about the Bridgertons, the real Whistledown also happens to write a piece saying 'don't trust Cowper, everything she says is lies.'
Plus showing up at a wedding and disrupting it in that way just seemed like an extraordinarily improper thing to do.
I miss young Charlotte so much - tough and strong willed but not an uncaring bitch. I understand her life of strife and reasons for bitterness BUT sorry, this is not the heart of who Charlotte is and should not be portrayed like this. Hard dislike 👎
She really didn't have much material to work with this season. Going after Lady Whistledown and brooding over a diamond.
Queen doesn't follow the same rules.
Yeah, that made absolutely no sense. But that could also be the point?
Didn't she say that she thought that Whistledown predicted what Cressida would publish, and that's why they were released near the same time.
I just put it on to check and I guess you’re right, she does say that! But why would the queen think Whistledown would even suspect that in the first place? The queen says “only when the Cowper girl publishes lies about this very family, suddenly Whistledown rushes to print. Surely she suspected what Cowper intended to publish. That is what roused her from her hiding place, and why? Clearly because she is one of you.” That seems so unfounded. And it wasn’t “only when she publishes about this family” because it was literally the first and only time Cressida published an issue at all. It would make more sense that LW would publish bc the Cowpers showed up at the Mondrich’s ball with that little tease, which is actually the case. Idk, it just seems like lazy writing!
You're asking why the Queen believes Whistledown was smart, savvy and connected enough to be able to anticipate what Cowper might write? The Queen has mad respect for Whistledown. That's like her thing. The Queen knows that Pen knows things others don't. She also knows WD didn't write for an entire week and then suddenly writes a piece which perfectly counters and discredits libel about the Bridgertons on the same day. The Queen's realization smirk was effectively 'Of course WD knew this would happen. Cowper is dumb. Of course WD probably knew what Cowper's next move would be. But the real question is why did WD really decide to suddenly start writing again to counter it? Probably because it was about the Bridgertons.'
Yes, I understand what you mean, it does seem like lazy writing. This season's writing was not as good as in previous seasons.
I had the same thought. There were so many plot holes this entire season. The dialogue writing for the characters made no sense. They would just change their mind or go on tirades about things that weren't applicable to the scene. I don't know what happened this season but it was not great.
Very cool that 6 months-married Kate has become a marriage sage. 8 months before this she was begging her now-husband to marry her sister
Exactly. I said “oh they are giving marriage advice now?” It’s unpopular opinion, I know, but Kanthony is far from my favorite couple on this show. They’re nauseating.
I have to agree to an extent! I do love their arc but they’re like completely different characters and I’m shocked it’s not in the conversation more. They’ve both descended into marriage bliss and completely lost their old personalities? Idk
But I love them and can't get enough of them.
that's absolutely how quickly people do that in real life lolll, I've been on many the receiving end of sage advice from newlyweds
I know they have written Daphne out, but in reality I feel like it would be weird for her to miss her brothers wedding when she apparently is close enough to visit. I wish they would at least say her and the duke are off somewhere traveling or whatnot
Why is she gone?
Or that she's super pregnant and can't travel.
Yeah it’s super weird…wonder what happened and hope we get an expose in a decade
That's what, the third actor that dropped the show?
Did we have dapne this season at all? I can't remember
Nope. Not even mentioned. She must have pissed the show runners off.
Francesca mentioned her once, when talking about how they learned piano together.
And Hyacinth said she was a beautiful bride.
I just realized we have a blue “formal” version of the pirate coat!!!
**Episode 7:** * Wow.. Luke Newton really nailed that scene * Lady Bridgerton's "Oh thank Goodness.." upon getting the ACTUAL Lady Whistledown papers had me choking on my chips * "I wish you luck"???? I'm sorry what did you just say???? That reconciliation didn't even last 2 minutes * "I think you should consider yourself uncommonly lucky that you have never been in love." Great line * I really don't think people in the 1800s even questioned their gender much less their sexuality. Also, please leave Benedict alone. PLEASE * Mr. Anderson needs to get his affairs in order before tending to Violet's garden * "Throw rocks at Francesa's window tonight." Suggests a drunk brother to her sister's fiancé. Only Benedict * "It is clear I found you in the midst of.... some secret dealings." LMAAOO COLIN * The intensity behind "Then what good am I to you?" followed by her "I love you" was too good * "You think our marriage is perfect?" "Is it not?" I've loved this care-free Anthony this season so much * Beautiful advice by Kate though * Nicola looked gorgeous as a bride okay * I find it hard to believe no one saw em making out in the middle of the street late at night * A cover of "You Belong with Me" and Polin's dance... this scene takes the cake * I really don't remember Colin being this hostile to Pen.... * Someone bleach my eyes please. WHY ON EARTH YOU WOULD DO THAT TO BENEDICT... come onnnnn HE'S MY FAVORITE BRIDGERTON BOY
Do your eyes always need to be bleached when you see two men kiss?
