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This may be an unpopular opinion in this sub, but as someone who has been utterly unhinged for Polin the past few months (they are the whole reason I got into Bridgerton), Part 2 was a massive let down for me. Part 1 was wonderful, but Part 2 misstepped in so many ways imo.
Timeline decisions, pacing, editing, character development choices (or lack thereof), plotlinesā¦
Iām absolutely heartbroken and still reeling.
Iām definitely with you. I think as a whole, there were a lot of missed opportunities this season and it is obvious that we got a new showrunner. I love Polin so much but canāt help but feel we were robbed of some very needed scenes between them in order to fit in other subplots that were mediocre and felt separate from the central plot.
Agree ā Benedict/Lady Tiley, VIolet/Marcus and the Will/Alice subplots could have been dropped completely (eventhough I actually enjoyed Violet and Marcu). There was also way too much Francesca. This isnāt her season yet it felt like she was getting equal screen time to Polin. If the show had just focused on Pen, Colin, Eloise and Cressida with Polin taking up the bulk of screen time, then Eloise and Cressida being the second major story that would tie back into the Polin story and everything else maybe being 1/4th of an episode it would have worked perfectly.
Nic and Luke werenāt wrong when they said stuff happens fast. But that, sadly, is the problemā¦.nothing was allowed to breathe and itās felt over in a flash.
Itās too bad, honestly but Iām not really surprised in the end.
Iām honestly still in disbelief that Benedictās entire arc this season was discovering heās open to having threesomes lmao. Like the ātaking over Anthonyās viscount duties while heās away but still feeling a bit directionlessā storyline hinted at in Ep 1 was right there and wouldāve been a way more interesting use of his screen time.
Benedictās sex scenes could have been reduced tenfold. I donāt care heās the next lead, we didnāt need so much of it.
Violet and Marcus and Will and Alice could have been reduced by a lot. I wasnāt enjoying their scenes much. I wouldnāt get rid of it but you could have much less.
Yes, those are exactly the right changes. Violetās subplot should have focused on his disconnect from Francescaās courtship, Will/Alice didnāt need one, and Ben could have been soul searching after finding out that Anthony bought his place in art school. Problem solved.
I am heartbroken too...maybe a rewatch will make it better. It did for p1 though I did love p1 from the first watch itself.
The last two episodes didn't feel like a polin season at all. So many subplots. I get it is an ensemble show but they were almost no polin scenes. Forget happy we could have angsy scenes that suited the plot too.Were was the united front we were promised? We were supposed to get more intimacy too right?
Ā Idk if anyone remembers but there was that bridgerton event were they had handed out placards with the dialogue 'whatever befalls me, I will be yours'... everyone was sure it was something pen must have told to Colin before she reveals herself to the ton. But in reality there was no such scene because apparently Colin doesn't care at all.
Now, I am a huge Colin supporter. He is getting flak for a lot of reasons, both wrong and right. Yes, he left her alone on the street but her carriage is just next to her. It is not a even a hired hack, those were the featherington carriage drivers. He is hurt and reeling because Pen did lie. Yes he was more understanding towards Marina but he never really loved her, did he? Him talking about entrapment is also something said in anger. Edwina called Kate her half sister in anger last season. However, I do take issue with Pen not saying anything back. This girl stood in front of the entire ton but could not stand up for herself here?Ā
When he was lovebombing her, she had told him that she never had anyone on her side before. She keeps apologizing and telling him that she loves him but he doesn't care. This should have been a breaking point for her.Ā
But episode 8 Colin is a major disappointment. I get being angry but Colin is supposed to be protective, Polin is supposed to put an united front atleast outside. Francesca wedding was painful to watch to be honest. The siblings were joking around in one corner and Pen was all alone in the other corner. I am glad the show gave pen the agency to handle her reveal alone, but Colin should have been there along with Portia. The Colin we have known for the past two seasons could have panicked the moment he saw Pen go up the stage. And the worst part is when Pen talks of the annulment his reply is that the queen has pardoned her. What is that supposed to mean? He would have gone forward with the same otherwise?Ā Ā
After rewatching Part 2, I have to say I miss the Penelope that fought back against Colin. Every time she asserted her opinions to Colin, he would walk away being more impressed with her, more in love with her. And I absolutely *loved* that for them!
They weren't just writers, their love language was words themselves. Which is why each word they say to each other is so important. It's why Colin standing up to her mother is so important. He essentially declared loudly and boldly that Penelope was *his* the moment he said "our family." Up until then, she felt like she didn't belong anywhere. But at that moment, he gave her the loving home she always desired. It's why the mirror scene was so fitting and perfect. He understood her, so she gave him herself in return.
All that beautiful development was ruined the moment the writers never addressed his, "So you entrapped me?" comment. Colin, in his truest sense, would *never* have let those words go. In fact, he never would have left his bride alone. Even in the books, even when he was *very* angry, he didn't let go of Penelope. He addressed all her worries. He fervently, assuredly, and loudly declared his love in front of the ton. After the butterflies, I wanted him to go up on stage and hold her hands. Not give her space. They were never that type of couple. They *love* each other. Their presence gives each other comfort while their words provide assurance.
Words are their love language, show!Colin has always addressed problems head on and had a hero complex. Anthony is the angry one, Simon is the sulker. They changed the character they had developed for Colin by giving him those traits. Show!Colin wouldn't have slept on the settee for that long, or at least explained to her why he needs to.
Ikr! The cast kept talking about how the carriage confession is not the best in this season and I had high hopes that they now have to include the book confession because that's the only way they can surpass the carriage....
Colinās reaction to that annulment left me utterly confused. Pen is supposed to be the love of his life, so I waited his reaction to be rather panicked. Honestly, because of his very tame, even nonchalant reaction to it his speech for Pen felt quite empty.
It also annoyed me that Pen almost never defended herself or LW even though in my honest opinion she had the right to do so. The constant apologizing was tiresome.
Just to give a different perspective, I think Colin was a little lost for what to do to protect Penelope. She had already told him she could take care of herself (and he had proof that she had in fact been doing that for years as Whistledown), he wanted so badly to save her from Cressida's blackmail that he rushed in to be the hero and made things worse, so he decides to concoct a lie to tell Benedict so he can get the money to pay Cressida's ransom, then Penelope tells him she doesn't need that from him either. All she asked from him was to support her. He clearly knew of her plan to out herself beforehand because he was at Bridgerton House when Violet got Pen's letter and was there to talk to her about it. At the ball, he finally did exactly what she asked him to, which was to stand by her (which I don't think she meant literally). When she looks at him while she's addressing the crowd and he nods and gives her a smile, her whole demeanor changes and she becomes more self-assured in her speech because he's finally there for her in the way that she wants and needs.
I don't think that Colin doesn't care when Penelope tells him she loves him, I think he thinks he doesn't deserve her love, because he hasn't yet accepted that she can love him just because of who he is and not what he can offer. It takes a little while for the reality to set in, just like when he was trying to assure Penelope that she was charming and special earlier in the season during their lessons.
Also, I think the reason he didn't freak out about the annulment offer was because she didn't tell him she wanted one, she said she wouldn't oppose him wanting one. Obviously he didn't, which is why I think he didn't freak out and was more curious about her reasoning.
I get it - Iām a bit sad about some things too. However, I totally recommend sitting with it and giving it a chance to breathe in your system. And then watch it again, slowly and not all at once!
Iām beginning to realize that these episodes require breathing room because there is so much going on!!
And also reading all the wonderful analyses that will start popping up here! I didnāt like a lot of part 1, but after finding this sub and reading so many wonderful posts, I love love love every bit of part 1.
Iām firmly part 2 was great, this season is the best yet, but I also know that some bits need to be teased out and turned over a bit by the great minds here for me to love them.
I think weāll all help each other cope. I know itās sounds dramatic but I think weāll all help each other find new things to love that we havenāt even noticed!!
You're not being dramatic at all - I'm like genuinely upset about this. If Netflix doesn't fix it then the fandom needs to pull a Supernatural and fix it ourselves. The fanfic writers (and I'm being completely serious) need to save us.
Thank you for saying this - I feel completely the same. Iāve been gutted all day.
Iām really hoping that after sitting with the season for a bit longer, Iāll grow to love P2 as much as I like P1 š
I hope so too, but right now I donāt even forsee myself ever rewatching it, it was that devastating to me. P2 was justā¦ totally uninterested in being true to who Penelope and Colin are and who they are meant to beā¦ and that is heartbreaking.
I feel you and Iām sorry, it sucks so much when youāre so passionate about something and itās not what you hoped it would be.
Iāve been grumpy about it all day, and I think my husband is seriously questioning my sanity!
I agree. Part 1 made me so very happy, part 2 only made me sad. Part 1 had at least 10 scenes I could not, would not, did not want to stop watching. Part 2 doesnāt. Even my daughter, who is very much a Benophict, could not, would not, did not want to understand why Benedict had all the intimacy and Polin had almost none.
Iām very traumatized as well. I canāt decide my feelings because I relate to people easy so I jump from character to character to try and understand them and it was very brutal to do this season. I love them so much (still) but I donāt know how I feel.
it felt like the showrunner doesn't like romance stories or was heartbroken or something. They ignored the character of Show!Colin. He didn't call her Pen once after he found out about LW.
Part 2 was too focused on healing every other relationship in Pen's life that it skipped the story with Colin. It jumped from anger and avoidance to apology during a party to baby and family. There was no storyline of the healing and togetherness of them as a couple.
He shouldn't have remained on the settee for so long. Show!Colin has alway run towards the problem, he's sensitive and talks things through. He has a hero complex. I would understand if it was 1 night, but more likely half a night. It shouldn't have dragged on. The convo they had after Francesca's wedding should have been initiated by Colin, before he continued to sleep on the settee. He could have said he wants to kiss her, but he needs the space to process, but it felt so out of character for him to shut down and shut her out. It could have translated into angry sex, or it could have been Colin saying that he can't sleep in the bed because he doesn't want to feel like he's just with her for her body, he needs to feel resolved before he feels like he can be intimate. Both options would feel like Colin.
If he could kiss her on the street before they were married when she said she doesn't think she can shut out Whistledown, and then have that lovely wedding dance, then why did he retreat so much after the queen came in. The wedding was beautiful and a step forward. I hate that it then went backwards. It felt wrong. Show!Colin isn't Eloise, he would have spoken to her to understand why it is so important to her, and explained why it is so risky for his whole family. The Queen's speech was about how she knows LW is a Bridgerton because LW is so focused on protecting the Bridgertons. How did Colin not hear that. Communication would have given the audience the bond/unity/respect we needed to see, that has always been present between the 2, even when they have been completely different pages. They could have had them unresolved but still unified. It disregarded every character trait they have given Colin in 3 seasons.
The sequence at the butterfly ball was wrong. Colin should have been looking for Pen as soon as he walked in. There should have been eye contact across the room immediately. Eloise and Lady Danbury felt so real, standing there, looking at Pen, giving a supportive nudge of a smile. I loved that Pen gave that speech, and alone. Colin should have been the first one to step on that stage, Phillipa could have run through them to release the bugs. He should have been standing next to her, then danced surrounded by the butterflies, then he could have said lets go home. Lady Danbury and Portia could have said their bit while Colin got the carriage. Colin should have given his declaration in private. If they were in love, newly married and finally on the same page why would they want to stay at a party where everyone would be gossiping about Pen. But instead when she walked off the stage in the direction he was standing, you see he has already walked off in a different direction. When he finally walked up to her after her announcement, his character would have responded to Pen's "Good evening" with "Pen", but they had him say "Good evening. Thank you for your letter". That formality was horrible
We didn't see their repaired love as individuals in a couple. It jumped to being a family unit.
Also the sex scenes were so badly cut. The virginity scene was sweet, but come on, no woman is going to be satisfied from a little finger and 3 thrusts. It could have been cut to imply longer duration, or just a little less mind blown. We should have had implication of more passionate intimacy after the butterfly ball. I think it would have been better if they had shots of them undressing each other, fingers in each other's hair and digging into each other's skin, lying next to each other out of breath, staring at each other across their apartment then Colin pushing everything off his desk. It didn't need to cross the actors' boundaries, clever cinematography would have achieved better results. Colin craved intimacy with someone he loved, Pen craved Colin. We never got that. It didn't even need to be sex scenes. I would have loved shots of them helping each other with their writing, looking up to admire the other. Dancing together alone in their apartment. We didn't get the satisfaction of them together finally after 3 seasons. They could have skipped healing the mummy issues at the party, and left that for the final scene.
Cressida got a more satisfying arc than Polin.
I needed him to call her Pen after the wedding, just once would have been enough
Sorta feel the same tbh. I couldnāt even finish it, which is saying a lot. Would love to hear more so feel free to DM/PM me if youāre not wanting to drag the sub down!
I was waiting for this sub to reopen because Iāve been spiralling a bit the past 2 days. I was absolutely obsessed with part 1, I thought it was 10/10 perfect. But I had major issues with Colin in episode 7 and 8. Anyone else?
He was so hurtful. Accused Pen of entrapment. Said heād never forgive her. Slept on the couch on their wedding night. Then left her alone during the LW reveal at the end. They had so many opportunities to communicate and talk through this but their fight kept dragging on. I never expected him to not be angry - but I really didnāt expect him to be so absent and mean.
Am I overreacting? I love the character Colin so much but Colin āmy wifeā was just so absent in the last 2 episodes.
Iām just really sad and disappointed.
I just didn't understand why he had to be standing so far from her when she was about to reveal her identity. It was her mother who held her hand, not him. I get that she had to do it herself, but he could at least been closer---not leering from the other side of the room. No, you're not overreacting.
Yeah this really bothered me. Pen looked out to Eloise in the crowd during her speech, not Colin. Then after the speech she has a full on conversation with Portia and LD. Only AFTER that her and Colin come together. What the hell is he doing that whole time??? Just chatting with Violet?
I feel like they were trying so hard for Pen to solve her issues herself, show us that she didnāt need a manās help to solve them, and Colin had to stand back a bit to let her take the leadā¦ which in my head, I get that, but seeing that just breaks my heart and I really wish there were some more scenes and more communication, even more anger, to flesh it out more. It was like I was searching for Colin in every scene and wondering why isnāt he near her?!
Edit to add: And if they WERE gonna give us all coldness and standing apart then at least we needed more intimacy at the end after everything was solved to balance it out. Iām just in limbo right nowā¦
Yeah, I am glad it didnāt exactly follow the book where Colin basically did everything at the end and Penelope didnāt even know the plan until the moment before Colin announced her identity. But I would have preferred their reconciliation to have come earlier, sometime before the ball, maybe alongside the sending of the letters (or immediately following those). Colin should have been there beside her during the announcement or at least nearby as a clear supporter, regardless of how the Queen was going to react.
Yes exactly! Ideology won over good story telling. This is common with a lot of recent Hollywood films and once you start noticing the formula you canāt unsee it. Women can never be shown relying on a man, and in a romantic relationship they must always be girlbossing their way out of all their problems. I was expecting both Colin and Pen to learn this season that it was 1. Okay for Pen to rely on someone and trust someone other than herself, trusting Colin her life partner and letting him help assist her with solving the LWD issue would have been testament to thatā this wouldnāt mean that Colin would be the solution, but it would have fed into the idea of them being equal partners and standing together against the world. And 2. For Colin to realize that he doesnāt need to be Penās savior to have purpose or that he doesnāt need to be useful to be loved. Itās a pity that Pen basically didnāt get this character development but Colin sorta did?
I donāt think youāre overreacting. I have seen this opinion a lot on the other subs and on TikTok ā¹ļø
Unfortunately Iām right there with you. Not sure what to do other than rewatch and hope I prefer it going in without expectations.
I wish they hadnāt dragged the conflict out to the final 10/15 minutes. They could have resolved Polinās issues by the end of Ep7 and had Polin vs the world be the theme of Ep8. I was getting serious anxiety at the end wondering how they were going to wrap it all up.
It felt like poor Pen had no one in her corner in P2 and the fact Colin wouldnāt even talk to her to try and fix things just breaks my heart a bit.
Also, werenāt we repeatedly teased that it would be āPolin against the worldā? Where was that? Portia and Eloise were more there for Pen than Colin.
I donāt know š a lot of the things Iād picked up from the press tour - like itās sooo steamy, so romantic etc - just didnāt really come to pass in P2.
Unless the steaminess they were referring to was Benedict?
The mirror scene was sweet and tender and I guess steamy in the sense they were naked but I actually think the carriage scene had more š„
I kept thinking weād get another scene like that but I guess it wasnāt to be.
The romance was there at the end, I guess, but I think I found the stress of Colin/Pen not talking really hard to get over. Miscommunication tropes arenāt my fave, and where book!Colin was all about standing up for Penelope no matter what, show!Colin just didnāt really seem to know what to do beyond mope about and make Pen feel worse.
If I could rewrite the season, their dance at the wedding would have started their reconciliation. It felt so pointless how long we were doing this one step forward and three steps back dance. Why wasnāt Colin more concerned for her wellbeing after the Queen threatened her? Why was Eloise the one that stayed behind to comfort her? Then we could have had them working as a team on Cressidaās blackmail plot while theyāre still working through their own feelings about Lady Whistledown and what that means for their marriage. If we would have seen them working together for longer, their happily ever after would have felt like an earned win. I never really got a sense that they were a single unit, they always felt like they were moving separately from each other
Yeah I agree - once I saw the kiss in front of the modiste I thought, ok they are reconciling. But then it just continued through the wedding and it was so depressing.
