I Binge-Watched Bridgerton Season 3 Ahead Of Season 4, And I Really Need Benedict’s Romance To Change One Thing From Colin’s

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Good news for fans of Bridgerton! New episodes are arriving on Netflix this week, marking the first new content in almost two years. Many viewers have been eagerly awaiting the first part of Season 4, and while the wait has been long, it’s given some time to catch up on Colin and Penelope’s story.

I initially avoided watching Season 3 for a specific reason, but I decided to watch it all at once anyway, especially with the new season of Bridgerton coming up. Now that Benedict is taking center stage, I’m hoping his love story will address that issue and make me invest in his relationship as much as I did with Anthony and Kate.

Why I Delayed Watching Season 3

I still think Season 2 is the best of Bridgerton. The connection between Jonathan Bailey and Ashley Simone was, in my opinion, the strongest of the whole series, and the music was fantastic – who could forget Kanthony’s dance to “Wrecking Ball”? It’s a standout moment for me!

I’m still thinking about Season 2, and honestly, I had a feeling going in that Season 3 wouldn’t quite hit the same way. It all comes down to those final moments with Colin and Penelope back in 2022. For me, Penelope’s real journey in Season 2 wasn’t about who she was supposed to end up with – it was actually her relationship with Eloise that felt so much more compelling.

Colin’s reaction to a friend asking about Penelope really bothered me, and it actually made me hesitant to want to see them fall in love for almost four seasons. He scoffed and said, with Penelope nearby:

Are you mad? I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest fantasies.

I couldn’t believe someone would say something like that about a friend! It was so upsetting for Penelope that I actually shouted at the TV twice this season. The first time was when Anthony rushed to propose to Kate after their secret meeting, and I wondered what he was thinking. The second time was when Colin openly said something hurtful about Penelope at a party, knowing she could easily overhear. Anthony quickly realized his mistake, but Colin took much longer to make things right.

It’s one thing to not be interested in Penelope, but publicly announcing it in such a hurtful way was unkind. The second season left Colin’s storyline feeling unfinished compared to how the first season prepared the way for Anthony’s romance and the third for Benedict’s. I don’t mind a complicated love story if it ultimately leads to happiness, but witnessing someone being publicly humiliated has made me hesitant to continue watching the show for years.

What Benedict Needs To Do Differently In Season 4

All I’m asking is that Benedict not be outright cruel to Sophie. Given the difference in their social standing – he’s a Bridgerton, she’s a maid – some rudeness is expected, whether intentional or not. However, I’d rather see it play out like Anthony’s playfully harsh words towards Kate, which everyone knew weren’t serious, instead of the genuinely hurtful things Colin said to Penelope.

I was happy Penelope and Colin reconciled, but it took me a while to feel the same way. As someone who enjoys period dramas, I struggled with Colin’s behavior, especially when comparing him to his older brother. It made me realize Anthony’s claims of being a gentleman were questionable, considering his strong feelings for Kate.

Season 4 looks like it’s going to be a great story for Benedict, with the trailer hinting at a ‘Cinderella’ style romance. Whether I’ll be fully invested in his journey really depends on two things: first, how respectfully he treats his love interest, both publicly and privately, and second, how amusingly chaotic he is while falling for her. Benedict struggles with commitment, and watching him overcome that could be really engaging if handled well.

I didn’t dislike Season 3 or Colin, and Season 2 definitely had its flaws. Bridgerton just missed an opportunity to make Colin a truly compelling romantic lead. Benedict was set up much better before his season, and I’m hoping the show continues that trend with him in Season 4. Overall, I’m really excited about Benedict and Sophie’s story, and if Shonda Rhimes was finally moved to tears, I have a feeling I’ll need a lot of tissues too!

The first half of Bridgerton Season 4, consisting of four episodes, will debut on Netflix on January 29th. The remaining four episodes will be released on February 26th.

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2026-01-29 03:09