Content warning: This article contains mentions of suicide.
Warning! SPOILERS about the Bridgerton books ahead.
Summary
Bridgerton season 3 could be the most explosive outing yet, as it uncovers the person behind Lady Whistledown and features admissions of guilt from two characters.
The ton will be abuzz with scandal in season 3, especially after the revelations from the
Bridgerton
In the season 2 finale, Marina's dissatisfaction could potentially trigger a relapse into her previous depression and even put her at risk of contemplating suicide in season 3. Additionally, Cressida's declaration as Lady Whistledown causes strife between her and Penelope.
The upcoming season of Bridgerton promises to be the most explosive yet, as it draws inspiration from the eventful plot of the next book in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. This installment delves into the mystery behind Lady Whistledown's true identity, revealing shocking admissions of guilt from two characters, with only one of them turning out to be true. With its thrilling developments, Romancing Mister Bridgerton disrupts the societal order of the ton, setting the stage for an exciting and scandalous season 3. Building upon the reveals of season 2, which included Lord Featherington's deceptive actions and the scandals faced by the Bridgerton family, the upcoming season promises to ignite incendiary affairs and provide ample fodder for gossip among the ton. Eloise's discovery of Penelope's connection to Lady Whistledown and Benedict's confrontation with the truth about his academy admission further complicate matters, ensuring that the reputation and turmoil of the Bridgerton family will take center stage in season 3.
10 Penelope Being Revealed as Lady Whistledown
9 Benedict's Stay Away From London & The Ton
The revelation of Penelope’s true identity as Lady Whistledown is a pivotal moment in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Initially, Penelope feels her privacy invaded as an investigation begins to uncover the writer behind the scandalous pamphlet. However, her perspective shifts when her nemesis falsely claims authorship, robbing Penelope of what she considers to be her greatest achievement. In a turning point, Penelope confides in Colin, who publicly declares her as his wife and the real Lady Whistledown during Anthony and Kate's grand ball. This unexpected revelation is sure to spark considerable gossip among the ton, as no one would ever suspect Penelope as the mastermind behind the notorious pen name.
In the finale of Bridgerton season 2, Benedict bids farewell to the academy and closes his studio, leaving behind his artistic pursuits. His departure from London mirrors the events in the third book of the Bridgerton series, An Offer From a Gentleman. Throughout the third novel, Benedict spends most of his time at his countryside residence, both prior to meeting Sophie and after their marriage. Benedict's decision to leave London in Bridgerton season 3 is likely driven by his quest for self-discovery, ultimately leading to personal growth. Although the high society may not view Benedict's withdrawal favorably, the Bridgerton books reveal how his time in the countryside nurtures and allows his artistic talent to thrive.
8 Marina Crane's Unhappiness Leading To Her Killing Herself
Marina's portrayal in Bridgerton season 2 demonstrates how she has taken a pragmatic approach to life following the tragic events of season 1. Colin's visit to her mansion prompts him to reconsider everything that transpired between them, however, Marina's unease during their encounter is evident. She clearly does not want Colin's sympathy, even though she claims contentment, it is apparent that she is not truly happy. The fifth book in the Bridgerton series, "To Sir Phillip, With Love," portrays Marina's ongoing struggle with her depression despite her best efforts.
It remains uncertain whether Netflix's adaptation of Bridgerton will exactly mirror the narrative presented in the books, but glimpses of Marina's sorrow are already present. As Marina's character meets a tragic end through suicide in the Bridgerton novels, it is possible that her depression may resurface in season 3 of the TV series. Considering the upcoming focus on Colin and Penelope in the next chapter, it is feasible that the show may follow her character development as depicted in the books. Should Marina meet her demise in Bridgerton season 3, it will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the ton.
