Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows” Spoilers Ahead
Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 1, “Out of the Shadows,” is a strategically solid beginning to the latest romantic splendor. In fact, unlike its sophomore season, everything about the narrative feels like it holds all the markings of a classic rom-com.
The season starts as it always does, providing necessary new introductions while simultaneously catching us up on what the characters were up to when the social commitments previously ended. The Featheringtons return to Mayfair, as do the Bridgertons, and fresh faces add heightened tensions. While we catch up and reacquaint ourselves, the series ensures that the first episode pristinely sets the tone for what’s ahead.
Penelope Featherington Dazzles in Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows”
If we have to choose one MVP for the entirety of Bridgerton Season 3, it’s without question Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington. We knew she’d stun us, and we knew she’d knock every scene she’s in out of the ballroom, but she somehow surpasses all those expectations. Viewers and critics alike often talk about how Bridgerton masters a central couple’s “glow up,” and it’s not so much about changing them, but it’s about giving them room to shine in ways that match who they are on the inside.
In more ways than one, despite her moniker as Whistledown, Penelope Featherington is sunshine. It’s not so much that yellows and bright colors don’t match her, but it’s how they don’t fit in the Regency era the way they would today. (Because, really, Coughlan could rock any color.) And in true romantic comedy fashion, it’s thrilling to see her get a moment (or multiple) where all eyes are on her. When she’s out of the shadows, indeed, and no longer the wallflower that people aren’t paying attention to, even when that takes a bit of time.
Bridgerton showrunners are always on top of it when it comes to choosing modern songs that match the moment, and GAYLE’S “abcdefu” is perfect for when Penelope stuns at Lady Danbury’s ball. The scene isn’t just her moment to glimmer, but it’s a beat where Whistledown and Penelope can coexist inside her, giving her the confidence to step out on her own. She might still be embracing her role as a wallflower and struggling with holding conversations where there’s no quill to do the talking, but the effort alone is worth commending. And it’s a moment that all women deserve to experience at least once in their lifetimes.
All of this is her prerogative, and how Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows” sets up her path is no small feat, including the detail that Portia is so distracted by Prudence and Philippa that she isn’t even arguing against Penelope’s choices. Further, much of the reason why this also works is because of Lord Debling. (Yes, you read that correctly.) As someone who’d always scoff at any sort of love triangle, Lord Debling provides proof that it was never Penelope’s fault that people weren’t looking at her, but it was the attitude that men had. Ninety percent of the ton’s men aren’t great people and the ones who are—well, they’re taken.
Lord Debling is a good person. He’s kind and observant, and quite frankly, that’s exactly the kind of person someone like Penelope needs. She sees everything and everyone, so she deserves to be seen in a similar matter. Thus, having an arc like this is a great choice to incorporate to show that she’s always been desirable.
And What About the MVP’s Soul Mate?
But alas, Lord Debling isn’t her soul mate. No, he’s off telling—er, bragging—about his travels and winking a little too much at other women. Colin Bridgerton should gravel, and I’m not even a little displeased with Whistledown grilling him in her latest column. She’s right, and she should say it. Yet, before that, Colin and Penelope’s conversation in Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows” proves that despite the façade he wears, he has similar longings deep down.
Colin is always a better version of himself when he’s alone with Penelope. He’s more endearing when he’s honest and sincere without trying to be someone else, so when he admits to missing her, you know for a fact that he’s telling the truth. Colin isn’t trying to impress anyone here—he’s merely trying to get something out that he’s locked up, which is an admirable feat on its own that he isn’t keeping it in further. And what comes next solidifies what an absolute star Nicola Coughlan truly is.
Penelope is stunned by his words, rightfully so, but she isn’t fooled by them, still holding on to the hurtful comments from last season. And this time, she’s being transparent, too. “You miss me, but you’d never court me, is that correct?” She lays it all between them, admitting that she overheard him and declaring that it never occurred to her how he could be so cruel. Thankfully, the next morning, Colin apologizes and notes that he’s proud to call her a friend.
He then says that charm can be taught, marking the funniest line ever in Bridgerton because it can’t. Charm cannot be taught, but one can learn to be confident, and where that confidence sparks into something bigger and a person is truthful to themselves, then the charm comes out. You can’t force it, which is exactly why the beginning of the episode feels so off. Colin isn’t charming at this moment; he’s frankly a bit arrogant and immature, but where he is charming is when he admits that he wants to earn back the favor of the one person who’s always truly made him feel appreciated. When he’s sincere, that’s when Colin is charming. When he’s kind to her, that’s when he’s most adorable. And so their game begins, but at the same time, Colin’s rage stirs the pot when he declares that he’ll never forgive Whistledown.
Viscount and Viscountess Duties Aside
Lord and Lady Bridgerton are still (and deservedly) in their honeymoon phase, which is everything they deserve after the crosses they carried last season. Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows” is an intricately titled episode because it doesn’t just represent Penelope, but it underscores where most of the characters are now.
