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I'm going to say it: Murphy is worse then Matthew. Murphy is jealous and possesive and like Matthew he doesn't really see Robins ambition, cleverness and braveness. Or if he sees it, he doesn't respect or honours it but finds it annoying.
On top of that, he is a policeman and now Robin is constantly feeling bad about a case, although she's not doing anything wrong!
Dear, dear Robin, lose this man. Please. I'm begging you.
The Lady Whistledown Papers : 2x08 The Viscount Who Loved Me (Part 4)
Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!
For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers
Here we go guys, the end of Season 2! This part kinda sucks, but it's exciting in that we're on the precipice of getting to Polin Season! :D
The Break Up
Ah, the last happy moment for Penelope.
What I kind of love about this scene is this private moment for Penelope in which she can revel in her own happiness. She just danced with Colin -- he told her how special she was to him and it's clear that she's replaying that moment, that dance over and over in her head. She can still feel him holding her, still see the light in his eyes when he speaks to her, and still sees him standing up for her as he takes down Jack. It's kind of a dream come true that she can hardly believe it.
And, she's just so happy and floaty and really does not even care about her family troubles. She just wants to indulge in her fantasies and soak in all the Colin she can get.
And, ooff, is the next hour really, really going to hurt.
And - I need to state up front that I find this scene incredibly brutal. It might be one of the nastiest scenes in the whole show. Even the stuff Penelope overhears with Colin doesn't seem as cutting as this scene. This one is just a hard watch.
Upon entering her room, Penelope finds Eloise going through all of her stuff. Eloise has found her secret stash in the floorboards and is incredibly pissed that Penelope has been keeping secrets. Penelope is calm to begin with -- trying to deflect by asking why Eloise is going through her stuff, and reminding Eloise that what she does isn't Eloise's business (and really, it isn't). But there's a personal invasiveness here that hits deeply, and Penelope is well aware that her life is about to fall apart.
Eloise explains that listening to Penelope gossip that evening felt very familiar -- and that she never noticed Penelope speak like that -- that it felt like the written word. (And, as an aside, I do feel slightly bad that Penelope's own best friend never really did listen to her before, because if she had she would have figured out ages ago that Penelope was Whistledown.)
And, I mean, I really do like Penelope and Eloise's friendship. It is the strongest friendship on the show, and this relationship is just as important as the relationship she has (had, will have?) with Colin. The theme of friendship is a part of Penelope's story. And their friendship does make sense -- in that they are similar in a lot of ways. They're both intelligent and clever and want more of a life than being a woman of this time period allows them.
But they're also very different in some ways, too. As I said ages ago -- Eloise is independent because she seeks to be. Because marriage and men feel like a prison to her. While Penelope is independent out of necessity -- because it's a way to escape her abusive home. Eloise is a realist and Penelope is a romantic when it comes to things like love, but when it comes to real world matters -- Penelope is pragmatic while Eloise lives in a land of privilege she doesn't understand that she's a part of.
And all of this was bound to catch up to them. And I think since the beginning of the series, really, you can see there are some cracks in the friendship. I don't think it diminishes the very real friendship that they have, and I do think they are good for one another, and one of the intriguing story lines of next season is how Penelope and Eloise grow up as they repair their friendship.
but, I guess I'm just reflecting on it here, because I think this split was inevitable. There was no easy way out of this one for Penelope. There are consequences to one's actions and Penelope has to face them head on. At the same time -- I think this is a learning moment for Eloise, too, though. She is not completely a victim here. There are some hard truths she has to learn -- as this whole ordeal is like a splash of cold water to her face.
So anyway, Penelope claims that Eloise has spending too much time with Whistledown, in an attempt to persuade Eloise into thinking that it isn't her. And -- there's this subtlest moment of acting from Nicola where, for a hot second, she almost seems, idk, devilish? It's actually kind of creepy -- and I find it fascinating. It devolves into Penelope trying to hold on before everything really blows up in her face, but idk, I don't know that we have ever up to this point, or after for that matter, see Nicola throw that look as Penelope, and I just find it interesting.
So then Eloise starts circling her -- and it's an interesting blocking move, because it's set up like an interrogation that you see in cop shows, where the detective is throwing out the truth against their perpetrator. We're hard wired from various media to recognize how this will play out, and that really adds to the tension.