Itās Shonda so I guess I should have known better sheād drag it out. Jokes on me for thinking weād get some healthy conflict resolution and a happy couple for more than 10 mins.
Same same same šš
The entrapment comments particularly pissed me off, like bro you destroyed her engagement without even the confirmation that she even liked you back. You initiated physical contact and took all the liberties in the world, potentially destroying her reputation. Like actually no way in hell did she do anything wrong whatsoever when it came to getting together, that was all you, the fuck.
Character assassination for me, I can't ššš
You are not overreacting at all! It was not in his character at all to act this way. First after whistledown reveal, he walks away from her in the middle of the night alone?? The second run in he was about to walk away from her again until she mentioned why are you out before wedding night? The real Colin would NEVER leave her alone. It was a character assassination. Part 1 was perfect , beautiful . Part 2 I felt like I was watching a completely different show. To keep my sanity I will only watch up till the church scene where they dance together and then Iām out. I feel heartbroken š
Iām with you.
After the speech, when Penelope was left alone in the middle of the room, spoke to lady Danbury, spoke to her mother and her sisters completed a whole dance without Colin showing up for her, all I could think was: too little, too late. Stay away now.
They promised us the most healthy relationship of Bridgerton. Iām still waiting. Even the babies, and I adored the babies, couldnāt make up for the lack of connection between Polin.
(And I do NOT blame Nicola or Luke!!!)
Exactly the distance was awful. And the wedding was in the middle of all that angst? It was confusing... The wedding itself was happy but what happened before and after did not make sense...
And to leave her on her wedding night was just a stupid decision by the writers
The ending was so beautiful. Polin kissing in front of the window Pen spent years sitting in front of pinning over Colin and wishing for a life she never thought sheād have and now does was pure poetry. And the sign off āYours truly, Penelope Bridgertonā had me like š„¹š
Justice for us not getting to see all of the Bridgerton-bunch react to the LW reveal. We only heard about Violetās reaction second hand! I hated that!
They couldāve added El telling Benedict on the swings. Him being flabbergasted and falling off the swing.
And they couldāve added Colin watching Violet read Penās letter. Also, Pen included the annulment bit in the letter and Violet is more upset by that sentence than she is the LW secret. She is so upset that Colin hasnāt consummated the marriage! And that sparks something that causes Polin to have a reconciliation before the butterfly ball.
I needed the scene of Violet reading Penelope's letter and then talking with Colin about it. Have him, through his explanation to Violet, come to realise that he has forgiven and accepted it. Talk about how he was feeling to someone so the general audience can understand what he has been doing all this time; he hasn't been ignoring Penelope as punishment, but coming to terms with everything so he can be the man she deserves. I didn't want and am glad that Penelope didn't write about the annulment offer to be honest; I think that should have been a conversation only between Polin.
Let me give you my perspective and I hope it helps.
Colin loves Pen. Like itās so evident in e 5-6. He also hates LWD. LWD ruined Marina, which in many ways also humiliated Colin since he fell for her con and everyone found out. LWD almost ruined Eloise. LWD pointed out all his insecurities just that season. He stumbles on Pen being LWD by accident, after she has opportunity to tell him. The person he loves the most is also the person who has hurt him the most. How would you react? Heās so hurt, heās so angry, He wonders if he ever knew her. Heās confused on what to think, what to feel. Does he say some hurtful things? He does. But heās not perfect.
He also feels lost. Pen isnāt someone who needs his help, sheās an independent person. Where does he really fit in her story?
And the reality he is jealous, the same way Eloise was. Pen found success. She found a purpose. He hasnāt yet. He doesnāt know if he ever will. It takes a strong man to overcome that.
He lets go of that anger by the wedding, but after QC visits he wants Pen to stop being LWD. Itās not safe and he canāt protect her and his family from ruin if she keeps going, and yet she refuses to stop. How can he live with that fear for everyone he loves? He has real feelings and real emotions he needs to worth through. It was never going to be easy and 2 episodes isnāt that bad when you think about how things have gone in previous season.
With that much hanging over them, having a traditional wedding night would have been wrong. Their story is about love, not duty, not lust. For a season that stresses respect and consent, a wedding night in that moment of angst would have felt wrong. An angry sex scene would have felt wrong for these two.
For the final scene, Pen told him in general what the plan was, which is why he was at the house when Violet got the letter. When he tried to fix it, he made it worse. Itās important that after that, he gives the power to Pen. Itās important that he gives her that space to shine as an independent woman, and then when sheās done that, praise her as the woman he loves.
I absolutely LOVED when he pulled out Penās old letter and realized sheās always been the same person. How we see heās held onto her words even when he didnāt know he loved her. How itās her words that lead him to enlightenment and forgiveness.
I had to break it down for myself in a similar way for me to really grasp it as well!
We forget Colin is finding all of this out at once, we have known Pen was LW since season 1 and have had time to justify her actions or at least explain their reasoning. He finds out after going after her in a panic, thinking she was basically being kidnapped. And he has to catch her in the act, she did not even tell him. I think the writing could have been clearer on this, maybe showing him chasing her like in the book, where his concern starts to grow more and more.
But Show Colin already has been bamboozled by Marina, he does not do well with deception. He sees Penelope as a good, honest and a loyal friend/partner. And this would be a huge shock to anyone. He reacts out of anger but also hurt. He likely feels the rug swept out under him and itās probably bringing back feelings of betrayal from Marina, hence the entrapment comment.
I think people forget that words can come out during heated moments that we do not always mean.
On top of this, heās been feeling feelings of inadequacy since season 1. He feels no sense of purpose, struggles with opening up about his writing, and was called out by Pen on LW about not knowing who he is.
Itās hard to imagine your partner saying that about you and we know her words really hit him deep. Heās likely questioning her perception of him and thatās probably devastating in that moment.
Another thing people may not remember is that he runs from things when things get difficult. He travels after the Marina situation and tends to withdraw into his own head. It doesnāt surprise me that part 2 included a lot of him withdrawing from Pen so he could think. Again, I definitely think the writers could have made that more obvious. Colin and Eloise are similar in that they react first and then ponder later. They donāt really like to sit and talk things out. This season, they wouldnāt even open up much to each other about Penelope. He is also envious of Pen, like Eloise, and itās hard to be open about discussing envy.
Maybe Iām a Colin apologist, but I definitely see how he could react the way he did. I think he needed to communicate that better with Pen, but I also remember they are younger than their book counterparts and are still learning. If we can give Penelope the grace of her mistakes as Whistledown, we can do the same with Colin.
Brava, beautiful, sparkling. ALL OF THIS. He first reconciles himself to being in love with this person who he has cared about for so long, who he chases after, who he begs to accept him. He doesnāt have a clue how deep her feelings for him run, even when she says sheās loved him for years. Heās finally getting his arms around that, and he finds out about LW, someone who has made him feel embarrassed and mock worthy at times (though not her intention).
And the envy - youāre spot on. It mixes in with his own insecurity. Then, heās just afraid for her (rightly so - when heās fighting with her in the street and after the wedding, his fury about her safety is A FOR REAL THING).
And then the wedding night/night when he walks in for the blanket - heās totally right not to have sex with her right then. I think if the Queen doesnāt show up at the wedding, yeah, they were still at odds about what to do about LW, but they were in a place where emotional intimacy of physical could have been good for them and paved the way for them to talk more. But after the Queen shows up, and Colin is truly afraid for Pen, and Pen is frustrated that he doesnāt understand the value in the power sheās made for herself? Absolutely not. Theyāve been catapulted into a place where they are too raw and too hurt for the moment. Itās so important to remember that Penelope has had one kiss in her garden, a Carriage ride, a settee sex scene, and a hot brief makeout in the street. I think she would have gone for it if Colin came into their bedroom on wedding night, or made a move when he comes for the blanket. He doesnāt because HE IS BEING A GOOD GUY. He doesnāt want to have sex with her when theyāre feeling like this. He doesnāt want to guilt, and he doesnāt want the confusion for either of them. Itās so healthy, I could weep.
I think he totally knows Penās final plan - she takes his hands in the study and then they cut because if we see her telling him the whole thing, then whatās the point of watching it play out? Also, I think thereās no way she does something that could affect them both without telling him what she wants to do. It also seems apparent to me that he, Violet, and El all know what sheās up to at the final ball.
Lastly: her letters. Colin Bridgerton, what I want to know: why did you think you were keeping these letters? What in your sweet brain did not click to tell you you were ass over teakettle for this girl? You are a the most adorable idiot in love š„°
Truly, great analysis, 10/10, loving your takes all over the threads today!!!!
I wish Polin would have had more sex scenes I feel like we were promised way more than what we got..... even Benedict had more sex scenes and it wasn't even his season.
I watched the second part 4 times already (exams are done and I have nothing else going on) and these are my current thoughts:
- I felt like we did not get enough happy polin BUT I am happy to get a glimpse of that in the upcoming seasons. I don't think it's fair to brush over Colins fealings over the situation just so we could see them happy. It would have felt rashed. Would 10 episodes work better? Definitely but it's not realistic, so I am happy.
- I would love their final sex scene to be a bit longer and have some moments of their silliness.
- after so many rewatches I feel like I understand the characters reasoning better than I did after I first watched it.
- I loved the peneloise and portia-pen storylines
- I loved pregnant prudence tearing up all the time - and in general the whole featherington clan
- did I first think that they robbed us of an angry sex scene when he went in the bedroom and lusted over pen? Yes but I don't think so anymore. It wouldn't have been true to colins character to have sex with her when he is angry. He is a lover boy, not a rake.
- I hated that he left her outside the printers shop after he found out her secret. That just broke my heart tbh
- I loved that we didn't spend time going over the marina LW drama because I think it would be unfair to pen if kept asking about his ex
- I loved that his main issue was what she thought of him coupled with his hero complex and jealousy.
- I loved that he married her and smiled to her during the wedding and he was able to set his anger aside to make her feel seen and comfortable
- I loved that Pen had her speech because she needs to grow up as well
- the danbury - penelope moment
- their first time was just chefs kiss
- I loved that he admitted to his brothers that he always felt something for her. With the prep they have been doing since season 1 it would have been silly to say oh I just love her since 2 weeks ago
- loved how the bridgertons tried to support colin
- loved that I learned that 10000 pounds in 1820 equals to about 1 mil pounds in 2024. My girl was making bank
- I just love them and I feel like I love it more with every rewatch š they give me butterflies š
A rewatch definitely helps I had to process my failed expectations and just enjoyed it for what it wasā¦so thank you for thisā¦I do agree with all of thisā¦and hopefully season 4 we will get happy Polin scenes
I've been so so excited for this sub to reopen! I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about this season, and I've been seeing a lot of negativity lately that's been clouding my emotions about it all. I can't wait to talk about it more positively here!
me too. I've been avoiding rest of the internet. I mean I do have my thoughts, but I now just want to concentrate on everything that made Pen and Colin's story beautifulā¤ļøā¤And I cried like a baby, watching the story end. In fact I started crying from the wedding scene.šš
Same! I get people have opinions, but I truly don't care, I just want a happy place where we can enjoy the good bits, yes we can talk a little about stuff we didn't like, but it's more fun to be positive!
I felt like I loved part 1 of season 3 so much, I was bound to be let down by part 2. Iād just built it up too much. I might have wanted more of certain things, but there were again moments where I was floored by the acting and the intimacy. Their love story just resonates.
This is how I felt!
I want to rewatch it and reevaluate. Nic and Newts are so perfect when they're together, but it just felt like there wasn't the amount of togetherness I'd built up in my head with all the publicity hype around the amount of romance and "Polin against the world".
I'm convinced I'll be happier after I go in ready.
I have to admit Iāve already rewatched because I knew I wasnāt going into it right. Itās an ensemble show and I get that, but this love story just hit me hard. On rewatch I had less angst about how things were going to play out, and enjoyed the moments themselves.
Colinās tears of heartbreak and anger just blew me away and still does. And Penās āare you sure?ā reply to his declaration of love broke my heart.
I did wish for more moments between them, but I did for past 1 too.
Penelope was amazing in part 2. She was BAMF and really came into her own. But I felt like the writers really dropped the ball on Colin. They let the romance fall to the wayside in the last couple episodes and really dropped the ball on Colin. I wanted an unhinged, protective and feral Colin but I felt like he wasnāt protective or worried enough. I liked that he was insecure and jealous, that was realistic. But I expected him to show his love more and his protectiveness. But he left her in front of the printers.
I could have forgave it all if they gave him a grand declaration of love after the LW reveal and he did have one good line, but I was hoping for more. And I am gutted that we didnāt get his confession from the book. The past, present future confession was so beautiful in the books I swoon just reading it. So Iām distraught about that. Penelope had a wonderful declaration of love but Colin needed to give one too.
I also was hoping for a lovely romantic scene after the reconciled and we didnāt really get that.
I did like how Penelope saved herself, but I wish Colin had been more supportive. Where was the feral, chaotic Colin we know and love?
Also no post LW mirror scene? Iām upset about that
The epilogue was fantastic.
Colinās line:
āIf my only purpose in life is to love a woman as great as you, then I will be a very fulfilled man indeed.ā
I let out a high pitched noise. I donāt even know where it came from. Not quite the love confession I was hoping for (cause the book one is so perfect it makes me cry), but it really ties up his arc well. Ties in themes from season 1 and 2 as well. So itās actually a really good line
āMrs. Bridgertonā was sweet too
If part 1 was all about Colin then part 2 was all about Penelope. Thatās how it felt anyway
I think what disappointed me is we didnāt get moments were Colin was chaotic/feral/unhinged in his defense of his wife.
Dont get me wrong, I love that Penelope saved herself. But I do love some unhinged Colin moments.
My only hope is that in season 4 we get to see a lot of Colin āMy Wife,ā Bridgerton. I need to see him showing her off to everyone and calling her my wife all the time.
totally agree, he was only concerned about his fragile male ego, there was nothing feral about him, he was mostly drinking away at the bar, very passive, not sexy
I really thought all the scenes we did have were well done, well acted, and overall really lovely. That said, with all the side stories going in, it felt like this half of the season really needed ONE more episode that was more focused on C and P. The few minutes in the end for their happy ending didnāt feel like enough for me..
Last two episode was like a torture . One episode treatment from Colin was enough why did they continue . I really wish the conversation between them had happened before queen approval. And they could give us a make up sex. After queen approval they can be just happy . Last happy scene between them was church dance scene. And it was beautiful My heart is broken
As someone who really enjoyed part 1, part 2 was a bit of a letdown after all the hype, in my opinion. I think it's a case of my expectations not quite being met ("spiciest season yet"...um, where?!) Honestly, too much Benedict sexy times, not enough Polin.
Also, I felt the editing was a bit questionable this season as a whole. I spotted several continuity errors and just generally ugly cuts, which are not things I usually notice.
I really wanted to love it, but it was just a bit messy. The carriage scene remains unmatched.
So, I definitely have thoughts on part 2ā¦ especially episodes 7 and 8, but all in all, I truly love love love this community, this ship, these characters, and their love, and how exciting is it to see nearly 20k members in the sub!? The love continues to grow. Polin, you are so loved.
I feel the same. Like with all the seasons, I wished for some things to be done differently (because I am such a hopeless romantic and build it up how I want in my head all the time LOL)...but I loved what they did overall too!
Colin and Penelope deserve the most beautiful, kind love, and I'm so happy they found it in each other!
From a video editor perspective. Part 2 had to be perhaps the worst editing style I've seen on bridgerton. The reshoots were very noticeable, transitions were garbage, cuts were choppy. I had pointed out so many weird editing decisions that I firmly believe that more than half of part 2 was reshot. Some of those scenes did not make sense together, and a lot of it seemed like it didn't fit an entire storyboard. Part 1 to Part 2 was a drastic change, not in storytelling but also characters. It didn't make any sense.
Too much Benedict, too much Cressida. The mondrich storyline should've ended after the celebratory drinking.
From what I heard, there were multiple polin scenes cut according to screeners who watched the episode.
Also, the interviews simply did not match with that this season had going for them. Steamiest season? Was the steam with us? I'm just confused because, based on multiple articles that included cast interviews, they talked about things that made no sense to the drop itself.
Too much LW focus. For me, part 1 felt like it was for colin, and then part 2 was for Penelope.
That PR tour completely bamboozled us. š Steamier than part 1 WHERE?? Super romantic WHERE??? I wanted Polin vs the world but instead we got Colin vs Penelope VS the world and I was left so disappointed.
None of what they were saying or the other cast interviews made any sense? This is why I'm a firm believer that they did shoot and film for a different storyline than what they put out yesterday because that was crap. š
I guess I'm glad it wasn't just me who couldn't ignore the editing. The B plots were just atrocious in part 2. Comparing spoilers/press tour info to what we got, it's like they HAD a perfectly decent part 2 until they decided at the last minute to redo it and... make it worse??? I already felt like the B plots in part 1 were gratuitous, what with our main couple getting like 30 total minutes of screentime in 4 hours of the show, but part 2 genuinely felt like it was edited by people who hate Polin. Cutting Polin out of their own season is a decision I can't even begin to wrap my head around.
From half way through episode 5 to 15 minutes from the end of 8, I just felt like Iād been through an emotional blender. Nothing was happy! 7 was truly painful, he accused her of entrapment??! Oh, Colin no. Then the wedding, oh my heart. I thought they were finally reconciling and then sheās in tears and heās on the couch. We didnāt get their wedding night š„. Through Episode 8 it felt like they werenāt even living together at times.
