still messy but overall a lot better / marshallstannus marshallstannus linktr.ee/marshallstannus TikTokwww.tiktok.com › @marshal...Marshall Stannus (@marshallstannus)
I really enjoy your commentary and how clearly and passionately you deliver it. Sometimes the show feels off to me but I cannot put my finger on it, but then I watch your reviews and I’m like ‘yessss that’s it!!’ You really should be a consultant for different shows, if that’s even a thing or perhaps a screen writer, producer, director?? SOMETHING!
All great points. Yet another oddity to me was the throuple sex scenes were randomly interspersed throughout the episode while other events were going on - like how long were they in bed? It seemed like they were having sex for like 16 hours
I guess the big build up to an eventual character arc for Benedict came at the expense of Polin...also Benedict's if I'm honest. Are they gonna make him bi or something??
@@annapatricia292 there is no doubt Benedict is bi now. He clearly enjoyed both sexes in bed, and asked when the other guy was coming back again. The question is where they go with that plot. Does he pursue other men next season?
This sentence describes my feelings spot-on. With all the side plots, anything that was Polin was focused on Penelope. They added so much drama to give her character growth while not giving any time for Colin to have anything remotely similarly...and he is a Bridgerton, a member of the titular family! The other siblings learned important morals/lessons by the end of their season and I can't say they did the same justice for Colin, which is sad. I started watching this show a month or so ago because of this couple and now I'm just sad and disappointed. Colin had so much potential for his season, especially with the source material.
Exactly! Colin felt useless this season, they did such a disservice to his character. We spent about 90% of the second part with a sour relationship. His reasoning for marrying Penelope being that he "tainted" her, and even suggested that their intimate, vulnerable moment was a scheme by Penelope to entrap him. He wasn't even there to support or praise her, your wife is Whistledown we get it you're shocked but the next best thing to do is stay be her side, support and protect her. He had no character development, still concerned with his image and what the ton would thing finding out a Bridgerton was whistledown so he had to wait until the queen's approval to fully accept and support Penelope. Honestly, Penelope could have done everything on her own-she didn't need him, and I hated that.
I felt bad for Cressida. I was totally on her side about that arranged marriage. Strange that Eloise basically didn't care enough before Cressida started resorting to desperate measures. And the audacity of Cressida's parents. I would have done anything to get away from that old man too.
Yes. I thought we would see Cressida’s redemption arc but the second part really makes the short-lived friendship between El and Cressida vanished into thin air, as if it was pointless and never actually happened. El was such a bad friend to Cressida if I must say.
So strange that Eloise is supposed to be most progressive and enlightened about the unjustness towards women and the minute Cressida comes to her with an exact example of that she's like "Oh that sucks. Anyway." Would've been nice to see her stand up for her new friend instead of dropping her
@@Pistachios36 It would have, and I don't think she was this way before. It's almost as if the show has to bring her down and show her to be a bad person, a strange decision from a feminist showrunner. Someone pointed out that being in the middle of Pen and Colin's ridiculous drama distracted Eloise, but I still feel the writers are taking both her and Cressida down to prop Penelope up. (No offense to Pen fans -- there are a lot of other things they could have done.)
Collin seemed useless in the 2nd half. Like they didn’t wanna make Penelope a damsel in distress being saved by a man so they retconed all of the things he did to help from in the book. I hate how they wrote off Cressida. If they were going to make her back story a sympathetic one then can we get some pay off from the storyline. This season could have been much better
I agree with this. I also feel the actor who played Colin isn’t as strong in his abilities as the past 2 leading men and it was also evident playing opposite Nicola. Don’t get me wrong, he got 90% of the way there and was good, but there was a bit missing to get him to great. But as I’ve said before, that could also fully be a function of the show writing, as is mentioned above (I haven’t read the books so can’t say). I just wish he took more risks as an actor and tried to bring to the fore Colin’s complexities, and also pushed it a tad more in the romantic moments.
@@ames889 trust me, this is not on the actors. They just literally were robbed of the time necessary to completely show their skills and make the story believable. The "show runner" just did a terrible job overall in my humble opinion.
Because they gave all of his book scenes to other characters. He had what 6 dialogues in the last 2 episodes?? Like what. He was supposed to be the major character of the second part standing up for Pen and figuring everything out. So weird how they completely forgot about the main characters role in the last 2 episodes…
@@deeacht9951I didn’t know they did that. I felt unfulfilled with the amount of Colin and Penelope that we got, especially after all the hype. I didn’t care about any of the other new subplots. It all bored me to tears. Except for Colin and Penelope. Maybe if they included that montage it would have helped to redeem it a bit. There needed to be something else shown after the first time instead of all the time wasted on Benedict’s fruitless couplings and whatnot. I wonder if they will ever release that.
As a book fan, I’m completely and utterly disappointed. Not only with the changes to Ben and Fran (I myself am queer. I have no issue with representation. It’s how they handled the actions and choices of both characters that I’m truly disappointed with), but all the other significant changes as well. The reveal of Lady Whistledown to everyone in the book is such a grand gesture of love from Colin, and the show’s version was a complete let down. At this point, I just have to accept that this is no longer an adaptation of the books, but is instead just a Shonda show that’s its own thing. This season felt clumsy, lazy, unwieldy, and rushed. I’m definitely not looking forward to future seasons with as much fervor.
Francesca's story sounds so beautiful and sad. Why couldn't they have kept it the same and still replaced Michale with Michaela. I feel so salty because I really liked John and Francesa and thought him saying he saw her during his muddy boots story was so romantic. More romantic than anything involving Polin. What the heck, man.
I totally agree. If they wanted to make Benedict bi, fine. But there was so many ways they could've gone about it than contributing to the sterotype that all bisexuals like threesomes. They could've gave Benedict a summer fling romance or some shit with guy and call it day frfr.
I have to disagree with your assessment of the queen. The queen admired Lady Whistledown and deemed her a worthy opponent. I felt the moment Pen let the queen have the power by writing her that letter and revealing herself ,gave the queens ego the satisfaction of winning the game. Also the influence of Lady Damnbry helped give the queen perspectives and soften the queens heart when they played the game of chess.
