Colin and Penelope’s Triangular Love Dance: Why We’re Obsessed With Debling’s Role

The Netflix original series “Bridgerton” has proven to be an unstoppable force, with its viewership skyrocketing during the third season. Each installment focuses on a different character from the Bridgerton family as they navigate their romantic entanglements. While Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) were the protagonists in the first two seasons, the spotlight shifts to Colin (Luke Newton) and his close friend Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) in the third. Although Penelope’s feelings for Colin have long been evident, it is only in season three that Colin begins to view Penelope in a fresh perspective.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I found myself deeply engrossed in the third episode of season 3 titled “Forces of Nature.” By this point, Penelope, who had graced society alongside Daphne in the early days of season 1, had made a firm resolution: she was determined to secure a husband. She yearned for more than just being her mother’s caretaker, a fate that she dreaded as a spinster.

Enter Colin, a man who offered his assistance in helping Penelope navigate conversations with potential suitors. However, the ensuing drama of society learning about Colin’s involvement forms the crux of the third episode’s plotline.

Colin’s Eyes Are Finally Open To Penelope In Episode 3

His Open Eyes Coincide With The Emergence Of A Real Suitor

The episode commences with a dream scene reminiscent of a romance novel, challenging any skeptic who doubted the impact of Colin and Penelope’s kiss from the previous episode. Post this dream, Colin becomes noticeably uncomfortable whenever her name is mentioned, and shows signs of disarray around her. This adds to the humor of the season as it portrays the developing relationship between Colin and Penelope, a dynamic straight out of a contemporary romantic comedy, despite their story being set in Regency Era England.

In this captivating episode, I found myself relishing a smorgasbord of heart-fluttering romantic comedy scenes between the charming duo, Penelope and Colin. Their interactions, following their shared kiss, were filled with an understated tension as neither confessed their feelings towards each other. To avoid causing further family distress, they decided to discontinue their lessons on acquiring a spouse.

Adding a delightful twist, Colin couldn’t help but admire Penelope as she savored a slice of cake, and I couldn’t help but notice his lingering gaze. Meanwhile, Penelope struck up an engaging conversation with the new character, Lord Alfred Debling, leaving me curious about how this budding friendship might unfold.

In the episode, Colin seems deeply engrossed in dealing with his emotions, making it evident that he lacks enthusiasm for any celebrations taking place. Despite the Mondriches expressing approval of him assisting Penelope and even referring to him as “gallant,” Colin is preoccupied by the possibility that Penelope may marry someone else. This worry is plainly visible in every scene featuring Colin.

Among the few individuals in our community, I’m one who truly values Penelope for her authentic self – much like Colin and Eloise earlier, except it’s just recently that I’ve come to admire her. We share an unusual bond, as we’re both outcasts in our own ways – me, for championing conservation and abstaining from meat, and her for daring to enlist Colin’s aid to navigate the social whirlwind. Debling senses a potential kindred soul in Penelope, and even in his limited screen time this episode, I can see him as a viable suitor for her.

It’s common knowledge among viewers that Colin and Penelope are destined to be a couple in the show “Bridgerton”, as their love story was emphasized during its announcement. However, this doesn’t negate the fact that Penelope should still receive validation from another suitor. She has often been the target of her family’s jesting, shunned by society, and tormented by Cressida Cowper’s cruelty. It’s crucial for Penelope to be acknowledged and appreciated.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but echo the sentiments expressed by Sam Phillips during his recent promotional interviews. Just as Debling quickly recognizes Penelope, society has long overlooked her true essence. This shared experience of being on the periphery, unseen despite our unique identities, resonates deeply with both characters (as portrayed by Shondaland).

It seems to me he might be mirroring the opinions of those around him about himself, which could be a safer approach, but I’m not entirely convinced he genuinely feels this way about himself. He’s drawn to Penelope because they both reside on society’s outskirts, are nonconformists, possess compassionate hearts, and have quick minds. I believe they’re both often misjudged, making them a compatible pair.

In the last episode, Colin found himself alone with Penelope during their lessons, and after kissing her, he recognized what he had not noticed before – something valuable that he had been missing out on. It’s heartwarming to witness Colin’s growth as he grapples with the idea of potentially losing her. He has always admired Penelope and treasured their relationship, but now his feelings for her are becoming more profound due to this newfound understanding.

This idea is emphasized by his conversation with Violet towards the end of the Bridgerton episode. He seems to ponder over friendship as a basis for relationships, disguising his feelings by discussing Francesca’s search for a partner this season. Violet quickly catches on to Colin’s subtle attempts to seek advice, as her gaze swiftly shifts towards Penelope. Violet is particularly insightful when it comes to the emotions of her offspring, and Ruth Gemmell effectively conveys her support for Colin and Penelope even though Penelope is talking with Debling at the party.

Francesca Is Overwhelmed By Her Sparkler Status

Francesca Seeks The Easiest Path To A Husband

In season 3, it’s not just Colin and Penelope who are dancing around their feelings; there’s another romance brewing, even within episode 3. This time, it’s the turn of Francesca, the most reserved Bridgerton sibling, who finds herself under intense scrutiny following the Queen’s nickname for her. As Hannah Dodd takes on the role of Francesca this season, her portrayal is starkly different from Ruby Stokes’ depiction in seasons 1 and 2, making society events particularly challenging for her, a struggle that becomes evident in this episode.