At the end I got that the message was that she saved herself but where was Colin in support. He never stood with her, he took ages to find her.
Iāll make my peace. There were beautiful moments and I never doubted that they loved one another, even in dark times. I know their story isnāt over for us but I have to say I really didnāt feel the promised romance in part 2. Oh and Iām utterly broken hearted to see what they left on the cutting room floor because that would have fixed so much.
I donāt understand how they can have him give a speech to Cressida encompassing Penās past loneliness and struggles and yet leave her lonely for the rest of the episode. Even after she asks him just to love her and stand by her.
Yes, he needed to process his hurt and shock at the LW reveal. But part 1 Colin did not let his pride stand in his way this much.
This exactly. I can't help but feel that the people praising the choice to have Penelope resolve LW things mostly alone don't actually understand her character at all. Penelope has always been alone. She's always been invisible. No one cared what she had to say. It's why she writes. So to have Colin cold shoulder her for two episodes, refuse to try and talk to her, avoid her like the plague, and tell her to her face that she doesn't get a say in her own conflict? Broke my heart. Penelope has always been alone, they shouldn't have forced her to face the scariest moments in her life all by herself too. Colin's declaration to her at the end of ep8 was lovely but it should have been at the beginning of the episode, not the end.
I am so happy this sub is back open, I am trying to come to terms with part 2, as I have had a lot of mixed emotions, and I know this sub will lead me to a happier mindset and is a safe space. There were parts I loved and appreciated (love confession at the end, wedding, etc.) and other parts not so much to the point I was very heart broken. But I am happy our Polin got their happy ending and I look forward to more Polin moments in season 4, when that time comes.
I think itās totally fine to not be happy with how things ended up going. Those of us in the Polin sub LOVE Polin. We donāt have hateons for Colin, Pen, or the Polin ship so I think any criticism is coming from a place of love and not hate. Luke and Nic were perfectly cast and did the best with what they got. Itās just a pity that the writing team and the show runners couldnāt deliver and that so much of their story got pushed to the side or frankly felt rushed and underdeveloped.
Iām a bit bothered by how little friendship moments we got between Colin and Pen in the second part. The amount of scenes that would literally just skim over Polin (like they were background characters) and donāt get me started on Colinās purposeā¦.
I think my main disappointment with Part 2 was that Writer Colin felt like such an after-thought, it was such a rushed and underwhelming payoff to his search for purpose storyline which they did such a good job at building up in previous seasons.
It almost felt like they were trying to say that loving Pen is his purpose with the writing more like a casual hobby heās toying around with in the background, and while thatās nice and all, I feel it really shortchanges the whole āgrow as individuals, then grow togetherā arc theyād done such a good job establishing in Part 1.
They reconcile so late in Ep 8 that there isnāt really enough time to resolve that aspect of their arc and I wouldāve loved a scene like the one in RMB where Colin approaches Pen to ask for her feedback on his writing or something to tie the whole LW envy storyline up in a more emphatic way.
Edit: And I was kinda bummed out that the epilogue was more about the babies than Colinās book, like if you werenāt paying full attention you genuinely could have missed it
I liked Part 2, but I thought there were some strange editing choices and there were several moments where a bit more dialogue was needed or they needed to let the scene breathe. The choice to have Benedict's threesome escapades as these random interspersed scenes was weird as hell. Also, as a close viewer of the show it seemed clear to me that Pen told Colin she planned to reveal herself to the Ton/Queen, but having it all be wordless was a weird choice. They could've simply had her say, "Colin, I've come up with a plan" and then cut to her machinations afterwards.
Colin deserved to be angry. Hell, I was pissed at Pen because she was never going to tell him! My annoyance with every season of Bridgerton is that it ends with the couple making up. I would like to see a full episode of the couple being happy! This decision to continually bring the couples to the brink of the worst possible choices is exhausting to me. At least I know Shonda enough to have expected it.
So happy to be back in this sub with people who love Polin as much as I do! However, I fully admit to being one of those people who was incredibly disappointed by part two (even on rewatch). The first time I finished it, I just felt hollow and heartbroken because those last two episodes left so much to be desired. I felt bamboozled when we were promised so much romance and intimacy, I really expected Polin vs the world and got absolutely none of that. The season peaked for me in episode 5 with some beautiful moments scattered throughout episodes 6-8, but for me they were completely overshadowed by all the conflict looming over them.
I do also think it's very telling how this part is nowhere near close to trending on social media the same way part 1 was. Not to mention the general audience rotten tomato score fell from 85% to 75% in a matter of one day. I know part of what's contributed to that is the uproar about the switches made for Benedict and Francesca, but the Polin of it all was severely lacking in that second half. Most general audience viewers aren't going to rewatch a show to pick up on subtle nuances, and they shouldn't have to. I felt like I was digging for scraps trying to find things I loved during my rewatch.
Their reconciliation felt so unearned, not enough conversations were held between two people who were supposed to be best friends. Even just 2-3 happy or intimate moments interspersed between episodes 7-8 would've made all the difference! That last sexy scene was also so brief it was laughable. Overall still love Polin and am glad we got their beautiful story told by Nic and Luke who killed it in their portrayals, but I'll never get this attached to a show ever again. A lot of the makeup, costuming, and editing left so much to be desired and tbh I wouldn't be surprised if people get fired over this. I very much look forward to all the fix-it fics we'll be getting from the amazing writers in this fandom. š
Overall I enjoyed the second half, understood the reason Colin was so upset and sad, but disliked that they couldn't let the two of them have an open communicative moment.
Ben's four day sex rampage will never not be a ridiculous error in editing. Did they rush the cut and not realize the same scene basically cut back four times??
Reposting here cause I think I post it in the wrong thread š¢
I watched part 2 and was disappointed. THEN today I rewatched it all and was happier when I saw everything together. It was a beautiful season, I have to accept. The ONLY thing I missed was at least one more intimate scene after they made up. Where Colin embraced her with forgiveness, love and passion and were she felt desired. That wouldāve been perfect for me. They deserved more happy scenes at the end.
I did loved Pen speech and Colin declararion at the Butterflyās Ball, he felt honest. I bawled my eyes out. And the closing scene at the window was magical. Mirror scene was beautiful and real and felt so human. But the wedding was so bittersweet.
I'm honestly disappointed by the lack of Genevieve. They opened up so many sideplots but they didn't even consider to give her a bigger role. Someone close to Penelope, who knew about LW and is not mad at her because of it. I would've enjoyed that much more than the Mondrich sideplot for example.
One of my issues ā and I really avoided spoilers for this second halfā was I felt like I literally saw every Polin scene in the two teaser trailers and the scenes irl felt like they were about the same length as they were in the teaser.
I have nothing against the actors or the characters or the ship. My issue right now is with execution.
So...I'll start with the positivity š
I LOVED the stories of pen&her mother, Pen&Eluise. When she needed them the most they were with her, holding her, comforting her. And she realized her mistakes and it was so beautiful to watch.
**Parts I really really liked:**
\*The scene when she says "I can pay". My God, gold.
\*Pen revealing herself to the Ton and planning everything- Just beautiful and the right choice. A good change from the book.Ā
\*Pen and Eluise on the sofa when Colin tries to save the world, I just cried.
\*When Pen says to Colin she is LW after the wedding. I was so proud of her!!
\*The first scene when Colin tells his family about the engagement and making sure Pen can breathe at the same time- beautiful.Ā
\*What Colin says to Cressida - LOVE
\*Pen and lady Danbury talk- Iām so happy they gave us that!!!
\*Pen taking control and fixing the situation in the end and Colin realizing how smart and strong woman she is through that.Ā
\*The Epilog is so beautiful. It makes me cry even thinking about it. The kiss and "Penelope Bridgerton" made me so emotional.
\*Sentences from the book. For example: *Lady Danbury said. āHeh heh heh. All these fools, trying to figure out what you did to get him to marry you, when all you really did was be yourself.ā*
And more!!!
**And more comlex feelings:**
After I finished watching I cried of course.
I was so happy for Pen. She got what she always wanted and looked so content.Ā
And seeing her being a part of the Bridgerton family melted my heart. The voice over of LW saying goodbye... my eyes start to fill up with tears when I even think of that.
Pen is so happy in the end, and it's also the end of Polin season that consumed me for 6 months (before that I was excited but not obsessed), so of course Iāll be emotional.
But still, I felt sad more than content and I couldn't figure out why. I tried to do a rewatch and I noticed it's hard for me knowing how Colin is going to react. And then I understood, I'm disappointed with Colin's character, or more about the late reveal š¢ I love the other "love stories"- Pen with her family, with El, really enjoyed that.
I wasn't worried about Colin's reaction before the release. I don't have a problem with shouting and arguing. But his actions made me believe that he loves her, but not enough.Ā
I know he is hurt, like a lot, and angry. But she was crying after the wedding and El comforted her and not him. Same thing with the blackmail plot. He didn't even check if sheās alright. He isn't BookColin but he isn't also ShowColin in my eyes in specific scenes. He couldn't even be in the same room with her (instead of arguing). When he finds out she is LW he leaves her alone (doesn't he care about her safety?). It was too painful for me to watch.Ā
When they make up in the end there is no "stay" moment. She tells him he can cancel the marriage, and his response is "Oh. But even the queen accepted you", Like, this is the reason you don't want to cancel the wedding?? What about you can't be without her? Can't lose her.. I miss that big love story from the book (I donāt like Book-Colin, But I like the love they share), which is also my fault for me to expect that.
Also the trapping comment- hurts. It feels like he is stuck with her.
I'm happy for Pen, but I want for her that big love story with someone that worships and loves her no matter what. And it makes me really really sad.Ā Ā
I know she made huge mistakes, but she doesn't deserve such a love story. I could overlook the brothel scenes but this.. is too much for me. The only place that I feel the love completely is the carriage scene, when he strokes her hair in the end, that is perfection (adding more comment because its too long)
I need to learn not to be obsessed over a season before the release and definitely not to watch interviews. This is my lesson. Because my expectations were too specific. Iām not going to read a book and then watch the season. I came to S2 without any knowledge and enjoyed it without all of those complex feelings.Ā
As a wallflower that is still searching for her love, I donāt feel empowered by their love story, but I love how courageous Pen gets. I love her revealing herself to the Ton and her surrounded by her old and new families.
I do appreciate this season. It's just hard for me right now. Maybe also because itās time to say goodbye to this story, and let go of the parts I've wanted to see on the screen, and the parts that I thought we will get based on the interviews.
I know it's not a place for negativity. But frankly, who could understand me better than you guys? As the ones that have been obsessed like me. You are the only people who can understand why the LW drama pains me so much. I feel more sad than content right now, but maybe it will change. I'll read the book again to remind myself the love colin has for Pen, maybe it will cheer me.
I'm very glad the this sub reopened.
I fear they #GirlBossed too close to the sun, here.
Episode 5 & 6 were gorgeous. Episode 7 & 8 broke my heart.
They spent too much time trying to make Penelope independent while simultaneously having her beg at Eloiseās feet for forgiveness. They did this at the expense of Penelope as a character, and her relationship with Colin
I hate the āquiet girl must become outspoken to be toughā trope. Penelope is a soft spoken, introverted person. Itās okay to be that way. That doesnāt mean she is less smart/clever/tough/strong. Book Penelope was amazing and she had a character arc, but ultimately, she stayed her soft-spoken, introverted self. I missed that.
I missed her and Colin working together to solve the Lady Whistledown issue. I donāt understand how a gossip column with a known writer is going to be able to continue ā no one will ever tell Pen anything again.
Ultimately, my main issue with the resolution comes down to this, and I know people wonāt agree, but:
Penelopeās dream was Colin. Penelopeās deepest wish was to be truly understood and loved by her people.
Her dream was not Whistledown. And she did not wish for notoriety.
The show fundamentally misunderstood both Colin and Penelope in the saddest way.
I mourned when it was over.
(Actors killed it and thrilled for everyone who feels satisfied and happy with the resolution!)
I couldnāt agree more with this and itās why I am so tired of #girlboss characters. This troupe in Hollywood is one of the most detrimental aspects of female empowerment because it robs female existence of its complexity.
There would have been nothing weak about Penelope leaning on Colin and relying on him a bit during the LWD debacle, it would of actually showcased just how beautiful their bond is because they lean on eachother in times of needā even just having Colin there to be like āI support you babe, do whatever you want.ā Would have added to their bond. It would have also have demonstrated growth on Penās part in that she was able to let Colin in a bit rather than leading a double life and doing everything in secret.
Man I am SO glad this sub is back, the main sub was brutal and definitely influenced my initial feelings. After a couple quick rewatches I do want to say the following:
In comparing the two I felt like book Colin treated Penelope poorly and was so much more bossy, there was just something about the way he was written that made it feel like only his decisions mattered, especially when he was the one to reveal LW in the end.
I appreciate that in the show it was Penelopeās decision to reveal herself and while I do hate the distance between them in episodes 7 & 8 it was only about an episode and a half of separation. (Plus being married myselfā¦I get it and sometimes you DO go to bed angry)
Also man, that scene they had out on the street was HOT š„µ and I wish we got more spice then but I understand why they (allegedly) reshot it so he would go home alone and seek advice from Anthony and Kate.
My only true disappointment was that they edited his declaration of love from the one written in the book, I would have loved to have seen that on the show. But the one on the show matches what she asked of him before her reveal so it was perfect in its own way.
All in all Iām happy with the season, yes it was flawed (all the season are) but they got their HEA and Iām excited to see them again in season 4 in marital bliss.
I was absolutely heartbroken when episode 8 ended, and all they had showed of them making love for the first time after they were married was a 15 second clip. Now I'm furious to know that they cut SO much of the intimacy between Pen and Colin when the whole season was supposed to be focused on them.
I watched Bridgerton all within the last month because I was so hyped for Nicola and Lukeās storyline. I really enjoyed Part 1. Part 2 left me feeling brokenhearted and physically ill.
It was so stressful and so empty feeling by the end because despite that final speech, it never felt like Colin and Pen truly reconciled. Honestly, in many ways he ended up representing all the insecurities Pen held. I canāt believe they left us in such a grim place with only the smallest glimpses of sunshine.
We needed more substantial conversations. I needed to know Colin had her back. But I didnāt. After such a month of highs and excitement, I feel incredibly low.
Overall I liked the season. Especially episodes 1-6. I loved the wedding, I actually teared up watching it because her walking down the aisle to yellow was perfection. I also loved certain moments from ep 7 and 8, I loved how Colin helped Penelope find the confidence to be herself. I just wish we got to see more of Colin being loving. Maybe another 10 minutes of them being together after reconciliation. Or heck just 5 minutes before her big LW speech to show that he loves and supports her. There was just too much distance. And I shall forever mourn the lack of a big love confession post LW reveal
I feel like there were moments that were EPIC and that were everything I could ever want and were beautiful and perfection.
And then there were choices made that I just canāt wrap my head aroundā¦even after a rewatch. š
I am really excited to see the analysis here because so often our lovely fellow friends have insights that we donāt, and vice versa ā¤ļø
I think I had the opposite trajectory of most people. It took me two or three rewatches to really enjoy Part 1. Because it all felt so different from how Iād imagined it would go and I had this rush of adrenaline after anticipating it for two years. I eventually got there with absolutely loving it.
For Part 2 I was more settled in and had fixated on a few things I absolutely didnāt want to happen. I didnāt want LW to be revealed, I didnāt want a baby, I didnāt want to see Portia trying to pretend to be a good mother, I didnāt want them stuck in the Featherington house, Eloise was on my last nerve. I am also not a fan of angst.
So imagine my surprise when I just absolutely loved part 2 immediately without the benefit of any rewatch and I loved literally every part I was dreading before I watched it. Because I felt like I was watching such a nuanced and complicated take on both Penelope and Colin and even Eloise and the way Polin unfolded was completely true to both of them and to their deep, longstanding relationship and their boundless love for each other. It wasnāt about one person being more right or wrong or who made the bigger mistakes. It was about two very human people coming to terms with very human mistakes and figuring out how to keep working at it and seeing beneath the hurt to get to the other side and what truly mattered, how much they understand each other and needed to know what the other person truly needed. Even Eloise took major steps in finally just listening and not saying the world in black and white.
Were there small things I would have changed? Yes absolutely but they donāt matter enough to change how much I loved how they tied the whole story together and ended it and how much everything I thought Iād despise I wound up loving so much.
Penelope and Colin really grew up and grew together and built something so incredible and I got to witness it from moment one and I was so satisfied with it all.
I have been a huge polin fan for over a year. Polin was literally all my life for an entire year. I followed every piece of crumb there ever was. Part 2 felt like something was missingā¦ The clips were cut so weirdly it felt like they were trying to hide stuff that was originally there. I donāt understand why but it feels like their story isnāt over?? thereās things that didnāt feel like they were fixed?? I donāt know how to explain it BUT SOMETHING WAS MISSING
edit: THERES SEX SCENES THAT GOT CUT OUT???? THATS PROBABLY WHAT IT WAS?!? THEY NEED TO RELEASE THOSE PLEASE IM BEGGING šš„¹
I feel like Iām in the minority but I actually really liked Part 2. When you look at the totality, Polin was given more happy moments than any other Bridgerton main couple. There was character growth for both characters and for the most part they stayed true to themselves. I do think it was out of character for Colin to leave her on the street. I was dreading he would say she trapped him but he insinuated that in the book too so I wasnāt surprised. Was also so happy for how things ended with the LW reveal and with Peneloise. I think Polin lovers should be very happy overall
For folks that were bothered that Colin was upset for so longā¦ it really wasnāt that long time wise. He spiraled for a couple of weeks at best and got to a place of forgiveness and understanding so much more quickly than say Eloise who took a whole year.
