I agree with you 100% that Polin is the best example so far of a healthy romantic relationship in Bridgerton. Colin and Penelope are both imperfect human beings, but they are redeemed by their generosity, kindness, willingness to grow, and fierce loyalty to each other in the face of the challenges they face. Too many men think they have to be macho to be attractive; how I wish such men could see how infinitely more attractive a man is when he is kind, gentle, empathetic, generous, and attentive to his partner's emotional state. With these traits in place, he is able to connect on more than just a physical level. Polin's spicy moments are so compelling precisely because these character traits create more than just a physical connection between Colin and Penelope, and their emotional and spiritual connection to each other is the thing makes these scenes so affecting.
Haven't even started this but yesssssss I'll agree with everything you say. Season 3 was what got me interested in Bridgerton. I only started watching it when someone said it was friends to lovers and then I watched the series in reverse.
I've seen many comments about the lack of Polin scenes in Season 3, and I completely understand where you're coming from. I also noticed the increased screen time for Benedict, Agatha's brother, and Mondrich. Honestly, I would have loved more Polin moments this season too. But there's another side of me that believes we'll get that lovey-dovey, standard couple POLIN in the next season. They have the best foundation after all and it would make sense if the next couples would aspire to have a relationship as mature as theirs. I think this season was more about their growth as individuals and embracing who they truly are. The beauty is that the courage to do these things came from the love they gave each other. Because of their love, they found the courage and confidence to face their struggles and insecurities. For me, Colin and Penelope's character story arcs were magnificent done. The beauty of love was truly given justice this season and I want you guys to focus on that. (This is just a quick reminder LOL) I am excited for next season and I will also manifest more screen time for them of course! 💛
Hopefully they give them the time they took from them in their season with Benedict’s awful story, Danbury’s brothers story and the mondalls. They really did polin short considering the other two stories had a hell of a lot more about them
Benedict had A Lot of time in season 3.. oddly so, also not understanding that blurb thrown in at the end sidestepping writing the book. And having their baby. So yes, I’m also eager to see where season 4 takes Polin.
I want to see people of the ton in line to buy and read Colin’s and Penelope’s books. I’m tired of gossiping. I want them to dominate the ton of how treat people you love. And of course same steamy scenes. No bedroom’s kiss in front of people. It’s gross 🤮. I don’t mind kissing of front of them but not deep kissing for 5 minutes. Hate that for them
Thank you very much for analyzing this season. And especially thank you for explaining in simple words the main highlights of this pair. Because for me personally, it is valuable that such versions, where there is no toxicity and where there is a real positive hero in the couple, who is appreciated by his chosen one, are rare and therefore valuable. Brutality, toxicity and lust are so advertised in movies, literature and poetry that people eventually have no idea that without this relationship they can not just be, but can be truly open, trusting.
@@irises3724 I believe it would be a person of color! I heard (no confirmation) that they're looking for an east asian actress hopefully it's for Sophie! 🤍 As part of Asian community, it'd be lovely to have representation ☺️
"Well, I love my Colin because I have values." 😂🤣 But really! Loved your thoughts, I (and whomever has been in a healthy, loving supporting relationship) agree with you completely. I think so many people relate to Penelope and have their own trauma that they want to take their hatred out on Colin for unintentionally friend-zoning Pen. And for 2 comments that were said out of insecurity, trauma and pain. So unfair, especially after all he has done for her and how much he does love her. (But for reals-- thats the worst he has done? Who hasn't said something they didn't mean at aome point in their own lives...🙄) From season 1 to 3, the show really shows Penelope's POV and for some reason audiences are unable to view Colin's and give him the empathy he deserves. Why do they want him to suffer? It's beyond me... They wouldn't be true friends to lovers if Penelope held a grudge, or couldn't see how much she hurt him and that he needed time to process everything. I love that she took responsibility and didn't invalidate his feelings, (except after the wedding breakfast - there is a great analysis of this scene on reddit r/PolinBridgerton thread - titled : "I am Whistledown" speech as a negotiation, not a fight). I think there were flaws this season, with some of the writing, direction and editing, however, I am completely obsessed with Colin and the Polin relationship. I can't wait to see their side story in Season 4 and to see them work together as a strong partnership. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! ❤
Aww thank you so much for your comment and I agree with all of it! Colin will always be the standard. POLIN will always be the relationship I wish everyone aspire to have. It's crazy how people hated Colin and called him boring just because he internalizes and he does not shout. Again, it's so sad that Colin's character has to suffer this much just because people can't comprehend 😭
My only problem this season was how cold his fury toward her was portrayed. I think it hit a very personal place with me. Being subjected to the “ice curtain” is crushing. Part of what I love about Pen is that her Bravery was very much on display, her dignity….her pain was palpable, yes, But she was Courageous, she did not withdraw from him to escape the cold. She stood up under it. Remained true to herself, but also true to Colin. Her character has Character. And thankfully, Colin was able to see through the rubble and bring to mind what he already felt for Pen, and realize that her extraordinary courage sets her apart from most of the women of that era. And rose to love her more.