Much of Kate and Anthony’s earlier days are veiled underneath their inability to stay apart while he’s wrongfully courting Edwina. Today, they’re liberated from the shackles binding them solely to duties and unhappiness. They’re lighter when they dance together, “attempt” to make an heir, and even when they decide to extend their honeymoon because Kate notices that Violet loves being a viscountess. On paper, it doesn’t make much sense, but when you look back at everything they’ve been through, it’s easy to see how much of it they’ve truly earned. But more than that, seeing how adored they are and how easy it is for them to show their love at every turn is precious.
To have moments where we see Kate Bridgerton (nee Sharma) holding onto Violet and Francesca in the background? To see her walk hand in hand with her mother-in-law, then pause to tell her that it’s okay that she hasn’t moved out yet because mothers stay in their homes longer in India? Kate’s family might be absent now, but she isn’t without one. She is loved—cherished, wholeheartedly in a family who sees her worth and clearly adores her beyond measure. She fits in so seamlessly, and they feel complete with her.
She has people who could help carry the weight off her shoulders, and she has a man who thoroughly worships the ground she walks on. A man who’s now so free of all his own demons that he handles everything with far more grace and compassion than he used to. Anthony Bridgerton in Season 1 wouldn’t have just casually given his sister the space she needs to go off and dance with his wife. No, he would’ve questioned. But because he isn’t as broken, he sees people more clearly. He understands them better.
So, it makes sense for them to go off together while things are a bit more settled at home, giving them the time to continue being a couple longer. (I wish we’d seen it, but alas. We’d never be so lucky when it comes to them.)
Francesca Bridgerton Is Our Diamond of the Season
While it’s sad that Ruby Stokes is no longer our Francesca Bridgerton, it’s incredible to admit that from the moment she appears, Hannah Dodd feels like she’s been with us all along. And even though Queen Charlotte doesn’t choose a diamond in Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows,” it’s with complete confidence that we say Francesca Bridgerton is ours.
From the second she gets off the pianoforte after playing Mozart’s “Funeral March” to the moment she tells her mother, “If I can be at ease in the chaos of our home then surely I shall find my way in the season,” it’s clear as day that Dodd understands the character to her core. How she brings Francesca’s quiet mischief to the screen is no small achievement, and it’s incredible to see facets of her already come to life. As the shy one in her family, it’s always comforting to see similar characteristics represented on screen because Francesca isn’t a wallflower, but she doesn’t want to be the center of attention either.
She wants to be left alone in the chaos and join in on the fun when she feels comfortable. And it’s a beautiful thing that we’re going to hopefully have people understand that introverts aren’t standoffish, but they function differently. Further, while Violet’s metaphors don’t always hit the landing (I’m still recovering from the garden spiel in Queen Charlotte), what she says to Francesca about an unexpected harmony works perfectly not just for her future with John but Michael Stirling as well. And part of what works for Francesca is the understanding that she doesn’t need to experience the same thing as her siblings, which is precisely what makes both her matches so unexpected.
Simultaneously, it also hurts to see her look up at that photo and know what her future holds, but hats off in every way for Dodd showing us both Francesca’s kindness and all her reservations with the few words she speaks in this episode.
New Friendships?
I thought I’d load the idea of Eloise befriending Cressida, but if Bridgerton plays their cards right, it could lead to the kind of stunning redemption I always hoped the books would showcase. In Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows,” Cressida talks about friendships she had as a child, and something about that really sticks out. Who were these friends? Did losing them make her cruel? Why is she so determined to wreck Penelope’s life?
And while Eloise isn’t a mean girl, she isn’t meek or shy either. In many ways, she’s perfectly suited to be someone who could get to Cressida because she doesn’t shy away from standing up to her. It’s primarily why their friendship works even while their past doesn’t do anything to explain much. What’s also riveting is to see Eloise teeter between being profoundly angry at Penelope and quietly empathizing with her. As much as this rift sucks, it’s also imperative because we know it’s going to bring the women closer together. Because even while they were close, neither fully understood the other, but this way, that understanding could actualize into something more substantial and even deeper.
Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows” is the kind of episode with plenty to unpack. How it plants the seeds and where we go from here is going to make the season both extremely fun and emotional.
Afternoon Tea and Further Thoughts
- “I should like some proportion.” Gregory remains the most adorable.
- I adore the concept of Eloise reading Emma, mostly because she very clearly doesn’t understand much of that story right now, and it’s going to be interesting to peel back on this.
- Colin’s gifts are kinda meh?
- EVERY SHOT OF KATE MAKES MY HEART SQUEAL. THAT’S MY GIRL. (Or, Anthony’s. Whatever. We could share.)
- Newton running up the stairs of Bridgerton house is everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
- I really need us to find Lord Debling a wife. I’m too invested in this man. He’s also got a really great beard. IYKYK.
- I am begging someone to explain what’s happening with the costumes this season.
- What if I cry every time Francesca shows up on screen because she’s perfect? And Hyacinth, my little angels.
- Violet and Kate, both turning when Lady Bridgerton is called, will forever be a serotonin boost. And their little laughs? I can’t.
- The theme at Lady Danbury’s ball!?!? ACES. No notes.
Now streaming on Netflix: What are your thoughts on Bridgerton 3×01 “Out of the Shadows?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image: ©Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024