Eloise continues on -- stating that at first, maybe she did have too much Whistledown on the brain. But then she starts giving examples of how Whistledown wrote things that only Penelope would know. The evidence is clear and plain to anyone paying attention.
Penelope breaks down the further Eloise goes on - because she can't deflect, she can't defend, and she can't lie anymore. And I have to imagine just the sheer guilt she's been carrying around for years now has finally caught up to her.
But before I go on, I need to mention Theo. Because this is an important part as to why Eloise feels this betrayal so deeply. Because Eloise was starting to understand romance -- starting to understand what it was like to have feelings for someone, and just as she was starting to explore those feelings, they're ripped away from her because of the Whistledown business.
I have to wonder -- if Theo was not involved, would Eloise feel as hurt and betrayed by Penelope as she does here? Maybe - maybe not. Of course, the lying is hard. Of course, having your friend do and be successful while not telling you is hard. Of course, the fact that Penelope excelling in gossip can feel like a slap in the face. I do think Eloise would be mad -- and rightfully so -- at Penelope without Theo's involvement. But the fact that Theo was involved, the fact that she lost the first guy who has ever interested her makes it so much worse.
Penelope quickly explains that the only reason she wrote about Eloise was to protect her from the queen, it was the only way. And Eloise shoots back that Penelope has been selfish -- that she's making money off other's pain and turmoil.
And. Hmmm. I don't think Eloise is wrong here. I don't think Eloise is wrong for feeling hurt that her trust had been betrayed. And I think it is a moment for Eloise to hold up a mirror to Penelope to say -- hey, me, my family, Marina, we all went through shit because of your gossip column. Not that Penelope hasn't already struggled with this and has been concerned about these very things.
And it's interesting, Eloise accuses Penelope of being selfish. That's not entirely true - it's really not. But Penelope's reasons for starting Whistledown were selfish. But I don't think it was necessarily a bad thing? And, I mean, in the sad thing is that during the heat of an emotional argument -- Penelope's side just isn't going to come out or come through rationally.
I will say - the point where Eloise is wrong is the accusation that Penelope was in it for the money. (And, I mean, it's an interesting juxtaposition against her mother, who is scamming people out of their money -- but while clearly wrong, that is also done out of self preservation.) Penelope wasn't in it for money. She was in it for freedom and self expression. But again, we're in emotional rationalization territory, so these accusations are going to sting.
Penelope is finally given a moment to speak, but she kind of stumbles through her explanation. She states that it's been hard lying, and that Whistledown was all she had, but she's given it all up because it while she was indeed trying to protect Eloise, she knew it was hurtful, and she's giving it up because she no longer wants that kind of responsibility to bear.
Penelope breaks down -- and again I have to complement Nicola's acting, because she seems so childlike in this moment. I think it's easy to forget that she's only around 20 here, still very childlike indeed.
Despite Penelope's complete break down, Eloise keeps screwing in the knife. She states that she pities Penelope -- because instead of living and having any kind of self confidence or self worth, she hides behind a mask of animosity; that because she finds it hard to live in the real world, she only comments from the sidelines. And, first, ooff, ouch. Second, this one really hurts Penelope, because she knows she struggles with this stuff, and Eloise isn't really wrong here. (And it's interesting how these themes are actually going to be addressed in full next season.)
Eloise ends her little speech by calling Penelope 'insipid wallflower' -- what Cressida had called her at the beginning of the season. A final last punch from Eloise to Penelope.
As Eloise turns to leave, Penelope is given a moment to fight back. And -- it's interesting that the argument she makes against Eloise is that all she did was talk while Penelope is the one who actually accomplished something. And, I don't know how I feel about that argument. There are a lot of things Penelope could have stuck Eloise with -- the fact that she often steamrolled her best friend, the fact that she lives a fanciful life really little worries.
But Eloise did go out and do things, so I find Penelope's arguments a tad weak. And I have to wonder if it's a bit of self reflection on Penelope's part. Because Penelope doesn't really live in the real world, she lives on the outskirts of it. Which is her biggest problem.
Eloise doesn't respond, not really, and ends it on the whole -- I'm never speaking to you again -- thing. Which, emotions are high, and this bond goes deeper than this argument, and this is a narrative drama, so we all know that won't last. But it is a hard thing to end the season on.
