Season 3 of Bridgerton offers a refreshing take on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s romance, making significant changes from the original storyline in Julia Quinn’s Romancing Mister Bridgerton.
These alterations not only create a more genuine connection between the characters but also address problematic aspects of the book related to Penelope’s weight, promoting a more body-positive narrative.
A Pivotal First Kiss
In Bridgerton Season 3, Colin and Penelope share their first kiss outside the Featheringtons’ home, a pivotal moment that diverges from the book. This kiss, initiated by a desperate Penelope seeking validation amidst societal pressures, marks a turning point in their relationship.
Unlike the book, where Penelope’s weight loss is highlighted as a factor in Colin’s newfound romantic interest, the show sidesteps this issue entirely. Instead, the series focuses on Penelope’s growth in confidence and self-worth, independent of any physical changes.
Moving Beyond Problematic Tropes
Julia Quinn’s novel describes Penelope as losing around 27 pounds, which is implied to play a role in Colin’s changing perception of her. This emphasis on weight loss as a catalyst for romance is problematic, as it suggests that physical appearance is a key determinant of worthiness and attractiveness.
The book’s cover, featuring a slimmer Penelope, further reinforces this troubling notion. This narrative can be harmful, perpetuating unrealistic body standards and overshadowing the importance of inner qualities in romantic relationships.
Emphasizing Confidence and Self-Worth
By contrast, Bridgerton Season 3 reframes Penelope’s transformation. Her makeover is not about losing weight but about stepping out of her family’s shadow and embracing her individuality.
Her struggles with her family’s overbearing presence and her own self-doubt are what drive her to seek a fresh start, not a change in physical appearance. This shift in focus allows the character to shine based on her intelligence, wit, and resilience, rather than her conformity to societal beauty standards.
Support and Encouragement
In the show, Penelope’s growing confidence stems from her intellectual achievements and the support she receives from Colin. He encourages her to recognize her own worth and capabilities, helping her see herself as more than just a spinster or a background character in her own life.
This portrayal underscores the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth, offering a more empowering message to viewers.
A Meaningful First Kiss
The nature of Colin and Penelope’s first kiss in the series also deviates from the book in a meaningful way. Penelope’s request for a kiss arises from a place of emotional vulnerability, not a need to prove her attractiveness post-weight loss.
This scene is layered with genuine emotion, highlighting Penelope’s fear of never finding love and her deep-seated insecurities. Colin’s response, driven by friendship and a subconscious recognition of his feelings for her, adds depth to their relationship, making their eventual romance more believable and heartfelt.
Subtle Critiques and Inclusive Representation
Furthermore, Bridgerton Season 3 effectively avoids making Penelope’s weight a focal point of her character. The series subtly critiques the ton’s superficial judgments, focusing instead on Penelope’s struggles with societal expectations and her journey towards self-empowerment. This approach not only aligns with modern values of body positivity but also provides a more inclusive representation of beauty and worth.
Bridgerton Season 3 Embracing Body Positivity
Bridgerton Season 3 rectifies a major issue from Romancing Mister Bridgerton by shifting the focus from Penelope’s weight to her character development and inner strength. This change not only offers a more empowering narrative for Penelope but also strengthens her romance with Colin, making it feel more authentic and rooted in genuine connection. By embracing body positivity and prioritizing character growth, the series sets a progressive example for romantic storytelling, ensuring that viewers can appreciate Penelope for who she truly is, inside and out.
