Here’s Why Bridgerton’s Mean Girl Is Nothing But a Victim Herself

Summary:

• Although Netflix ’s Bridgerton paints the most romanticized and glamourized picture of regency England, there still are a few antagonists involved.
• The Cowper family, especially the daughter Miss Cressida Cowper, is Bridgerton’s own mean girl, who terrorized protagonists for two seasons straigh.
• However, back in season 1, she had her own tragic arc that went almost unnoticed.

Those who watch Bridgerton know not to expect historical accuracy. Based on Julia Quinn's novel series of the same name, the show is all about lavish balls, instrumental covers of today's hits, and, of course, the struggles of young romance.

With 8 siblings in the Bridgerton family, each season explores a popular trope straight from the romance novel. Having already gone through fake dating and enemies to lovers, the show is about to move into its third season under the flag of the friends to lovers trope.

Focusing on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, the series will finally deal with their unwanted feelings. It won't be easy, though, as Penelope's biggest bully, Cressida Cowper, will still be around to taunt her. However, fans believe that this will also be the perfect season to explore her character further.

Why Isn’t Cressida Cowper Married?

Like every other girl in the Regency society in which Bridgerton exists, Cressida Cowper is expected to marry a nobleman of her own status. Though seemingly beautiful, she shows constant hostility to her fellow ladies, focusing especially on an outcast who seems to be favored by the Bridgertons, Penelope Featherington.

Although we don't really know much about Cowpers, it's not hard to do the math. The upcoming third season will also be Cressida's third season on a marriage market, indicating a lack of suitor interest in her.

Perhaps this is due to her hostile nature. However, judging by the way the gentlemen talked about women in season 2, they wouldn't be too bothered by her character as long as she was beautiful, well-educated, and wealthy enough to make a match. All of which leads one to believe that her failure in season 1 is what really hurt her chances the most.

The London ton of the time judged others not only by their own impressions, but also by rumor. Cressida's potential match with Prince Frederick in season 1 immediately elevated her, but the moment he showed a lack of interest, everyone else came to the conclusion that there must be something wrong with her.

Daphne Bridgerton, who knows better than anyone that a woman's worth in the society around her is measured heavily by her attractiveness to men and the husband she manages to find, went out to take the opportunity away from Cressida, only to later leave the prince. This was probably unintentional, but she became a big part of the reason for Cressida's bad reputation.

While nothing can excuse all the bullying and nasty behavior that Cressida displays, the source of her bitterness is very understandable. To see if she'll get a redemption arc or go full Bridgerton villain in season 3, be sure to tune into the show on May 16 on Netflix.