Reclaiming the Sensuality: How “Bridgerton” Season Three Revitalizes Regency-Era Romance with a Dose of Desire
The long-awaited return of Netflix’s most popular original series, “Bridgerton,” brings back the much-needed allure and passion that was seemingly absent in its previous season. Julia Quinn’s beloved Regency-era romance novels, expertly adapted to the screen, gained massive popularity due to their glorious filthiness in the first season. However, the second installment surprisingly dialed back on the sex, leaving many viewers disappointed. Thankfully, the latest addition to this captivating series, focusing on Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), has once again infused the narrative with an enticing dose of desire and longing.
Penelope, the mysterious gossip-columnist narrator, Lady Whistledown, has harbored a longtime crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). Despite his dismissive words about her, he attempts to regain her favor by teaching her the art of seduction. The plot then unfolds into a classic romantic progression – blossoming wallflowers and friends-to-lovers. However, Coughlan’s exceptional acting abilities breathe new life into this familiar trope.
Colin returns from his travels as a more chiseled version of Mr. Darcy, igniting desires in the hearts of many. While previous seasons showcased the romantic leads’ physical allure, “Bridgerton” Season Three goes a step further by exploring their sexual desires more explicitly. It’s essential to note that such explicit content adds significantly to the series’ appeal and sets it apart from traditional Regency-era novels, offering viewers something new and captivating.
The significance of this shift is crucial not only for the show but also for romance novels as a genre, which have historically faced criticism and marginalization due to their female-centric nature. As early as 1855, American author Nathaniel Hawthorne criticized the genre, labeling it “damned mob of scribbling women” and expressing his lack of success in the publishing world while the public was occupied with their ‘trash.’ However, romance novels continue to thrive and remain one of the biggest and most reliable-selling genres in publishing.
The recent surge in open discussions about sex and desire, fueled by platforms like BookTok and the normalization of women’s sexuality, has led to a resurgence in the popularity of erotic romance novels. A growing number of authors embrace their work, acknowledging that women’s desires are not innately shameful and expressing pride in writing about sexuality openly.
In the world of cinema, there has been a renewed interest in the portrayal of sex and desire on-screen as well. Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn” have played a significant role in bringing back the steamy, sultry elements that had been missing from movies for quite some time. Actors like Glen Powell are also expressing their disappointment with the lack of well-crafted love scenes in films, reminiscing about earlier erotic thrillers that left a lasting impact through their sensuality and foreplay.
“Bridgerton” Season Three joins this movement by delivering an enticing mix of desire, longing, and romance, with plenty more to come in the upcoming episodes. The show’s subversive approach to the ‘bookworm makeover’ trope is also noteworthy, as Penelope doesn’t undergo any radical physical transformation but instead empowers her character with self-confidence and self-love.
Coughlan’s decision to go fully nude in one of the season’s steamier scenes is a bold move, driven by her determination to challenge body shamers and reclaim control over her own image. In an interview, she expressed her pride in the choice and her unwavering commitment to embracing female sexuality openly.
In summary, “Bridgerton” Season Three marks a significant milestone in the portrayal of romance and desire on-screen and in literature. The show’s unapologetic approach to sensuality, self-love, and female empowerment sets it apart from its predecessors and offers viewers an escapist experience that is not only delightful but also deeply meaningful.
