Finally, Bridfgerton focuses on the romantic leads again and can show off the magnetism of Sophie and Benedict. The fairytale inspiration stays in the first episode but the reality of the world after it creates interesting depths to returning and new characters. The chemistry between Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson is unmatched and brings back the magic of Bridgerton, making you feel similar to season one and two but with deeper levels, beautiful intimacy and connections between the romantic leads that make the season special in a way that balances the magical and the realistic.

Splitting the season in two had a clear impact on the pacing and by adding a mid-season break that broke apart the much needed urgency needed to keep the story going and give it any hope of substance. While there was a slightly more serious tone to the latter part of the season, having a romantic leading couple that lacked chemistry and writing that had no clear or cohesive structure has ensured that the third season of Bridgerton is its weakest. Fans of the series already know it has been renewed for a fourth season, one can only hope that the writers and showrunner has learnt from the many mistakes of the third season.

It seems that under the new showrunner, Bridgerton is lost for ideas and is afraid of the spark it had cultivated in past seasons. While Coughlan is a strong lead and propels the story forward, Newton is anything but. Ideals of a more feminist approach and fierier chemistry were promised but left unfulfilled, but the season is saved by the ensemble cast of Hannah Dodd, Emma Naomi, Sam Phillips, and Martins Imhangbe. Thankfully, we still have Featherington shenanigans that keep the plot entertaining through Portia’s repeated desire for survival and security.