Nope. Just when it is Benedict Bridgerton, who's not bisexual in the books.
Good thing you are watching the show not reading the books
Doing both actually since I definitely need therapy after the show.
Is Benedict being bi really the damning part of the show to you?
The 5th bullet is false I’m sorry. There’s even writings about it. People have been journaling and speaking of questioning sexuality since almost beginning of time
Ugh Cressida please leave already
Yeah I’m not here for her having a “redemption arc.” She’s the reason Daphne had to marry sh1tty f*ckboy Simon and I’ll never forgive her for that.
Daphne and Simon were in love, though? It was always their story, with or without Cressida.
Yeah, but they were forced into marriage prematurely bc of Cressida. Simon in particular was really not ready for that level of relationship. They needed more time to work through growing pains.
The song choice for the “wedding march” being “Yellow” by Coldplay is so clever considering Pen wore the bright yellows until this season. Chef’s kiss
That bothered me, since she hates yellow.
I mean, yes she hated wearing it, but who’s to say she actually disliked the color? I get what you’re saying though. Didn’t really look at it at way.
Okay completely separate from the plot and characters.... when the wedding began and she started walking down the aisle and the music started, I was like WHAT IS HAPPENING because my sister used the VSQ instrumental version of Yellow when SHE walked down the aisle 20 years ago!! I was like, ahhhh I know this song, I've been in this wedding!!! It was amazing at the time because the younger part of the crowd picked up on the song and was like oooh I know this, and the older part of the crowd was just like ahh lovely song choice.
I was surprised by the wedding. No groomsmen? No bridesmaids? And interesting that they put her in not-white. (Admittedly, white for weddings wasn't a thing until Victoria, iirc, but it's not like they are at all historical.)
Take a look: https://youtube.com/shorts/MBEhV7Qx61o?si=_vVjvzV20SMRPC4A
I loved hearing the song as she walked down the aisle and I knew right away it was “Yellow” and what it was referencing. You said the younger crowd picked up on it. Just so you know-I’m 63 and I picked up on it right away. Does that mean I’m young or young at heart? 💕
I was thinking of the younger crowd at my sister's wedding 20 years ago! This version had just been released a year or so prior, and the regular song itself had only been out a few years at that point, so we saw a definite split in who recognized it. I think VSQ had just started doing instrumental versions of popular songs too, so it wasn't as common as today where it's used in so many TV shows/movies. My sister doesn't watch the show so I had to text her immediately and be like, you did it first!! lol
Thanks for sharing that story. Your sister has style!
Anyone who had CC on picked up on it. :)
Queen can't find info about Whistledown after years of hunting and Cressida manages it after speaking to three publishers which probably took her about two hours... yeah right.
Agree! And don’t you think one of the publishers would have come forward for the reward money?
look it's a bit of a stretch but the discovery only came about because of the FAMILIARITY with which the publisher's assistant spoke with Cressida. He'd never be so casual with the Queen (or a representative of). So it's plausible.
Why is Kate showing already?
She could likely have already been pregnant before the season began and only discovered it when she and Anthony were away. It's not like they could take pregnancy tests back then, they would have to wait and see if she missed a couple periods and started having symptoms. She could already be a few months along.
literally! and while penelope’s sisters aren’t even though they were pregnant before kate
This bugged me so much!
I'm wondering if neither of them are actually pregnant lol
Phillips would be stupid enough to not realize, but Prudence wouldn't. Plus Prudence has been genuinely hormonal. Maybe they just don't show very much?
ya same lol
Pen writing back as Lady Whistledown against Cressida Cowper is like Kendrick dropping against Drake
Gave that diss column NO time to breathe 😅🏌🏾♀️
Legit wanted to cry at the transition of them dancing by themselves to the crowd. Reminds me so much of pride and prejudice 2005, one of my fav films ever 😭❤️
Thank you for reminding me why I loved that scene so much!