Inquisitive younger sister Hyacinth, fascinated by society and love, inquires from Francesca about whom she will dance with at the ball, given the numerous suitors she now has. Francesca replies casually, “Maybe I’ll go in alphabetical order,” but there’s a touch of irony in her words since the Bridgerton siblings are named alphabetically. These subtle instances where Francesca expresses her emotions make for engaging reading.

Eventually, Francesca meets a possible suitor, but despite her confidence that Queen Charlotte will choose wisely for her, the viewers might find themselves rooting for Violet. Violet yearns for love for all her children and quickly perceives that Francesca intends to follow the least challenging route in finding a husband by allowing the Queen to arrange one. However, it’s evident that this strategy won’t work as the Marquess whom the Queen pairs with her also possesses a big family and desires eight more children, while Francesca is seeking tranquility.

One noteworthy scene in the episode, beyond the romantic comedy of Colin and Penelope’s relationship, is when Francesca encounters a man on his own in a secluded spot, away from the bustling ballroom crowd. As they share silent glances, seemingly relaxing from the ball’s tension, it becomes evident that this stranger might be a more suitable match for Francesca than any person she has interacted with thus far, even without knowing anything about him.

Lady Danbury Deals With An Unexpected Guest

Marcus Anderson Makes His First Appearance

Queen Charlotte relies heavily on Lady Danbury’s advice. As she ponders who would be suitable for Francesca Bridgerton, she turns to this woman for counsel, since she has declared her the season’s favorite. In theory, finding a wealthy and respectable match seems appropriate, doesn’t it? However, unbeknownst to Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury is preoccupied by the awareness that an unwelcome guest is about to pay her a visit.

As I, a cinema enthusiast, found myself immersed in the episode, I was quite surprised when the mysterious visitor turned out to be none other than my dear sister’s younger brother, Marcus Anderson. Their initial exchange hinted at some playful banter, but it wasn’t until later that this connection was disclosed. Despite the lack of background details about their relationship and the uncertainty about his future role in the series, witnessing Violet Bridgerton and Agatha Danbury react with such different emotions to the same man added an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Eloise And Penelope Take A Small Step Forward

Their Small Step Is Hindered By Cressida Cowper

Eloise and Penelope have been estranged since the conclusion of season 2. Despite Penelope’s efforts to reconcile with Eloise, it’s usually Eloise who pushes Penelope away. However, unexpectedly, it’s Eloise who takes a small but significant step towards mending their relationship in this episode.

At the beginning of the episode, it’s disclosed that Penelope has secluded herself in her room for an entire week, implying she didn’t take part in any social engagements. Meanwhile, Colin has been grappling with fresh emotions towards (and recurring dreams about) her. Eloise pays a visit to the Featherington residence to check up on Penelope and acknowledges that the rumors about Colin assisting Penelope in her search for a husband is largely due to her. This is a significant instance for Eloise, as she’s not often forthcoming about taking blame.

Absolutely, just as Penelope is eager to welcome Eloise into her world and exchange books with her, Eloise promptly brings up to Penelope the discomfort of having one’s life gossiped about by Lady Whistledown. Penelope acknowledges she hurt Eloise in the past, but she also understands her reasons for doing so, making it clear that Eloise may not be fully prepared to reconcile yet, even if she is cautiously moving towards it.

Eloise and Penelope find their plans thwarted by Alfred Debling’s arrival, a situation orchestrated by Cressida Cowper, who is friends with Eloise, as she does not want her parents to choose a husband for her. This dynamic results in some amusing scenes in the episode, but also in tense exchanges that are hard to watch as Penelope and Cressida vie for Debling’s affections, leaving Eloise stuck in an uncomfortable position.

It’s quite amusing that despite putting in considerable effort to draw Debling’s attention and endearing herself more than Cressida does, she seems just as smitten with Colin in the third episode. This means that only he notices when the hot air balloon is heading straight for her, since she’s fixed on Colin and can’t move out of its path because she’s watching him instead.

Benedict Meets Lady Tilley Arnold

A Benedict Subplot Is A Welcome One

While some may contend that there are already numerous plot points unfolding in the initial three episodes of season 3, the introduction of a new love interest for Benedict is by no means undesirable. He encounters Lady Tilley Arnold at the hot air balloon festival, and is taken aback to find her in the tent discussing the mechanics of the balloon. She’s the lone woman in the room, and it’s refreshing to see another female character who challenges societal norms. Eloise and Penelope are the primary characters who effectively defy society, but they do so covertly.

Lady Arnold brings a refreshing vibe to the performance. Unlike Benedict, she’s somewhat older and a widow who has spent numerous years mourning. Unlike other ladies in society, she’s not seeking a husband; instead, she’s drawn to free-spirited individuals and those who propose solutions rather than problems. From her very first speech, she catches both Benedict’s attention and that of the audience.

It’s enjoyable watching the pair run into each other at the closing event of the show. Their banter is quite bold, and you can feel the electricity in the air.

In Bridgerton’s third season, episode 3, Lady Arnold adjusts her dance steps so she takes the lead in the dance with her partner. This move clearly indicates that she will be a determined, independent character.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I’m thrilled by this news because Benedict has always been drawn to diverse romantic entanglements across each season – let’s call them intriguing encounters rather than love interests, as they often veer towards flirtations or brief dalliances. His charm lies in his social connections and the joy of discovering new possibilities. With season 4 promising a deep dive into Benedict’s romantic journey, witnessing these varied companionships unfold will undoubtedly amplify the poignancy of him finding true love in Bridgerton season 4.

2025-05-01 03:20