I love that he talks to other women to see the difference between them and Penelope. I even love that they him having sex with other women too. Just to feel the difference. Also he turned into a man
Yes finally someone who have fair and great review. Yes I won't deny that I wanted more Polin scenes specifically on the last 2 episodes but I don't get the hate. Season 3 is my fave and yes Colin is the best male lead because who is soooo sure that it is Pen for him. While the Duke did not even want to marry Daphne and Anthony so willing to marry the sister on the other hand Colin as soon as he knows he loves Pen his love so sure. Pen is also the healthiest to be fair with Kate she is also level headed. But pen is the smartest and most assuring of all female leads. Daphne is just toxic sorry. So Polin is the healthiest and realest of them all.
Yes! 100% agree. Colin is the best, Polin is the best and this is my favorite season so far. ❤ And yes there are parts that I wish where played out differently, but overall it was beautifully done.
I cannot stress this enough: this season WILL stand the test of time. Years from now on we'll be seeing yt essays titled "we were unfair with season03" or "why I was wrong about polin", and I am HERE FOR IT to claim the hipster vibe of "i loved it before it was cool 😎"
Yesss!! Manifesting this!! 💛 They deserve to be loved especially when their love story is the realest and will truly stand the test of time (as you've said!)
Thank you all so much for interacting and watching this video! Your support means the world to me. Stay tuned because there will be more POLIN and Bridgerton Season 3 content coming your way! For now, check out my new video, which will also be part of the playlist "Reminiscing POLIN" where we go over the S3 episodes (fpcused on POLIN) and just me yapping LOL! Hope you enjoy! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6NRUZgmvi54.html - Episode 1
I totally agree with you. Colin was very protective of Penelope. He was trying to protect her and felt that that’s the way to show he loves her. I was so happy that the writers gave her the voice with her speech at the end. It was her choice to reveal herself and she was willing to lose Colin when she said that if he wanted an annulment she would not stand in his way.
I absolutely loved the 3rd bridgerton season. I don’t have any complaints with it. I even liked how they split the season into two parts, just so I could enjoy its premiere that much longer. I can understand where some complaints for the season are coming from, but I feel like what we got was so incredibly made and loved and I hope we can all look past our own grievances and enjoy the content we were gifted
I think a big part of the problem people have with this season is the amount of subtle internal work being done by the main characters, rather than overt outward words and deeds. If they had more time, more run time or more episodes, then they could have drawn all of the internal conflict with broader strokes and made it more obvious for the casual watchers and those not familiar with silent acting and film techniques used in period pieces. Then people would more likely get it how shook he was throughout the first kiss. Then they would get why the brothel scenes were included and what was actually happening there (in him). Hint: they weren't about him getting off like usual , like it might seem. The whole dessert tent scene reads really differently if you watch his body language and face acting. People tend to want everything spelled out and someone to knock them on the head with their messages now, so subtlety and quiet internal struggle is just read as "boring" by people who have the emotional depth and patience of a teaspoon. He seems like a pretty, empty-headed charmer, but it's all a social mask or armor he's been wearing since his dad died to try to help the family in the only ways available to a boy as young as he must have been. If people will forgive Anthony his trauma, it seems hypocritical not to forgive Colin (he has the same traumatic history but deals with it differently because of his age and personality type). Also, people had 2 years to hype this up in their minds and plan out what they wanted it to be, so some of the griping is because the showrunners couldn't read their minds to give them exactly what they wanted. There are some who are still struggling with the format change, not understanding how the decisions get made differently about what to include and what to hold back from the main storyline when balancing an ensemble show from a non-ensemble source. I bet some of the stuff people wanted this season will crop up in later season side plots (like them writing together). People finally got happily married kanthony, kate as viscountess, and some casual intimacy "couple stuff" in this season that they whined about not getting last season. We may get that with Polin next season, too. After all, our leads didn't quit, so they will return for other seasons and will need stuff to do then. There are things that were changed from book to screen and some of them i loved while others...i might have preferred the other way. But i can respect that they have a vision, a plan, and the changes fit in the plan. Until i