Forces of Nature – As this episode of Bridgerton begins, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) meets Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and says he hasn’t been able to eat or sleep. His entire thoughts are consumed by their kiss and Penelope who says she feels the same. Colin awakes from the dream. Gregory (Will Tilston) tells Benedict (Luke Thompson) how he hurt his arm. Violet (Ruth Gemmell) speaks to Francesca and Eloise about the Queen’s decision. When Colin arrives, Benedict asks him about sleeping late and whether something kept him up. Colin insists he slept peacefully. They talk about Penelope and what Lady Whistledown wrote about it. Queen Charlotte speaks to Agatha about the qualities Miss Francesca’s suitor must have.

They discuss Lord Debling. Queen Charlotte calls him a bore. Agatha (Adjoa Andoh) admits her mind is elsewhere since she received word of an unwanted visitor. Penelope joins Prudence (Bessie Carter), Philipa (Harriet Cains), and Portia as her sisters talk about pregnancy. Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne) interrupts to tell Penelope she has a visitor. Eloise (Claudia Jessie) tells Penelope it’s not nice to have Lady Whistledown write about you. She worries it might be her fault the rumor got out although it was not intentional. Eloise hopes Penelope finds what she’s looking for this season with Colin’s help or otherwise. Later, Colin meets Penelope and apologizes for not coming to see her earlier. Penelope doesn’t think they should continue their lessons and Colin agrees.

Penelope explains why the lessons cannot continue. Colin tells Penelope he wishes very much for her happiness. Penelope thanks him for his kindness. Lady Cowper (Joanna Bobin) tells Cressida (Jessica Madsen) that Lord Debling wants to get married this season and his estate is vast. Lady Cowper warns Cressida her parents will have to find a husband for her if she doesn’t find one this season. Cressida speaks to Lord Debling. Portia tells Penelope to keep a low profile. Eloise tells Colin about her conversation with Penelope. Agatha tells Francesca that Queen Charlotte will introduce her to the highest-ranking lord in due time. Violet reminds her to follow her heart. Francesca thinks the Queen’s choice will be the best suitor for her. Lord Cutbill introduces himself to Francesca. Two men poke fun at Penelope before the Mondrich couple arrives.

They speak to Colin about his pupil. Alice thinks what he was doing was gallant. Benedict speaks to Agatha. She asks him to take her for a turnabout the room. Alfred Debling (Sam Phillips) speaks to Penelope and admits he’s feeling like prey. He does not read Lady Whistledown. Penelope tells Debling what she has written about her. Debling finds her frankness refreshing. Eloise speaks to Cressida about Lord Debling. Eloise reminds her that Deblinb was speaking to Penelope during the party. Cressida isn’t worried about Penelope. Eloise has books on natural history she can lend her. Varley and Portia make the girls drink something that upsets their stomachs. Queen Charlotte enjoys the festival outside. Penelope and the others arrive to see Hawkins’s Balloon. Penelope pulls Colin to the side so they can speak in private.

She tells him that Lord Debling showed her interest last night. Penelope believes Colin’s lessons worked. Colin asks if she feels an attachment to him. Penelope says it’s early, but it’s pleasant to gaze upon. Debling speaks to Eloise and Cressida about balloons. He tells them how he prefers to stay away from his family. Penelope attempts to approach Debling until she sees him with Cressida and Eloise. He calls her over anyway. Cressida manages to score some points with Debling by mentioning the great auk and how they mate for life. Penelope quickly says she likes birds. Colin is belittled for becoming a marriage whisperer. Will tells Alice he’s been invited to a hunt. She asks if they have to attend tonight’s ball. Benedict joins a group as they listen to Hawkins speak about the balloon. A woman says she came there to hear something differently.

She asks Benedict if he had another comment. Francesca speaks to Queen Charlotte who wants her to meet Lord Samadani. He’s a marquess. Eloise continues listening to Cressida talk to Debling about being outdoors. Penelope tries to outdo her. Colin speaks to the two men about Debling and whether he’s an odd fellow. The balloon is blown around. Colin doubts that’s normal. Harry pulls Prudence to the side so he can kiss her. When someone notices, Prudence pulls him to the ground. The rope is released causing the balloon to free itself. Colin rushes forward, grabs the rope, and yells for help. Debling jumps on top of Penelope to protect her. Hawkins rushes out, jumps into the balloon, and yells for them to let it go. Some of the girls are impressed with Colin’s bravery.

Cressida fakes an injury to get Debling’s attention. Later, people gather for The Innovations Ball. Once they arrive, Colin tells Eloise he is not upset with her. A man gives Violet her glove back. Portia tells Penelope it’s good that the topic of conversation has changed. Lady Cowper urges her daughter to secure a dance with Lord Debling. Cressida insists she’s trying. Lady Cowper says her father has reduced their allowance by half. Women talks to Colin about his bravery. Penelope overhears Cressida thanking Debling for saving her during her time of need. They talk about dancing. Lord Samadani (David Mumeni) speaks to Francesca about their large families. He admits he’d like to have eight children. Francesca excuses herself and walks away. Marcus speaks to Violent. Agatha interrupts and reveals that Marcus Anderson is her brother.

Francesca is joined by a man outside before she excuses herself again. Benedict runs into a woman from earlier so he can receive a proper introduction. Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) introduces herself and admits she was married before. Her husband passed away. Tilley makes it clear she’s in no hurry to find another husband. Benedict dances with her. Lord Garret (Jonathan Livingstone) approaches Will to tell him he can’t keep running the bar if he is going to be a member of society. Colin speaks about courage while Penelope watches from nearby. Penelope approaches Debling to say she hasn’t been honest with him. She tells him who she is. Debling jokingly asks how many Penelopes there are. He admits he doesn’t want to court someone just like himself. He wants to be someone who knows who they are and embraces their own peculiarity.

Eloise joins Cressida who is watching Penelope and Debling. Colin asks Violet what she hopes Francesca finds as she looks for suitable matches. Violet wants her to have passion, excitement, and a love that is thrilling. That’s exactly what she wanted for herself. Violet believes friendship is a good foundation. Colin asks how she knew her feelings for his father were reciprocated. She says he had the courage to ask. Colin approaches Penelope because there’s a question he wants to ask her. Before he can, Debling interrupts to ask Penelope for a dance. Portia learns that Philipa is sick so she might be pregnant. Penelope dances with Debling while Colin watches.

 

Bridgerton Review

The third episode of Bridgerton’s third series was okay, but the story drags at a snail’s pace. Truthfully, everything about Bridgerton is bloated starting with the casting and going down to the story. Some of the storylines aren’t nearly as effective as they could be and others are just filler.

Each episode adds more and more to the point that it’s becoming exhausting. At this point, viewers are likely most interested in Colin and Penelope. We know where it’s going and how it’s going to end. The detours to reach the finish line are grating to say the least. The performances are strong enough, but some of the accents are not great.

In general, the series has been okay. It feels like Colin and Penelope are the only couple that matters and we’re only getting that sporadically. That’s how the series can drag out for eight episodes when it’s not necessary. Call this a guilty pleasure with some moments that shine brighter than most though.

The episode scores a 5.5 out of 10. Recaps of Bridgerton can be found on Reel Mockery here. Find out how to support our independent site at this link. Learn more about advertising with us here. Discuss Bridgerton and other shows at the Reel Mockery Forum.