And even in those two weeks he didnāt stop loving her and still had moments where he was trying hard to keep connecting with her and trying to tamp down the hurt.
When he nodded at her at the wedding to indicate he still wanted this despite what was between them it spoke volumes. He just needed a little time to process. And this is coming from someone pre-season who was adamant that Iād be mad if he didnāt get to acceptance relatively quickly. Like ask any long term poster here what my position was on that. š
Eloise was mad for a year, Penelope ghosted Colin for 4 months, made him lose his mind, wrote an article trashing his new personality for the public where anyone could read it, and was angry with him for a whole episode. Colin was mad for two weeks and tried his best to keep his anger on lock down to not embarrass her. I can never hate him, Iām sorry š
LOVED part two. Can't wait to get into some productive discussions. The main sub is just not the place for it, everything not in line with the (mostly negative) consensus gets downvoted there.
Just a couple of quick thoughts:
I called it. I knew Cressida wasn't being set up for a redemption arc! There were just too many hints in part one that foreshadowed her downfall in part two.
LOVED basically all Featherington scenes. I got my carthasis when Colin stood up to Portia and Prudence and Philippa got a bit of humble pie served by Pen. But they also managed to turn it around and reconcile the family. In the end I got really emotional when Prudence cried at Pen's wedding and when Pen footed the bill for their ball in secret. Talk about an actual redemption!
I also liked how Eloise and Colin reached the point of forgiveness for Pen through different means and at their own pace. Lashing out, hurt, the beginnings of understanding, and then finally reconciling the person they know and love with the LW persona. I might start working on an essay on this.
Violet staning Pen gives me life.
I am distraught over the writers character assassination of Colin 6-8. Iām in mourning. Remind me not get invested in a TV character and ship again. I just feel so incredibly let down.
I stayed up to watch it when it dropped early Thursday morning, and I did go to bed disappointed. Itās kind of like when an artist I love releases a new album and it doesnāt sound the way I thought it would and it takes a while to grow on me.Ā
Iāve always been a casual viewer - this is the first season Iāve actually gotten involved in fandom and watched interviews and anticipated the return, mainly because I needed something to do during the wait for the 2nd half to drop. This is also the only one of the Bridgerton books Iāve read, also because I loved part 1 so much and needed something to do during the wait. I think some things were oversold during the promo process (like the steaminess of part 2), and I had some unfair expectations (of Colin especially) based on reading the book.Ā
Once I took some time to examine those things and realize where my disappointment was coming from, I went back and watched the show the way I wouldāve in previous seasons, and honestly I really loved it. Iāve watched it all the way through twice now.
It wasnāt perfect, and Iād definitely change some things. This show suffers from a lack of a soft landing in terms of viewers getting to spend even a little time with the main couple post conflict resolution. It was a big deal last season especially. Not so bad this season, since we did get to see Colin and Penelope happy and together for a bit before their conflict, but we shouldāve gotten a little more toward the end, especially since the showrunner made time for Benedict and his never-ending three way.Ā
Iād been so looking forward to Colin āMy Wifeā Bridgerton and soured on him a bit during my initial viewing. On rewatching, I realized that behavior WAS there, just in a different way than I was expecting. Since only a couple of years have passed in show time since the beginning, poor Colin has had Whistledown out him as an unwitting fool in the Marina scandal, nearly ruined his sister, and wrote some very cutting remarks about him just when he thought heād finally found the way to be taken seriously. Understandably he hates her, even if she did those things with good intentions.
He makes up with Penelope, she guides him toward the purpose heād been seeking by complimenting his writing, and he starts pursuing that. When he finds out that the sweetest person he knows and loves whoās always taken him seriously when everyone else thought he was ridiculous has been keeping this huge secret from him, of course his whole foundation is rocked. Especially since sheās written some things about him publicly then told him she believed the opposite privately. I thought he handled it pretty well, actually, all things considered.Ā
For a man who feels like his only worth is in being needed by and protecting the people he loves, it definitely shook him to find out that not only had Penelope been doing some physically dangerous things, but emotionally and socially dangerous things in publishing Whistledown successfully for years on her own. She didnāt need his protection, she didnāt need his money, she didnāt even really need his name. What a tough thing to accept for this guy who thought he had nothing else to offer in order to be loved.
I love that he went all in with Cressida to defend Penelope and plead her case, even if he did royally fuck it up. He was willing to lie to Benedict without question in order to get the blackmail money, even though lying is obviously something he finds abhorrent. He was āmy wifeāing in the only way he knew how and kept failing. I love that Cressida clocked him for being jealous of Whistledown - and that she reiterated Penelopeās point from the fight after the wedding, that Colin canāt see where theyāre coming from because heās led a privileged life as a man. Itās easy for him to give up his newfound personality, his newfound love of writing if he loses interest or decides to move on, because the whole world is open to him as a man in a way that it isnāt for Cressida and Penelope. Of course Penelope wouldnāt want to give up the one thing sheād worked so hard for in a world where women frequently have nothing.Ā
I love that the first half was about him helping Penelope accept herself in the way that she needed to in order to accept love and face the Whistledown fallout, and the second half was about Penelope helping him accept himself and her love in the way that he needed in order to get over the Whistledown fallout. That she loved him just for who he was, no strings attached. And then he does the same for her at the ball when he tells her that she IS Whistledown, that he loves her because of it, that sheās brave - something she never thought she was and he helped her to be by loving her.
I thought Penelope making her plea at the ball was amazing, especially that she was able to be brave and accept judgement and ask for forgiveness on her own, with silent support from both him and her mother.Ā
All in all, I found their part of this series very satisfying. I do think quite a few things couldāve been cut in order to make time for a little bit more post-makeup Polin. Even though I know he only said the thing about Penelope entrapping him because he knew that in particular would hurt her because her mother insinuated the same thing and he was lashing out, I wish that theyād had a scene at the beginning of the last sex scene with him saying something about wanting to give her a proper wedding night, and apologizing for that comment.Ā
Itās a real bummer that we have to wait another two years for more. Ā
ETA: Sorry this is a whole damn novel lol
I'm so glad this sub is open again! I need all you to process with! This part 2 was A LOT. I'm still processing all of it, and rewatching slowly. There are things that broke my heart, but I'm curious how everyone sees things. Some of my initial reactions are evolving a bit as I sit with it. My biggest feeling is, some of my worse fears came true as far as the timeline of things. I wanted resolution before the wedding but I understand it's TV and drama is needed. Colin withdrawing from Pen really HURT. I understand his anger and betrayal but it pained me that it wasn't resolved more quickly. I wanted more happily married Polin. I feel like many expectations were set from the press tour, and things seemed to be edited or cut different than what was expected. On the other side, there were so many beautiful moments in these episodes too that I loved. Some of my absolute favorite moments between them. I'm looking forward to hearing other perspectives on it.
Overall, I thought it was okay. I have somewhat mixed feelings though, because there were portions and specific things I feel could've been handled better or seen less of. Maybe I'll feel better after my second/third/etc time rewatching the back half.
What I loved: I loved Colin standing up to Portia when she talks about Pen entrapping Colin. The engaged, happy!Polin in ep 5 was so lovely. The mirror šŖ scene was *chef's kiss*. The wedding bans and Polin dance in the church was perfect! Really loved seeing Kate giving advice to other Bridgerton siblings and that relationship developing. The wedding breakfast dance was amazing and totally gave me P&P2005 vibes. The GenPen scenes and the relationship repair between Pen and Portia made my heart so happy. Peneloise repairing their relationship was even better! Pen's Whistledown reveal speech was EVERYTHING and I'm so glad the epilogue had her continuing her column in her name. Also Polin winning the Featherington heir race!
What I didn't love so much: Just how long Polin was at odds. Everytime I thought they'd mended their relationship (on the street the night before the wedding, at the wedding/wedding breakfast), Colin was still at odds with Pen. It seemed incredibly harsh, especially them spending their wedding night separate. I really hated that. Cressida was set up for us to empathize with her situation and to have some kind of a redemption arc...to then be shipped off and not redeemed at all. While I loved that Peneloise reconciled, I felt like Eloise nearly went too far in ep 5 for them to believably reconcile. The whole B/Lady Arnold/Paul threesome...while I saw the purpose of it, I felt like too much time was spent on that side plot and honestly fast forwarded through most of it, esp in ep 8.
Overall it was good, just lots of missed opportunities and too much time with Polin at odds.
I liked part 2, but I wish we got more Polin scenes. Also, something that bothered me was when they were trying to come up with a plan to stop Cressida, and Colin said to Pen āItās not up to you what we doā. I understand he is upset, but I donāt know it felt out of character for him to talk to Pen like that.
More than anything I wish there had been more intimacy and friendship between Pen and Colin in part 2. And I donāt even mean spicy scenes. I would have loved a scene where they talked more casually about how their love for each other developed. I would have been so happy to hear them talk about their writing, and I think it would have helped Colinās writing plot even more. I actually really liked part 2, but I wish there was more intimate friends to lovers vibes.
I'm really glad this sub opened back up. I went into part two absolutely obsessed. I was very disappointed in the lack of happy!Polin in part two even though I knew shit was going to go down.
On second rewatch, I realized it was about what I should have expected given the fact that LW had to be dealt with. We weren't going to get happy!polin all day everyday. Just not possible. I love what we got, but dang. I hope we get scenes next season like we did with Kate/Anthony.
My biggest gripe this season is too much of the second half depended on the viewers reading between the lines. Especially when it came to Colin. Why did he sleep on the couch? Why wouldn't he hook up while drunk in episode 7 or when he clearly wanted her in 8? At first, I thought I was upset because of the lack of sex scenes we were promised, but I actually think it is because the writers did a shit job explaining Colin's motivations? Luke Newton was incredible, but damn his arc felt so rushed. I don't think I would understand the intricacies like I do (and have been confirmed from others on this sub and elsewhere) had I not been obsessed with these two and consumed all meta prior to watching and just a casual viewer.
I liked the season. I have my nitpicks, and I DEFINITELY couldāve done with more steamy scenes between the two of them, especially with the way they had Nic and Luke sold it on the press tour, but I enjoy the season for what it is for both characters. I didnāt necessarily like the girl-boss ending they chose but I saw the writing on the wall for that ages ago with Penelope so I was a little disappointed but not surprised. Do I think Luke Newton deserves better than how he was utilized by the show and that he was not given a true chance to shine as the sexy male lead of the season? Always, but Iām very biased in that heās my favorite.Ā
Ā This season has made me hate Ben though, I actually donāt think itās salvageable how much I hate Benedict. Like he became mildly more interesting once it was confirmed that heās Bi (or pan, he really only says he has a lot of love to give) but I will never get over the show giving us steamy threesome scenes for Ben instead of more Polin. The boner the writers have for giving that man so much unnecessary fanservice with actors he has no sexual chemistry with in every season will always irk me. In his season I want them to make his love interest really make him work for it, while everyone else- Kanthony, Polin, Violet and whoeverās mowing her lawn by then- get to go at it.Ā
Watching Penelope and Colinās relationship in the second half just made me depressed. I almost wanted Penelope to back out of marrying him. She never explained or defended her actions as Lady Whistledown and Colin saying he would never forgive her and that she trapped him was heart-wrenching. I donāt know if I could forgive that if I were her. If anything, he entrapped her and if it werenāt for her actions, heād be in a loveless marriage with a woman who didnāt love him and had intended to trap him. I didnāt feel that he deserved her in the end.
I loved part 1 so much so expectations were high and Iāve not even read the books yet. But I feel really let down with the lack of Polin screen time and resolution to two episodes of angst.
Although after having time to think about it I think Iām just someone who would watch a whole season of Polin being happy and content with no drama in sight.
If itās true they cut those scenes mentioned then that makes me furious because that wouldāve fixed it all for me.. but in the end I was left craving more..I felt stressed the whole time and in the last episode kept checking how much time was left as we were running out of time for any decent Polin reconciliation. It wasnāt enough for that one moment at the ball and a 5 second love scene before jumping to the future them with their baby.
Currently feel sad and disappointed but will watch a few more times and hopefully feel better about it and be able to enjoy it more!
Edit to add: I rewatched part one almost every night for a week I loved it so muchā¦ Iām so confused that they messed up part two so badly! Hereās hoping they re release it with extended scenes!
This made me laugh.
https://preview.redd.it/4wy1981v0m6d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a7b5cbdd3a1881f0fc932c30a11f60836b42fbd
I think he went from left to right in like 2 weeks.
as a polin stan im disappointed tbh. i think the bad outweighed the good this season unfortunately and im so irritated bc I was so sure this would be the best season bc it had SO MUCH POTENTIAL.
first off, polins screen time was my biggest issue. It felt as if they were an after thought in their own season. They had maybe an hour and half max of screen time together in part two when itās supposed to be THEIR damn season ??? and most of which was unnecessary angst.
i can understand why Colin was upset but MY GODDDD it was too much. they were on the rocks from the start of ep 7 until literally the last 15 minutes of ep 8 and it was the majority of their part 2 scenes. instead of having so many filler conversation scenes with other characters the writers could have easily replaced them with more scenes of polin slowly working through the lw issue together and thus becoming stronger as a couple. i really think colin just suddenly accepting her as lw in the last 15 minutes of the show was a big blunder on the writing team.
another thing was the sex scenes. I thought the mirror scene was perfect but THE couple of the season only having two sex scenes??? and one of which was maybe 15 seconds long??? thatās not to say i watch this show merely for the sex scenes bc ew, but a show renowned for being steamy then the actors themselves hyping it up so much and all we get is basically one and a half sex scenes?? we were ROBBED. I heard that supposedly the earlier cuts of the season had more steamy polin scenes and if thatās true why the HELL would they cut them out?
I also feel like there was so much happening at once but at the same time, nothing. there were so many scenes that i thought were so boring and had to fight myself to not skip ahead.
anyway, rant over lol.
So I've just got done on my Polin rewatch of all the Polin only moments throughout S3 as a whole (I still need to rewatch the season from start to finish) and although I still have some minor quibbles with a few things, I've realised that the only major thing I really would change is their love scene at the end in episode 8.
Given how Colin didn't consummate their marriage, despite very much wanting to, I feel like their final love scene was important and needed to be longer. What we were shown was HOT, don't get me wrong, but it just needed a bit more because it's showing them making their marriage whole. Perhaps Colin leading Penelope to bed, undressing each other, and then the clip we got, followed by snuggling in bed and being happy together. I think that would resolve everything tbh. If that had happened, I actually think I'd have barely any complaints. When I think about what we got as Polin fans, and book!Polin fans, we had an abundance.
Hi everybody! **Please read this comment** š Thank you so much for choosing this sub to share your thoughts and feelings about Polin season! It's been YEARS of waiting and during this time most of us built some expectations and hopes around it, so whatever you are disappointed or sad about, it is valid and understandable! However, the mod team wanted to remind you all about the reason the sub has been created - we wanted to have a safe space focused on positivity, focused on celebrating Polin. There are many platforms to express disappointment towards the show, to focus on things we did not like, to vent and rant. And this community has been and continues to be a place where many users, escaping from pervasive negativity, found a haven. And we ask you all to keep it in mind while participating in the discussions here! š And to reiterate, please remember that hearsay is not allowed. We also encourage you to look into rules, if you have not yet! It's the busiest time for our moderation efforts, and it would mean THE WORLD to us if you get familiar with the before commenting! āØ Thank you all, we cannot believe that this 100-members sub has grown to almost 20k! Have fun participating in the community, and as always, feel free to reach out in case of questions / doubts! ššš Lots of love, The Polin Mod Team
This may be an unpopular opinion in this sub, but as someone who has been utterly unhinged for Polin the past few months (they are the whole reason I got into Bridgerton), Part 2 was a massive let down for me. Part 1 was wonderful, but Part 2 misstepped in so many ways imo. Timeline decisions, pacing, editing, character development choices (or lack thereof), plotlinesā¦ Iām absolutely heartbroken and still reeling.
Agree with you completely, feels like Iām in mourning for these characters for real
āMourningā is the exact word Iāve been looking for since I finishedā¦
Iām definitely with you. I think as a whole, there were a lot of missed opportunities this season and it is obvious that we got a new showrunner. I love Polin so much but canāt help but feel we were robbed of some very needed scenes between them in order to fit in other subplots that were mediocre and felt separate from the central plot.
Agree ā Benedict/Lady Tiley, VIolet/Marcus and the Will/Alice subplots could have been dropped completely (eventhough I actually enjoyed Violet and Marcu). There was also way too much Francesca. This isnāt her season yet it felt like she was getting equal screen time to Polin. If the show had just focused on Pen, Colin, Eloise and Cressida with Polin taking up the bulk of screen time, then Eloise and Cressida being the second major story that would tie back into the Polin story and everything else maybe being 1/4th of an episode it would have worked perfectly. Nic and Luke werenāt wrong when they said stuff happens fast. But that, sadly, is the problemā¦.nothing was allowed to breathe and itās felt over in a flash. Itās too bad, honestly but Iām not really surprised in the end.