know what the plan is, i will withhold judgement about whether they're right or good, etc. I find it amusing how often people judge a character or plot as though the show is giving them orders i.e. "you must live your life like this!" No one says you have to marry someone like Colin if he's not your type. No one says you have to be besties with a girl like Penelope, either. The show is presenting these characters and their relationship with each other - not forcing us to have that relationship with either of them. If you don't like Colin - don't befriend a guy like Colin. If you don't like how he looks - then don't look. There's other stuff to watch. But pretending that these characters or actors are lacking simply because they aren't what you want is ridiculous. For the record: i think both actors are talented and gorgeous, but everyone has different tastes, so don't assume that just because I love strawberries means that someone else can't be allergic to them. It's the same with media. I have a friend who hates the sound of saxophones and i love them. We don't listen to the same music. But i don't tell him he's wrong to feel his feelings and he does me the same courtesy. Respect. The people who drag others and make judgy comments on social media need to learn a little respect. That's why i like this video. You don't encourage people to disrespect each other's point of view. You state yours and provide some constructive criticism of others without being hurtful. Thanks.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful comment. I enjoyed every bit of it! I completely agree that the subtle internal work of the characters this season may have been missed by some viewers who aren't familiar with the nuances of silent acting and period piece techniques. But that's also what makes it so realistic for portraying healthy love ( I can't get enough of how much love and care they have even in the silent moments!). It's infuriating to see the hate, which is the main reason I did this commentary. One can love another character (subjectively), but it's unfair to hate one just because the beauty of his journey was missed by YOU (or maybe some really just ignored it which makes it more infuriating LOL). Colin's journey, especially his internal struggles, adds so much depth to his character. It's clear you've captured that beautifully, and I'm sure all Polin fans feel the same way. The comparison to Anthony's trauma is spot on-both characters have dealt with their pasts differently, and it's essential to appreciate those nuances. The format changes and the balance between the main storyline and ensemble cast indeed present unique challenges and opportunities for future seasons. I know within my soul that Polin's love will play a huge role in Bendict (close to Colin) and Eloise's (bff of Pen) story. Your perspective on respecting differing opinions is so refreshing. Media, like any art, is subjective, and it's crucial to approach it with an open mind and respect for others' views. I appreciate your support and your kind words about my video. I do know I get passionate and heated when it comes to Colin because the hate is also forced so I hope that understandable. But yes, let's continue to celebrate the diversity of thoughts and the rich tapestry of characters Bridgerton offers. Thanks again for your comment! 😊
I think because Penelope's journey and struggles were very much in our face (in a good way), while Colin's journey was more subtle and happening in the background of bigger stories, people tend to miss the ways he's been hurt, and the struggles he's had (and still has). Penelope was also more of a viewpoint character. So people can tend to see him in a very simple, reductive light: rich, handsome, charming, popular guy living a charmed life, blithely la-di-dah-ing through life, oblivious to her affections. Which is a shame, because he is such a rich character, and such a genuinely good guy who is facing very real issues. I agree with everything you said about his relationship with Penelope! They are so good to and for each other!!! The only line from Penelope that I really take issue with is one after their wedding breakfast, and honestly, this feels more like the writers speaking than Penelope. "Do you know what it's like, to have nowhere in the world you can truly be yourself? You cannot possibly know, because you are not a woman. You have the choice to be any kind of person you wish to be, while the only choice women have is to conceal the parts of ourselves the world will not accept." I'm sorry, is this not the same man you spoke to the night before, and called out in the beginning of the season, for putting on a false front? Because he didn't feel like he could truly be himself in society? So he concealed all the parts that society didn't accept? Dude. No lie, being a woman in this world was tough. But are they genuinely trying to say women were the only ones stifled and controlled by society's rules and expectations? But again, this feels more like the writers than Penelope to me. The show does a great job of highlighting the issues women faced in that time period. You don't need to throw some on-the-nose (and very unfair) accusation at Colin to make your point. That line bugs me every time.