I see what your saying and saw it for myself as well. But the comparison doesn't make sense queen Charlotte being vulnerable at court inherent younger years does not compare to the vulnerability that Pen faced in the Ton. So it makes no sense that she would just accept that. (Also, note the queen was litterally been an antagonist for each season at some point in the brigerton loves stories. And we know from how she treated Mary sharma that her anger endures)
I found the one intimacy scene so disappointing. On paper i love the idea of Colin making her see how beautiful she is and of her wanting to be proactive, but the execution was a complete let down especially after they sold us something grand. They promised a lot of nudity and there was hardly any and it kinda feels like deep down they didn't want us to see Pen's body the way they were ok with showing Daphne's or Kate's and that's really sad. But more than that I found that scene was just terribly shot, it was clunky and awkward, the lighting was crude and the camera angles were plain. It's like they just planted the camera in the most obvious spot and shot it the most straightforward inexpressive way possible. It's giving nothing. Overall the cinematography this season is very inferior to what the previous ones offered but this scene especially.
Yes you’re taking words out of my mouth! Also, for a writer as good as whistledown, Pen’s spoken words are not even memorable. Where’s the “you’re the bane of my existence” and “I burn for you”? all I remember is loud and screamed “I love you” from both of them, minus all the longing and every story in this season just felt not well earned and crass.
I found it very vulgar... It was poorly made and actors are not at all to blame for this waste. It's like everything let them down: light, camera angle, editing etc.... they were so much let to themselves to carry it and it ended up being uncomfortable for me as viewer...
Fair point but Daphne actress actually never showed her boobs in s01. And let's not forget Nicola said she had a hand in what she was comfortable showing. So maybe she simply wasn't comfortable in showing what other actresses were
I was struggling to put my feelings into words, but you’ve pretty much summed it up. Very invested before this season, now I’m doubtful if I’ll watch the next
1. The colour grading and costumes are not Bridgerton-y like the previous two seasons. Too much highlighter and blush on the women's faces. Overly saturated colours and costumes. Penelope's wedding makeup looks like two tomatoes on her cheeks, like wtf. 2. Benedict got dumbed down into a sex crazy person, his art and creativity disappeared. 3. Kanthony keeps leaving and disappearing, despite being the head of the household. 4. Making Michael a woman ruins Francesca's story and has no relation to the world of Bridgerton anymore. 5. The Polin sex scene looks so unnatural, the colour grading and blurring effect made it look too uncanny valley. 6. Final speech felt too mechanical. Agree with you here completely. 7. Also, another thing that caught my eyes were how the roads and environment outside the ton were too "clean" and it looked too animated. Especially in the scene were Colin catches Pen coming out of the modiste. 8. Mondrich and Danbury's brother are absolutely unnecessary. 9. Colin and Pen's monologues fell so short and sounded too simplistic compared to Daphne and Simon, and Kate and Anthony.
I agree - Season 3 looked so bad, it was like watching a different show. We really need someone to go point by point, with the technical part of the show. I've NEVER SEEN such a drop in quality in a television show before. Compare the way this looks to Queen Charlotte
Agreed, I did like the Danbury brother subplot though but only because I watched Queen Charlotte. I kept thinking how confusing that must be for someone who had not seen queen Charlotte though. Maybe it is out of place.
Kanthony still reigns as the most romantic couple even in season 3. I didn’t really like season 3. I didn’t like Colin treating Pen like a whore in the carriage scene and having sex with her before marriage. That seemed out of left field. I did enjoy Portia and Cressida, though.
No please...Colin and Pen are the best. Even with the limited screentime, they did so well. Did not treat her like a w****... He asked for her consent at multiple points.. stop being so obtuse
@CW-rx2js except he seemed to have more respect for Marina. She tried to seduce him, and he rebuffed her advances because they weren't married. So he behaved like a gentleman toward Marina, but had less respect for Penelope that he couldn't wait til after they were married? Hmm....OK.
@@Pandamonium2187 Exactly, and the fact that he then used that very intimate moment as a way of Penelope entrapping him. Essentially repeating the same accusations her mom had that he refuted. Pissed me off!
@@CW-rx2js I agree with this. Also the scene outside Modiste when they start kissing on the street and he lifts her dress up? Like does he care about her modesty at all?
CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT QUEEN CHARLOTTE being the main stakes for all of these characters each and every season, and her not doing a damn thing each and every season. I understand season 1 with Daphne and the prince because she loves love, and I'm not wishing a terrible fate on the Bridgertons and I understand that we want a happy ending. But what I am saying is, if the wrath of the queen is what our characters are up against as their main stake (Daphne and Simon, Anthony and his triangle, Francesca and Kilmartin, Lady Whistledown , etc.) then why are they or anyone ever even concerned, because she does NOTHING TO THEM each and every time. They embarrass her OK. They refuse her matches OK. She commands one thing and they do the opposite OK. LIKE WHY WOULD WE EVER CARE about her being their "enemy" or someone they should be afraid of when she does nothing in the face of their defiance EVERY TIME. I love the show, and I've watched all 4 seasons, but I'm a little tired of the Eloise being ruined and then being fine the next minute. Of Anthony embarrassing the queen and then being fine the next minute because the queen has to tell everyone it's ok. Charlotte isn't a stupid character and yet they write her as some naive, emotionally ill equipped woman.
I must agree to a point. I think the queens doesn't demand much of a presence in that people are in révérence of her. I wish she had more of a story.. More of a love life, where is her brother, why doesn't she have a plot instead of being a prop... I was so excited when she sent out the decree tho, finally some action from the queen!
Penelope's first time it can't be in a bed? It lacked something, the actors were fine. But the lighting, set, timing, I don't know, I think it lacked admoafera and magic
I was so invested in Cressidas story, more than Francesca and Benedict’s. I know Cressidas was supposed to be looked as the villain, but she was only fighting for her life. I hated her ending, Benedict’s, I skipped majority of it. I didn’t like how everybody finds out is Pen, and they all just start dancing like nothing happens, and she disappears in the crowds. Colin, I couldn’t stand his same face expression, I’m sorry, but that man only did one face expression for majority of the season. Overall, It felt rushed, and needed at least one more episode to break things down. I did love that we got to see Eloise flaws, everybody always talks about how Eloise is always right, and is all pens fault. Then we see how horrible she treated Cressida. Still love Eloise, but she’s not a good friend.
