The curtain has closed on the third season of Bridgerton, revealing significant developments for Lady Whistledown. In the climactic finale, “Into the Light,” Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) reveals her secret identity as the mysterious columnist to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and the entire ton during the Dankforth-Finch ball. Despite this revelation, Penelope isn’t abandoning her quill just yet.
The epilogue shows her continuing to write, now signing her columns as Penelope Bridgerton. This transition sees the Lady Whistledown voiceover shifting from Julie Andrews to Nicola Coughlan.
Impact on Bridgerton’s Society
Penelope’s transformation from a wallflower to London’s most prolific gossip columnist was due to her anonymity. With her identity now public, members of the ton might become more cautious about sharing secrets around her. Although she has Queen Charlotte’s approval to continue her column, the rest of the society might not be as accommodating. Penelope’s newfound visibility could make it challenging to gather the candid gossip she once did, potentially stifling her sources and making her job as Lady Whistledown more difficult, as mentioned in a report by Collider.
Servants and maids, who were primary sources for Penelope’s columns, might now hesitate to share information. Their lower status makes them vulnerable, and the risk of consequences from their employers might deter them from engaging in idle gossip around Penelope. This shift could force Penelope to find new ways to source her information, presenting a significant challenge for the character in future seasons.
Penelope and Queen Charlotte: Frenemies in Power
The dynamic between Penelope and Queen Charlotte is poised for an intriguing evolution. Throughout the series, Queen Charlotte has been Lady Whistledown’s biggest adversary, relentlessly pursuing the columnist’s identity.
With Penelope’s public reveal, a potential alliance could form, including Penelope supplies exclusive gossip to the queen in exchange for protection and patronage, as per a report by Collider.
However, this alliance will have its limits. Queen Charlotte, wielding considerable power, could impose severe consequences if Penelope oversteps, particularly regarding private royal matters. This tension could explore themes of censorship and press freedom within the context of Bridgerton’s regency-era setting.
The longstanding cat-and-mouse game between Penelope and Queen Charlotte has been a highlight of the series. With Penelope’s identity now known, their relationship could evolve into a complex alliance, maintaining the intrigue and power struggle that fans have come to enjoy.
Lady Whistledown as a Force for Good?
Before her public revelation, Penelope admits to her friend Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) that she should have used her column to advocate for the voiceless rather than seeking power. This newfound transparency gives Penelope the chance to align her actions with her intentions.
In the Bridgerton book series by Julia Quinn, Lady Whistledown plays a crucial role in aiding Sophie Beckett, a maid wrongfully imprisoned by her stepmother. Penelope could similarly use her influence for positive outcomes in future seasons, potentially aiding characters like Sophie, as per a report by Collider.
Penelope’s decision to reveal her identity opens up new narrative possibilities for Lady Whistledown. Her continued influence on London society could evolve from mere gossip-mongering to a more impactful, benevolent role.
As Bridgerton progresses, Penelope’s character could champion justice and fairness, leveraging her column to support the underrepresented and challenge society.
Bridgerton Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