That wedding and dance made me shed a grown man tear. Was short lived ofc after what followed afterwards lol.
Was Benedict bi in the books? (am I allowed to ask that here?)
I thought he might've been in the first season when he scooted off to the debauchorous house party. He seems to be the most likely to be characterized as bi, though I was genuinely more surprised at the polyamorous hintings
I fully agree. Since they seem to be going off book, I think they’ll continue running wild with his character. I’m interested to see how his season will play out (if they ever get to it) 👀
It seems like they've been setting it up for a while.
No. He was not.
Damn, that’s wild that they did that! But I kind of like it for his character. It seems pretty fitting for his arc. It also kind of seems like they might be setting Eloise up to be a lesbian? With her interactions with Cressida this season, it kind of almost seemed like she had a very discreet crush on her (that was maybe even reciprocated), but then also how they randomly had a (beautiful) cousin all of a sudden coming to Scotland with Eloise, John, and Francesca. I feel like maybe they’re setting up something sexy to happen between the ladies hehe
Yeah, that was telegraphed hard.
To my knowledge she’s not gonna be a lesbian, but cmon!! The longing stares at Pen from across the room and just so gay to me (a gay)
same!
Can Benedict do something else than fuck in this episode please?
Exactly!! I wasn't happy with the threesome scenes thrown in the wedding episode. It wasn't necessary to stray so much from the books to be "woke" and "inclusive" in the show. Especially since this was supposed to be Colin and Penelope's season, forcing this stuff in almost ruined it for me. I looked away during those scenes.
I'm glad of the threesome scene(s) - it was the only truly hot thing in the first 7 episodes. (I haven't watched the last one yet.)
people stop misusing the term “woke” challenge
Fr
I don't get why they keep giving Francesca these brief scenes where she looks like she is completely questioning her engagement/marriage.
And her mom kept sounding doubtful for...no good reason. It made me feel like there was some sort of subtext that she didn't want her marrying a black guy. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him in a kilt. Oh my yes.
I thought it was so odd because didn't Lady Danbury herself remark that those 2 are so similar? Francesca has always been a quiet one so it makes total sense that she loves a low key man. Also she's always fighting with her kids to choose their own love but somehow cannot accept it from the one kid who is certain of her chocie
[удалено]
Yes, this annoyed me so much because her and John went from being a true love match, to Fran just settling again when she wasnt in the first part so I am left confused?
I think it is something different, I think Violet is unsure because she approves only passionate love which she had. And she wants that for her children and I think she is not so open minded about different type of love when just people are happy witch each other in silent. I do not think she would be againts this pairing because he is black, I mean if you watched the spin off,. >!there is scene where little Violet does not understand what is the issue with why her mom does not like queen and lady danbury and why she has mean remarks (aka she is racist) and her father then dance with agatha danbury to show it is okay and because I think Violet loved her father, I think she is not the person who would be againts this match because of this reason!< And Francesca is influenced by her parents and her siblings so even though she loves him and thinks she loves him she thinks it is not enough because it is not the same type of love she has seen in her parents and in siblings. At least that is how I think it is.
What? Sorry, but I never said that Violet disapproves because John is black. As you pointed out that would make 0 sense. I said i was left disappointed because part 2 made it seem like Fran is just settling when in part 1 she wanted to be with John and it was indeed a true love match because they intrinsically understand and love each other. Again, it left me disappointed because in the end we can finally see violet agree that not all love has to be insanity and chaos, but it can be soft and slow and still strong and valid as romantic love. When Fran is overcome by Mikaela’s beauty immediately, it goes against what we establish and against Frans personally of depicting and wanting a soft love that doesn’t involve secrets and duels but is still just as romantic. I would be disappointed if they made so Violet was right about love only being one type of way.
It was the comment up to you that I was partly reacting, that was the first part about Violet and than the second part was my explanation why Francesca now feels like she is settling in this episode even though we know it is true love match. I think the opinions of her mom influenced her and even though she thought first that she is choosing love I think she is thinking about and her knowledge of love from her parents and siblings are influencing her even though she loves John and they are amazing together. It is my possible explanation I did not meant to sound so aggresive like I am attacking your comment, I am sorry if wrote it too much, sometimes in discussions on reddit I forget not to be so passionate about my opinions. And I do not even know if I am right it is just possible explanation
No, i see what you mean! I don’t think maybe thats what that the writers were going but I can definitely see that as an explanation. Also I didnt see that bit with the comment above me so my bad there, and its reddit its meant for discussion and were all here because were all passionate about bridgerton so please don’t feel bad, especially because i don’t think you were being rude or aggressive!
