Here’s Why Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown Reveal Wasn’t As Bad As You Think

Summary:

• Bridgerton is a romantic period drama adapted by Netflix and Shondaland from Julia Quinn's series of novels of the same name.
• Although the show follows the structure and premise of the novels, there are some differences.
• Lady Whistledown's identity wasn't revealed until the fourth book in the series, but in the show, she was revealed in the first season finale.
• The decision was controversial among fans, but necessary in terms of storytelling.

One person who definitely got a lot more influence on the characters than she had in the Bridgerton books is Lady Whistledown. While the town gossip and publicist made her comments here and there and kept the readers informed about all the changes in London society, in the TV series she has everyone, including the Queen of England herself, under her thumb.

Perhaps such an important role was a reason to make the big reveal sooner rather than later. Those who didn't read the original books were shocked to see Penelope Featherington behind Julie Andrews' soothing voice, and those who did were confused about the timing.

Originally, Lady Whistledown's identity was not revealed until book number four, which is devoted to the romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington.

But as much as we would have liked to see some extra drama added to the shock that Colin is destined to experience this season anyway, Netflix's decision seems perfect for the structure of the show.

What Happens To Lady Whistledown Paper?

Penelope Featherington being Lady Whistledown began to make a lot of sense once her face was revealed. A wallflower who hid in the corners of the ballrooms, she was always around to hear all the juicy gossip and catch every single scandalous thought that someone might have been trying to keep a secret.

Though some fans were disappointed that Bridgerton did not follow Gossip Girl's footsteps and wait until the very end, it was actually a wise decision that led to the plot's pivotal event. After all, once Penelope was revealed to be Lady Whistledown, viewers knew there was a shadow hanging over her friendship with Eloise.

In order to get the story to where it will be in season 3, and to make sure that Penelope can be perceived by Colin as a true romantic interest and not just his girlfriend or another one of his little sisters, she had to be separated from Eloise. And Lady Whistledown was the only thing powerful enough to break off their friendship.

There are only two big questions left. First, how will Colin take the news that Penelope is the mastermind of London's biggest scandal sheet, which once nearly ruined his own family? And second, what will happen to Lady Whistledown after this season? Viewers will just have to wait and see.

Tune in to Netflix on May 16 to watch the first part of Bridgerton season 3, and catch up with the second part on June 13. Until then, stay tuned for more news and behind-the-scenes updates.