Bridgerton Season 3 Sparked The Passion

How Passion is a Major Theme in Bridgerton

Spoilers: Bridgerton Season 3 Ep. 1-4 Analysis

While almost every scene is about finding or exploring love, Shonda has found a way to weave passion into her storytelling. In case you missed it, here are some subtle and stark examples.

The Beginning: In storytelling, the opening scene carries tremendous weight because it sets the tone for the show while also grabbing the audience's attention. Within the first two minutes, we see Penelope Featherington pause in amusement at the two girls strolling by, eating up every word of gossip written by Lady Whistledown. Nothing new there, except this beginning scene opens up the window of passion, as it's clearly shown on Penelope's face. Seeing one's work consumed by another is a vibrant feeling. 

Francesca Bridgerton: We meet the newest "diamond" of the season, Francesca Bridgerton. Remember what I said about the beginning scene holding weight? The same can be said about first encounters. We discover Francesca pouring herself into her piano playing. She's so engulfed in her love for music, that it takes her a moment to realize her mother, sister, and three brothers are standing piano-side trying to get her attention.

It's important to note how Francesca became this season's diamond. While her last name doesn't hurt her chances, gaining the Queen's favor is no small feat. The Queen is unimpressed with the girls this season, but with Lady Danbury's meddling, the Queen finds Francesca playing piano in a separate room during a ball. She's so impressed with her love for music that she deems Francesca diamond-worthy.

As the episodes progress, we learn more about Francesca, who wishes to find a husband and end the courtship process. While the Queen tries to match her with the most eligible suitor, she connects with someone who truly appreciates her passionate side. One of my favorite moments was when John Stirling gave her a musical composition to show his affection.

Lady Violet Bridgerton vs. Lady Portia Featherington: I love the dichotomy of these two mothers throughout the season. Lady Bridgerton pushes her children to find a partner that sparks passion, the same passion she felt with her late husband. We see this through her comments toward her children. During a conversation between Violet and her daughter, she compares Francesca's feelings about playing piano to how she should feel when she finds her true love. And when Colin asks his mother about what she hopes for Francesca to find in a suitor. Her answer: passion.

Lady Featherington, on the other hand, encourages Penelope to wed Lord Debling, a practical match. Although he'll be gone for years at a time, Lady Featherington idealizes his wealth and all the opportunities that will give her daughter when she weds him. 

The End of Episode 4: Needless to say, passion beats practicality. Lord Debling uncovers the truth about Penelope's true feelings toward Colin, and episode four ends with the most talked about scene of the season--the steamy carriage ride where Colin and Penelope finally reveal their feelings for each other.

So, what?

I've been thinking a lot about passion. I'm fortunate enough to have found love in my husband and children and through my career as a brand writer. But I feel like I could do so much more as a writer, a creator, and an artist. I want to move people like Shonda has moved me. And feel the rush of watching someone love my work as much as I do.

So I think now is the time to create and dive head first into where my passion takes me.