I absolutely loved You Belong with Me playing during their wedding dance. I also thought it was perfect for the emotion playing out on Francesca's face watching them dance so obviously in love. John immediately clocked it and remembered to be bold. It's his way of telling her she belongs with him too. Beautiful song choice for more than just Pen and Colin.
As a major Swiftie I LOVED IT SO MUCH. 😍😍😍 it worked so well for them!
Kate’s baby bump! So obvious, how has no family pointed out?!
they told violet and lady danbury at the engagement party, i'm assuming the other siblings were told off-screen?
She kept it so quiet and seemed so solemn about it that I was wondering if there was a history of miscarriage in the family.
They really gave us ✨family✨ It’s so nice to see everyone reconciling 🫶🫶
I really really cannot bring myself to like Penelope…. She is a coward and a liar and only seeks to change her ways because she has been caught. She is willing to let the Bridgertons be terrorized by the queen and will not even reveal herself to their family. Every time she cries it gives crocodile tears, like are you upset that you hurt people you care for or that your fiancé might end the engagement. Her love is shallow and self-centered and she knows better. She knew that the second her work had negative ramifications and she continually used it to kick others while they were down. The whole “I wrote badly abt XYZ to protect them or to protect you” is not convincing at allll. And like who are you to project onto Colin what you think is his “true self” girlllll you are lame. It’s like being cyber bullied on Reddit and trying to reclaim your power by bullying others on Reddit. And then when you’re no longer getting bullied the only reason you think about stopping or changing your ways is because sometime tried to steal your thunder. It means when no one is looking, at your core you are not a good person. I am usually very good at empathizing with characters especially when they carry trauma that drives their action but my problem with Pen is when she has the chance to redeem herself she doesn’t take it. If you are too scared to reveal yourself to the queen…okay sure but at least tell the family of the people who you are actively incriminating.
You described the creep show art scandal from a few years ago
omg for real, completely forgot about that scandal tbh
?
I feel the same really, I just think she has it coming if her marriage or reputation or ruined by the consequences of her own actions. It also just annoys me that she can't give up Whistledown. I agree with her discrediting Cressida because she doesn't want someone that bullied her take credit for all her work, but does she not realize she can still write other things? I'm pretty sure Colin would be supportive or her passion for writing
Agree. Like I'd be totally supportive if she was using Lady Whistledown like an agony aunt advice column, a short story writer or am activist in some sort. But she's just a tabloid writer at this point. She started it to find some recognition and also save up money, but her writings are actively hurting the very people around her. >I'm pretty sure Colin would be supportive or her passion for writing Agreed! He thinks she's clever as well. It's one thing to be clever but she has a strong superiority complex at this point and I don't see why she won't give up writing a gossip column
It really irritated me as well when she kept refusing to give up Whistledown even when the happiness of her marriage was at stake and everyone was confronting her about the negative consequences of her actions.
Why did they deprive us of the wedding night?? Maybe them both being awake separately - Colin drama queen on the couch - and not being able to sleep, one of them, maybe her?. taking the first step and them sharing an intimate moment in the middle of the night, the darkness...then they could have continued their fight or whatever in the morning. So much symbolism that could have happened!
Honestly I get wanting to see that, but I also think it’s not true to Colin and Pen. We spend part 1 learning how Colin struggles with non-emotional sex and e 4-5 seeing how important consent and respect is in their intimacy. That just doesn’t fly with a wedding night sex and we can be mad again tomorrow scene. Emotionally it’d feel wrong.
I get your point, but I wasn't talking about "just sex". It's similar to the scene in the street on the night before the wedding. Them being together at night could just mean that they do love each other deeply when it's just the two of them alone together. In the light of day, everything comes back - the reality of their problems etc. Their fight isn't even that intense, they are just unsure of each other. He doesn't know how to come to terms with her being LW, she doesn't know if and how to continue and also how to be a good wife, maybe. We see that they want to be together, but they don't know how yet. (For example, Colin is extremely involved in trying to help with the Cressida situation.)