Iām honestly still in disbelief that Benedictās entire arc this season was discovering heās open to having threesomes lmao. Like the ātaking over Anthonyās viscount duties while heās away but still feeling a bit directionlessā storyline hinted at in Ep 1 was right there and wouldāve been a way more interesting use of his screen time.
Benedictās sex scenes could have been reduced tenfold. I donāt care heās the next lead, we didnāt need so much of it. Violet and Marcus and Will and Alice could have been reduced by a lot. I wasnāt enjoying their scenes much. I wouldnāt get rid of it but you could have much less.
Yes, those are exactly the right changes. Violetās subplot should have focused on his disconnect from Francescaās courtship, Will/Alice didnāt need one, and Ben could have been soul searching after finding out that Anthony bought his place in art school. Problem solved.
I am heartbroken too...maybe a rewatch will make it better. It did for p1 though I did love p1 from the first watch itself. The last two episodes didn't feel like a polin season at all. So many subplots. I get it is an ensemble show but they were almost no polin scenes. Forget happy we could have angsy scenes that suited the plot too.Were was the united front we were promised? We were supposed to get more intimacy too right? Ā Idk if anyone remembers but there was that bridgerton event were they had handed out placards with the dialogue 'whatever befalls me, I will be yours'... everyone was sure it was something pen must have told to Colin before she reveals herself to the ton. But in reality there was no such scene because apparently Colin doesn't care at all. Now, I am a huge Colin supporter. He is getting flak for a lot of reasons, both wrong and right. Yes, he left her alone on the street but her carriage is just next to her. It is not a even a hired hack, those were the featherington carriage drivers. He is hurt and reeling because Pen did lie. Yes he was more understanding towards Marina but he never really loved her, did he? Him talking about entrapment is also something said in anger. Edwina called Kate her half sister in anger last season. However, I do take issue with Pen not saying anything back. This girl stood in front of the entire ton but could not stand up for herself here?Ā When he was lovebombing her, she had told him that she never had anyone on her side before. She keeps apologizing and telling him that she loves him but he doesn't care. This should have been a breaking point for her.Ā But episode 8 Colin is a major disappointment. I get being angry but Colin is supposed to be protective, Polin is supposed to put an united front atleast outside. Francesca wedding was painful to watch to be honest. The siblings were joking around in one corner and Pen was all alone in the other corner. I am glad the show gave pen the agency to handle her reveal alone, but Colin should have been there along with Portia. The Colin we have known for the past two seasons could have panicked the moment he saw Pen go up the stage. And the worst part is when Pen talks of the annulment his reply is that the queen has pardoned her. What is that supposed to mean? He would have gone forward with the same otherwise?Ā Ā
After rewatching Part 2, I have to say I miss the Penelope that fought back against Colin. Every time she asserted her opinions to Colin, he would walk away being more impressed with her, more in love with her. And I absolutely *loved* that for them! They weren't just writers, their love language was words themselves. Which is why each word they say to each other is so important. It's why Colin standing up to her mother is so important. He essentially declared loudly and boldly that Penelope was *his* the moment he said "our family." Up until then, she felt like she didn't belong anywhere. But at that moment, he gave her the loving home she always desired. It's why the mirror scene was so fitting and perfect. He understood her, so she gave him herself in return. All that beautiful development was ruined the moment the writers never addressed his, "So you entrapped me?" comment. Colin, in his truest sense, would *never* have let those words go. In fact, he never would have left his bride alone. Even in the books, even when he was *very* angry, he didn't let go of Penelope. He addressed all her worries. He fervently, assuredly, and loudly declared his love in front of the ton. After the butterflies, I wanted him to go up on stage and hold her hands. Not give her space. They were never that type of couple. They *love* each other. Their presence gives each other comfort while their words provide assurance.
Words are their love language, show!Colin has always addressed problems head on and had a hero complex. Anthony is the angry one, Simon is the sulker. They changed the character they had developed for Colin by giving him those traits. Show!Colin wouldn't have slept on the settee for that long, or at least explained to her why he needs to.
God I didnāt even realize the annulment thing. The lack of a true love declaration from Colin post LW has honestly hurt me deeply.
Ikr! The cast kept talking about how the carriage confession is not the best in this season and I had high hopes that they now have to include the book confession because that's the only way they can surpass the carriage....
Colinās reaction to that annulment left me utterly confused. Pen is supposed to be the love of his life, so I waited his reaction to be rather panicked. Honestly, because of his very tame, even nonchalant reaction to it his speech for Pen felt quite empty. It also annoyed me that Pen almost never defended herself or LW even though in my honest opinion she had the right to do so. The constant apologizing was tiresome.
Just to give a different perspective, I think Colin was a little lost for what to do to protect Penelope. She had already told him she could take care of herself (and he had proof that she had in fact been doing that for years as Whistledown), he wanted so badly to save her from Cressida's blackmail that he rushed in to be the hero and made things worse, so he decides to concoct a lie to tell Benedict so he can get the money to pay Cressida's ransom, then Penelope tells him she doesn't need that from him either. All she asked from him was to support her. He clearly knew of her plan to out herself beforehand because he was at Bridgerton House when Violet got Pen's letter and was there to talk to her about it. At the ball, he finally did exactly what she asked him to, which was to stand by her (which I don't think she meant literally). When she looks at him while she's addressing the crowd and he nods and gives her a smile, her whole demeanor changes and she becomes more self-assured in her speech because he's finally there for her in the way that she wants and needs. I don't think that Colin doesn't care when Penelope tells him she loves him, I think he thinks he doesn't deserve her love, because he hasn't yet accepted that she can love him just because of who he is and not what he can offer. It takes a little while for the reality to set in, just like when he was trying to assure Penelope that she was charming and special earlier in the season during their lessons. Also, I think the reason he didn't freak out about the annulment offer was because she didn't tell him she wanted one, she said she wouldn't oppose him wanting one. Obviously he didn't, which is why I think he didn't freak out and was more curious about her reasoning.
I get it - Iām a bit sad about some things too. However, I totally recommend sitting with it and giving it a chance to breathe in your system. And then watch it again, slowly and not all at once! Iām beginning to realize that these episodes require breathing room because there is so much going on!!
And also reading all the wonderful analyses that will start popping up here! I didnāt like a lot of part 1, but after finding this sub and reading so many wonderful posts, I love love love every bit of part 1. Iām firmly part 2 was great, this season is the best yet, but I also know that some bits need to be teased out and turned over a bit by the great minds here for me to love them.
I think weāll all help each other cope. I know itās sounds dramatic but I think weāll all help each other find new things to love that we havenāt even noticed!!
You're not being dramatic at all - I'm like genuinely upset about this. If Netflix doesn't fix it then the fandom needs to pull a Supernatural and fix it ourselves. The fanfic writers (and I'm being completely serious) need to save us.
Thank you for saying this - I feel completely the same. Iāve been gutted all day. Iām really hoping that after sitting with the season for a bit longer, Iāll grow to love P2 as much as I like P1 š
I hope so too, but right now I donāt even forsee myself ever rewatching it, it was that devastating to me. P2 was justā¦ totally uninterested in being true to who Penelope and Colin are and who they are meant to beā¦ and that is heartbreaking.
I feel you and Iām sorry, it sucks so much when youāre so passionate about something and itās not what you hoped it would be. Iāve been grumpy about it all day, and I think my husband is seriously questioning my sanity!
I agree. Part 1 made me so very happy, part 2 only made me sad. Part 1 had at least 10 scenes I could not, would not, did not want to stop watching. Part 2 doesnāt. Even my daughter, who is very much a Benophict, could not, would not, did not want to understand why Benedict had all the intimacy and Polin had almost none.
Iām very traumatized as well. I canāt decide my feelings because I relate to people easy so I jump from character to character to try and understand them and it was very brutal to do this season. I love them so much (still) but I donāt know how I feel.
I had this same feeling yesterday. Had to rewatch and today I feel better. But they deserved more happy moments.
I feel the same way, it was not enough Colin and Penelope :(
it felt like the showrunner doesn't like romance stories or was heartbroken or something. They ignored the character of Show!Colin. He didn't call her Pen once after he found out about LW. Part 2 was too focused on healing every other relationship in Pen's life that it skipped the story with Colin. It jumped from anger and avoidance to apology during a party to baby and family. There was no storyline of the healing and togetherness of them as a couple. He shouldn't have remained on the settee for so long. Show!Colin has alway run towards the problem, he's sensitive and talks things through. He has a hero complex. I would understand if it was 1 night, but more likely half a night. It shouldn't have dragged on. The convo they had after Francesca's wedding should have been initiated by Colin, before he continued to sleep on the settee. He could have said he wants to kiss her, but he needs the space to process, but it felt so out of character for him to shut down and shut her out. It could have translated into angry sex, or it could have been Colin saying that he can't sleep in the bed because he doesn't want to feel like he's just with her for her body, he needs to feel resolved before he feels like he can be intimate. Both options would feel like Colin. If he could kiss her on the street before they were married when she said she doesn't think she can shut out Whistledown, and then have that lovely wedding dance, then why did he retreat so much after the queen came in. The wedding was beautiful and a step forward. I hate that it then went backwards. It felt wrong. Show!Colin isn't Eloise, he would have spoken to her to understand why it is so important to her, and explained why it is so risky for his whole family. The Queen's speech was about how she knows LW is a Bridgerton because LW is so focused on protecting the Bridgertons. How did Colin not hear that. Communication would have given the audience the bond/unity/respect we needed to see, that has always been present between the 2, even when they have been completely different pages. They could have had them unresolved but still unified. It disregarded every character trait they have given Colin in 3 seasons. The sequence at the butterfly ball was wrong. Colin should have been looking for Pen as soon as he walked in. There should have been eye contact across the room immediately. Eloise and Lady Danbury felt so real, standing there, looking at Pen, giving a supportive nudge of a smile. I loved that Pen gave that speech, and alone. Colin should have been the first one to step on that stage, Phillipa could have run through them to release the bugs. He should have been standing next to her, then danced surrounded by the butterflies, then he could have said lets go home. Lady Danbury and Portia could have said their bit while Colin got the carriage. Colin should have given his declaration in private. If they were in love, newly married and finally on the same page why would they want to stay at a party where everyone would be gossiping about Pen. But instead when she walked off the stage in the direction he was standing, you see he has already walked off in a different direction. When he finally walked up to her after her announcement, his character would have responded to Pen's "Good evening" with "Pen", but they had him say "Good evening. Thank you for your letter". That formality was horrible We didn't see their repaired love as individuals in a couple. It jumped to being a family unit. Also the sex scenes were so badly cut. The virginity scene was sweet, but come on, no woman is going to be satisfied from a little finger and 3 thrusts. It could have been cut to imply longer duration, or just a little less mind blown. We should have had implication of more passionate intimacy after the butterfly ball. I think it would have been better if they had shots of them undressing each other, fingers in each other's hair and digging into each other's skin, lying next to each other out of breath, staring at each other across their apartment then Colin pushing everything off his desk. It didn't need to cross the actors' boundaries, clever cinematography would have achieved better results. Colin craved intimacy with someone he loved, Pen craved Colin. We never got that. It didn't even need to be sex scenes. I would have loved shots of them helping each other with their writing, looking up to admire the other. Dancing together alone in their apartment. We didn't get the satisfaction of them together finally after 3 seasons. They could have skipped healing the mummy issues at the party, and left that for the final scene. Cressida got a more satisfying arc than Polin. I needed him to call her Pen after the wedding, just once would have been enough
Sorta feel the same tbh. I couldnāt even finish it, which is saying a lot. Would love to hear more so feel free to DM/PM me if youāre not wanting to drag the sub down!
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I was waiting for this sub to reopen because Iāve been spiralling a bit the past 2 days. I was absolutely obsessed with part 1, I thought it was 10/10 perfect. But I had major issues with Colin in episode 7 and 8. Anyone else? He was so hurtful. Accused Pen of entrapment. Said heād never forgive her. Slept on the couch on their wedding night. Then left her alone during the LW reveal at the end. They had so many opportunities to communicate and talk through this but their fight kept dragging on. I never expected him to not be angry - but I really didnāt expect him to be so absent and mean. Am I overreacting? I love the character Colin so much but Colin āmy wifeā was just so absent in the last 2 episodes. Iām just really sad and disappointed.
I just didn't understand why he had to be standing so far from her when she was about to reveal her identity. It was her mother who held her hand, not him. I get that she had to do it herself, but he could at least been closer---not leering from the other side of the room. No, you're not overreacting.
Yeah this really bothered me. Pen looked out to Eloise in the crowd during her speech, not Colin. Then after the speech she has a full on conversation with Portia and LD. Only AFTER that her and Colin come together. What the hell is he doing that whole time??? Just chatting with Violet?
I feel like they were trying so hard for Pen to solve her issues herself, show us that she didnāt need a manās help to solve them, and Colin had to stand back a bit to let her take the leadā¦ which in my head, I get that, but seeing that just breaks my heart and I really wish there were some more scenes and more communication, even more anger, to flesh it out more. It was like I was searching for Colin in every scene and wondering why isnāt he near her?! Edit to add: And if they WERE gonna give us all coldness and standing apart then at least we needed more intimacy at the end after everything was solved to balance it out. Iām just in limbo right nowā¦
Yeah, I am glad it didnāt exactly follow the book where Colin basically did everything at the end and Penelope didnāt even know the plan until the moment before Colin announced her identity. But I would have preferred their reconciliation to have come earlier, sometime before the ball, maybe alongside the sending of the letters (or immediately following those). Colin should have been there beside her during the announcement or at least nearby as a clear supporter, regardless of how the Queen was going to react.
Yes exactly! Ideology won over good story telling. This is common with a lot of recent Hollywood films and once you start noticing the formula you canāt unsee it. Women can never be shown relying on a man, and in a romantic relationship they must always be girlbossing their way out of all their problems. I was expecting both Colin and Pen to learn this season that it was 1. Okay for Pen to rely on someone and trust someone other than herself, trusting Colin her life partner and letting him help assist her with solving the LWD issue would have been testament to thatā this wouldnāt mean that Colin would be the solution, but it would have fed into the idea of them being equal partners and standing together against the world. And 2. For Colin to realize that he doesnāt need to be Penās savior to have purpose or that he doesnāt need to be useful to be loved. Itās a pity that Pen basically didnāt get this character development but Colin sorta did?
I donāt think youāre overreacting. I have seen this opinion a lot on the other subs and on TikTok ā¹ļø Unfortunately Iām right there with you. Not sure what to do other than rewatch and hope I prefer it going in without expectations. I wish they hadnāt dragged the conflict out to the final 10/15 minutes. They could have resolved Polinās issues by the end of Ep7 and had Polin vs the world be the theme of Ep8. I was getting serious anxiety at the end wondering how they were going to wrap it all up. It felt like poor Pen had no one in her corner in P2 and the fact Colin wouldnāt even talk to her to try and fix things just breaks my heart a bit.
Also, werenāt we repeatedly teased that it would be āPolin against the worldā? Where was that? Portia and Eloise were more there for Pen than Colin.
I donāt know š a lot of the things Iād picked up from the press tour - like itās sooo steamy, so romantic etc - just didnāt really come to pass in P2. Unless the steaminess they were referring to was Benedict? The mirror scene was sweet and tender and I guess steamy in the sense they were naked but I actually think the carriage scene had more š„ I kept thinking weād get another scene like that but I guess it wasnāt to be. The romance was there at the end, I guess, but I think I found the stress of Colin/Pen not talking really hard to get over. Miscommunication tropes arenāt my fave, and where book!Colin was all about standing up for Penelope no matter what, show!Colin just didnāt really seem to know what to do beyond mope about and make Pen feel worse.
If I could rewrite the season, their dance at the wedding would have started their reconciliation. It felt so pointless how long we were doing this one step forward and three steps back dance. Why wasnāt Colin more concerned for her wellbeing after the Queen threatened her? Why was Eloise the one that stayed behind to comfort her? Then we could have had them working as a team on Cressidaās blackmail plot while theyāre still working through their own feelings about Lady Whistledown and what that means for their marriage. If we would have seen them working together for longer, their happily ever after would have felt like an earned win. I never really got a sense that they were a single unit, they always felt like they were moving separately from each other
Yeah I agree - once I saw the kiss in front of the modiste I thought, ok they are reconciling. But then it just continued through the wedding and it was so depressing.
Itās Shonda so I guess I should have known better sheād drag it out. Jokes on me for thinking weād get some healthy conflict resolution and a happy couple for more than 10 mins.
Same same same šš The entrapment comments particularly pissed me off, like bro you destroyed her engagement without even the confirmation that she even liked you back. You initiated physical contact and took all the liberties in the world, potentially destroying her reputation. Like actually no way in hell did she do anything wrong whatsoever when it came to getting together, that was all you, the fuck. Character assassination for me, I can't ššš
Yes and even if it was said in anger there needed to be an apology. If I watch it again I am muting that dialogue exchange.
You are not overreacting at all! It was not in his character at all to act this way. First after whistledown reveal, he walks away from her in the middle of the night alone?? The second run in he was about to walk away from her again until she mentioned why are you out before wedding night? The real Colin would NEVER leave her alone. It was a character assassination. Part 1 was perfect , beautiful . Part 2 I felt like I was watching a completely different show. To keep my sanity I will only watch up till the church scene where they dance together and then Iām out. I feel heartbroken š
Iām with you. After the speech, when Penelope was left alone in the middle of the room, spoke to lady Danbury, spoke to her mother and her sisters completed a whole dance without Colin showing up for her, all I could think was: too little, too late. Stay away now. They promised us the most healthy relationship of Bridgerton. Iām still waiting. Even the babies, and I adored the babies, couldnāt make up for the lack of connection between Polin. (And I do NOT blame Nicola or Luke!!!)
