The Netflix series Bridgerton solved the mystery of Lady Whistledown in season 1. Without this change to the original, season 3 would look very different today
Dear readers. With these words, the mysterious Lady Whistledown makes London’s high society tremble. While the mystery surrounding the true identity of the gossip columnist in Julia Quinn’s book series remains a secret for a long time, the Netflix adaptation Bridgerton opted for a different approach.
At the end of the first season, we learn that Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) is behind the pseudonym Lady Whistledown. In the original, however, this secret is only revealed in volume 4, Penelope’s spicy secret, the story of which is filmed in Bridgerton season 3. But why did this change come about?
Bridgerton reveals Lady Whistledown back in season 1: The series creator has an explanation for the change
In Bridgerton, Lady Whistledown comments on the goings-on of high society and all its secrets and scandals in a column, while the public has no idea who is behind the pseudonym
(Penelope is Lady Whistledow)
Series like Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars or How I Met Your Mother have already shown that it can be quite tiring to drag along such a central mystery unsolved over many years and seasons. So Bridgerton’s early revelation is refreshing
However, the series deviates dramatically from Julia Quinn’s original novel. Speaking to Seventeen, series creator Chris Van Dusen (who is no longer involved from season 3) revealed his simple and understandable explanation for the change:
We knew that a large portion of viewers have read the books and already know her identity from the novel. So every time Penelope Featherington is on screen, there will always be people watching her who know who she is.
It certainly would have been a big risk to save the whistledown reveal for a later season. Few viewers would have been able to avoid such a huge book spoiler for several years. However, the change to the source material also has far-reaching consequences that further separate the series from the book series
Netflix’s Bridgerton became a better series as a result of the change – and Penelope a better character
Since we as viewers already knew the true identity of Lady Whistledown after season 1, Penelope as a character became much more of a focus than in the books. This meant that completely new facets of the character could be explored, as Van Dusen revealed in an interview with People: “Suddenly she becomes louder, bolder and more visible than ever before. “
(Eloise and Penelope’s friendship takes on new facets)
In addition to the love story of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), Eloise’s (Claudia Jessie) hunt for Lady Whistledown makes season 2 even more exciting. The friendship between Penelope and Eloise and their shattering break-up lends the series an emotional complexity that was not present in the original.
The drama surrounding Eloise and Penelope and the inevitable doom that hovers over the budding love between Pen and Colin (Luke Newton) from the very beginning: we would never have seen any of this if the Bridgerton series had delayed the big reveal.
And another change compared to the original improved Lady Whistledown’s story: the character of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) does not exist in the books. In the Netflix series, however, the conflict between the regent and the gossip author creates additional potential for tension, making us fear for Penelope’s future every episode.
More about Bridgerton:
Opinion: Bridgerton season 3 is heading for disappointment
“I’m an idiot”: Bridgerton star had accident during season 3 shoot
What happens to Lady Whistledown after Bridgerton season 3
Warning, book spoilers: Since the series adaptation has already brought forward Penelope’s love story from book 4 for season 3, fans could be in for a huge upheaval in the story. Because not only will readers learn Penelope’s spicy secret about her side job as Lady Whistledown. Her true identity is also revealed to the rest of high society.
As a result, Penelope gives up writing the gossip column after her revelation. Lady Whistledown therefore no longer plays a role in the subsequent books. Will the Netflix series also have to do without her from season 4? Perhaps the adaptation will (once again) choose a different path in the upcoming episodes in order to keep the voice from off-screen
When is Bridgerton season 3 part 2 coming to Netflix?
The second part of Bridgerton season 3 will be released on Netflix on June 13, 2024. This is the last four of a total of eight episodes.
A 4th season of the romantic Netflix series has also already been ordered. However, this has not yet been filmed and is not expected to be available on Netflix until 2026
