Bridgerton 3×02 “How Bright the Moon” Spoilers Ahead
Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 2, “How Bright the Moon,” is the start of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s courting lessons. It’s also the advent of peeling back on the layers that make up the duo while we dig deeper into their friendship and allow more vulnerable sides to surface. The episode gives viewers several fine details to sit with, including many mirror analogies that continue to showcase what’s been in front of them all along.
It’s an intriguing change from prior seasons, where the second episodes often left viewers wanting more. Here, the easiest thing to do is press play on the next part of the story because the satisfaction is even more profound. Written by Sarah L. Thompson and directed by Tricia Brock, “How Bright the Moon” is a gorgeously shot episode with a myriad of unexpected twists and feelings galore.
Bridgerton 3×02 “How Bright the Moon” Is About What’s Most Precious
The episode begins with Queen Charlotte once again deciding to one-up Lady Whistledown, but where it works is in its exploration of showing us that sometimes a diamond is polished to perfection, and that’s how Penelope continues to come to light. It’s why she is, in fact, this very brightness in the moon and why Colin is slowly starting to feel something, even while he galivants in threesomes and whatnots.
Further, what we get in this episode serves to remind viewers of why the two of them would work as a couple, and it’s not because Colin is helping her find a suitor. It’s because they’re finding moments of quiet understanding together, which has often been their appeal since Season 1. It’s riveting that we have Penelope read his work early on because it leads to the vulnerability of seeing how effortlessly his words flow to her.
At the same time, it gives us a moment of hurt/comfort, which, in my book, is always a gorgeous way to allow acts of service to deliver what’s lying deep within. Colin might not be fully aligned with his feelings here, but there’s no denying the detail that he easily loses himself in her eyes. It’s the one thing Luke Newton persists in showing us about the character, which works wonders in a season I was largely hesitant about because they’re so much younger today than they were in Romancing Mister Bridgerton.
But between Penelope’s practicing monologue about his eyes and the bandaging moment, Polin shippers get a massive treat in Bridgerton 3×02 “How Bright the Moon.” Much starts to click and lock into place during these moments, and then the episode throws in the pretend kiss, cementing everything into place.
We also learn a good chunk about both Colin and Penelope when he expresses how much easier it was when they were kids. It becomes apparent at that moment that even though he’s out trying to find himself, Colin is still pretty insecure, making the growth he’ll go through with Penelope much more pleasant. Their friendship and seamless comfort with one another continue to be the elements that shine a brilliant light on Penelope’s preciousness, which might just be my favorite thing about this season. This detail isn’t to say that Colin isn’t equally as important in the relationship, but everything that Nicola Coughlan brings and how the series focuses on the female gaze through her is simply breathtaking. She deserves every bit of this meticulous attention, and it’s the very thing that’s making the season thrilling so far.
Polin’s First Kiss
Penelope and Colin get the best kind of first kiss on Bridgerton so far because there’s something about the whole, it doesn’t have to mean anything, concept. It’s what makes fake dating a riveting trope, but with societal rules, it’s gone in different ways during the show. Anthony essentially catches Daphne and Simon, and in Season 2, the first kiss follows all the angst from “The Choice.” But even when it supposedly doesn’t mean anything, for Colin and Penelope, it’s a moment of revelation, and it’s theirs entirely. No one interrupts them. Nothing interferes with the kiss, not even their own hesitations, because what begins as a plea ends in something real.
Granted, there will be denial, and we all know the angst is about to blow the roof off (or, in this case, the hot air balloon), but it’s such a beautiful moment, and for a character like Penelope, I adore the fact that she gets to shine like this. The way it’s shot, the music, the performances—everything works to create a scene that feels as magical as historical romances are supposed to be. Simultaneously, it makes Bridgerton 3×02 “How Bright the Moon” a fantastic second episode.
Cressida Is … Loyal?
Outside of the romantic relationships, what we see with Cressida in this episode continues to be the most surprising detail in Bridgerton Season 3. Jessica Madsen is doing such an astounding job of bringing small moments of humanity out of her that it’s making the character that much more nuanced. It’s making me care far more than I ever thought I would because she’s no longer just a bully, and there’s something deeper here. There’s something we don’t know. There’s gotta be.
Eloise carelessly tells her what Colin and Penelope are doing, but in a surprising turn of events, she’s not the one who reveals it to every ball attendee. Now, that’s the kind of twist I’m here for. It’s also clear that Cressida is interested in a real friendship, but her behavior remains a mystery. Still, what I thought would be extremely frustrating is actually proving to be one of the more exciting parts of the season because we have more layers now than we did before.
The Sparkling Francesa Bridgerton
Hannah Dodd continues to stun me as Francesca, and everything we see in “How Bright the Moon” cements how perfect she is for the role. It’s incredibly apparent how intimately Dodd understands her character, so much so that there’s tremendous warmth in her desire to belong somewhere and stand out. She does want a husband, but like Penelope in many ways, she wants her freedom, too and knows that marriage could grant that if it’s with the right person. She’s open to things even while she’s reserved, which effectively contrasts Eloise in a way that makes their sisterhood one of my favorite book details coming alive on the show.
Thereby, seeing that Queen Charlotte is simultaneously charmed by her independence and passions makes it even more exhilarating that she’s chosen this year. It doesn’t feel similar to previous decisions because, here, Francesca isn’t trying to impress anyone. Here, it’s all about her gentle vehemence and the things she adores. It’s about her decisions to take charge that even go beyond what Violet wants, which is mischievous to a degree but still wholesome in a lot of ways.
Bridgerton 3×02 “How Bright the Moon” serves the characters excellently and underscores their preciousness through quiet moments where they each get to shine.
Alice and Will and the Marriage Mart
I hate that Alice is initially so nervous about entering society with all the changes their family has gone through, but I adore the detail that, by the end, both she and Will are embracing it. I also love that even though they’re told to be in separate bed chambers, they refuse to abide by it. Benedict Bridgerton is right: the best part of marriage is the fact that they don’t have to try anymore.
They’re past the marriage mart days; they can and deserve to simply thrive in it. They can just be. The marriage mart is for the one thing they’ve already found. They’re already in this. They don’t need to try. And frankly, I adore every minute of it. It’s refreshing to see married couples beyond the wedding and kids. If we don’t get more of Kate and Anthony, it’s at least lovely to get them.
Afternoon Tea and Further Thoughts
- Portia has never been funnier than she is in this episode. I cannot believe Prudence and Philippa haven’t had sex with their husbands yet!?!?!??!?! But also I can!? “Do you think babies simply appear in your womb?” The way I cackled!?! No wonder Pen wants her freedom from all of this.
- I can’t tell if Benedict is drunk in this episode or just done with everything. Either way, he is always a vibe.
- Really just love the fact that Will is a wife man. The wife men are the best men. Let’s go.
- Also adored the disability representation with Lord Remington. What a delight of a human.
- Hannah Dodd is just so perfect as Francesca. I can’t.
- Penelope missing Sunday teas at Bridgerton house hurts my heart. Please get the besties back together. I am begging.
- Hyacinth remains my favorite child. Always.
- “And you are Penelope Featherington. Do not forget that.” Pretty sure this is my favorite thing Colin has ever said. Damn right, she is.
Now streaming on Netflix: What are your thoughts on Bridgerton 3×02 “How Bright the Moon?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2023