I agree with you vis a vis Colin's face. I also couldn't stand his line delivery. His speech often had an odd cadence that took me out of the scene. And close your mouth, Colin. Boy is a fly trap.
I agree with so much of what you said.. I too was more invested in Cressida’s story and then they just shuttled her off to Siberia but as you say, she was fighting for her life. I had a lot of sympathy for her. And Luke Newton is not a good actor. So disappointing. And Lord Debling? What happened to him?
Eloise is a fundamentally well meaning person who is also really self absorbed and caught up in her grief at being born in a generation and time where she basically can’t do anything she wants to do …. I feel for her and can see how she doesn’t have a lot of capacity to be a good friend
Same, I too hated Benedict's storyline this season, I just couldn't care less about him and that lady Arnold or something. After a point of time I just couldn't withstand their story and just skipped whenever they appeared on the screen.
Look, I would have loved it if Eloise had helped out Cressida, but the fact she was too distracted to do so is because she was freaking out over the really bloody awful situation her brother is in (and doesn't know that he's in) and that's taking up all her headspace! Cressida deserved help. Eloise was justified in putting her primary focus on Colin and Colin's welfare. Eloise was distracted from Cressida because she was worrying about her brother. This is not selfish or self-centred.
@@skycaptain3344 yeah especially the Mondrich Parts were just exhaustingly annoying and then all the other unnecessary, boring subplots. They kept advertising this as the "Polin" Season but it was just too packed with dumb stuff
When the Queen got up at the end, i thought she might say something like "i have decided to halt my investigation - i no longer care who Whistledown is. Who can she be in comparison to a queen" or something to that effect. Something to keep penelope from having to reveal to the Ton. And of course i do love the idea of Penelope scribing for Whistledown while sharing the enterprise with cressida - something about those two becoming friends (and possibly their friendship restoring penelope to Eloise?) Would have been fun. Also really would have loved for Cressida to get a happier ending (or at least a less miserable one) - it didnt make sense for Eloise to abandon her so suddenly, and i feel like her character work was just completely undone. Perhaps if she would have run away with someone from the print shop? Or the guy who loved gossip that Penelope was talking to earlier in s3? Idk. Maybe we'll see her in the next one? I wish they wouldn't have split the season though. All that time considering part 1 meant more ways for me to be critical.
In the books, she was publicly declared to be both a sister to the Viscount Bridgerton and Duke of Hastings. No one wants to go against her. Her new family quieted down all forms of outrage by outing her on a public function and giving it a celebratory vibe.
@@user-in2jc1vf8o If they're committing terrible crimes, sure, but everyone's privacy doesn't need to be invaded because it suits some goal of Penelope's. But I'm not a Perez Hilton/TMZ fan either.
@@cleiru7859 But in the books, she hasn't insulted both of their wives and two of their sisters in Whistledown, and she never exposed scandals or anything like on the show.
The aesthetics were awful this season, just so many ugly angles, bad lighting, terrible costuming and makeup, editing issues...quite the contrast to something small, but lovely like the run-up to the library scene in S2 with Kate and Anthony both in bed, listening to the storm and the cut to the painted ceiling -- that season was not perfect, but had many moments where someone had taken a lot of care with the story and characters. Did not get that sense here!
I know right ?! I think Johnathan Bailey and Simone Ashley had a lot more chemistry but they were also just filmed much better, there was a lot more film making put at work to make us feel the atmosphere ! Where is the cinematography in this season ?! Was there no director on this season ? Cause there sure was no direction !
@@marionechard2658 Yes, it's remarkable! I don't find the lead actors this season as compelling as Bailey/Ashley, but they are not bad! They are being let down by all these terrible choices, edits are far too quick and lets no scene breathe (which is why I brought up the lead-up to the library one, that was a nice little touch that made the scene after it more meaningful and it was beautiful to look at to boot). So strange.
The show runners have successfully turned the main Bridgerton character to the most useless man of this season.And forget about everything just tell me what's wrong with these costumes? it didn't feel like the costumes from the regency era at all. It is like someone has put some modern characters with modern clothing in a period series.
So true, I think Kate and Eloise were the only ones who looked amazingly great in those modernish sparkly outfits. But everyone else just seemed like strange time travelers. Cressidas outfits were the absolute worst, straight out of a nightmare
@@naveenakoneru9211 couldn't agree more, Cressida's outfits were downright ugly, and Penelope's hair was down all the time. Wasn't it scandalous in that era for a woman especially the married one to show up in public places with loose hair?
This season had nothing to do with romance. It centered around Lady Whistledown, a bunch of unnecessary subplots, and a lot of girl power. Writing was nothing like the books. What a disappointment. No shade to the actors, they were given a poor script. Switching out Michael Stirling for a woman is terrible idea. Completely ruins Francesca’s future storyline. Why didn’t they stick to the main Bridgerton storylines which people loved? Cinematography was off as well. Such a disappointment. Bridgerton was a breath of fresh air at debut, but it’s not fixable, and I won’t be watching next season.
I’m so sad about Michael! I do not think that was a wise decision on Netflix’s part. I wonder if they will combine Fran’s and Benedict’s seasons. I can’t imagine them not having male eye candy for a whole season/promotional run
Benedicts threesomes did not make any sense. And Francesca in the last episode looking at lord Killmartins cousin as if she fell in love with her?? I just don’t understand where this is going.
@@incognitoincognito7500that made literally no sense what you just said, the show is an adaptation of the bridgerton book series, which is in fact not about wokeness at allll.