Great analysis on Colin...thanks a lot❤ He is very different from other male leads we have seen so far. He is the sweetest loving man with pure heart❤️. Loved every bit of your analysis. Season 3 is my favourite and i learnt a lot through our Polin love story.
I honestly don't even talk about Simon & Daphne because their story didn't make sense, they're good actors but no chemistry, & their relationship was extremely toxic. If Simon did to Daphne what she did to him, NOBODY would defend them. And while I'll probably give Anthony more leway than you did (haha), the drama was of his OWN doing! I really like Kate but she told him to still go through with the wedding to spare Edwina's feelings AFTER Anthony directly told her that he dreads the day his "final thread of honor finally snaps" - in other words, "As I stay married to YOUR SISTER, I will be thinking of YOU & if you come near me, we will have an affair." LIKE??? SHOUT OUT to you for saying that Colin & Pen's relationship is the most realistic!!! It's the healthiest one but the characters still have flaws like anybody. I've been with my husband 13 yrs, married 6 and I am so confident in my relationship that I'll let anyone scrutinize it and not find any red flags. As I listened to some of the criticisms of the Polin relationship, my FIRST thought was "Have any of these people been in a serious relationship? Or have they never had a serious argument with their partner?" Because absolutely nothing Colin did or said during part 2 threw me off or was out-of-character. Yes, the entrapment comment wasn't ok & realistically, it should've gotten a specific apology but ppl were acting like it was the WORST thing he could've said and I'm sitting here like "Did we all forget Marina?" Yes, this society is terrible towards women but Colin AS A MAN in that society was SUPER publicly humiliated from that scandal too! And if you rewatch only Polin scenes, the writers still set-up that the only thing missing in their relationship was Colin being PHYSICALLY attracted to her. Thus Pen's glow-up and actively seeking a husband - she is now being presented as someone desirable instead of "just Pen." Again, I do have criticisms of how their scenes could've been shot to really communicate that Polin always had a spark & connection but this was definitely not "out of nowhere." Everyone agrees that Colin is the softer, more emotional Bridgerton & then got mad that he didn't just "get over" ALL of the things that were going on fast enough. How does that make sense? He "got over" everything in a span of about 2 weeks. That is VERY fast for his character & the situation. And don't even get me started on ppl being mad that he didn't sleep with Pen that time he saw her in her nightgown. Yes, in terms of storytelling, we should've gotten a final sex scene where they talked about everything & made up because them having sex is a good way to show that they TRUST each other again & that they accept each other as they are. So I will complain about their few seconds in ep 8 but that nightgown one...NOT the the scene to complain about. Dude if you were my friend and you told me you were doing this video, I absolutely would've sent you some of my notes to add! LOL
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! I completely agree-Simon and Daphne's story had its issues (severe one I must say), and Anthony's drama was largely self-inflicted. Colin and Penelope's relationship is genuinely the healthiest, with all the real-life complexities and flaws that make it relatable. You're spot on about Colin's character and how quickly he 'got over' everything. That man was on a mission every time! He quickly realizes his mistakes, listens and respects Pen, and declare how proud he is to her. And yes, the criticisms about the nightgown scene are missing the point! He genuinely want to kiss and make love but a side of him is not complete and he rather suffer than to take advantage of the situation. Ugh, what a man! I would absolutely have loved to include your notes! Your insights are fantastic, and I'm glad to see more people appreciating Polin. Thanks for the support and for engaging with the video! 😊 P.S. I will add my socials in my RU-vid account later. If you still want to share your thoughts, please let me know!