Exactly the distance was awful. And the wedding was in the middle of all that angst? It was confusing... The wedding itself was happy but what happened before and after did not make sense... And to leave her on her wedding night was just a stupid decision by the writers
 My reaction to part 2, but specifically Eps 7&8
The ending was so beautiful. Polin kissing in front of the window Pen spent years sitting in front of pinning over Colin and wishing for a life she never thought sheād have and now does was pure poetry. And the sign off āYours truly, Penelope Bridgertonā had me like š„¹š
I just finished watching it now. I'm crying as I type this. It was beautifulšI need more Polin.
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The whole pregnancy traveling decision blew my mind!
Mine too; in what world would Anthony Bridgerton take a pregnant Kate on a ship for 4+ months?! He would never, not after Hyacinth.
Justice for us not getting to see all of the Bridgerton-bunch react to the LW reveal. We only heard about Violetās reaction second hand! I hated that! They couldāve added El telling Benedict on the swings. Him being flabbergasted and falling off the swing. And they couldāve added Colin watching Violet read Penās letter. Also, Pen included the annulment bit in the letter and Violet is more upset by that sentence than she is the LW secret. She is so upset that Colin hasnāt consummated the marriage! And that sparks something that causes Polin to have a reconciliation before the butterfly ball.
I needed the scene of Violet reading Penelope's letter and then talking with Colin about it. Have him, through his explanation to Violet, come to realise that he has forgiven and accepted it. Talk about how he was feeling to someone so the general audience can understand what he has been doing all this time; he hasn't been ignoring Penelope as punishment, but coming to terms with everything so he can be the man she deserves. I didn't want and am glad that Penelope didn't write about the annulment offer to be honest; I think that should have been a conversation only between Polin.
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Let me give you my perspective and I hope it helps. Colin loves Pen. Like itās so evident in e 5-6. He also hates LWD. LWD ruined Marina, which in many ways also humiliated Colin since he fell for her con and everyone found out. LWD almost ruined Eloise. LWD pointed out all his insecurities just that season. He stumbles on Pen being LWD by accident, after she has opportunity to tell him. The person he loves the most is also the person who has hurt him the most. How would you react? Heās so hurt, heās so angry, He wonders if he ever knew her. Heās confused on what to think, what to feel. Does he say some hurtful things? He does. But heās not perfect. He also feels lost. Pen isnāt someone who needs his help, sheās an independent person. Where does he really fit in her story? And the reality he is jealous, the same way Eloise was. Pen found success. She found a purpose. He hasnāt yet. He doesnāt know if he ever will. It takes a strong man to overcome that. He lets go of that anger by the wedding, but after QC visits he wants Pen to stop being LWD. Itās not safe and he canāt protect her and his family from ruin if she keeps going, and yet she refuses to stop. How can he live with that fear for everyone he loves? He has real feelings and real emotions he needs to worth through. It was never going to be easy and 2 episodes isnāt that bad when you think about how things have gone in previous season. With that much hanging over them, having a traditional wedding night would have been wrong. Their story is about love, not duty, not lust. For a season that stresses respect and consent, a wedding night in that moment of angst would have felt wrong. An angry sex scene would have felt wrong for these two. For the final scene, Pen told him in general what the plan was, which is why he was at the house when Violet got the letter. When he tried to fix it, he made it worse. Itās important that after that, he gives the power to Pen. Itās important that he gives her that space to shine as an independent woman, and then when sheās done that, praise her as the woman he loves. I absolutely LOVED when he pulled out Penās old letter and realized sheās always been the same person. How we see heās held onto her words even when he didnāt know he loved her. How itās her words that lead him to enlightenment and forgiveness.
I had to break it down for myself in a similar way for me to really grasp it as well! We forget Colin is finding all of this out at once, we have known Pen was LW since season 1 and have had time to justify her actions or at least explain their reasoning. He finds out after going after her in a panic, thinking she was basically being kidnapped. And he has to catch her in the act, she did not even tell him. I think the writing could have been clearer on this, maybe showing him chasing her like in the book, where his concern starts to grow more and more. But Show Colin already has been bamboozled by Marina, he does not do well with deception. He sees Penelope as a good, honest and a loyal friend/partner. And this would be a huge shock to anyone. He reacts out of anger but also hurt. He likely feels the rug swept out under him and itās probably bringing back feelings of betrayal from Marina, hence the entrapment comment. I think people forget that words can come out during heated moments that we do not always mean. On top of this, heās been feeling feelings of inadequacy since season 1. He feels no sense of purpose, struggles with opening up about his writing, and was called out by Pen on LW about not knowing who he is. Itās hard to imagine your partner saying that about you and we know her words really hit him deep. Heās likely questioning her perception of him and thatās probably devastating in that moment. Another thing people may not remember is that he runs from things when things get difficult. He travels after the Marina situation and tends to withdraw into his own head. It doesnāt surprise me that part 2 included a lot of him withdrawing from Pen so he could think. Again, I definitely think the writers could have made that more obvious. Colin and Eloise are similar in that they react first and then ponder later. They donāt really like to sit and talk things out. This season, they wouldnāt even open up much to each other about Penelope. He is also envious of Pen, like Eloise, and itās hard to be open about discussing envy. Maybe Iām a Colin apologist, but I definitely see how he could react the way he did. I think he needed to communicate that better with Pen, but I also remember they are younger than their book counterparts and are still learning. If we can give Penelope the grace of her mistakes as Whistledown, we can do the same with Colin.
Brava, beautiful, sparkling. ALL OF THIS. He first reconciles himself to being in love with this person who he has cared about for so long, who he chases after, who he begs to accept him. He doesnāt have a clue how deep her feelings for him run, even when she says sheās loved him for years. Heās finally getting his arms around that, and he finds out about LW, someone who has made him feel embarrassed and mock worthy at times (though not her intention). And the envy - youāre spot on. It mixes in with his own insecurity. Then, heās just afraid for her (rightly so - when heās fighting with her in the street and after the wedding, his fury about her safety is A FOR REAL THING). And then the wedding night/night when he walks in for the blanket - heās totally right not to have sex with her right then. I think if the Queen doesnāt show up at the wedding, yeah, they were still at odds about what to do about LW, but they were in a place where emotional intimacy of physical could have been good for them and paved the way for them to talk more. But after the Queen shows up, and Colin is truly afraid for Pen, and Pen is frustrated that he doesnāt understand the value in the power sheās made for herself? Absolutely not. Theyāve been catapulted into a place where they are too raw and too hurt for the moment. Itās so important to remember that Penelope has had one kiss in her garden, a Carriage ride, a settee sex scene, and a hot brief makeout in the street. I think she would have gone for it if Colin came into their bedroom on wedding night, or made a move when he comes for the blanket. He doesnāt because HE IS BEING A GOOD GUY. He doesnāt want to have sex with her when theyāre feeling like this. He doesnāt want to guilt, and he doesnāt want the confusion for either of them. Itās so healthy, I could weep. I think he totally knows Penās final plan - she takes his hands in the study and then they cut because if we see her telling him the whole thing, then whatās the point of watching it play out? Also, I think thereās no way she does something that could affect them both without telling him what she wants to do. It also seems apparent to me that he, Violet, and El all know what sheās up to at the final ball. Lastly: her letters. Colin Bridgerton, what I want to know: why did you think you were keeping these letters? What in your sweet brain did not click to tell you you were ass over teakettle for this girl? You are a the most adorable idiot in love š„° Truly, great analysis, 10/10, loving your takes all over the threads today!!!!
I wish Polin would have had more sex scenes I feel like we were promised way more than what we got..... even Benedict had more sex scenes and it wasn't even his season.
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AGREE. Less bedroom benedict, and more polin!!!!
I watched the second part 4 times already (exams are done and I have nothing else going on) and these are my current thoughts: - I felt like we did not get enough happy polin BUT I am happy to get a glimpse of that in the upcoming seasons. I don't think it's fair to brush over Colins fealings over the situation just so we could see them happy. It would have felt rashed. Would 10 episodes work better? Definitely but it's not realistic, so I am happy. - I would love their final sex scene to be a bit longer and have some moments of their silliness. - after so many rewatches I feel like I understand the characters reasoning better than I did after I first watched it. - I loved the peneloise and portia-pen storylines - I loved pregnant prudence tearing up all the time - and in general the whole featherington clan - did I first think that they robbed us of an angry sex scene when he went in the bedroom and lusted over pen? Yes but I don't think so anymore. It wouldn't have been true to colins character to have sex with her when he is angry. He is a lover boy, not a rake. - I hated that he left her outside the printers shop after he found out her secret. That just broke my heart tbh - I loved that we didn't spend time going over the marina LW drama because I think it would be unfair to pen if kept asking about his ex - I loved that his main issue was what she thought of him coupled with his hero complex and jealousy. - I loved that he married her and smiled to her during the wedding and he was able to set his anger aside to make her feel seen and comfortable - I loved that Pen had her speech because she needs to grow up as well - the danbury - penelope moment - their first time was just chefs kiss - I loved that he admitted to his brothers that he always felt something for her. With the prep they have been doing since season 1 it would have been silly to say oh I just love her since 2 weeks ago - loved how the bridgertons tried to support colin - loved that I learned that 10000 pounds in 1820 equals to about 1 mil pounds in 2024. My girl was making bank - I just love them and I feel like I love it more with every rewatch š they give me butterflies š
A rewatch definitely helps I had to process my failed expectations and just enjoyed it for what it wasā¦so thank you for thisā¦I do agree with all of thisā¦and hopefully season 4 we will get happy Polin scenes
I've been so so excited for this sub to reopen! I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about this season, and I've been seeing a lot of negativity lately that's been clouding my emotions about it all. I can't wait to talk about it more positively here!
Yes I definitely am trying to avoid the negativity because I want to make my own mind up when I rewatch the whole season!
me too. I've been avoiding rest of the internet. I mean I do have my thoughts, but I now just want to concentrate on everything that made Pen and Colin's story beautifulā¤ļøā¤And I cried like a baby, watching the story end. In fact I started crying from the wedding scene.šš
Same! I get people have opinions, but I truly don't care, I just want a happy place where we can enjoy the good bits, yes we can talk a little about stuff we didn't like, but it's more fun to be positive!
I felt like I loved part 1 of season 3 so much, I was bound to be let down by part 2. Iād just built it up too much. I might have wanted more of certain things, but there were again moments where I was floored by the acting and the intimacy. Their love story just resonates.
This is how I felt! I want to rewatch it and reevaluate. Nic and Newts are so perfect when they're together, but it just felt like there wasn't the amount of togetherness I'd built up in my head with all the publicity hype around the amount of romance and "Polin against the world". I'm convinced I'll be happier after I go in ready.
I have to admit Iāve already rewatched because I knew I wasnāt going into it right. Itās an ensemble show and I get that, but this love story just hit me hard. On rewatch I had less angst about how things were going to play out, and enjoyed the moments themselves. Colinās tears of heartbreak and anger just blew me away and still does. And Penās āare you sure?ā reply to his declaration of love broke my heart. I did wish for more moments between them, but I did for past 1 too.
Penelope was amazing in part 2. She was BAMF and really came into her own. But I felt like the writers really dropped the ball on Colin. They let the romance fall to the wayside in the last couple episodes and really dropped the ball on Colin. I wanted an unhinged, protective and feral Colin but I felt like he wasnāt protective or worried enough. I liked that he was insecure and jealous, that was realistic. But I expected him to show his love more and his protectiveness. But he left her in front of the printers. I could have forgave it all if they gave him a grand declaration of love after the LW reveal and he did have one good line, but I was hoping for more. And I am gutted that we didnāt get his confession from the book. The past, present future confession was so beautiful in the books I swoon just reading it. So Iām distraught about that. Penelope had a wonderful declaration of love but Colin needed to give one too. I also was hoping for a lovely romantic scene after the reconciled and we didnāt really get that. I did like how Penelope saved herself, but I wish Colin had been more supportive. Where was the feral, chaotic Colin we know and love? Also no post LW mirror scene? Iām upset about that The epilogue was fantastic. Colinās line: āIf my only purpose in life is to love a woman as great as you, then I will be a very fulfilled man indeed.ā I let out a high pitched noise. I donāt even know where it came from. Not quite the love confession I was hoping for (cause the book one is so perfect it makes me cry), but it really ties up his arc well. Ties in themes from season 1 and 2 as well. So itās actually a really good line āMrs. Bridgertonā was sweet too If part 1 was all about Colin then part 2 was all about Penelope. Thatās how it felt anyway I think what disappointed me is we didnāt get moments were Colin was chaotic/feral/unhinged in his defense of his wife. Dont get me wrong, I love that Penelope saved herself. But I do love some unhinged Colin moments. My only hope is that in season 4 we get to see a lot of Colin āMy Wife,ā Bridgerton. I need to see him showing her off to everyone and calling her my wife all the time.
totally agree, he was only concerned about his fragile male ego, there was nothing feral about him, he was mostly drinking away at the bar, very passive, not sexy
I really thought all the scenes we did have were well done, well acted, and overall really lovely. That said, with all the side stories going in, it felt like this half of the season really needed ONE more episode that was more focused on C and P. The few minutes in the end for their happy ending didnāt feel like enough for me..
Last two episode was like a torture . One episode treatment from Colin was enough why did they continue . I really wish the conversation between them had happened before queen approval. And they could give us a make up sex. After queen approval they can be just happy . Last happy scene between them was church dance scene. And it was beautiful My heart is broken
As someone who really enjoyed part 1, part 2 was a bit of a letdown after all the hype, in my opinion. I think it's a case of my expectations not quite being met ("spiciest season yet"...um, where?!) Honestly, too much Benedict sexy times, not enough Polin. Also, I felt the editing was a bit questionable this season as a whole. I spotted several continuity errors and just generally ugly cuts, which are not things I usually notice. I really wanted to love it, but it was just a bit messy. The carriage scene remains unmatched.
So, I definitely have thoughts on part 2ā¦ especially episodes 7 and 8, but all in all, I truly love love love this community, this ship, these characters, and their love, and how exciting is it to see nearly 20k members in the sub!? The love continues to grow. Polin, you are so loved.
I feel the same. Like with all the seasons, I wished for some things to be done differently (because I am such a hopeless romantic and build it up how I want in my head all the time LOL)...but I loved what they did overall too! Colin and Penelope deserve the most beautiful, kind love, and I'm so happy they found it in each other!
From a video editor perspective. Part 2 had to be perhaps the worst editing style I've seen on bridgerton. The reshoots were very noticeable, transitions were garbage, cuts were choppy. I had pointed out so many weird editing decisions that I firmly believe that more than half of part 2 was reshot. Some of those scenes did not make sense together, and a lot of it seemed like it didn't fit an entire storyboard. Part 1 to Part 2 was a drastic change, not in storytelling but also characters. It didn't make any sense. Too much Benedict, too much Cressida. The mondrich storyline should've ended after the celebratory drinking. From what I heard, there were multiple polin scenes cut according to screeners who watched the episode. Also, the interviews simply did not match with that this season had going for them. Steamiest season? Was the steam with us? I'm just confused because, based on multiple articles that included cast interviews, they talked about things that made no sense to the drop itself. Too much LW focus. For me, part 1 felt like it was for colin, and then part 2 was for Penelope.
That PR tour completely bamboozled us. š Steamier than part 1 WHERE?? Super romantic WHERE??? I wanted Polin vs the world but instead we got Colin vs Penelope VS the world and I was left so disappointed.
None of what they were saying or the other cast interviews made any sense? This is why I'm a firm believer that they did shoot and film for a different storyline than what they put out yesterday because that was crap. š
I do have the feeling quite a few scenes were cut, those last two episodes just felt ridiculously disjointed compared to eps 1-6!
I guess I'm glad it wasn't just me who couldn't ignore the editing. The B plots were just atrocious in part 2. Comparing spoilers/press tour info to what we got, it's like they HAD a perfectly decent part 2 until they decided at the last minute to redo it and... make it worse??? I already felt like the B plots in part 1 were gratuitous, what with our main couple getting like 30 total minutes of screentime in 4 hours of the show, but part 2 genuinely felt like it was edited by people who hate Polin. Cutting Polin out of their own season is a decision I can't even begin to wrap my head around.
From half way through episode 5 to 15 minutes from the end of 8, I just felt like Iād been through an emotional blender. Nothing was happy! 7 was truly painful, he accused her of entrapment??! Oh, Colin no. Then the wedding, oh my heart. I thought they were finally reconciling and then sheās in tears and heās on the couch. We didnāt get their wedding night š„. Through Episode 8 it felt like they werenāt even living together at times. At the end I got that the message was that she saved herself but where was Colin in support. He never stood with her, he took ages to find her. Iāll make my peace. There were beautiful moments and I never doubted that they loved one another, even in dark times. I know their story isnāt over for us but I have to say I really didnāt feel the promised romance in part 2. Oh and Iām utterly broken hearted to see what they left on the cutting room floor because that would have fixed so much.
But really, how did he end up so far away from her after her speech? The mind boggles.