1. Pen and Colin didn't get a proper romantic buildup 2. Their wedding breakfast was shut down by the queen unceremoniously 3. Their wedding night was marred by the LW conflict between them. Wish they'd cut all the weird subplots and built everything up to an amazing wedding and honeymoon at the end
Colin just feels like the worst male lead in the show. Maybe this was an attempt at preventing Penelope from being a damsel in distress but you can have a woman that can handle her own while still having help from the person she should be able to depend on most because no one can just handle everything on their own and i am glad for that because it would definitely make a very boring world just like it made this a very boring love story. Colin just felt so useless in part 2. Compared to everything he did not only for her but with her in the book. Actually getting very mad that Pen was putting herself in danger for her column. Announcing to the ton how proud he is of her and telling them she is Whistedown. Why didn't have joint announcement? Have them both reveal it and have him show how dedicated he is to her and how amazed he is. That might have made the Queen forgiving her more believable because there is love attached to it. If you can't depend on your husband to be an ally in life rather than just sitting in the shadows barely noticeable, then what is the point of having a husband. Colin is literally referred to as "my wife" colin Bridgerton. He is obsessed with everything about her in the book. Looks and all. Show Colin is not what i describe my wife Bridgerton, Also, the sex scenes between Colin and Pen. Boring, so boring. I don't understand why the people behind the show were going "steamiest season yet" because the book, again, did it better. Show just felt like they took out the romance and intimacy for sex scenes they had in season 1 and 2. Season 3 just feels like a lot of friends with benefits sex scenes for the sake of having sex scenes but few romantic sex scenes that actually make you want to see more. Like at some point enough and get back to the love story you are failing to develop. I actually also want to point out that scene with Franchesca stuttering over her name when meeting Micheala. Didn't her mom mention how she stuttered over he speech when Edmound and also say not all love is like that and some love is just quiet? So that meant nothing because you're indicating that this is the big dramatic love Frannie is supposed to have. This is just contradictory. Also, that was your was carriage and mirror scene. You spent a few minutes in the carriage and that sex scene didn't come from a huge build up of moments and tension that culminated in a spilling of everything the characters held back, it just felt you confessed now have sex. That's why a lot of the fandom just feels Colin is operating out lust not love. And mirror scene?! You spent less than a minute in front of that mirror, that was not a mirror sex scene. Not a word of Pen feeling insecure about her body and Colin showing her how hot he finds her. Another thing i thought they would be setting up Colin finding his purpose in loving Pen and taking care of her family but he has nothing to do with it. I don't even think he knows about the solicitor. Colin, are you going to do anything? I know i keep comparing it to the book but that is because i wholeheartedly felt the first two seasons were better than their books. This season was the sharpest dip in quality i've ever seen in a show. Maybe i shouldn't listen when people behind the scenes say to look forward to something because it feels like we're seeing two different things. I don't know what went wrong in this season. Maybe it was the change in showrunner who knows but this was definitely the worst which just hurts because i was looking forward to this season the most. All i can say is i hope that future seasons will not be filled with such disappointment.
I think the issue is because they wanted to force this relationship into season 3 when is book 4, if they made more scenes about them getting back to being friends in this season this would be a stronger relationship to show on season 4 and finally having their chemistry 100% but they didn't want to follow the books to the T and that's why this season was bad, because the writers are not so good without something to replicate
Yeah, I think her taking that decision on her own just makes her really selfish. I know the Queen handwaved the whole conflict in one line in the end, but part of the big issue and why they were entertaining Cressida’s blackmail was that Penelope being Whistledown would cause complete social scandal to the bridgerton family as a whole. So her deciding to just out herself and expose the Bridgertons to it without their input when it came across as if they’d rather have paid the money to avoid it doesn’t seem great
I was actually disappointed with the reveal of Michael Stirling. When he was wicked was such an amazing book that had topics that a lot of woman can connect with and now with the queer presentation (not that there is anything wrong with it) , we will miss the key point of the book , infertility. I think if the writers wanted to have a queer storyline , it should have been given to Benedict , as seen in the second half of s3. He is the only Bridgerton that has shown interest and has , as of s3, pursued it. It would have been great if the writers continued to develop Benedict's character in this light. But the class difference between Sophie and Benedict would also be great to see as well.
@@iryna1722 no. The beauty of stories is that you can tell any story from happy to scary to disturbing to sad. Representing a miscarriage is neither unheard of or terrible. And by connect, you know how you connect to a story that shows what you have gone through in life and you feel seen and a greater appreciation for that story. Basically, that is not bad.
My heart sank a little when Michaela was introduced at the last minute. I don't have any problem with LGBT stories, in fact I loved Benedict's little poly/bi moment, and also wouldn't mind Eloise or Cressida being queer. But Francesca's story is not the right one to use for that representation; the book is close to people's hearts because it features fertility issues, and a strong idea of *two* true loves (not platonic vs passion; a dynamic already evident in the show from the first meeting at the end of ep 8) - plus my man Michael is THE fan favourite. They can make this work for sure and it could still be great, but it won't be able to hit some of those emotional beats that made this particular couple amazing in the original material.
@@MeemsyDexactly. Eloise in my opinion already reads strongly as queer. Most people also did not like who she ends up with in the book so few would be upset with any major changes to her story and most expect it. The idea of two loves, the idea and value of neurodivergent romance (s). The fertility issues, these are all storylines that are lessened with the concept of a michaela over a michael. I would have loved a queer eloise story and I hope for a poly/bi story in Benedict's case as well. But I just think the choice of Fran for the queer storyline was a misreading of the story as represented to this point in both the show and the books.
I actually saw the possibility of Benedict being bi after he met the painter from season 1, I just got that feeling. And Im fine with that. I adore Francesca and felt there wasn’t much need for a queer storyline for her, it feels unnecessary. I think the issue is they’re trying to add and include all representation in the world, rather than carefully execute what is already there..
i did not think season 3 could get any worse, but it did. i did not see a single improvement at all ;-; the way lord debling just vanished into thin air, as much as i dislike Cressida, i was rooting for her to have a better ending (maybe with lord debling), what was the point of making us sympathize with her and giving her some depth if it were just to give her the typical bully end. it was so stressful to watch penelope whenever she was on screen, they dragged it out sooooooo much and yet her coming out as LW felt rushed and anti-climatic. not nearly as dramatic as it shouldve been. Benedict's storyline this season still seems like queerbaiting, and the net progress of his story still seems to be nothing, the makers cant seem to stick with anything. As much as i am for all sorts of representation, "Michaela" is unsettling. and fran's stutter just made it painful to watch. because of how undeveloped Colin's character is, it did not feel like a "BRIDGERTON" story, let alone Polin"s season
Yeahh did debling run off to the country or abroad and give up looking for a wife?? Hmm that was very sloppy, and Debling was way more fleshed out than Colin who seemed like a 1d version of himself from season 1 with a sharper jawline. Honestly even Penelope felt way different- always anxious over things that she should’ve been ready for - aka consequences for her actions.. she lost the lighthearted happiness which was there in previous seasons. I found that combined with her wit was what made Penelope compelling.. now I just feel slightly irritated watching her
Gahdamn I also completely forgot about the year(?) long jump they made in the last three minutes of the episode, a CHILD???? It was just…bruh Good for them I guess😭 I honestly would’ve preferred seeing the bridgerton HEIR somewhere in India, giggling about
Don’t know what it was, but whatever they did differently behind the scenes (changed show runners, changed writers etc) They need to change it back!! Season one and two were so much better and I hate the wasted potential of season three. Also as a new subscriber I’m looking forward to your long review, you’re great!