Glad to see someone spreading love about BS3. It's the leading couple who brought me to Bridgerton, I was not interested before after I had seen parts and trailers. Not my thing. Same old story, haters to lovers. When I saw Luke and Nicola in an interview, I thought: How will their interaction be in a film when off screen they have such a loving, respectful bond? So, I started watching, became infested, and LOVED it. I have been around a while on this planet to know what healthy relationships are about. And we need more role models of that, on screen. To reallly being genuinly interested in your partner, body AND soul, mind, essence. To be able to forgive. To really care. To trust. 💗And then I wanted to watch S1 and S2 as I learned that Polin's story started there. Quite honestle, after episode one, I was playing fast forward to the Polin scenes. Same with season 2. I might watch them all in the future, maybe. Right now, I am fine with S3, and lots of rewatching. It's a beautiful season. And I cannot wait for more to come in S4. 💗And to the haters: may you come across a kind person one day, in your life. Someone who sees you for who your are. Because only then you will truly understand what people write here, and what this content maker talks about. And then, you might not want to hate anything in your life anymore.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I'm thrilled to hear that you found Bridgerton S3 through Luke and Nicola's incredible chemistry and that it resonated with you on such a deep level. I completely agree-we need more role models of healthy relationships on screen, and Polin's genuine connection is a beautiful example of that. It's wonderful that you appreciate their journey and the importance of trust, forgiveness, and true care in a relationship. Your message to the haters is spot on-kindness and understanding go a long way. Can't wait for Season 4 with you! 💗
I saw the title of this video and I clicked so quickly! My love for Penelope and Colin as individuals, and my love for them as a couple is eternal. Polin forever ❤️❤️❤️. I appreciate your analysis
"He was gulping that lemonade" LOL Though I'd argue that while maybe Colin did fall in love with Pen during the Episode 2 kiss, I think it took him the next two episodes to fully realize what had happened. And it was only his mother insinuating he's running against a timer that got him to REALLY get to the bottom of his feelings. Love all your points, they're so fleshed out and argued well, and they're all of what I've been feeling for the season. Honestly I go back and forth on wishing they'd gotten married after he accepts Pen as Lady Whistledown, but at the same time their faces when they get married, in spite of what's going on, makes me love the depth of their relationship all the more. P.S. I really wish Eloise hadn't ruined the engagement speech though.
The wedding was phenomenal! The panic inside Penelope was palpable, but with just one nod from Colin, everything fell into place. They beautifully demonstrated how profound love can be expressed through the smallest gestures. I wish Eloise hadn't ruined the engagement speech either, but somehow, I still understand why she became pettier over time. Although, she did annoy me a few times this season LOL.
Penelope is my favorite character, too! And I also think Colin is the best Bridgeton male lead - though maybe Gregory will turn out to be a wonderful man like Colin. The other two are very toxic (as is Simon)! I love this season so much, the 'realistic' aspect to their love story, and the fairly low stakes/interior emotion-based drama of the Lady Whistledown of it all...just so good. I desperately want a Colin Bridgerton in my life! :) It feels like willful ignorance, people who can't see Colin and the pretty obvious reasons he's acting the way he is. I also think the fact that Pen didn't write him over his travels contributed to his stoic, rakish act on his return. Oh, Colin. haha. Good video! I like listening to smart people talk lovingly about Colin and Pen, because they are PERFECT!
Thank you for your analysis. I just want the negativity to die down so that these actors will come back for season four and not be afraid to come back to show that so many people love for different reasons I have to say I am nervous for them right now, that because of what’s been happening around the world that the actors may decide that they don’t wanna come back, I don’t want them to feel like they can’t come back to the show that they enjoy working on for the audience. I want them to come back.
They will comeback!! Luke N. and Nicola love their characters and the show more than us for sure. They've been part of it for years and surely they love to see other characters blossom and support them! We will surely see more of them in the next seasons and I hope we all continue to support them! <3
The thing is though, it's just noise from a loud minority. The ratings, reviews and viewing figures show that its the most successful season yet and thats due to Colin and Penelope.
Love your take! My only issue with S3 is how little of happy Polin moments we got in ep8. We needed more emotional intimacy moments, just them being in love. Talking about his manuscript, just being lovey in their house. I’m also married to a good, kind and supportive man who values communication … never understood why some women seek out toxic relationships.
Ooh I would def love to see more scenes of them just being lovey-dovey! But hey, we have S4 and they're coming back! Let's be optimistic that every time Benedict (if he's S4) is struggling, we're gonna cut to POLIN being intimate and chaotic duo LOLOL!
I GENUINELY believe that the 1 thing that would've solved everything is having more Polin scenes. Firstly, they are the main couple this season so just by default, they should have the most screen time. If they had more screen time, they could've provided even MORE characterization, development, & nuance. And then that would've cut scenes from the side plots that truly didn't contribute to those plots.
Excelent analysis 💛 To add onto your takes, I think a large part of the dislike for Colin is that he’s just undeniably soft. He’s not loud or quick to anger, he sits with his emotions in a quieter way, dreams of his feelings and has insecurities... I don’t think people know how to love a leading man that’s not so hardened by his trauma, flaws and insecurities...