Penelope just stands there, deeply in shadow (a coincidence? I think not), unsure of how her future is going to pan out. I don't even think she's all that worried about her identity. Her heart is broken that's devastating on its own.
Penelope and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
So, a scene later, Penelope is running around the ball searching for Eloise (why? because she doesn't want Eloise to share her secret? unclear) when Penelope runs into one of the most infamous Polin moments of Season 2. And... you know, I've struggled with this moment for a long time. Because while it serves a very important narrative function, I don't think it's in character for the Colin we've come to know. Let's break it down...
When Penelope finds Colin, he's talking to a bunch of shitheads his peers. They've all been watching his actions in the evening - noticing that he danced, somewhat romantically, with Penelope. Colin brushes this off as nothing and when asked if he's courting her, Colin replies with his infamous line : 'I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington. Not in your wildest dreams, Fife.'
Which. Ouch, Colin. It's funny, it actually feels tame compared to the Eloise fight five seconds ago, but it's still heartbreaking for Penelope to hear -- especially coming off the dance where he admitted how special she is to him. Talk about getting a two-one punch that evening.
This particular scene is here for 2-ish solid reasons. The first is that it's in the book. Sort of. The context of the book is incredibly different. Book Colin is just... different than Show Colin. He's more of himbo, actually. But the way this scene plays out is in a different context. Book Colin and Book Penelope don't have the well established friendship their show counterparts have. Sure, they know each other -- but she very much is just his sister's bff.
And in the book, it's a moment where it's just with the Bridgerton brothers, where Colin is complaining that Violet wants Penelope to dance with him, and he makes an offhand comment -- to only his brothers -- that he isn't going to marry her. She overhears and calls him out on it right then, too -- stating plainly that she never asked him to says it's not offensive in the way her stating she isn't marrying Benedict isn't offensive. (She's hurt, but she's also resigned, and then, idk, ten years go by before the actual plot gets going?)
But my point is the Colin of the book would say this because he does look at her like a sister, and he's shooting his mouth off casually with his brothers. Show Colin... well, I'll get there in a sec.
The second reason this is here is for narrative tension. The show is built around Penelope (it is - that's a whole other discussion but it is). And her feature season is next season and we've already destroyed the Penloise relationship, time to wreck the Polin one because she needs to be at her lowest point to kick off Season 3.
Penelope is alone at the end of this season, but in doing so, it not only makes narrative sense to start to build her character up again going into Season 3, it allows for her character to grow up some. Colin's been on this pedestal for a long time -- and while she does truly love him for him, she also is kind of in love with this idea of him. Colin isn't (and shouldn't be) a perfect person. He needs to fuck up and make mistakes. And Penelope needs to see and know that. Love isn't a perfect thing, and people you love, people who love you are going to hurt you. Penelope getting heartbroken here isn't a bad thing for the character.
So, I'm not against this line being here. I'm really not because it drives the narrative and makes sense. And it adds an interesting tension to the Polin story right before their season. This is the last time they're together until Season 3.
My problem, though, is that it doesn't make sense for the Colin we've built up through the first two seasons to say it. And reconciling that has been an interesting journey. One of the biggest issues (that does continue into Season 3 unfortunately) is that we really aren't getting Colin's POV. It's all Penelope, and I feel like contextualizing with Colin's POV would help a lot.
Colin's been on this journey to (essentially) make a man for himself this entire season. Find his purpose, figure himself out, and taking down Jack is a step into being seen as a guy who stands up and does something. Colin's riding a high and feeling on top of the world (even if he hasn't told anyone else in the Ton about it yet.)
One of the aspects about Colin's character going into Season 3 is that in an attempt to figure his shit out, he wants to be seen more as a part of society. He wants to blend in more. He often feels disjointed within their society, and he's going to make an attempt to rectify that. Only - we don't really get to hear about it. We don't even hear that he's going off traveling again (which would have been a nice set up). We just get things through Penelope's POV, which leaves everything up in the air.
Anyway, the bits of analysis I've heard from others that seems to fit best for me about this line is the idea that Colin is brushing off Fife's interest in his romantic life and downplaying the Featherington connection because it is uncool, and Colin wants to fit in. He's trying - as he'll say in Season 3 - to be the man society expects him to be. And society doesn't really think much of Penelope (or any of the Featheringtons really). So of course, in an offhand comment to try to fit in, Colin is going to brush aside any romantic intentions towards Penelope.