Why must show runners always change so much. Liek why adapt a book if you only keep the names and a couple of storylines ? Just make your own story. Idk this season was weak and made me not care about any character
They are taking well established stories and destroying it with their big egos, thinking they can write better material. The first two seasons and the Queen Charlotte spin-off actually benefited with the woke content because it enhanced their stories. The first two seasons did not deviate that far from the source material. Not this time however, they are getting too ahead of themselves.
George RR Martin said it best. “No matter how major a writer it is, no matter how great the book, there always seems to be someone on hand who thinks he can do better, eager to take the story and "improve" on it. "The book is the book, the film is the film," they will tell you, as if they were saying something profound. Then they make the story their own. They never make it better, though. Nine hundred ninety-nine times out of a thousand, they make it worse.”
I do not understand why so much screen time was given to Lord Debling in the Part 1 when he had no scenes in part 2? It seemed as though Debling and Cressida bonded very well in the hot air balloon episode especially when Debling says he likes to go where his family cannot find him. It would have made sense for Debling to approach her after he rejected Penelope. Honestly, that would have been a better ending for her than being sent with her Aunt to Wales. They gave so much depth to her character in part 1 and then they tried to turn her into a typical villain again in part 2? I feel really really bad for her. There was truly no one to care for her or support her, especially not her own mother. That is a very unfortunate state to be in imo and I dont blame her for trying her best to get away. I was upset she could not escape.
I'm surprised you liked part 2 :) I get that there were all these interesting ideas but nothing worked as a coherent story. Bridgerton is first and foremost meant to be a love story and in season 3, there was, frankly, zero love story. We don't really see Colin fall in love with Penelope in part 1 or them overcoming challenges together as a couple in part 2. In part 1, it was almost as if the writers knew that the audience knew that Colin will end up with Penelope so he ends up with her, but there was no journey to get to that point -- their romance was utterly perfunctory, full of poorly executed tropes, and abrupt. I think the writers' primary interest in this pairing was that it gave them an opportunity to show body positivity sex scenes. Their sex scene should have taken place at a dramatic point in the story, where it could have had a more emotional meaning. In part 2, there was SO much potential with Colin's discovery of Penelope's identity and how they foil Cressida and the Queen's plan to unmask Penelope that it boggles my mind that the writers squandered it all away. Benedict's realising his bisexuality was well done but it would have landed much better if he hadn't been used as a sex-scene filler in the previous seasons. But the decision to cut between his threesome and the Cressida's blackmail plot was the most unhinged editing decision i have seen in a long, long time. Oh and the way Cressida was unceremoniously shoved off at the end was frankly so bad. They could have her marry Lord Debling, who too was unceremoniously shoved off at the end of part 1. That pairing would have been great.
Agree on all points. Colin had some good moments in Part 2, but I feel sorry for the actor because his character development was basically non-existent and he felt like a side character in his own story. Penelope, Eloise and the Featheringtons as a whole were great, but agree that the Whistledown stuff with the Queen was way too quickly resolved - like this was a life/death matter previously. I also think the Whistledown drama being revealed to Colin so late was really damaging to the romance - like I couldn't enjoy any of their lovey moments because this looming secret was there, Colin was angry and they didn't resolve their troubles until the last 10 minutes, it was hard to buy in to it all emotionally. Art direction was off, plot points that were a waste of precious time (Mondrichs, Danbury's brother) or poorly executed/unresolved (Benedict's arc, Cressida, Cressida/Eloise friendship). It was still really entertaining, but just so much wasted potential for a meaningful cohesive story!
Idk y but the colouring of this season gives me kids show vibes so every time there is a sex scene or adult topic being discussed I feel taken aback… like oh yea I forgot is rated 15. I feel like the show tries to be a comedy but also take itself seriously. I think it needs to pick a lane.
Also the cinematography as a whole was very very poor this season, worlds away from previous seasons. It was jarring. Remember the hot air balloon scene?? It was embarrassing. And the costumes were so over the top it was no longer regency to me. Combined with lackluster storytelling, I had no idea what to feel other than disappointed irritation
the coloring, the makeup, the wardrobe even the wigs. It felt more like Disney’s Cinderella starring Brandy and Whitney Houston rather than Bridgerton. It was definitely an artistic choice they made this season and I hate it. The makeup most especially, they destroyed Nicola and the actress who plays Francescas natural beauty with all of that crap on their faces.
@@Khiarika1 a lot of people seemed to like the glowy dewy look of Penelope’s glow up. It looks nice in some shots and misplaced in most.. the glossy lip also seemed very instagram to me. Looking back, I really didn’t hate Pens previous season makeup, just a bit of change to that would’ve been great. And Penelopes current hair is most bothersome
Totally agree with your review. The Lady Whistledown reveal was so underwhelming and frankly unbelievable especially Queen Charlotte’s reaction after the build up. This was Penelope’s season heavily marketed as a POLIN season. Colin was so one dimensional but Pen’s character could not have fully embraced LW or claim her LW power without being Mrs Colin Bridgerton given Regency society, which makes the power underwhelming and not as subversive…
I amso feel like the costuming has just gotten out of control. Like, obviously its a loose translatikn of the tile period. And we all enjoy the flare and colors and textures. But its jumped the shark this season I feel. Its not even remotely believable now and really takes me out of the syoryline.
I thought part 2 just got worse. I fast forwarded through a lot out of boredom. I hate Benedict’s whole storyline. It’s pointless. There’s nothing charming or romantic about a dude sleeping around. I thought Fran’s relationship was the cutest and then they had to go and ruin it. I thought them being truly in love would have been beautiful because love does look different for different people. As for Colin and Penelope- HOW SAD WAS THEIR WEDDING! It should be a happy day but it felt so heavy and awful. Colin was pathetic. He needed to step up. I know they didn’t want Penelope to need saving, but that’s the beauty of marriage. You have someone in your corner even if you don’t need them. It’s nice to have someone defend you. I hated it all. Oh well.