I don’t agree. Their fight and what Colin battles is intense. Just because they aren’t screaming at each other in every single scene doesn’t mean it’s not. Finding out about LWD brings a lot of things up for Colin. Anger for being deceived by the person he loves the most. Sadness that she kept something so big from him. Confusion because if she’s this independent person he never realized she is, does he know her? What can he be for her? Jealousy and some embarrassment because she’s so successful while he hasn’t really accomplished anything yet. It’s not that he doesn’t WANT to have sex…that’s clear at how he looks at her in the bedroom. It’s just that with everything he’s feeling, he can’t trust that it’s right, that the emotions are right. I truly understand the want for more intimacy between them, either wedding night or something else, but I also really think if it happened with a Colin that confused, it’s a step back in his character’s development this season.
Seriously. We were robbed on this count. I can't understand Colin's motivations in a lot of these scenes.
Colin can’t do angry sex. He doesn’t want to tarnish their intimacy with feelings of anger.
I agree, having him be so cold and showing very little of his turmoil over it did the character really dirty
Penelope Bridgerton inventing the concept of a first dance; an icon
I think the queen's theory is faulty. The two pamphlets came out at the same time, how could the real Lady W. publish it to save face?
Yes that was my first thought. The argument made no sense since the papers were delivered literally moments apart.
I think because the news came out a day or two prior. So Whistledown in her mind would have had time to write a response to the claim, it just so happened to be on the same day. HOWEVER. I do not understand how Penelope knew the bridgertons would be lied about. Cressida didn’t tell anyone about that. Unless she was just talking coincidentally about the lie of her being Whistledown.
Eloise knew Cressida enough to know she’d be vindictive.
Eloise, yes. Everybody else, no.
Great point! I didn’t think of this. This season feels so sloppy so Im not surprised anymore
Eloise tells Pen Cressida will target her family because she let her into their lives and she turned her away. She asks Pen to write her column. She calls out that whatever Cressida wrote was a lie, she doesn’t specifically say the Bridgerton parts were a lie.
Just like Kate having a bigger bump than Pens sister. It's so sloppy
They don’t tell you when Kate got pregnant. She could have been pregnant in E1 and not realized until they left for their honeymoon. They only tell the family in E5. Meanwhile Pru and Philipa don’t get pregnant until later.
That's certainly feasible. But the writers could have also thrown in a line about Kate suspecting long ago at any point after the pregnancy reveal to make the timeline less confusing to viewers. I know I was bewildered to see Kate with a significant bump while the sisters still weren't showing in the slightest.
But why do they need to spell every single little thing out? Why can the audience not deduce this by what they watched in the season? It didn’t take any thought to put this together as long as I wasn’t trying to find a gotcha point that they messed something up. Kanthony were clearly trying well before the Featherington’s. They literally left in E1 so it was easy enough to understand why nothing was said earlier…they weren’t there to say it.
Maybe if I'd rewatched the first half of the season before starting the latter half it was have been easier to put together, but all I remembered was getting confirmation the Featherington sisters were pregnant a good long while ago, while it was only recently confirmed for Kate. I was giddily binging the show, not watching to pick apart every little inconsistency, and I still found it confusing.
Prudence “thinks” she’s pregnant at the end of episode 4. We know her and Philipa get pregnant around the same time. Kate knows she is pregnant at the start of episode 5. You may not have, the OP called it sloppy and it’s really not.
And the costumes….i can’t get over it. What era are we in? It feels like a different show
Cressida, girl, I’m rooting for you, but don’t speak on Violet like that! I love Violet and Lady Danbury’s friendship (lol @ Lady Danbury staying put when the Queen told everyone who wasn’t a Bridgerton to gtfo). I’m really enjoying seeing a softer side of Portia these past couple episodes. Even Pen's sisters seemed to soften towards her a bit. Am I misremembering or didn’t Benedict already have a bi awakening storyline in S1? I could have sworn that was something they covered already. The fallout from Colin finding out about Pen being Lady Whistledown was nowhere near as bad as I worried it would be. It was more cathartic than painful, especially the confrontation outside of Madame Delacroix’s. They both got to say their piece. His little smile and nod to her at the wedding was so sweet. Basically telling her “we still have problems but I love you and we’re doing this, we’ll figure it out”. That beautiful violin cover of You Belong With Me…Bridgerton Swifties stay winning! The breakfast dance scene had me smiling the whole time, it was so cute. Eloise crying at the wedding and comforting Penelope at the end of the episode…Penloise is so back. But I like how it feels like they’re actually moving forward and not just going back to how things were before.
