How often do you think about your body when you have sex? About your body rolls, about your breasts, about the lightning in the room, about hand placement. Ever since Bridgerton's highly anticipated season 3 dropped, fans of the show were looking forward to witnessing Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's happily-ever-after. There was also a lot of chatter surrounding Penelope Featherington's (played by Nicola Coughlan) lead role in Bridgerton season 3, with the wallflower making her way into the spotlight, conveying her feelings for Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) despite society's interpretation of her.
In season 3 part 2, after declaring his love, Colin (Luke Newton) makes love to Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) for the first time in front of a floor-length mirror. In the scene, Colin undresses Penelope in front of the mirror while sharing loving declarations about her body. The scene is sweet, steamy and revolutionary. While it is empowering, most have sidelined how Colin builds emotional security for her by a simple act of consent.
Nevertheless, this is something Coughlan had to contend with in press tours too. During a recent screening of Bridgerton in Dublin, Coughlan was asked whether she felt "brave" for taking on a role that involves a lot of nudity, likely a reference to the fact she doesn't reflect society's idea of a leading lady. She replied, "You know, it is hard, because I think women with my body type – women with perfect breasts – we don’t get to see ourselves on screen enough, and I’m very proud as a member of the perfect breasts community. I hope you enjoy seeing them."
Consent is sexy. Consent is Important
Toronoto-based writer Karishma Sinha reflected on how rare it is to see a romantic hero not only praising the body of the woman he loved but also praising her intellect, her personality, and how she made him feel. She adds, "The consent part was hot, to be honest, as young viewers need to know that consent is always important and consent is sexy."
Hence, by proclaiming his affection for her mind and heart in front of a mirror, he creates a safe space for Penelope to experiment and thrive. Let us not forget, how after the act, Penelope looks straight into her reflection, almost celebrating her newfound self.
Aishwarya Dabhade, Senior Subeditor, Moneycontrol, contests that all Bridgerton men carry tones of chivalry. "None of Julia Quinn's male characters, whether it's Colin, Anthony, or Simon, ever breached this essential code of respect. Colin Bridgerton, who, during intimate moments with Penelope, always ensured her comfort and consent. He starts by asking if she's okay, continually checking in with her through cues, nods, and verbal reassurances. This approach makes their interactions incredibly wholesome and respectful."
However, for Mumbai-based film journalist Titas Chowdhury, 'Polin's' love story wasn't one of the best love stories of Bridgerton. She agrees that while it is much needed to incorporate consent in popular, most-watched narratives, it was the chemistry between the characters that fell short. "It was great that they showed this relationship between the plus-sized woman and a man, but they could have done so much more with it. It felt like a gimmick, you know, just to make a statement, and then they had no chemistry. They had no nuance. That's what I felt. The other love stories are amazing, even the ones that thrive on the side, Mondrichs, their love story is so beautiful. So, I think if Bridgerton is about love stories, the Polin falls short of it."
Unexplored Envy For Lady Whistledown
The finale of Bridgerton season 3 also sees the end of a particularly iconic era in Bridgerton history - the revelation of Lady Whistledown's identity. Throughout her career, no one knows Penelope is Lady Whistledown, allowing her to write freely. So, when Colin learns Penelope's secret, the stakes are at an all-time high. Until Colin and Penelope decide to come forward with Lady Whistledown's identity, only Eolise and Cressida Cowper know the secret.
However, while Colin openly confronts and is even angry with Penelope for her scathing columns on him and his family, he recognises feeling envy of her success. He struggles to admit it initially but when he finally does, it is sort of a coming-of-age moment, noting that he wants to “soak up even a little bit” of her light.
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Sinha, who has read Quinn's books and is a huge fan of the show, says Colin being envious of Penelope was a huge conflict in the books as well. But in contrast to the book, Colin in the show was much more respectful towards Pen. "I think he is as much human as anyone else, and it made sense that he couldn't get past it immediately after the wedding and needed some time to work on his own feelings. Some self-growth there!"
Dabhade believes Colin's initial envy subtly transforms into admiration and pride. "This evolution in his feelings underscores the essence of a healthy relationship. His ability to celebrate Penelope’s achievements, despite her being more talented and successful, is a modern thought that remains relevant today."
Truly, Colin and Penelope's storyline resonates deeply because it highlights an ongoing struggle: the challenge some men face in accepting and celebrating a partner who outshines them in talent or success. However, we wish Bridgerton makers had not abruptly ended their arc, but explored this bit more, for love doesn't hold envy but to get there takes a whole lot of maturity.
Views expressed by the author are their own
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