7 Cressida Cowper Unmasked As Not Being Lady Whistledown
In the Bridgerton books, Cressida Cowper appears under a different name and serves as Penelope's rival in the show. In Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Cressida claims to be Lady Whistledown, setting the stage for a confrontation between Cressida and Penelope in the upcoming third season of Bridgerton. Throughout the book, Cressida takes credit for Penelope's work, leading to a pivotal moment when a final pamphlet from Lady Whistledown reveals that Penelope is the true author.
This storyline is expected to play out in Bridgerton season 3, causing tension between Colin and Penelope and compelling Penelope to publicly acknowledge her role as Lady Whistledown. The admissions of both Cressida and Penelope will generate excitement among the ton, providing ample fodder for discussion in the latest episodes of Bridgerton.
6 Lord Featherington's Mine Scheme's Consequences Will Hit The Ton
Bridgerton season 2’s climax marks the culmination of Portia Featherington’s intricate plot, shifting the entire blame onto Lord Jack Featherington and effectively banishing him from both England and high society. However, Portia assertively claims her right to retain the majority of the ill-gotten gains, even if it means tarnishing her family's name as Jack's final victim. Colin may have exposed Lord Featherington’s scheme to his fellow gentlemen, but as Portia clarifies to Jack, the ton's wealth will not be returned. The repercussions of their duplicitous actions and the subsequent dissatisfaction of those they deceived will undoubtedly be explored in Bridgerton season 3, even as Jack surreptitiously departs from London.
5 Queen Charlotte's Death (If Queen Charlotte & History's Timeline Is Followed)
Queen Charlotte's portrayal in both Queen Charlotte and Bridgerton timelines suggests that she appears much younger than she would have been in 1817, the year of Princess Charlotte of Wales' death. In actual history, Queen Charlotte passed away in 1818, a mere year after the princess. This raises the possibility of Queen Charlotte's demise in Bridgerton season 3. While the alteration of King George and Queen Charlotte's coronation date, along with their ages, in the show may suggest a longer life for the queen, adhering to the historical timeline could result in her death, which would certainly have a significant impact on the ton.
4 Eloise & Penelope's Row Will Upset The Ton's Balance
3 Colin & Penelope's Engagement
Eloise's quest for love in the Bridgerton novels begins with the realization that she and Penelope will no longer navigate the single life together. However, their tale takes a different turn in the finale of Bridgerton season 2 when Eloise distances herself from Penelope upon discovering her secret identity as Lady Whistledown. Despite never truly being adored by society's elite in either the show or the books, Eloise and Penelope were always inseparable. The fallout from their rift is sure to captivate the ton, igniting a wave of speculation and gossip surrounding the reasons behind their estrangement.
In Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Colin is the only one who truly sees Penelope while everyone else disregards her. Despite Colin's proposal to Penelope, Portia remains unconvinced that he actually intends to marry her. The ton holds a similar perspective in the book. Taking into account the remarks made by the gentlemen regarding Penelope and Colin's dance during the season 2 finale of Bridgerton, it is highly probable that their engagement will come as a shock to the ton in season 3.
2 The Bridgertons' Reputation Still Must Recover From Eloise Joining Radicals
Eloise's involvement in the storyline is not extensively explored until To Sir Phillip, With Love, but the portrayal in Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 allows her to have a more prominent role. In the books, Eloise never befriends political radicals, but in Bridgerton season 2, this event sparks a scandal. As the focus shifts towards Anthony and Kate's happiness in the season finale, it remains uncertain how the ton perceives Eloise. However, in Bridgerton season 3, the continuation of this storyline will likely result in the ton's disapproval of Eloise's newfound companions outside the aristocratic circle.
1 The Publication Of Colin's Journal In A Book
While Bridgerton season 2 briefly touches on Colin's search for purpose, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton delves deeper into his longing for meaning. The novel sheds light on his envy of Penelope, who has found fulfillment in her own endeavors, while he remains unsure of his own path. As his travel journals are eventually published with Penelope's guidance and editing, Bridgerton season 3 is poised to astonish society with Colin's hidden talent as a writer.