And, I mean, I'm going to allow Colin the moment to fuck up. He's not a terrible person for the line. In a moment of pressure he caved and that's human. It also doesn't negate everything else of this episode or this season. Penelope is still special to him. He does have a very close friendship with her. She is incredibly important to him -- and not even knowing that he does it, this line is going to set off a chain of consequences where he learns what life is like when she's not in it. And it's going to suck.
So, I do like this moment for Colin, too, in that it is going to drive his narrative going forward, too. He won't be at his lowest point in the same way Penelope is, but he going to come back somewhat a shell of the warm, goofy, ridiculous Colin that we know him as. Because traveling changes him. Because Penelope's silence changes him. And because when you're the lead of a romance, you no longer are just the witty, pithy side character. ;)
So, yeah, this like does feel out of character for Colin -- who is one of the gentlest and kindest characters on the show. Who has spent all season doing nothing but talking to Penelope - adoring her and admiring her. But, I suppose that's okay. Because humans do have moments that are out of character, too, in moments of weakness. And -- as I said above, this adds a layer of tension to the Polin relationship before it's focus.
It's such a small but impactful moment, and Penelope runs away not wanting to hear anymore. She's kind of had it, and probably can't take anymore emotional upheaval.
Epilogues
The end of the ball is wrapping up with a Kanthany union and a delightful firework display. As one door closes, another one opens. It's Polin season, my friends! :)
Penelope takes the narrative -- because right now she's her and not Lady Whistledown, talking about the power of silence, and commenting on the fact that because she's been silent about her identity, and because she's been silent with her words, it's really brought turmoil into her life. Season 3 is going to be about Penelope finding her voice -- her true voice. But also stepping out of the shadows to do so.
Notice again that Penelope is hiding away from the ball, sequestered in her room, lit in shadow as the world moves forward without her? It's completely intentional! Because right now the darkness consumes her. And the themes of dark vs light are going to be central to her narrative moving forward.
Meanwhile, we have Colin going to see Will -- and apologizing about the stuff with Jack, admitting that he needed to gain Jack's trust in order to take him down. And as an apology, he's brought patrons to Will's bar and claims that he owes Will one. Colin is so happy with himself here, though, and I do kind of love to see it. Throwaway fuck ups aside, he is a good guy.
This is so interesting because -- between Season 2 and 3, while the writing teams (for the most part) stay the same, the show runners change, and I kind of wonder if there was a different story that was set up here.
We really get nothing about Colin's future -- nothing is ever mentioned about going off to travel again. Nothing really sets up a narrative for him at all (outside of the Penelope drama). And Will owes him now? I wonder what they were setting up with that line. And it's a shame -- they knew early in Season 2 that Polin season would be next. I only wish they had given more space for Colin's narrative.
Also, 2 side notes. 1. Colin brings the Fife crew to Will's place as a thank you and apology to Will. I think the brushing off of Penelope was also a way to get (more?) into Fife's circle for this moment to land. 2. I really liked having Will as a bar owner, and I wish they hadn't changed that, but ah well.
Penelope's narrative continues -- claiming that in silence, you find truth (and you do! Colin's definitely going to find it...). But she also notes that sometimes you have to have a voice -- and be heard. Her devastation of the evening has (apparently) taught her that there is power in her words, and she won't be silenced. So she picks herself up again, and smiles at the camera, because you can kick Penelope down, but she'll always get back up again.
And, this is Penelope's last shot of the season -- we see her, amidst personal tragedy, as seeming hopeful. That she knows she can do good with her words instead of the trauma she has caused. And she's going to attempt to right those wrongs, even if it's to no avail.
Hold your head up high, Penelope Featherington, your time to shine is coming!
And then... we get the actual epilogue.
The end of the book The Viscount Who Loved Me has the absolute best epilogue of all of them (better than Romancing Mister Bridgerton - which is kind of a letdown, tbh, because it's all about the Eloise story). It has the entire family playing Pall Mall again -- and it's honestly delightful (Penelope is there! It's set a way in the future).
I'm glad they brought this back for the epilogue of Season 2. According to the narrative, it's been six months since the Featherington Ball. (Time... makes little sense to me in the Bridgerton world.) But Colin's sideburns are beginning to grow in!
