Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 6 Review: ‘Romancing Mister Bridgerton’

Bridgerton 3×06 “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” Spoilers Ahead

Bridgerton Season 3, Episode 6, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton,” follows the show’s pattern of bringing massive angst at the seventy-five percent mark. It’s an emotionally charged episode but undoubtedly mistitled. The book title, I feel, deserves a more romantic episode, and while we get some great moments between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton here, it’s not in the same vein as “Tick Tock” or even “Old Friends.“

Everything blows over here, but at the very least, we know the show is meant to convey a happily ever after. It’ll all be fine. But how fine is a question only the next two episodes can answer, and in more ways than one, given everything we’ve seen in the past, most of what should happen will likely be glossed over. There’s no proper accountability on this show, and there are so few critical conversations that happen. But still, maybe this could be different. (I don’t know the answer while I write this review.)

The One Where Mister Bridgerton Learns the Truth About Lady Whistledown

There are a lot of details from the books that the show changes, but Bridgerton 3×06 “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” keeps the detail that Colin unveils the truth on his own. He follows Penelope to the printer’s shop, where he learns the truth about the woman who’s been tormenting his family. In a lot of ways, this cements some of their synchronicity and understanding of each other. Colin realizes that Pen is off and that she still has something to tell him, so when he sees her leave the room with Eloise, he already knows that there’s a matter to be concerned about. Despite the understandable angst, it’s a good representation of the detail that he is, in fact, looking out for her in every room.

Still, it’s also fascinating how we get a clear juxtaposition of him being unbothered by Cressida’s reveal because he’s so in love with Penelope to the clear pain in his eyes when the truth comes to light. When his source of happiness is also the reason for his past sorrow and frustrations? Oof. It’ll be a doozy. And here’s where I sincerely hope the show doubles down on some of the anger because it’s merited here.

As much as we adore Penelope, she did more damage with her quill than good. She admits as much to Eloise. She knows she was wrong. She’s trying to right her wrongs, but I want the heat and the fire from the confrontation that’ll bring all the reasons centerfold in a way that exhibits maturity and growth from the characters. Plus, we’ve gotten some really sweet and soft moments from Polin, so it’d be exhilarating to see some of the fire when another side is presented.

A Moment of Levity for Polin

Bridgerton 3×06 “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” isn’t all angst. The duo still gets small moments of intimacy, like Colin giving Penelope an engagement ring, a dance, and little glances here and there to keep fans glued to the screen before the end. It’s again in these quiet moments where their friendship has the opportunity to shine, making it much more endearing to see.

Their little dance at the church and the pure joy in their expressions? Adorable with a capital A. I hope creators realize that these quieter moments are always so much sweeter for viewers because they allow us to get to know the couples better. Colin isn’t himself when he isn’t around Penelope, but the Colin we see today fully embraces everything that he is because he has the freedom to be with the woman he adores more than anything. It’s a win all around, and I’ll take it.

Rethinking Everything

Interestingly, this is also the episode in which we essentially see Eloise forgive Penelope and have a moment between the girls that feels like old times again. After realizing how much it’d destroy Colin to learn the truth, Eloise tries to convince Penelope to publish one last column, debunk Cressida, and be done with it. There’s a riveting moment here where Eloise states, “and soon you’ll be a Bridgerton,” that really strikes hard. A moment that’s easy to adore and appreciate.

Again, all of this has a lot to do with how Colin reacts and what Penelope will publish to truly atone for some of the cruel things she’s said. Whistledown isn’t all bad, but Whistledown isn’t innocent either, so much down to this final column. At the same time, it’s interesting that Eloise is rethinking her friendship with Cressida, even when we can clearly see that there’s far more to the ton’s mean girl. She’s hiding plenty, including the fact that she says she is Whistledown to get the reward money because her father is trying to marry her off. So, in truth, I really hope this isn’t the end for them.

Bisexual Benedict in the Future?

The show teeters too much on teasing out bits of character sexualities without following through. Of all the characters, Benedict is the one they do this most with, yet none have been as obvious as what we get in Bridgerton 3×06, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton.”

He’s not only invited to partake in a threesome with another man but he’s clearly intrigued by him right before this happens. However, in true Benedict fashion, he runs away, yet can we hope that the series might potentially confirm that he is, in fact, bisexual before his season? It’s hard to tell, but one can hope, right?

The Queen’s Blessing

It’s time to admit that one of the most frustrating changes made in Bridgerton is that the queen decides who marries and who doesn’t. It’s time to admit that her magic wand is actually a little farfetched and leaves very little room for intriguing stakes. And mostly, watching Violet Bridgerton, who jumps at every opportunity of her kid making a love match, dragging her feet with John and Francesca is just so eh? The fact that Francesca had to ask, not once but twice (maybe even more? I lost count) is annoying because why does the queen’s entertainment matter this much? It’s getting to a point where it makes the story tedious in a way that’s no longer exciting, but instead, it diminishes so much of the fun.

Like, she’s stepping into a new member of the ton’s ball and has to see something extravagant to give her blessing? Golda Rosheuvel’s performances are always incredible to witness, but the character is stagnant at this point. She isn’t providing anything entertaining other than looking great. She isn’t giving us much of what we could use to make the show unique like it was in the first season. As viewers who’ve also read the book, we don’t have much time with John and Francesca, so it’s even more frustrating to see that Violet, of all people, is more concerned about the queen’s reaction than her daughter’s own happiness.

Bridgerton 3×06 “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” is angsty, but it’s lovely still. The gorgeous ball, the stunning music, and all the emotions running through the air make for one of the more entertaining sixth episodes. We finally get answers to why Lady Danbury is at odds with her brother, and it brings an exceptional performance from Adjoa Andoh. And we also see Alice finally get a crowning moment as a member of the ton.

Afternoon Tea and Further Thoughts

• I adore the fact that Colin basically gets a bachelor party, even if it’s to celebrate the end of Will’s club, but I also wish Anthony was there. Still, it’s great that John is.
• We can all agree that Cressida’s red dress is her best one yet, right?
• Portia Featherington might not be a great mother, but Polly Walker remains an incredible performer. It’s always a little hard to tell how sincere she is, but the conversation she has with Penelope actually felt honest for once. She might not have everything she wants, but we can’t deny that she’s always wanted the best for her kids.
• Still don’t ship Violet and Marcus. Don’t think I ever will. Sorry.
• Hyacinth being the most excited about her siblings’ weddings is my favorite thing in the world. How does a little firecracker have so much love in her heart? I cannot. She is the best of them.
• Also, something about Eloise hugging Francesca after the announcement made me so deeply weepy?! [Scene breakdown coming? Maybe? I don’t know. It’s such a small moment but I had a ton of feelings.]
• NOT JOHN MAKING A JOKE ABOUT THE PLAGUE. I hate this show.

Now streaming on Netflix: What are your thoughts on Bridgerton 3×06 “Romancing Mister Bridgerton?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024