The Ultimate Payoff: Bridgerton Season 3's Epic Redemption for its Biggest Villain

Summary

Bridgerton season 3 has the potential to introduce its biggest villain yet if it remains faithful to the books.

In the series, Cressida Cowper is depicted as an unpleasant character. However, she turns into a significant antagonist in the books as she resorts to blackmailing Penelope, who is known as the gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. The act of blackmail by Cressida could result in serious repercussions, including the possibility of Penelope exposing her true identity and consequently facing potential ostracism from the Bridgerton community in season 3.

Netflix's Bridgerton season 3 has the potential to introduce its most formidable villain yet if it stays true to the books. Adapted from Julia Quinn's book series, the show follows the romantic endeavors of the Bridgerton family, with each season delving into the love story of a different Bridgerton sibling. While the first two seasons adhered to the book order, the upcoming season will diverge from the third book to focus on the captivating characters of Colin and Penelope. Despite their heartfelt romance, a significant development threatens to strain their relationship.

In both the novels and the Netflix adaptation, Penelope's secret identity as the notorious gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown, is unveiled. Although a select few are privy to this information, Penelope has successfully managed to keep her double life hidden from the public eye. However, in the books, the revelation of Penelope's true identity as Lady Whistledown becomes perilously close to being exposed due to an influential antagonist. If the show follows suit, Netflix's Bridgerton season 3 may finally deliver on a long-awaited villainous storyline that has been building up over the course of three seasons.

Cressida Will Become A Much Bigger Villain In Bridgerton Season 3 (Based On The Book)

Cressida Cowper portrays a rude character in the Bridgerton series. However, in the original Bridgerton books, her schemes reach new heights. In the book "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton," which revolves around Colin and Penelope’s love story, Penelope tries to keep her secret identity hidden as the ton obsesses over discovering Lady Whistledown. While no one initially suspects Penelope, Cressida manages to uncover the truth and blackmails her, demanding a large sum of money. This despicable act pushes Penelope and Colin to their limits as they determine how to handle Cressida’s threat.

Although "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" is the fourth book in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, it is set to inspire the storyline for season 3 of "Bridgerton" on Netflix. This suggests that the Cressida storyline could potentially unfold next season. So far in the Netflix series, Cressida Cowper has been portrayed as an unpleasant and scheming individual. However, her blackmail plotline in the Bridgerton books elevates her character to a more sinister level. If Netflix's "Bridgerton" remains true to the original book's plot and incorporates this significant Lady Whistledown storyline into the show, Jessica Madsen's portrayal of Cressida could transform her into a prominent villain for season 3.

How Cressida's Blackmail Of Penelope Will Impact Bridgerton

If Netflix's Bridgerton stays true to Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Cressida's blackmail of Penelope will have significant consequences going forward. Penelope is forced to expose herself as Lady Whistledown due to Cressida's blackmail threat, risking being ostracized by her community, friends, and family. The outcome of this decision and its impact on Penelope's life and the Bridgerton family depends on how the ton reacts to the revelation. However, because of changes made in previous books during the ending of Bridgerton season 2, more people are aware of Penelope's pseudonym. Therefore, it is impossible to predict how Bridgerton will handle the reveal of Lady Whistledown until season 3.