I'm still extremely shocked about all of this, this director is terrible. How do you manage to make it seem as if Colin and Penelope are just another story on the side? It's their season and they had a total of 4 intimate scenes. And what is this "Michaela" nonsense?? Not watching the upcoming season for sure.
@@Draco_7 the show runner Jess is queer and she decided to make Francesca queer just because she felt, she and Frans character are similar “we both are shy…” 💀
@@deeacht9951The queer storylines go deeper than that. Have you noticed that virtually every Netflix show, has a queer storyline? It's because Blackrock owns Netflix and they require their companies to comply with this diversity agenda. They hire showrunners who are actually more activist than writers. I can't help but wonder if not sticking to the books is the real reason for the first showrunners departture. Blackrock also owns Disney. Just look at all the LBGTQ stuff is in Disney's programming as well. Nevermind that it makes zero sense to the plot line. They don't give a damn, nor do they give a damn about the fans. If anything when they lose money, they blame fans. I'm just done!
Yeah, it sucks. Not excited about the next season. I'll only want to see the Kate/Anthony and Colin/Penelope scenes, if any. I don't care for the new showrunner.
It seems the new Showrunner is going to carry on with lots of other subplots besides main couple in season 4 And wait another 2 years for it. It’s a totally different show compared to season 1 &2. Don’t like it.
This whole "love" story between Colin and Penelope was so hard to watch. I cringed so many times. Horrible. Francesca's, Benedict's and Violet's storylines were saving the season. Also, the acting.. Idk, Penelope is literally always on the edge of crying or heavy breathing. The sex scene..nah, had to skip forward. Uncomfortable.
I feel like I missed something! Please can someone explain how Eloise went from “you should just let Cressida have the credit” to “we must stop Cressida from taking credit!” ? I’m so confused lol
Only because after that she had a fight with Cressida and was worried she might say something bad about her family. Just Eloise being self-centered and selfish.
Colin has become 100000% more problematic in part 2. I completely understood him and was rooting for him in Part 1. Part 2 Colin absolutely disgusted me. He behaved like a childish, narcissist.
Worst season . I’m sorry, they ruined Francesca’s story completely , the direction was terrible , no fun scenes at all between the family members , no chemistry between pen and Colin.. I didn’t see it IDK
This season was so bad and messy. I genuinely felt embarrassed. I really liked the idea of getting a well developed Cressida character. I liked that she wasn't so much a villan but a very lonely character who was misguided by her mom's teaching and her situation. The mom apparently always taught her that it's everyone by themselves, especially amongst women. And that explains why she's acted the way she has. And probably being mean was the only way she bonded with other women. And seeing that she wasn't truly bad, just very flawed and lonely sort of made me like her character. I really liked her taking charge of her life, and trying to be independent. And it was just so poorly handled at the end. I literally thought "that's it?" By the end of the season. Colin was worse than paper thin, their whole relationship felt like it just happen out of thin air, and it was such a bland relationship overall. It was unearned, rushed... this season was just a rushed, cheap attempt. The show deserved better. We deserved better. Another show ruined 😪. I don't think it's gonna get better.
ALSO, in the scene were Penelope and Colin are getting married, one of the choir singers KEEP LOOKING STRAIGHT INTO THE CAMERA :D Like what the what :D
The focus of part 2 makes me feel like it is not “Bridgerton S3” but “ Featherington S3”. I dont feel satisfied with part 2 at all. I even prefer part 1.
Colin connecting with Pen over writing makes sense. Colin feeling "envy" over it is weird. You'd think he'd focus on his conflicting relationship with her Whistledown character. Obviously, LW saved him from being conned into a marriage which is good. But she also exposed his sister to ridicule for associating with a lower class man. Something that in the actual regency era would have been way more serious, but actually doesn't seem to hinder Eloise that much. She's still going to balls and being befriended by the social climbing Cressida. Weird. To be clear, regency era gossip columns were a thing. They were usually run by papers rather than indendepent and they could only hint toward naming names like a modern blind item, but they did exist. No one was going after the authors as some terrible evils. They were basically just deuxmoi 200 years ago.
LW wrote "she's apparently been associating unchaperoned with improper company - political radicals, in fact", so there is nothing specific about Theo, although I agree that the consequences should have been much more dire. Eloise still has her place in society, and same goes for Colin there weren't serious on screen reprucassion for anyone except Marina.
@@evelina2619 And for Marina is just shut down her attempts to trick someone into marrying her before the pregnancy was revealed... which was the right thing to do. She still ended up marrying someone who would take care of her and the baby,
those are called dutch angles and i actually think that they’re implemented rather tastefully in this show. they’re meant to emphasize the dynamic moment, a character’s inner emotional distress and turmoil, stress out instability that’s going on in the plot. there are many films where this technique is realized poorly or incorrect, but i feel like bridgerton is not the case.
When Colin and Penelope were doing it for the first time, who else was cringing? I've actually never cringed so hard at a show that my toes curl in pain. Her nervous little flinches and eyes got me writhing in my seat, I had to fully skip it. Maybe it's just me, damn
at last somebody who also thinks this... I was wreathing in shame and cringe, second hand embarassment... the could have done soooo much better with this... not showing anything and just leaving everything to the imagination e.g. or be subtle, it was so 😳
Crappy Season..the premartial sex was strange. Too many subplots that went no where..Benedicts escapades were unnecessary, the pub keepers storyline..useless..franchiscas storyline was boring..Drag drag drag..Season 1 please..
Somehow it seems that.. unless they are going to make Francesca story as central next season (which is highly unlikely).. that they are not planning as of now to do “her season” at all - and her story will be smth like Lady Danbury’s story in Queen Charlotte and Francesca’s S3 - important but still a side story to the man one
The whole speech scena was ridiculous, and those butterflies kinda of "closing" the moment were weird as hell, lol. About Colin, I thought it was really weird his intimate conversation with Cressida, that quickly perceived his envy about Pen's sucess and hability with words. Anyway, it was interesting to see his failure in dismissing the blackmail.
