What does Penelope Bridgerton mean for current and former wallflowers?
Hurrah! Penelope Bridgerton finally steps 'into the light' with the love of her life, and a surprisingly quick delivery of a baby boy, brimming with hope and joy at the next part of their journey. Cut to the bright light.
The group of writers, young and old, I watched the closing of this season echoed the same reaction, 'Ugh!'
It certainly was not the ending we had hoped for and yet, had anticipated. After all, the series is named 'Bridgerton' and not 'Whistledown' - even though the entire story is told from the perspective of the wielder of the quill. At every turn of the story, impetus has been laid upon the development and navigation of women in the mystical 'Charlottean' times - where women and people of colour were just about finding a foothold in high society in England. It was designed as based partly in reality but never letting go of the fantastic threads of fiction. And right there, was the first crack in the story - the writer's attempt to appease too many masters. A good amount of friction makes for great storytelling, no doubt, especially the speed and tone developed articulately in the series. The need to quell the friction, find an 'ending' is what is just so disappointing. All three seasons have ended with the quelling of friction, through love and passion; yet the third leaves me wanting more, so much more.
Should I simply relent to the banal end of Whistledown and the 'happily ever after' in the afterglow of a husband who dotes on her and a baby boy who inherits his mother's side of the family fortune along with his father's illustrious name? No mention of all the successful women woven into the fantastic fabric of the story, the impeccable modiste? The best friend who only just sought out her freedom in the vales of Scotland? The second chance at true love for a widow? And that's just a start. If one starts poking holes in this season's writing, the only elements to stand their ground would be the fountains and the chandeliers. I'm guessing 'Bridgerton-inspired' decor will be the next big thing in the market. Butterflies, anyone?
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As a wallflower, a person of little or no significance in most rooms I have been in, I feel personally attacked by Penelope's "domestication". I recall being called "domesticated" once by someone trying to pay me a compliment on getting married. The act of 'settling down' instead of soaring after the possibilities, much like Penelope's journey. From being the powerful Whistledown to 'settling down' into domesticated life and spending every moment painting it as the 'ideal life'. That's just real life, its not fantastic or fiction!
From the fantastic fictional Bridgerton to a tactless docudrama in just three episodes.
Yes, there are clearly enough loose ends for another season to sustain the marketing endeavours. However, redemption is a far cry. If I, a wallflower, can see the dreary end playing out here, so will all the other gentle readers. Just a matter of time.