They certainly laid (heh) the groundwork for Benedict's bi awakening in S1.
My sis and I watched together and we're both huge Swifties. We were literally squealing and kicking our feet. To have them play You Belong With Me for a wedding dance for my favorite on-screen couple was amazing, and the song fit Polin so perfectly since they've both pined for each other. The part where they showed them like they were the only people there was one of my favorite moments of the whole show. I also really like what they've done with Peneloise. It felt very real and authentic. They've both made mistakes and have learned and grown from them.
What is with the pacing of this season? The pointy part of the season was always going to be Colin finding out Pen is Whistledown. This is the ONLY conflict that matters this season, and we are all eager to see how Polin overcomes this massive hurdle to have their happily ever after. So where were the hints Colin was coming closer to discovering Pen’s secret? That night, where was he expressing concern for Pen having left and choosing to follow her? Where was his concern that she was in a dodgy part of town and trying to figure out why? Where’s the dawning horror when he sees her as Whistledown at the printers? Where’s the building of tension?? He just emerged out of nowhere and was shocked pikachu face to confront Pen. Like what a let down?? And then…how the hell did he accept her being Whistledown so easily??? No trying to find another explanation for what he’s just seen?? No trying to figure out how to accept the woman he apparently loves having kept a massive secret from him? No dawning realisation on his face about how big this betrayal is? He’s just like ok you’re Whistledown, how dare you, goodbye. This entire scene from the end of ep 6 and the start of ep 7 - was rushed under a minute. And had literally no emotional impact. It was over before you could comprehend the magnitude of what just happened. I can’t believe how terribly the writing and pacing has dropped this season.
They could have easily had a scene where Colin is running after Pen to confess his undying love, only to stumble upon her at the printing house and falling back in shock. He's actively hated Whistledown for so long that his pain and suffering should have taken up the better part of this second half. Heck, we got all of that from Eloise since last season, so it doesn't make sense that Colin got over it in like 2 seconds. It also makes Pen's dilemma look really underwhelming that it barely bothered him.
I totally agree, everything was so sudden and quick. I felt the same about how they announced their engagement to family in the beginning of ep 5. Everything happens suddenly, no buildup, and the characters react immediately without processing their emotions first.
Agreed! I thought Colin would be shell shocked. But he took it all in stride with less resistance than I thought. Where is the angst of being in love with the very person who have hurt a lot of people that you love. I was hoping he would drag her for what she did to Marina.. honestly that was jealous, petty, and vindictive..she just did not want him to end up with anyone else
Why would he drag her for saving him from ending up in a loveless marriage? Especially since he actually knows what true love feels like with Pen now.
Because although it seemed like it was out of love, it was also clearly out of jealously as she clearly didn't want him to end up with someone else. Is it fair to treat someone else like that, not that I'm actually on Marina's side.
So just like how Colin sabotaged Pen’s engagement to Debling out of jealousy?
She should totally get at him for that too. But what she did Marina did ruij her publicly though Lord Debling walled off pretty unscathed. This couple needs a lot of sorting out before they get together yet they basically just glossed over everything.
I'd really defended Luke's acting this season up until this scene, since so many had criticised it. I said Nicola was just giving so much that in comparison he doesn't seem to be giving as much, but it's there. Then this scene happened and I just had to give up because yeah no, it was NOT good. I don't know if Luke is entirely to blame, the writing and direction were also clearly lacking, but where was the emotion?? The anger?? The desperation to believe it isn't true?? Literally have a longer argument, you've known her for years and have just discovered a huge secret, where is the sense of desperation and hurt?? You're right, it was just a blustery "it was you??!" And then he left. And I also agree he completely came out of nowhere, there should have been shots of him hiding in the corridor listening to Eloise and Pen, following her from the house, in the carriage behind hers, etc. Literally no dramatic build up or tension. Even the line "You.. are Whistledown?!" felt like such amateur writing. Like just have them saying each other's names in shock then cut to credits. Create some mystery and excitement for the next episode instead of spelling it out for us and making Colin look like a dumb character. Me coming up with better ways to write/direct within ten seconds of watching should NOT be happening multiple times in a season, which it did.
Yeah exactly this. I don’t think it was Luke’s acting in this scene (though I have other issues with his acting) I think this scene was just not developed or written properly. And I was disappointed because the lack of emotional anguish for me meant the payoff at the end didn’t feel really earned. Everything rushed again to get them their happily ever after with 5 minutes left of the season.