Colin and Benedict are still ribbing each other -- and Colin's still taking potshots at Anthony. And it's the Bridgerton family fun we all know and love (and it's great).
And I have to say -- I love this final shot of Colin as Anthony and Kate wrap themselves up in each other. As the music swells, and we get the couple's final kiss, Colin looks on -- amused and happy and ready for his own narrative to start.
It's been a journey, but the book closes on Season 2.
I do love this season - and I stand by my thoughts that the Polin in it is often underrated, but it's a very solid foundation for what we'll get in Season 3. One of the best aspects of the Polin story is that it's allowed to grow and change and develop over a long period of time. And that just makes it all the more delicious.
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it's so wild to me that you absolutely cannot force a hyperfixation to happen. like you'll watch the most perfectly tailor-made-for-you content that everyone says you'll love and feel absolutely nothing, and then the thing you watch on a whim to fill time will reach through the screen and put its damn fingers in your brain and start rearranging the neurons right in front of you and every single time you're like THIS??? THIS??????? and this happens like every 6-12 months forever
The Lady Whistledown Papers : 2x08 The Viscount Who Loved Me (Part 1)
Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!
For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers
Alright, one more episode of Season 2! And It's a heavy episode that is really setting the stage for Polin season. (Did people know yet that Season 3 would be Polin season? I feel like it's incredibly obvious in retrospect -- but I also think it was somewhat obvious that Benedict would be Season's 4 protagonist. I'm digressing...)
In The Shadows
We open with no Whistledown for days, everyone in the Ton buzzing and being worried about it, and Penelope looking forlorn out the window. The amount of guilt and heaviness she feels over Eloise is not to be understated.
And, I mean, this arc has come full circle in this episode. At the beginning of the season, she was so on the top of her game -- reveling in Lady Whistledown for the notoriety it secretly gave her. She was popular and powerful and somewhat reckless. And now her actions have seen consequences. Now her mess has landed at her feet, and she knows. She knows just how much of a responsibility her words have. It's not just about her and her opinions and getting back at the Ton for the way they've treated her. Her words don't live in a bubble.
And, this is great storytelling. Really, it is. Because Penelope's being set up to be the protagonist of the next season. And not only have we got to see her go through two seasons of this arc, we're going to pull her into the light - into the center - and really let her shine.
I love Penelope (and Colin) in general - for the people they are, because they resonate with me in a very real way. But I'm so, so, so glad they got two seasons to be developed. It's long form storytelling at its finest.
Anyway - her sisters are teasing each other, Philippa joking that LW stopped writing so she didn't have to deal with the dull affair that is Prudence's wedding. But Penelope morosely chimes in that maybe LW is just done ruining other people's lives.
Penelope begs her mother to go over to visit Eloise since it's been over a week, but Portia is indignant that she stay put. The Bridgertons have enough scandal on them at the moment.
Meanwhile, Portia and Jack continue their ruby mine scam (which - I know that Portia and Jack are the bad guys here, and yeah, I don't want them scamming Colin, but part of me is like -- yeah, go for it, take all the snooty rich people's money. Shame on them for being idiots.)
Also, I guess scheming the Ton does seem to run in the family. It's funny, so many times we have families in media where you'd never think anyone was actually related. But Penelope and Portia do have some similar traits, and it's kind of fascinating to see it.
So, the Featheringtons are now overflowing from their scam money, and Portia wants to start spending (because of course she does). And somehow I managed to completely forget that the last ball of the season is a Featherington Ball. (Interesting that the show is going to do this twice. Honestly, every season should end with a Featherington Ball <----joke) Penelope thinks the idea is a bit ludicrous, but I love her - wtf - look when her mother seems inspired by calling it The Featherington Ball.
Varley wonders if they should bother inviting the Bridgertons and the Sharmas. The sisters pipe up that they should just because it'll stir up drama, and they do love some drama. Penelope jumps in to remind them that Kate is currently in a coma and they probably should not be making fun of them. Portia is so high on herself, she does not care. She wants everyone to see how well she's bounced back after her husband's death.
Staffing Issues
There's more drama going on over at the Bridgerton house. Colin's ignoring it - reading the newspaper. Which gets me thinking -- you never see him reading Lady Whistledown. Ever.