I think the word rushed really summarises the season as a whole quite well. I thought even Benedict's arc felt rushed and undercooked. They could've extracted a lot more drama and existential angst out of his realisation that he's into dudes too. It just felt like it fell into place too quickly and too easily for him, considering Bridgerton's society does seem to be quite period-typically homophobic. He thinks it over for a bit, sure, but he never seems truly troubled by it or worried about it. And maybe you can try and explain that away with his generally uncaring attitude but I didn't buy it. All in all, they just tried to cram too many things at once into a single season and as a result they didn't really have time to properly explore a lot of these potentially interesting plotlines properly. It also felt like there was a lack of scenes where characters were really reflecting on the events of the season with one another. Maybe I'm just misremembering but it felt like the previous seasons had more scenes of the siblings talking about their troubles with one another or sharing their troubles with their friends. And those scenes really helped the pacing. They should've probably cut the Mondrich stuff and moved the stuff with Lady Danbury and her brother (and Violet) into the next season since this one was already so full with Francesca's and Colin's/Penelope's storylines.
Colin, her mom, and Eloise just pushed Pen to the back again when they were trying to solve the Cressida thing and I was really interested to see how Pen would deal with everyone she loves once again making her invisible in her own situation, but then the next scene she just let Colin handle it with Cressida. I was like WTF? Colin really doesn't have a personality. He's always been my least favorite brother. It's all about Pen. Also I can't believe they brought Anthony and Kate back from their second honeymoon only to send them away again to India! I get they were probably filming other things as well, but I would have much rather seen a real storyline with them rather than the Mondriches.
Very bored with this season. I didn’t see the chemistry with Polin. I would have rather seen Francesca as the main focus. I thought the Lady Whistledown story was a mess.
I blame the writers for messing up the Colin character. One minute we are supposed to love him and hate him the next. He doesn't seem to have a clear personality. I can't blame the actor for this. Luke and Nicola do seem to have more chemistry in real life than as Polin.
I think the worst things that tv shows do is let the viewers influence the direction of the plot. It all starts to go wrong when you try so hard to cater to everyone, and it comes off as forced. It happened to so many shows.
Kate and Anthony should have had more screen time- they kept disappearing and i hated that so much -I feel like the reason we didn't see Kate and Anthony wedding was so it didn't overshadow Polin's wedding -The camera shots were distracting the angles kept going back and forth -Cressida shouldn't have been in the story if they were just going to do that- I know she's in the books, but Micheala was a man in the books and the Modrich's don't even exist i heard in the books- so the writers just do as they please
Speaking of little details we notice, the choir boy at the top of the wedding scene staring directly into the camera as it pans over the choir boys into the church. Took me out of the moment.
dude, cressida wasn't mimicking whistledown's writing she completely failed at doing that. it wasn't until her mother stepped in that things seemed somewhat believable. even though her mother decided to play dirty and lie about the bridgertons to "bring them down a peg." but the whole angle of cressida deciding to claim she was whistledown was such an intriguing plot idea that they completely messed up and fell so short with how they handled it. it was disappointing because it had such potential.
I fast-forwarded most of the episodes. I was mostly interested in the Penelope|Colin, a bit in that Cressida girl and a bit in that romance going on for the Bridgerton mother. Apart from that....was it really necessary to give that much screentime to that Mondrich family, another Bridgerton brother with his never-ending threesomes, Francesca? Like ok, maybe the last one is necessary for the future, it was boring just for me, but the rest? At least give them less screen time.
But I also think Queen Charolette secretly (although she would never admit it to anyone openly) LOVES Lady Whistledown & LIVES for the drama she creates among the members of the ton; that's why she really allows Pen to continue with writing LW. I'm really interested to see if now that QC KNOWS who LW really if she is that interested in what Pen writes or not really anymore . . .
I can't be the only one who found it so weird that the show spent so much time making us feel bad for Cressida & showing her motivations only to see her have a horrible ending. Like if that's how her story ends, why not just keep her as a petty villian? I get not everyone can have a happy ending, but also it's Bridgerton so yes they can lol
My theory to why there were so many characters for this season is probably they’re simply too many Bridgerton’s siblings. They’re probably account for Netflix not renewing the contract for all of 7 seasons so they’re starting to tell multiple love stories in 1 season.
I feel like Bridgerton struggles with bringing books to television. On the show, there are far too many side stories that are obstacles to fully developing the main story. I feel like the Polin story was rushed and underdeveloped. I dont understand why. There is a rich tapestry of Polin story to be told. It's like thewriters had no faith in the ability of these two to pull off an epic story. And its truly sad because they could have done it in spades. Things I loved. Can I give a shout out to the actress Nicola. I thought she did a masterful job, and her facial expressions were on point in conveying Penelopes vulnerability. I love love the evolution of the relationship between Penelope and her mother. I wish we saw more of that. I love how the marriage between a Featherington and a Bridgerton was a catalyst for bringing too families together. I felt like Lady Featherington was a misunderstood character, but this season, we saw that the motivation of this character is her love for her daughters. She wants better for her children like everyone else. I think the revealing of Lady Whistledowns identity to everyone was a mistake. I didn't mind Colin, Eloise, and Lady Featherington knowing, but I think everyone else should have been kept in the dark longer. There were times that I wanted Penelope to embrace her lady Whistledown identity and go off on some of these characters, particularly Colin. I love season, but the side story took time away from the main story and that was a huge mistake
