'Bridgerton': Why Netflix show revealed Lady Whistledown's identity sooner than the books
Contains spoilers for 'Bridgerton'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The lavish period drama 'Bridgerton' took the world by storm, captivating audiences with its romance, regency setting, and of course, the mysterious gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown.
Unlike the Julia Quinn novels on which the show is based, 'Bridgerton' surprised viewers by revealing Lady Whistledown's true identity in Season 1. This shift left many fans wondering why the show's creators strayed from the source material.
Was it a creative decision to build suspense differently? Or perhaps a way to heighten the stakes for the characters themselves? Delving deeper, let's explore the potential reasons behind this intriguing change and how it impacted the story's trajectory.
How 'Bridgerton' novel revolves around Lady Whistledown?
In the Bridgerton novels, Penelope Featherington's (Nicola Coughlan) secret identity as Lady Whistledown isn't revealed until book four, 'Romancing Mr Bridgerton.' This coincides with the blossoming romance between Penelope and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).
A high point of drama arrives when Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas) offers a hefty reward for anyone who unmasks Lady Whistledown. Penelope, fed up with the charade, decides to publish a final column exposing Cressida Cowper's (Jessica Madsen) (now widowed and remarried as Twombley) attempt to claim the title falsely.
Here's the twist: Colin, on the verge of falling for Penelope, witnesses her dropping off the final Whistledown manuscript. This chance encounter unveils Penelope's secret to him.
While initially upset, Colin's emotions quickly shift. They become engaged, and against his wishes, Penelope publishes her final column. This backfires when Cressida, recognizing Penelope's writing style, attempts to blackmail the newly married couple.
Colin, taking charge, publicly announces Penelope as Lady Whistledown at a grand ball. However, he cleverly spins the narrative, portraying her years of gossip as a witty feat. Using his family's social influence, Colin protects Penelope from societal repercussions, securing her place within the ton.
What is the strategic choice behind Lady Whistledown's early reveal in 'Bridgerton'?
Unlike the novels where Lady Whistledown's identity stays hidden until later, 'Bridgerton' throws viewers a curveball by revealing her in Season 1. This might seem strange, especially compared to shows that hold onto their big secrets. But there are reasons for the change.
Firstly, revealing Lady Whistledown early pays off the audience's investment in the mystery. Since Lady Whistledown is a major draw (voiced by Julie Andrews), the reveal becomes a satisfying reward for viewers who've been hooked all season.
Secondly, when Season 1 was filmed, there was no guarantee of a Season 2. Keeping Lady Whistledown a secret might have left a major plot point unresolved if the show got canceled. By revealing her early, 'Bridgerton' ensures a more complete story for Season 1, even if it wasn't renewed.
Though Penelope, who is Lady Whistledown, is a minor character in Season 1, the early reveal adds intrigue. This twist, even if unexpected, keeps viewers guessing about what comes next and wanting to see more of Penelope's story.
'Bridgerton' is available for streaming on Netflix