Because, okay here's the thing. In the book - the way Penelope is found out by Cressida is through her writing and wording choice being the same as the way she speaks. Clearly, this ends up being transferred to Eloise here. I have to imagine that Colin - who spent an entire summer writing Penelope, and reading her writing, and holding onto all those letters for the rest of eternity, might actually notice some similarities between LW and the letters he receives.
It's funny, because yeah, people do read the thing to him, but there's a difference between hearing the gossip and and, like, studying it the way Eloise does. Like, c'mon, if Colin spent anytime with the pamphlets, he could have figured out Lady Whistledown's identity in ten seconds flat.
Also -- his little food dish! Foodie!Colin you are the best, and I'm glad that's the biggest character trait they picked up from the boos.
Meanwhile, in an interesting juxtaposition - Violet is curious as to why Eloise hasn't been to see Penelope, and hopes that the two of them can have some time together. And I mean, the difference between Violet and Portia are so striking here. Violet, of course, values the connections her children are making, while Portia always puts self preservation first.
Colin does not give a flying fuck about your staffing issues Anthony!
[And my god, I had forgotten this moment was here. It's really a iykyk kinda thing with the fandom memes joking about Colin not caring about the staffing issues. My god, I love that there is a canon moment to point to.]
Anyway, Anthony is on a tirade -- brought on because the woman he actually has feelings for is in a coma and he really doesn't know how to handle that, so he starts yelling at his family. (I love Anthony, actually, I do, but this is not good behavior.) I do love Colin's - wtf are you looking at me for -- when Anthony yells at him about the staff leaving. His wit is still firmly in tact as he says it's not his problem.
Anthony's real beef with Colin is over the books and how he's noticed Colin's investment (and my god, how much would it suck to have all that money but you can only use it on the whim of the head of the household).
Colin, somewhat bashfully, states that he's put in an investment with the Featheringtons. And he really didn't want Anthony to know about it -- because he wanted to do something for himself, to prove that he could do something for himself. (Or.. does he know it's a scam yet and wants to keep that on the DL, too? idk, this ridiculously messy plotline that doesn't allow us to have Colin's POV.)
But the point is, Anthony's being a dick about it (as he's being a dick to everyone in the family) and Colin doesn't really doesn't want to be shamed for trying to make a name for himself in the world. I do like that Benedict comes to his defense - stating that since Colin is 21 (hey - canonical age!) he can do what he wants. And Eloise chimes in that everyone should be allowed to have independence.
Of course, Anthony then chides them, too, and being overly critical isn't going to make you any friends, Anthony!
Everyone storms out in a dramatic fashion (I truly love all of them), and Colin makes sure to be pithy on his way out -- sarcastically promising that he'll make sure to document every move he makes so Anthony can keep an eye on him.
Mr. Steal Your Girl really walked up to Debling with a straight face and said ‘Do you mind if I interrupt? It should only take a moment,’ with the full intention of it taking the rest of their lives.
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The Lady Whistledown Papers : 2x07 Harmony (Part 4)
Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!
For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers
Trouble
So. After her encouraging encounter with Colin, Penelope pops on over to Bridgerton house as if it were no big deal, looking all excited about life. It's lovely that Penelope is thinking she's having a good day, because her life is about to get incredibly stressful.
Eloise is having a full on panic attack and grabs Penelope the moment she sees her and the two of them flee out of the room. Penelope is kind of hilarious as Eloise drags her to a secluded room in the house -- she's like, oh wow, this is fun.
That is until Eloise states that she's going to confess to being Whistledown. She knows enough about Whistledown to fake a sheet and if she flatters the queen enough, maybe the whole thing will go away.
Penelope, of course, freaks out. It's bad enough that Eloise is embroiled in this mess with the Queen, but now it's really beginning to encroach on her own personal ambitions. The whole thing is spinning wildly out of Penelope's control, and Penelope tries to persuade Eloise to not do anything rash. What is she going to do when the real Whistledown prints again?
And then Eloise hits her with a bombshell -- Eloise no longer cares about Whistledown. The woman is dead to her.
And this is so startling for Penelope. Some of her hubris comes from how well Eloise was impressed with the writer, and now that Eloise complete dismisses Whistledown, no longer thinks highly of her? It's a bit of a blow. What's more - Eloise is going to attempt to find the real Whistledown and make her pay (in a line that really reminds me of how Colin will say it in Season 3).
