'Bridgerton' Season 3: 7 massive flaws in the Netflix series that fans simply ignore
Contains spoilers for 'Bridgerton'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Bridgerton', the Shondaland juggernaut, continues to reign supreme on Netflix. Its blend of romance, opulent settings, and witty dialogue has captivated audiences worldwide. But beneath the dazzling tiaras and gossip-fueled society lies a show with a confusing identity.
While 'Bridgerton' delivers undeniable entertainment value, the steamy romances, the vibrant Regency backdrop, and the endearing family drama cracks begin to show when we delve deeper. Fans, captivated by the show's charm, often overlook some glaring flaws.
Let's take a look at seven of Bridgerton's most noticeable flaws which fans choose to ignore, and see Bridgerton through a more critical lens.
Francesca's story is much more than shown in 'Bridgerton' Season 3
Francesca Bridgerton's arrival in Season 3 excites fans, but the show diverges significantly from the novels. While Queen Charlotte enthusiastically sets her up with suitors, book readers know Francesca's heart belongs to John Stirling.
Their marriage, however, is a future detail the show glosses over. In the books, Francesca is already widowed by the time readers meet her in book four.
This significant departure from the source material highlights the show's willingness to adapt the story for television. Book fans eager to see Francesca's courtship with John will be left disappointed, as the novels delve straight into her journey as a widow.
Those curious about Francesca's true love story will have to wait until book six, 'When He Was Wicked,' which chronicles her search for love after John's passing.
When passion clouds the lack of 'sex ed' in 'Bridgerton'
'Bridgerton', while known for its steamy romances, can sometimes blur the line between passionate love and unhealthy obsession. Take Daphne and Simon, for example. Their undeniable chemistry is often presented as the pinnacle of their relationship.
This focus on physical attraction overshadows other aspects of love, like communication and respect. Daphne's lack of sexual education leads her to rely solely on Simon's guidance, creating an unequal dynamic.
This trope of passion equals love isn't new. It's reminiscent of toxic romances like 'Fifty Shades of Grey' where unhealthy behavior is romanticized.
'Bridgerton', however, can be forgiven for its occasional missteps, considering its emphasis on a variety of relationships. But it's important to acknowledge the potential downsides of portraying all-consuming passion as the sole indicator of true love.
The LGBTQ+ promises fall flat in 'Bridgerton'
'Bridgerton' makes tentative steps towards LGBTQ+ inclusion with characters like Benedict and hints at same-sex relationships in Season 1. However, these elements feel more like window dressing than genuine representation.
Benedict's exploration of artistry in Season 1 sparked hopes of a leading gay character, but this plot thread fizzled out. Instead, we get fleeting scenes featuring minor characters.
Even intimacy is a double standard. The show depicts passionate heterosexual encounters in detail, while a potential same-sex scene is reduced to a closed door.
Double standards in love due to gender
The show's ton operates by a rigid social code. While the show presents a color-blind utopia (the great experiment), it perpetuates double standards in relationships.
Men like Simon and Anthony enjoy the freedom to be rakes before settling down. Colin even tries to emulate this behavior. However, women like Daphne face pressure to choose a husband quickly. Her mother scoffs at multiple suitors, pushing Daphne towards a single, serious commitment.
This hypocrisy is further highlighted by Anthony himself. He dictates Daphne's love life while simultaneously encouraging Colin's visits to brothels. 'Bridgerton' creates a world of beautiful escapism but fails to address the gender inequalities that lie beneath the surface.
The Featherington's struggle in 'Bridgerton' is show-tailored
Season 3 throws the Featheringtons into financial turmoil, with Lady Featherington desperately seeking wealthy husbands for her daughters. But book readers might be surprised by this plot twist.
In Julia Quinn's novels, the Featherington'
s are relatively well-off. Lord Featherington (absent from the show) is still alive, and the family boasts a fourth daughter, Felicity. Financial woes are simply not part of their narrative.
The show invents the Featheringtons' money troubles, likely to add dramatic tension and highlight their social-climbing ambitions. This fabricated struggle serves as a backdrop for Lady Featherington's schemes and adds another layer of desperation to their quest for advantageous marriages.
The gossip queen of 'Bridgerton' Lady Whistledown's book vs show portrayal
The show's sharp-tongued Lady Whistledown keeps viewers guessing, but book fans might experience whiplash. Penelope Featherington, the seemingly innocent wallflower, embodies a stark contrast to her scathing alter ego. This disconnect is even more evident when compared to the novels.
In Julia Quinn's 'Bridgerton' series, Lady Whistledown isn't as ruthless. While the show's Lady Whistledown throws shade indiscriminately, her book counterpart targets those who deserve it. Penelope uses her platform to champion the ostracized and hold the powerful accountable.
Season 3 attempts a softer approach, with Lady Whistledown praising debutantes. But it falls short of the nuanced portrayal in the books. This discrepancy creates a deeper conflict for Penelope in the show. Unlike the book's strategic gossip queen, Penelope seems trapped in a persona she can't quite control.
The race issue in 'Bridgerton'
The cast in 'Bridgerton' initially feels refreshing, a world where race seems irrelevant. However, this facade crumbles in a single conversation with Lady Danbury. In a show teeming with hour-long episodes, the topic of race is relegated to a mere two minutes of exposition.
Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) claims Black people were only recently accepted into society. If true, wouldn't their experiences be vastly different from the seemingly integrated world presented?
Instead of exploring this tension or acknowledging racial integration's complexities, Bridgerton chooses to silence the conversation altogether. This avoidance leaves a glaring hole in the show's narrative, raising questions about its commitment to racial representation.
'Bridgerton' is available for streaming on Netflix