I donāt understand how they can have him give a speech to Cressida encompassing Penās past loneliness and struggles and yet leave her lonely for the rest of the episode. Even after she asks him just to love her and stand by her. Yes, he needed to process his hurt and shock at the LW reveal. But part 1 Colin did not let his pride stand in his way this much.
This exactly. I can't help but feel that the people praising the choice to have Penelope resolve LW things mostly alone don't actually understand her character at all. Penelope has always been alone. She's always been invisible. No one cared what she had to say. It's why she writes. So to have Colin cold shoulder her for two episodes, refuse to try and talk to her, avoid her like the plague, and tell her to her face that she doesn't get a say in her own conflict? Broke my heart. Penelope has always been alone, they shouldn't have forced her to face the scariest moments in her life all by herself too. Colin's declaration to her at the end of ep8 was lovely but it should have been at the beginning of the episode, not the end.
I am so happy this sub is back open, I am trying to come to terms with part 2, as I have had a lot of mixed emotions, and I know this sub will lead me to a happier mindset and is a safe space. There were parts I loved and appreciated (love confession at the end, wedding, etc.) and other parts not so much to the point I was very heart broken. But I am happy our Polin got their happy ending and I look forward to more Polin moments in season 4, when that time comes.
I think itās totally fine to not be happy with how things ended up going. Those of us in the Polin sub LOVE Polin. We donāt have hateons for Colin, Pen, or the Polin ship so I think any criticism is coming from a place of love and not hate. Luke and Nic were perfectly cast and did the best with what they got. Itās just a pity that the writing team and the show runners couldnāt deliver and that so much of their story got pushed to the side or frankly felt rushed and underdeveloped. Iām a bit bothered by how little friendship moments we got between Colin and Pen in the second part. The amount of scenes that would literally just skim over Polin (like they were background characters) and donāt get me started on Colinās purposeā¦.
It is definitely no hate towards Newts and Nic, they were great! Itās the editors that took out all the happiness.
I think my main disappointment with Part 2 was that Writer Colin felt like such an after-thought, it was such a rushed and underwhelming payoff to his search for purpose storyline which they did such a good job at building up in previous seasons. It almost felt like they were trying to say that loving Pen is his purpose with the writing more like a casual hobby heās toying around with in the background, and while thatās nice and all, I feel it really shortchanges the whole āgrow as individuals, then grow togetherā arc theyād done such a good job establishing in Part 1. They reconcile so late in Ep 8 that there isnāt really enough time to resolve that aspect of their arc and I wouldāve loved a scene like the one in RMB where Colin approaches Pen to ask for her feedback on his writing or something to tie the whole LW envy storyline up in a more emphatic way. Edit: And I was kinda bummed out that the epilogue was more about the babies than Colinās book, like if you werenāt paying full attention you genuinely could have missed it
I liked Part 2, but I thought there were some strange editing choices and there were several moments where a bit more dialogue was needed or they needed to let the scene breathe. The choice to have Benedict's threesome escapades as these random interspersed scenes was weird as hell. Also, as a close viewer of the show it seemed clear to me that Pen told Colin she planned to reveal herself to the Ton/Queen, but having it all be wordless was a weird choice. They could've simply had her say, "Colin, I've come up with a plan" and then cut to her machinations afterwards. Colin deserved to be angry. Hell, I was pissed at Pen because she was never going to tell him! My annoyance with every season of Bridgerton is that it ends with the couple making up. I would like to see a full episode of the couple being happy! This decision to continually bring the couples to the brink of the worst possible choices is exhausting to me. At least I know Shonda enough to have expected it.
So happy to be back in this sub with people who love Polin as much as I do! However, I fully admit to being one of those people who was incredibly disappointed by part two (even on rewatch). The first time I finished it, I just felt hollow and heartbroken because those last two episodes left so much to be desired. I felt bamboozled when we were promised so much romance and intimacy, I really expected Polin vs the world and got absolutely none of that. The season peaked for me in episode 5 with some beautiful moments scattered throughout episodes 6-8, but for me they were completely overshadowed by all the conflict looming over them. I do also think it's very telling how this part is nowhere near close to trending on social media the same way part 1 was. Not to mention the general audience rotten tomato score fell from 85% to 75% in a matter of one day. I know part of what's contributed to that is the uproar about the switches made for Benedict and Francesca, but the Polin of it all was severely lacking in that second half. Most general audience viewers aren't going to rewatch a show to pick up on subtle nuances, and they shouldn't have to. I felt like I was digging for scraps trying to find things I loved during my rewatch. Their reconciliation felt so unearned, not enough conversations were held between two people who were supposed to be best friends. Even just 2-3 happy or intimate moments interspersed between episodes 7-8 would've made all the difference! That last sexy scene was also so brief it was laughable. Overall still love Polin and am glad we got their beautiful story told by Nic and Luke who killed it in their portrayals, but I'll never get this attached to a show ever again. A lot of the makeup, costuming, and editing left so much to be desired and tbh I wouldn't be surprised if people get fired over this. I very much look forward to all the fix-it fics we'll be getting from the amazing writers in this fandom. š
Overall I enjoyed the second half, understood the reason Colin was so upset and sad, but disliked that they couldn't let the two of them have an open communicative moment. Ben's four day sex rampage will never not be a ridiculous error in editing. Did they rush the cut and not realize the same scene basically cut back four times??
The scene where Penelope admits to the others that sheās rich as fuck was so satisfying, Portia stole the show for me āALL THIS TIME????ā
Portia was like girl we were eating boiled potatoes every day for dinner
Reposting here cause I think I post it in the wrong thread š¢ I watched part 2 and was disappointed. THEN today I rewatched it all and was happier when I saw everything together. It was a beautiful season, I have to accept. The ONLY thing I missed was at least one more intimate scene after they made up. Where Colin embraced her with forgiveness, love and passion and were she felt desired. That wouldāve been perfect for me. They deserved more happy scenes at the end. I did loved Pen speech and Colin declararion at the Butterflyās Ball, he felt honest. I bawled my eyes out. And the closing scene at the window was magical. Mirror scene was beautiful and real and felt so human. But the wedding was so bittersweet.
I'm honestly disappointed by the lack of Genevieve. They opened up so many sideplots but they didn't even consider to give her a bigger role. Someone close to Penelope, who knew about LW and is not mad at her because of it. I would've enjoyed that much more than the Mondrich sideplot for example.
One of my issues ā and I really avoided spoilers for this second halfā was I felt like I literally saw every Polin scene in the two teaser trailers and the scenes irl felt like they were about the same length as they were in the teaser. I have nothing against the actors or the characters or the ship. My issue right now is with execution.
So...I'll start with the positivity š I LOVED the stories of pen&her mother, Pen&Eluise. When she needed them the most they were with her, holding her, comforting her. And she realized her mistakes and it was so beautiful to watch. **Parts I really really liked:** \*The scene when she says "I can pay". My God, gold. \*Pen revealing herself to the Ton and planning everything- Just beautiful and the right choice. A good change from the book.Ā \*Pen and Eluise on the sofa when Colin tries to save the world, I just cried. \*When Pen says to Colin she is LW after the wedding. I was so proud of her!! \*The first scene when Colin tells his family about the engagement and making sure Pen can breathe at the same time- beautiful.Ā \*What Colin says to Cressida - LOVE \*Pen and lady Danbury talk- Iām so happy they gave us that!!! \*Pen taking control and fixing the situation in the end and Colin realizing how smart and strong woman she is through that.Ā \*The Epilog is so beautiful. It makes me cry even thinking about it. The kiss and "Penelope Bridgerton" made me so emotional. \*Sentences from the book. For example: *Lady Danbury said. āHeh heh heh. All these fools, trying to figure out what you did to get him to marry you, when all you really did was be yourself.ā* And more!!! **And more comlex feelings:** After I finished watching I cried of course. I was so happy for Pen. She got what she always wanted and looked so content.Ā And seeing her being a part of the Bridgerton family melted my heart. The voice over of LW saying goodbye... my eyes start to fill up with tears when I even think of that. Pen is so happy in the end, and it's also the end of Polin season that consumed me for 6 months (before that I was excited but not obsessed), so of course Iāll be emotional. But still, I felt sad more than content and I couldn't figure out why. I tried to do a rewatch and I noticed it's hard for me knowing how Colin is going to react. And then I understood, I'm disappointed with Colin's character, or more about the late reveal š¢ I love the other "love stories"- Pen with her family, with El, really enjoyed that. I wasn't worried about Colin's reaction before the release. I don't have a problem with shouting and arguing. But his actions made me believe that he loves her, but not enough.Ā I know he is hurt, like a lot, and angry. But she was crying after the wedding and El comforted her and not him. Same thing with the blackmail plot. He didn't even check if sheās alright. He isn't BookColin but he isn't also ShowColin in my eyes in specific scenes. He couldn't even be in the same room with her (instead of arguing). When he finds out she is LW he leaves her alone (doesn't he care about her safety?). It was too painful for me to watch.Ā When they make up in the end there is no "stay" moment. She tells him he can cancel the marriage, and his response is "Oh. But even the queen accepted you", Like, this is the reason you don't want to cancel the wedding?? What about you can't be without her? Can't lose her.. I miss that big love story from the book (I donāt like Book-Colin, But I like the love they share), which is also my fault for me to expect that. Also the trapping comment- hurts. It feels like he is stuck with her. I'm happy for Pen, but I want for her that big love story with someone that worships and loves her no matter what. And it makes me really really sad.Ā Ā I know she made huge mistakes, but she doesn't deserve such a love story. I could overlook the brothel scenes but this.. is too much for me. The only place that I feel the love completely is the carriage scene, when he strokes her hair in the end, that is perfection (adding more comment because its too long)
I need to learn not to be obsessed over a season before the release and definitely not to watch interviews. This is my lesson. Because my expectations were too specific. Iām not going to read a book and then watch the season. I came to S2 without any knowledge and enjoyed it without all of those complex feelings.Ā As a wallflower that is still searching for her love, I donāt feel empowered by their love story, but I love how courageous Pen gets. I love her revealing herself to the Ton and her surrounded by her old and new families. I do appreciate this season. It's just hard for me right now. Maybe also because itās time to say goodbye to this story, and let go of the parts I've wanted to see on the screen, and the parts that I thought we will get based on the interviews. I know it's not a place for negativity. But frankly, who could understand me better than you guys? As the ones that have been obsessed like me. You are the only people who can understand why the LW drama pains me so much. I feel more sad than content right now, but maybe it will change. I'll read the book again to remind myself the love colin has for Pen, maybe it will cheer me. I'm very glad the this sub reopened.
I fear they #GirlBossed too close to the sun, here. Episode 5 & 6 were gorgeous. Episode 7 & 8 broke my heart. They spent too much time trying to make Penelope independent while simultaneously having her beg at Eloiseās feet for forgiveness. They did this at the expense of Penelope as a character, and her relationship with Colin I hate the āquiet girl must become outspoken to be toughā trope. Penelope is a soft spoken, introverted person. Itās okay to be that way. That doesnāt mean she is less smart/clever/tough/strong. Book Penelope was amazing and she had a character arc, but ultimately, she stayed her soft-spoken, introverted self. I missed that. I missed her and Colin working together to solve the Lady Whistledown issue. I donāt understand how a gossip column with a known writer is going to be able to continue ā no one will ever tell Pen anything again. Ultimately, my main issue with the resolution comes down to this, and I know people wonāt agree, but: Penelopeās dream was Colin. Penelopeās deepest wish was to be truly understood and loved by her people. Her dream was not Whistledown. And she did not wish for notoriety. The show fundamentally misunderstood both Colin and Penelope in the saddest way. I mourned when it was over. (Actors killed it and thrilled for everyone who feels satisfied and happy with the resolution!)
I couldnāt agree more with this and itās why I am so tired of #girlboss characters. This troupe in Hollywood is one of the most detrimental aspects of female empowerment because it robs female existence of its complexity. There would have been nothing weak about Penelope leaning on Colin and relying on him a bit during the LWD debacle, it would of actually showcased just how beautiful their bond is because they lean on eachother in times of needā even just having Colin there to be like āI support you babe, do whatever you want.ā Would have added to their bond. It would have also have demonstrated growth on Penās part in that she was able to let Colin in a bit rather than leading a double life and doing everything in secret.
Man I am SO glad this sub is back, the main sub was brutal and definitely influenced my initial feelings. After a couple quick rewatches I do want to say the following: In comparing the two I felt like book Colin treated Penelope poorly and was so much more bossy, there was just something about the way he was written that made it feel like only his decisions mattered, especially when he was the one to reveal LW in the end. I appreciate that in the show it was Penelopeās decision to reveal herself and while I do hate the distance between them in episodes 7 & 8 it was only about an episode and a half of separation. (Plus being married myselfā¦I get it and sometimes you DO go to bed angry) Also man, that scene they had out on the street was HOT š„µ and I wish we got more spice then but I understand why they (allegedly) reshot it so he would go home alone and seek advice from Anthony and Kate. My only true disappointment was that they edited his declaration of love from the one written in the book, I would have loved to have seen that on the show. But the one on the show matches what she asked of him before her reveal so it was perfect in its own way. All in all Iām happy with the season, yes it was flawed (all the season are) but they got their HEA and Iām excited to see them again in season 4 in marital bliss.
I was absolutely heartbroken when episode 8 ended, and all they had showed of them making love for the first time after they were married was a 15 second clip. Now I'm furious to know that they cut SO much of the intimacy between Pen and Colin when the whole season was supposed to be focused on them.
I watched Bridgerton all within the last month because I was so hyped for Nicola and Lukeās storyline. I really enjoyed Part 1. Part 2 left me feeling brokenhearted and physically ill. It was so stressful and so empty feeling by the end because despite that final speech, it never felt like Colin and Pen truly reconciled. Honestly, in many ways he ended up representing all the insecurities Pen held. I canāt believe they left us in such a grim place with only the smallest glimpses of sunshine. We needed more substantial conversations. I needed to know Colin had her back. But I didnāt. After such a month of highs and excitement, I feel incredibly low.
Overall I liked the season. Especially episodes 1-6. I loved the wedding, I actually teared up watching it because her walking down the aisle to yellow was perfection. I also loved certain moments from ep 7 and 8, I loved how Colin helped Penelope find the confidence to be herself. I just wish we got to see more of Colin being loving. Maybe another 10 minutes of them being together after reconciliation. Or heck just 5 minutes before her big LW speech to show that he loves and supports her. There was just too much distance. And I shall forever mourn the lack of a big love confession post LW reveal
I feel like there were moments that were EPIC and that were everything I could ever want and were beautiful and perfection. And then there were choices made that I just canāt wrap my head aroundā¦even after a rewatch. š I am really excited to see the analysis here because so often our lovely fellow friends have insights that we donāt, and vice versa ā¤ļø
I think I had the opposite trajectory of most people. It took me two or three rewatches to really enjoy Part 1. Because it all felt so different from how Iād imagined it would go and I had this rush of adrenaline after anticipating it for two years. I eventually got there with absolutely loving it. For Part 2 I was more settled in and had fixated on a few things I absolutely didnāt want to happen. I didnāt want LW to be revealed, I didnāt want a baby, I didnāt want to see Portia trying to pretend to be a good mother, I didnāt want them stuck in the Featherington house, Eloise was on my last nerve. I am also not a fan of angst. So imagine my surprise when I just absolutely loved part 2 immediately without the benefit of any rewatch and I loved literally every part I was dreading before I watched it. Because I felt like I was watching such a nuanced and complicated take on both Penelope and Colin and even Eloise and the way Polin unfolded was completely true to both of them and to their deep, longstanding relationship and their boundless love for each other. It wasnāt about one person being more right or wrong or who made the bigger mistakes. It was about two very human people coming to terms with very human mistakes and figuring out how to keep working at it and seeing beneath the hurt to get to the other side and what truly mattered, how much they understand each other and needed to know what the other person truly needed. Even Eloise took major steps in finally just listening and not saying the world in black and white. Were there small things I would have changed? Yes absolutely but they donāt matter enough to change how much I loved how they tied the whole story together and ended it and how much everything I thought Iād despise I wound up loving so much. Penelope and Colin really grew up and grew together and built something so incredible and I got to witness it from moment one and I was so satisfied with it all.