Eloise then praises Penelope for her loyalty (much like Colin did five minutes earlier). It's hammering it a bit thick narrative -- but Penelope gets the irony of it all. That her secret identity is really starting to effect those she loves closest, and that her friends are going to feel betrayal if (when) they find out the truth.
The Esteemed Bridgerton Ball
The narration goes on to discuss betrayal (mostly relating it to the failed Anthony/Edwina wedding) but boldly hints that the aborted wedding might not be the only betrayal the Bridgertons may be facing. How ominous for Penelope to put that out there. I still think it's wild that not a single Bridgerton managed to figure Penelope out before Eloise finally puts the pieces together. Anyway, Penelope knows time is running out for her...
Violet is hosting a ball in an attempt to get into the Ton's good graces once again, except this time, no one shows up. Except the Sharmas and Lady Danbury. Ah well. At least they have each other. (I mean seriously, who wants the Cowpers at their party anyway?)
Benedict is going to peace out of there, but Anthony of all people decides to make the best of the somewhat embarrassing turn of events by asking Hyacinth to dance with him. It's not long before all the Bridgertons (and Sharmas and Lady Danbury) are dancing around the hall to a lively dance in is really a fun sequence where they're all having a good time with each other and enjoying in some lively, family togetherness.
There's really not much to say about this sequence, other than I love the dancing, and Colin is having a delightful time as he switches from one partner to the next. There's some Colin and Kate time! I'm here for this friendship that mostly exists in my head! Also, I kinda love when it's over, Colin is the one suggesting to go eat food - which is of course a way to get half the cast out of the scene for the Kanthany drama, but also a continuing nod to book Colin being a foodie. :)
The happy moment is shattered by the arrival of Whistledown, which outs Eloise's trysts with Theo as well as suggests that she's spending time with political radicals. Eloise is devastated to read it. The Queen is shocked -- and now furious. And due to the new Bridgerton scandal, Portia and Jack decide to go all in on scamming Colin.
Oh, Penelope...
As the narration goes on, we see Penelope break down and throw her quill into the fire. She's well aware of what her words are going to do.
And, I mean, there's been a lot of discourse I've read for and against Penelope's actions as Lady Whistledown. (And often times it's about whether or not people like Penelope as a character.) Admittedly, I am biased. But I think the show has done a rather good job about portraying how this young girl, with no power, with no way to express herself, with no real way to fight against a society that doesn't want her, found a way to push back.
And as she grew in popularity, she began a bit reckless and pushed the boundaries of what she could and couldn't do. And of course it backfires on her. Of course she is going to face consequences of her actions. Of course she ends up hurting people that she does love.
But that's how we all learn and grow up by making mistakes and fucking things up and learning how to move through and past it. I won't say that all the things Penelope does are right. Because they aren't. But I will say I understand why she does what she does, and I love that she is this imperfect character who is just trying to make do with what life has handed her.
And one of the (heartbreaking) joys of watching her character is watching her go through these ups and downs. She isn't a black and white character. She's complex and layered and lives in the gray areas and I think her story is all the better for it.
As we wrap up on this episode, we're one episode left in the season, and Penelope doesn't really know what rock bottom is yet. But it's coming. It's going to be devastating. But it's a bit delicious, because it's going to lead us right to where we need to be come season 3.
The Lady Whistledown Papers : 2x07 Harmony (Part 2)
Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!
For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers
Panic
Penelope goes to visit Eloise and finds her full on in panic mode drowning in a sea of Lady Whistledown papers adoring the bed. Eloise straight up shares what's going on -- that the Queen has given her three days to confess or... idk, off with her head? I mean, Eloise should be rightfully freaked out, but for all of Queen Charlotte's threats - I do wonder what the Queen's ultimate game is. (Other than to, you know, silence her.)
Penelope freezes at the news. Because, oh god, her actions are fully having consequences now.
Penelope goes into full on panicking mode now, but it's interesting how she tries to be logical about everything. Her first idea is to go to the Queen and just talk her out of it. Show that reason should win out - that Eloise couldn't possibly be Lady Whistledown. Eloise wisely points out that the Queen isn't always reasonable (nor does she have to be). And Eloise is often times able to be pragmatic in a way that Penelope isn't always.