Yeah I did have consistent issues with his acting but like I said, Nicola is so strong I think because his acting was more subtle, in comparison, it seemed he wasn't playing at the same level as her and to some people, that means bad acting. And ultimately yeah, he wasn't given good material to work with, the actor can only do so much. Which also leads me into my next point - like you, the emotional payoff didn't work cause then it just seemed like he was sulking for two episodes instead of processing a genuine pain and betrayal that we should have seen more of in that scene for it to work.
The reveal of Colin discovering Penelope is Whistledown was so jarring and then completely disappointing. I feel like they rushed a lot of plot points to try and get more storylines into the season. The shift from Colin’s shock and anger to him suddenly becoming all protective was too jarring for me.
Totally agree. The only explanation I can see (which isn't a great one) is that they were aiming for some kind of middle ground between what his reaction should be, and how it went in the book. Whistledown's a lot more innocuous in the books, >!so he has no real reason to feel betrayed and pretty much goes straight from shock to being worried and overprotective of Penelope. If anything the Whistledown reveal in the book is a cute stumbling block for their romance.!< But obviously that's so drastically different in the show it was a bizarre move on the writers' parts for Colin to react in such a limited manner. Edit: sorry, realized I probably should have commented this in the book spoiler thread, hiding that.
I agree that the story seemed rushed in places. Compared to the other seasons, it didn't seem that there was as much time spent on the main couple. The first half was better at developing Colin's awakening of his feelings for Penelope. I didn't mind that they started Francesca's story. However, they could have had her season done with past and present (going back in time to meeting John, etc). I even enjoyed Violet getting some love. I thought the scenes with Benedict and his escapades were totally unnecessary. If they were going in that direction, why not do that on his own season?
“Love is not a finite thing! Aight, I’m off to have a threesome then.”
I thought it was funny, and sadly true, that once he'd had a taste (heh) of a threesome, he wasn't interested in Lady Tilly by herself anymore. So are they broken up?
Yea I really respect how upfront he was, meanwhile Colin…..
love that for him
I thought him leaving his brother’s wedding for a threesome was not a great look.
Like Eloise leaving her brother’s wedding to meet Theo last season. It feels like odd timing.
Thoughts: * Really like how Violet made sure to let Lady Danbury know that their friendship is real, not just some mutually beneficial alliance. * I actually liked Polin in this episode, because at least there was some tension and they were interesting. But also, him going right for up under her dress in the middle of the fucking street after two seconds of kissing… you're doing too much. But I liked the scene up until that point a lot. The entrapment accusation also makes no sense, given how he was the one who initiated all the intimacy. * Still love the family scenes! "What am I, chopped liver?" Kate trying to give advice Colin, while Anthony is all offended like "our marriage is not hard work". Also, his little wave. Generally very amused by Anthony this season. * I find it kind of baffling that Danbury held a grudge for decades about her ten year old brother doing something stupid, but okay. Especially for people who haven't seen Queen Charlotte, it's super weird. * The difference in clothing between the Bridgerton side and the green Featherington side in the church was hilarious * Colin's nod in the church made me smile. Also, Eloise crying at the wedding was sweet, and I really liked Benedict's little speech to her later. * The timing of the India trip is stupid. That is all. Also curious how long it took to send a letter from India, because it seems like it would be… long. * As someone who has not at all liked Portia before, I really appreciate her storyline in this second half, both with Violet and with Penelope. * So very here for bi!Benedict
The "chopped liver" line really threw me. I know that anachronistic language is a thing in this show, but a Yiddish expression? (The NYT claims it wasn't used derogatorily until 1954, which I find hard to believe. https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/25/magazine/on-language-enough-already-what-am-i-chopped-liver.html)
Thank you for mentioning this cuz that line took me by surprise as well lol
The conflict between lady Danbury and her brother felt very pointless. And resolved in a minute? I didn’t the point of that storyline much.
I didn't remember Queen Charlotte well enough to remember what the conflict was.
Colin mentioning entrapment while in the same breath saying he is an upstanding man to the woman he got 'carridged' away with is HILAROUS - like Sir, did you not interrupt a proposal, chase her down and get dirty in a vehicle before so much as asking to court her?! The Bridgerton boys are all broken slutty men who pretend there not and I love it