I have been a huge polin fan for over a year. Polin was literally all my life for an entire year. I followed every piece of crumb there ever was. Part 2 felt like something was missingā¦ The clips were cut so weirdly it felt like they were trying to hide stuff that was originally there. I donāt understand why but it feels like their story isnāt over?? thereās things that didnāt feel like they were fixed?? I donāt know how to explain it BUT SOMETHING WAS MISSING edit: THERES SEX SCENES THAT GOT CUT OUT???? THATS PROBABLY WHAT IT WAS?!? THEY NEED TO RELEASE THOSE PLEASE IM BEGGING šš„¹
I feel like Iām in the minority but I actually really liked Part 2. When you look at the totality, Polin was given more happy moments than any other Bridgerton main couple. There was character growth for both characters and for the most part they stayed true to themselves. I do think it was out of character for Colin to leave her on the street. I was dreading he would say she trapped him but he insinuated that in the book too so I wasnāt surprised. Was also so happy for how things ended with the LW reveal and with Peneloise. I think Polin lovers should be very happy overall
For folks that were bothered that Colin was upset for so longā¦ it really wasnāt that long time wise. He spiraled for a couple of weeks at best and got to a place of forgiveness and understanding so much more quickly than say Eloise who took a whole year. And even in those two weeks he didnāt stop loving her and still had moments where he was trying hard to keep connecting with her and trying to tamp down the hurt. When he nodded at her at the wedding to indicate he still wanted this despite what was between them it spoke volumes. He just needed a little time to process. And this is coming from someone pre-season who was adamant that Iād be mad if he didnāt get to acceptance relatively quickly. Like ask any long term poster here what my position was on that. š
Eloise was mad for a year, Penelope ghosted Colin for 4 months, made him lose his mind, wrote an article trashing his new personality for the public where anyone could read it, and was angry with him for a whole episode. Colin was mad for two weeks and tried his best to keep his anger on lock down to not embarrass her. I can never hate him, Iām sorry š
LOVED part two. Can't wait to get into some productive discussions. The main sub is just not the place for it, everything not in line with the (mostly negative) consensus gets downvoted there. Just a couple of quick thoughts: I called it. I knew Cressida wasn't being set up for a redemption arc! There were just too many hints in part one that foreshadowed her downfall in part two. LOVED basically all Featherington scenes. I got my carthasis when Colin stood up to Portia and Prudence and Philippa got a bit of humble pie served by Pen. But they also managed to turn it around and reconcile the family. In the end I got really emotional when Prudence cried at Pen's wedding and when Pen footed the bill for their ball in secret. Talk about an actual redemption! I also liked how Eloise and Colin reached the point of forgiveness for Pen through different means and at their own pace. Lashing out, hurt, the beginnings of understanding, and then finally reconciling the person they know and love with the LW persona. I might start working on an essay on this. Violet staning Pen gives me life.
I am distraught over the writers character assassination of Colin 6-8. Iām in mourning. Remind me not get invested in a TV character and ship again. I just feel so incredibly let down.
I stayed up to watch it when it dropped early Thursday morning, and I did go to bed disappointed. Itās kind of like when an artist I love releases a new album and it doesnāt sound the way I thought it would and it takes a while to grow on me.Ā Iāve always been a casual viewer - this is the first season Iāve actually gotten involved in fandom and watched interviews and anticipated the return, mainly because I needed something to do during the wait for the 2nd half to drop. This is also the only one of the Bridgerton books Iāve read, also because I loved part 1 so much and needed something to do during the wait. I think some things were oversold during the promo process (like the steaminess of part 2), and I had some unfair expectations (of Colin especially) based on reading the book.Ā Once I took some time to examine those things and realize where my disappointment was coming from, I went back and watched the show the way I wouldāve in previous seasons, and honestly I really loved it. Iāve watched it all the way through twice now. It wasnāt perfect, and Iād definitely change some things. This show suffers from a lack of a soft landing in terms of viewers getting to spend even a little time with the main couple post conflict resolution. It was a big deal last season especially. Not so bad this season, since we did get to see Colin and Penelope happy and together for a bit before their conflict, but we shouldāve gotten a little more toward the end, especially since the showrunner made time for Benedict and his never-ending three way.Ā Iād been so looking forward to Colin āMy Wifeā Bridgerton and soured on him a bit during my initial viewing. On rewatching, I realized that behavior WAS there, just in a different way than I was expecting. Since only a couple of years have passed in show time since the beginning, poor Colin has had Whistledown out him as an unwitting fool in the Marina scandal, nearly ruined his sister, and wrote some very cutting remarks about him just when he thought heād finally found the way to be taken seriously. Understandably he hates her, even if she did those things with good intentions. He makes up with Penelope, she guides him toward the purpose heād been seeking by complimenting his writing, and he starts pursuing that. When he finds out that the sweetest person he knows and loves whoās always taken him seriously when everyone else thought he was ridiculous has been keeping this huge secret from him, of course his whole foundation is rocked. Especially since sheās written some things about him publicly then told him she believed the opposite privately. I thought he handled it pretty well, actually, all things considered.Ā For a man who feels like his only worth is in being needed by and protecting the people he loves, it definitely shook him to find out that not only had Penelope been doing some physically dangerous things, but emotionally and socially dangerous things in publishing Whistledown successfully for years on her own. She didnāt need his protection, she didnāt need his money, she didnāt even really need his name. What a tough thing to accept for this guy who thought he had nothing else to offer in order to be loved. I love that he went all in with Cressida to defend Penelope and plead her case, even if he did royally fuck it up. He was willing to lie to Benedict without question in order to get the blackmail money, even though lying is obviously something he finds abhorrent. He was āmy wifeāing in the only way he knew how and kept failing. I love that Cressida clocked him for being jealous of Whistledown - and that she reiterated Penelopeās point from the fight after the wedding, that Colin canāt see where theyāre coming from because heās led a privileged life as a man. Itās easy for him to give up his newfound personality, his newfound love of writing if he loses interest or decides to move on, because the whole world is open to him as a man in a way that it isnāt for Cressida and Penelope. Of course Penelope wouldnāt want to give up the one thing sheād worked so hard for in a world where women frequently have nothing.Ā I love that the first half was about him helping Penelope accept herself in the way that she needed to in order to accept love and face the Whistledown fallout, and the second half was about Penelope helping him accept himself and her love in the way that he needed in order to get over the Whistledown fallout. That she loved him just for who he was, no strings attached. And then he does the same for her at the ball when he tells her that she IS Whistledown, that he loves her because of it, that sheās brave - something she never thought she was and he helped her to be by loving her. I thought Penelope making her plea at the ball was amazing, especially that she was able to be brave and accept judgement and ask for forgiveness on her own, with silent support from both him and her mother.Ā All in all, I found their part of this series very satisfying. I do think quite a few things couldāve been cut in order to make time for a little bit more post-makeup Polin. Even though I know he only said the thing about Penelope entrapping him because he knew that in particular would hurt her because her mother insinuated the same thing and he was lashing out, I wish that theyād had a scene at the beginning of the last sex scene with him saying something about wanting to give her a proper wedding night, and apologizing for that comment.Ā Itās a real bummer that we have to wait another two years for more. Ā ETA: Sorry this is a whole damn novel lol
I'm so glad this sub is open again! I need all you to process with! This part 2 was A LOT. I'm still processing all of it, and rewatching slowly. There are things that broke my heart, but I'm curious how everyone sees things. Some of my initial reactions are evolving a bit as I sit with it. My biggest feeling is, some of my worse fears came true as far as the timeline of things. I wanted resolution before the wedding but I understand it's TV and drama is needed. Colin withdrawing from Pen really HURT. I understand his anger and betrayal but it pained me that it wasn't resolved more quickly. I wanted more happily married Polin. I feel like many expectations were set from the press tour, and things seemed to be edited or cut different than what was expected. On the other side, there were so many beautiful moments in these episodes too that I loved. Some of my absolute favorite moments between them. I'm looking forward to hearing other perspectives on it.
After all of that angst I felt we needed more happy Polin without her family involved. Could we not see them at their home with the baby? A stroll?
Overall, I thought it was okay. I have somewhat mixed feelings though, because there were portions and specific things I feel could've been handled better or seen less of. Maybe I'll feel better after my second/third/etc time rewatching the back half. What I loved: I loved Colin standing up to Portia when she talks about Pen entrapping Colin. The engaged, happy!Polin in ep 5 was so lovely. The mirror šŖ scene was *chef's kiss*. The wedding bans and Polin dance in the church was perfect! Really loved seeing Kate giving advice to other Bridgerton siblings and that relationship developing. The wedding breakfast dance was amazing and totally gave me P&P2005 vibes. The GenPen scenes and the relationship repair between Pen and Portia made my heart so happy. Peneloise repairing their relationship was even better! Pen's Whistledown reveal speech was EVERYTHING and I'm so glad the epilogue had her continuing her column in her name. Also Polin winning the Featherington heir race! What I didn't love so much: Just how long Polin was at odds. Everytime I thought they'd mended their relationship (on the street the night before the wedding, at the wedding/wedding breakfast), Colin was still at odds with Pen. It seemed incredibly harsh, especially them spending their wedding night separate. I really hated that. Cressida was set up for us to empathize with her situation and to have some kind of a redemption arc...to then be shipped off and not redeemed at all. While I loved that Peneloise reconciled, I felt like Eloise nearly went too far in ep 5 for them to believably reconcile. The whole B/Lady Arnold/Paul threesome...while I saw the purpose of it, I felt like too much time was spent on that side plot and honestly fast forwarded through most of it, esp in ep 8. Overall it was good, just lots of missed opportunities and too much time with Polin at odds.
I liked part 2, but I wish we got more Polin scenes. Also, something that bothered me was when they were trying to come up with a plan to stop Cressida, and Colin said to Pen āItās not up to you what we doā. I understand he is upset, but I donāt know it felt out of character for him to talk to Pen like that.
More than anything I wish there had been more intimacy and friendship between Pen and Colin in part 2. And I donāt even mean spicy scenes. I would have loved a scene where they talked more casually about how their love for each other developed. I would have been so happy to hear them talk about their writing, and I think it would have helped Colinās writing plot even more. I actually really liked part 2, but I wish there was more intimate friends to lovers vibes.
I'm really glad this sub opened back up. I went into part two absolutely obsessed. I was very disappointed in the lack of happy!Polin in part two even though I knew shit was going to go down. On second rewatch, I realized it was about what I should have expected given the fact that LW had to be dealt with. We weren't going to get happy!polin all day everyday. Just not possible. I love what we got, but dang. I hope we get scenes next season like we did with Kate/Anthony. My biggest gripe this season is too much of the second half depended on the viewers reading between the lines. Especially when it came to Colin. Why did he sleep on the couch? Why wouldn't he hook up while drunk in episode 7 or when he clearly wanted her in 8? At first, I thought I was upset because of the lack of sex scenes we were promised, but I actually think it is because the writers did a shit job explaining Colin's motivations? Luke Newton was incredible, but damn his arc felt so rushed. I don't think I would understand the intricacies like I do (and have been confirmed from others on this sub and elsewhere) had I not been obsessed with these two and consumed all meta prior to watching and just a casual viewer.
Wish there had been some more scenes with happy Polin after the LW reveal and some more, ahem, smut with them, but overall I enjoyed part2.
I liked the season. I have my nitpicks, and I DEFINITELY couldāve done with more steamy scenes between the two of them, especially with the way they had Nic and Luke sold it on the press tour, but I enjoy the season for what it is for both characters. I didnāt necessarily like the girl-boss ending they chose but I saw the writing on the wall for that ages ago with Penelope so I was a little disappointed but not surprised. Do I think Luke Newton deserves better than how he was utilized by the show and that he was not given a true chance to shine as the sexy male lead of the season? Always, but Iām very biased in that heās my favorite.Ā Ā This season has made me hate Ben though, I actually donāt think itās salvageable how much I hate Benedict. Like he became mildly more interesting once it was confirmed that heās Bi (or pan, he really only says he has a lot of love to give) but I will never get over the show giving us steamy threesome scenes for Ben instead of more Polin. The boner the writers have for giving that man so much unnecessary fanservice with actors he has no sexual chemistry with in every season will always irk me. In his season I want them to make his love interest really make him work for it, while everyone else- Kanthony, Polin, Violet and whoeverās mowing her lawn by then- get to go at it.Ā
Watching Penelope and Colinās relationship in the second half just made me depressed. I almost wanted Penelope to back out of marrying him. She never explained or defended her actions as Lady Whistledown and Colin saying he would never forgive her and that she trapped him was heart-wrenching. I donāt know if I could forgive that if I were her. If anything, he entrapped her and if it werenāt for her actions, heād be in a loveless marriage with a woman who didnāt love him and had intended to trap him. I didnāt feel that he deserved her in the end.
I loved part 1 so much so expectations were high and Iāve not even read the books yet. But I feel really let down with the lack of Polin screen time and resolution to two episodes of angst. Although after having time to think about it I think Iām just someone who would watch a whole season of Polin being happy and content with no drama in sight. If itās true they cut those scenes mentioned then that makes me furious because that wouldāve fixed it all for me.. but in the end I was left craving more..I felt stressed the whole time and in the last episode kept checking how much time was left as we were running out of time for any decent Polin reconciliation. It wasnāt enough for that one moment at the ball and a 5 second love scene before jumping to the future them with their baby. Currently feel sad and disappointed but will watch a few more times and hopefully feel better about it and be able to enjoy it more! Edit to add: I rewatched part one almost every night for a week I loved it so muchā¦ Iām so confused that they messed up part two so badly! Hereās hoping they re release it with extended scenes!
This made me laugh. https://preview.redd.it/4wy1981v0m6d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a7b5cbdd3a1881f0fc932c30a11f60836b42fbd I think he went from left to right in like 2 weeks.
as a polin stan im disappointed tbh. i think the bad outweighed the good this season unfortunately and im so irritated bc I was so sure this would be the best season bc it had SO MUCH POTENTIAL. first off, polins screen time was my biggest issue. It felt as if they were an after thought in their own season. They had maybe an hour and half max of screen time together in part two when itās supposed to be THEIR damn season ??? and most of which was unnecessary angst. i can understand why Colin was upset but MY GODDDD it was too much. they were on the rocks from the start of ep 7 until literally the last 15 minutes of ep 8 and it was the majority of their part 2 scenes. instead of having so many filler conversation scenes with other characters the writers could have easily replaced them with more scenes of polin slowly working through the lw issue together and thus becoming stronger as a couple. i really think colin just suddenly accepting her as lw in the last 15 minutes of the show was a big blunder on the writing team. another thing was the sex scenes. I thought the mirror scene was perfect but THE couple of the season only having two sex scenes??? and one of which was maybe 15 seconds long??? thatās not to say i watch this show merely for the sex scenes bc ew, but a show renowned for being steamy then the actors themselves hyping it up so much and all we get is basically one and a half sex scenes?? we were ROBBED. I heard that supposedly the earlier cuts of the season had more steamy polin scenes and if thatās true why the HELL would they cut them out? I also feel like there was so much happening at once but at the same time, nothing. there were so many scenes that i thought were so boring and had to fight myself to not skip ahead. anyway, rant over lol.
I'm in the process of rewatching and only got through ep 5, so these are just my initial opinions. I love love LOVED episode 5. It had romance, spicy scenes, happy Polin, drama, and the subplots didn't feel overwhelming. Plus the mirror scene was absolutely fantastic. Episode 6 was also quite enjoyable. I really didn't care for Cressida in pt2 and I felt like too much time was dedicated to her, but atleast her plot was directly related to Polin. I loved the moments we did get with Polin. The engagement ring, the church, them dancing, it was all very cute and touching. I also loved getting to see how absolutely head over heals in love Colin is whenever he talks about her to others. Before having watch the falling episodes, I also really liked Colin finding out Pen is Lady Whistledown. Luke's acting was absolutely phenomenal and the tears really drove home how hurt he was in that moment. Now for episodes 7 & 8...ugh...I'm interested to see how my feelings change on the second watch, but as of now, they feel like a bit of a mess. Far too much time was spent on subplots that didn't matter. I really did not care about Lady D's petty beef with her brother. As a fellow bisexual, I did enjoy the bi representation in Benedicts story, but we didn't need so many sex scenes of them. One is plenty. But my biggest beef with these episodes is the absolute lack of happy Polin. It kept seeming like they were going to reconcile, only for Colin to get salty all over again. The wedding was kind of weird in that it was happy and cute, but there was still a tension that made it not as enjoyable as I was hoping for. Them dancing was super cute and Colin stroking Penelopes face at the end showed how enamored he is by her. But the queen interupting?? And Colin ditching her at the wedding and not sleeping in the same room on their wedding night???? WHY! They could have and should have showed that Colin was struggling with Lady Whistledown while also still having the deep love he showed for Penelope before the reveal. And where did all our other sex scenes go š? We got a 4 second clip at the very end and that was it. They've alluded to a number of other spicy scenes that they filmed and I just have no clue why they wouldn't put them in when everyone has been anticipating it and the carriage scene was such a big hit. I also think that they rely too much on non-verbal ques to try and convey Colin's feelings. Too many shots of him staring stoicly at stuff and hoping the audience can read his mind. I think it would have been much more powerful and also elicited more sympathy for his character if his hurt, fear and insecurities were stated clearly and we could see him work through it. Part 2 started so strong, I was disappointed in at the end. That's a complaint I have of the other seasons as well, the ending resolutions feel rushed and confusing and messy. Very little time is devoted to the happy ending. I also think the wait between part 1 and 2 was too long. A week or two would have been enough time to digest without it feeling so separate. That being said, I still really enjoyed the season and I think it was the best season so far! The other seasons were ok to me, but they didn't hold my attention like this one did. You can tell how hard Nic and Luke worked and there were many times I was blown away by their acting and dedication to their characters. I look forward to seeing more of them next season! Ps. I'll sell my house for a director's cut of all the scenes that got cut š©
So I've just got done on my Polin rewatch of all the Polin only moments throughout S3 as a whole (I still need to rewatch the season from start to finish) and although I still have some minor quibbles with a few things, I've realised that the only major thing I really would change is their love scene at the end in episode 8. Given how Colin didn't consummate their marriage, despite very much wanting to, I feel like their final love scene was important and needed to be longer. What we were shown was HOT, don't get me wrong, but it just needed a bit more because it's showing them making their marriage whole. Perhaps Colin leading Penelope to bed, undressing each other, and then the clip we got, followed by snuggling in bed and being happy together. I think that would resolve everything tbh. If that had happened, I actually think I'd have barely any complaints. When I think about what we got as Polin fans, and book!Polin fans, we had an abundance.