Am I the only one who liked part 1 better??? It seemed like Colin cared more about pen in part 1 even though they were friends. I understand he should be angry about lady whistledown but the comment he made about pen entraping him was just so wrong . Like you are the one who brought her to an empty house without a maid. He was not supportive or protective of her at all. They should have had a better ,more serious conversation about lady whistledown. One of the things the book did right was that Colin really was impressed the moment he found out about it. He had his angry moments but it was clear it was because he was worried about her and wanted to protect her. In the show seemed to me like he just wanted to crush that part of her because of jealousy and he kept disrespecting and disregarding her. Which is something you wouldn't do if you truely love someone. When Pen asks him why he is being distant he says he doesn't know . He should have at least gave her a reason. I felt like he was just trying to be controlling and when she said she wouldn't stop her writing just because he says so , he wouldn't accept it. The love confessions didn’t really hit either. They kept saying "I love you " so many times it lost its spark. There were some good distinct love declarations in the book like there was for anthony and they should have used that . Or at least written something better. Overall I felt more love between them in part 1 . Part 2 seemed really flat to me. Even the carriage scene and their first kiss felt much more romantic and intimate than the scenes in part 2. Also I don't like what they did with Eloise. First she comes to her and says stop writing for my brother and also because she is envious of her. Then when her family's reputation is in danger she asks her to write again . And when Colin finds out She is like this has nothing to do with me solve it yourself. Like??? The Eloise we knew from past seasons wouldn't say that. Especially now that they have resolved things about Whistledown. Neither Colin nor Eloise supported Pen when she needed it the most. I feel like none of them deserve her. The other storylines were all over the place. The family scenes we so loved previously were nowhere to be found . Violet was so invested in Francesca even though its Colin's season not hers. Too many sex scenes from Benedict which I had to skip. Cressida's and the Mondrich's storyline went nowhere with all that screentime they had. The lady whistledown reveal was not done properly . The should have excluded Portia from finding out sooner so we would have at least have eloise ,colin,and pen as a trio . And it should have been Colin holding her hand before the reveal . Instead he wasn’t even near her.Like this is their love story not pen's story. Also what the hell are they gonna do now that everyone knows? You can't spill the beans on people if they know who you are and get away with it. Also the point was that Pen was so invisible she could hear everyone' private conversation. Now that everyone knows who she is how the hell is she going to get information. In conclusion when I watched part 1 I felt the flow of storylines was not great but I liked the main couple story and had high hopes for part 2.But the writing really disappointed me. Also they are stepping away from reality a little too much. The bttuerflies and the flower thing an the balloon , the makeup,etc. It is just making it so different from the previous seasons and not in a good way. We still want to see that era with the rules and aesthetic not whatever this is supposed to be. I am all for lgbtq. But if they want one of the main storylines be queer what would be the end of it? They can't still maryy in that period. I suspect they would want to change the rules in society. But it wouldn't be the 1800s anymore!!! If you modernize the rules , the costumes , the looks , what are you left with?And for Francesca's story she has struggles with child loss and infertility.They destroyed half of her story with this move. Imagine Simon was a woman . The second part of season 1 wouldn't exist. The changes the new show runner is making would be the downfall of bridgerton. I myself am no longer interested or excited for new seasons. My expectations are very low right now and I think I even might drop the show.
Yeaaa people sh*t on book Colin a lot, but I think his inferiority complex was so well done there. He's petty and genuinely jealous of his wife for making a name of herself, but also in awe with her talent. Here, he just seems angry at Whistledown for one moment, and just oh cute the next moment.😂 Pen's character also felt more selfish for some reason, the actress really did a great job with the script. Their love declaration felt kinda hollow despite having the longest established relationship. I ended up prefer the side stories and Pen's relationship with her mom and friend more. Also, Cressida was done dirty. I thought the show was going to be more empathetic with her situation as a woman in that oppressed society. Like if you're not gonna commit, just revert her to evil then.
Michaela is making me so mad. My struggles with fertility and loss connected me so much to Francesca's story. I can't believe they are taking rhat away. Please you could have changed the gender of anyone else!
You book nuts are acting like the show somehow removes the existence of the books. If you insist on the pristine existence of whatever you connected with in the books then READ THE BOOKS.
I think the theme will still be explored but through the lens of a lesbian couple that does not have access to adoption or anything and therefore cannot conceive. It's a different angle but they can still explore the theme of maternity, the wish for it, the loss, the pain. Although it is different
@@Sol-fo2zuand you are acting like shows don’t get cancelled when the show runner ignores the fandom and source material. People who invested in this series are allowed to express disappointment over an eraser of a storyline that resonated with them. Go vent at someone else that isn’t expressing their struggles with fertility and show more empathy.
They should have left the lady whistledown a secret within the bridgerton family, but maybe the writers fear feeling pressured to address it in future seasons and wanted to get it over with
I need that hoodie, where did you get it? My best friend loved the Simpsons and he is gone now, and that hoodie is perfect for me and would remind me of him. In fact, it did!
The best thing about this season was everyone, including Penelope, verbalizing that she'd been cruel as lady whistledown, despite whatever her intentions were. Other than that, man this season was a let down.
Am I the only one who was disappointed with Eloise this season? She was such a bad friend to Cressida and it seemed like she ditched her completely when things got rough for Cressida and even Penelope at one point! Eloise was my favourite character in the first two seasons. This one was such a disappointment
I thought of you during that conversation with Violet and Danbury, where it's shot over the shoulder of the other, so there's this blurry, back of the head to one side of the shot ... Like why???
Im very disappointed. Literally any and everything took from Colin and Penelope's story. They told no story . They had sex once and they fought a bunch or ignored each other for 3 or 4 episodes then at the end had a baby. Worst season yet. meanwhile Benedict had a story, Francesca had one and a marriage, Violet, the Queen, Eloise, Cressida all had a story but it wasnt their season. After all the hype of PR promotion we got very little of the main Characters together. Especially since they trended worldwide #Polin and Luke appears in public with his real GF not a day after it released. Which killed it for ALOT of the younger Generations.
Eloise is an awful friend. To both Penelope and Cressida. The way she cast aside Cressida without understanding her desperation at all is just typical righteous El with her sanctimonious bullshit
There was some good side storylines. Cressida, the whole Featherington household, Violet and Danbury's brother were good. I guess Francesca's story was fine too though I lost interest as Part 2 went on. The Mondrich family and all of Benedict's scenes not involving the family needed to be cut and that extra time should have been for Colin and Penelope.
I need to say it. The production and the edit of this season was a disaster in a lot of chapters. It was painful to watch. Jumps of axis of action in scenes. In the mirror moment, Pen have collected hair, then loose hair, then collected hair again… Colin speaks without moving his mouth. And a lot of more problems. I’m so upset with this mistakes. Looks like the work of an amateur students. 😣 The only thing that was good in the season was, for me, the acting of Nicola and Luke, but their work suffers for the bad work of production.
I think I had the kinda similar feeling regarding part 2, it feels better than the first part yet seems like it still has its flaws and its still rushed and the love still is not as epic and good as I thought it would be. in the main video do share your ideas on s4 lead, at this point I’m so exited to know who’s it gonna be
