Skipping Benedict's Story Was the Only Right Way for Bridgerton Season 3

Summary

• Bridgerton is based on a series of novels
• So far the show has followed the timeline of the books, but that's about to change
• Colin and Penelope's romance has moved up to Season 3
• This is the right choice considering the events of the series so far.

As most fans are aware, Bridgerton was adapted from a series of novels by romance author Julia Quinn. If you're like me, you love Benedict's story from An Offer From A Gentleman. If the Netflix show had been going in order, the romance of Benedict and Sophie would have been featured in Season 3.

However, even I can admit that skipping ahead was the right move for Bridgerton.

The Rundown

Bridgerton Season One was based on Bridgerton Book One, The Duke and I. This story followed the blossoming romance between eldest Bridgerton daughter Daphne and the emotionally distant Simon, Duke of Hastings.

On top of following through with Daphne and Simon's swoon-worthy romance, Netflix's adaptation brought a lot of other plotlines into the mix. It jump-started the mystery of Lady Whistledown, brought the audience's attention to Penelope's crush on boy-next-door Colin Bridgerton, and introduced a host of characters from across London's fashionable (and unfashionable) society.

Season Two kept going in order, featuring the Book Two romance between broody eldest Bridgerton Anthony and his prickly rival Kate Sharma. Although the season had less direct sexuality than the first year, it was nevertheless heated enough to satisfy fans. In the meantime, Penelope's love of Colin only grew more obvious, while Benedict continued his carefree life as an artist and partier.

Jumping Ahead

If Bridgerton continued to follow the books, it would be time to fall in love with Benedict and Sophie, a Cinderella-esque figure who meets Benedict at a ball but must keep her identity concealed. In this order of things, Colin and Penelope (#Polin) would have to cool their angsty heels for a whole 'nother year.

Although Luke Thompson's Benedict is a fan favorite and #Benophie's story is one of the most popular books, it's right that we should jump ahead to Colin and Penelope at this point.

#Polin in Spring

Unlike in the Bridgerton books, Penelope's secret identity and her crush on Colin have been obvious for some time. Because the show balances many plotlines at once, we've already followed Pen through her crush, her close friendship, and her heartbreak at the hands of Colin. The time is simply ripe for us to focus on these two; another year of them circling each other would just be repetitious and, frankly, boring.

In an interview with EW, showrunner Jess Bromnell pointed out:

'We've spent two seasons really getting to know Pen and Colin. We've been watching Pen's crush and seeing how oblivious Colin is to it. That's a dynamic that you can only play out for so long before something has to change. This really felt like the right time to lean into what's been set up with them.'

And there certainly has been a lot set up. When Penelope overheard Colin's casually cruel remark at the end of Season 2, her heart was broken. Pen will now need to figure out a lot about herself in order to move forward. We look forward to watching her find her confidence, and we look forward to Colin finally opening his eyes and seeing the girl that was right in front of him all along.

Bridgerton's third season will be split in two, with the first half of the episodes dropping on May 16. The remainder will arrive on Netflix on June 13.

Source: EW.