Penelope’s storyline in Bridgerton Season 3 made some slight deviations from the book, but fans can’t help but agree the finale gave the character her spotlight moment.
The culmination of years of Penelope hiding her secret as Mayfair’s Lady Whistledown is finally revealed to the Ton during the Bridgerton Season 3 finale. The once-shy wallflower comes out from the shadows to tell everyone the truth.
It was a long time coming, especially with Cressida Cowper sticking her foot where it didn’t belong. With the Queen’s persistence, Penelope revealed herself during her sisters’ ball.
She tells everyone she began writing as Lady Whistledown because it gave her purpose as someone who was never seen. Penelope says that her gossip was due to captivation and awe that people live their lives openly.
In the end, the Queen allows Penelope to continue her work as Lady Whistledown, but that’s not what happens in the book.
Instead of Penelope, it’s Colin who makes the brave decision to reveal the truth to their families and the Ton. He does so to protect Penelope from the Queen and to stop Cressida’s lies.
By all accounts, it’s a loving moment from a husband wanting to protect his wife and make people realize just how talented Penelope is. But fans were more than happy with how Season 3 changed the storyline.
ppl wished that colin should've done his speech defending penelope to the ton like he did in the book, but pen standing up for HERSELF on HER OWN is so much better for meso empowering to watch and it perfectly aligns to penelope asking colin to support her, NOT do things for me pic.twitter.com/PTnQO1BP8L
— rumi | may post part 2 SPOILERS (@cieduoti) June 13, 2024
Many viewers questioned the decision to change the book scene, with one fan saying, “I’ve seen people question why wasn’t Colin the one to announce who LW was. As a fan of the book myself, I asked myself the same question but then rewatched it again (and again x3) I’ve come to a conclusion.
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“This scene is FOR Penelope’s character development. All she’s ever wanted was to feel confident, to find that bravery (Colin praises soon after) she’s been seeking since BEFORE LW. This is what LW was all about, FINDING her voice and her USING it.”
“Even though Colin didn’t SHOUT at the seven sees how proud he IS of Penelope, it does not matter because that’s not what Penelope wanted. By Colin being at her side while she’s brave enough to ‘come off the wall’ and be who she wants IS ENOUGH FOR PENELOPE!!”
There’s no denying that while Bridgerton Season 3 was a friend-to-lovers story, it was also Penelope’s big moment.
Fans watched for years as she wore clothes she hated, had one friend, was labeled a spinster with no prospects, and had a one-sided love with Colin.
Now, she’s revered as a great writer, married to the love of her life, the Ton now sees hers, and she has two loving families. Penelope won.
Bridgerton Season 3 is available on Netflix. You can read more about how Season 3 changed Francesca’s storyline, if Francesca is asexual, the Bridgerton filming locations, and new TV series to stream this month.