Penelope then asks her why the Queen even thinks this in the first place. And Eloise admits that the Queen had her followed, and someone saw her talking with Theo. And that they know Theo has something to do with Lady Whistledown. Eloise is having her own guilt melt down -- thinking about her actions. She admits that she's been selfish through this whole Theo ordeal, and now he is in danger from the Queen, too.
And it's such an interesting contrast. Eloise is owning up to her mistakes, and voicing that she hasn't been smart. And having Eloise feel guilty over it just layers on the issues that Penelope is already facing being in an awkward spot. It's bad enough that the Queen is looking for her. But now her best friend and her best friend's family could be harmed by her actions. Now it's getting really personal. And Penelope's walking this complicated line between wanting to protect herself while wanting to protect those she loves. And knowing that there's no easy answer to this situation.
Eloise thinks she should go warn Theo about all of this, but Penelope implores her not to. Because Penelope does not want this to get any further out of hand than it already is. There is a sense of truth there -- that Eloise may make it worse if she involves more people. but Penelope wants her to wait for Lady Whistledown to write again -- because the wheels are already turning in her head. If there's just something she can write, it might exonerate her friend. She just doesn't know what yet.
I love this look Penelope gives at the end. She's mad, frustrated, scared, worried, and thinking all the thoughts about how she can possibly solve this. Also the music in this scene -- slowly ticking away, and ranking up the tension. We're getting to the climax of this story soon....
And that's the thing, this whole season has been a slow build. Penelope came into this season feeling on top of her game, at her highest point, that she could not possibly fail. But she's pushed her boundaries, and in some ways has been careless, and all actions do have consequences. And we're on the precipice of Penelope's big fall.
Advice
The first thing Penelope does is run off to seek out Madame Delacroix. And it's wild that she goes as herself. She doesn't wear a cloak, or anything to mask herself. Because this Penelope, someone who is still very young, and in waaay over her head now, and realizing that she was playing with fire that's going to get her burned. She needs someone to talk to, and Genevieve is really the only person she's got. But I also like to think that she respects Genevieve enough to ask for her help.
Genevieve is rightfully a little, wtf is going on when Penelope shows up. Because Genevieve is older and wiser, and knows exactly what type of games they're playing with this whole business.
Genevieve is frantically pacing as she recounts the situation. She is rightfully freaked out that the Queen is now involved.
Penelope is quiet and still and a bit reflective as she comments about how the Queen has somewhat always been involved. Penelope mentions that she has challenged the Queen every step of the way. And it's in this moment that there is a bit of that vindictiveness that she gets from Portia in her (whether she wants to admit it or not).
As I've said previously, the power was beginning to get to Penelope's head. And as someone who has spent their whole life being ignored and belittled, to have a taste of power that effects even the highest station in the society and not have to face consequences was incredibly tempting. And I think it's fascinating that this trait is something shares with her mother, whether she likes it or not. Because Portia is always trying to push her way to the top -- after being pressed down, and doing so often in a manner that pushes others out of the way. (I just... think it's cool when shows actually acknowledge children can be like their parents.)
While I do think Penelope is a better person than her mother, it is interesting to note that the Bridgertons are the ones who've helped bring light into her life. And without them -- it makes me wonder what kind of darker version of Lady Whistledown we would have gotten.
Penelope asks if Genevieve has anything that could help give the Queen what she is really looking for -- adoration, validation, a sense of feeling on top. But Genevieve has zero ideas, and really was hoping that Penelope could think her way out of this. But Penelope admits that she has no idea what to do.
Genevieve suggests that maybe she should turn herself in, and for a split second Penelope just glares at her. That is not a thing she can do. Not only does she not want to face whatever might happen (I mean - honestly, the Queen could have her killed, and self preservation in this case is fair). But she's not ready to come out of the shadows yet.
Interestingly, Penelope is sitting here in the dark, only a small light of fire in the room. It's kind of a brilliant choice as Penelope is clinging to her shadows, to her mask, to veil. She feels security there. Because to come out means to be exposed, to face judgment, to accept the opinions of others. And she's already been forced to endure them as herself, Lady Whistledown started as a way to fight back. But she's not ready to fight back as herself. Not yet, anyway.
Anyway, Penelope says that it's not a possibility -- because the Queen would never believe her, and that it'd just one friend trying to help another. And maybe Penelope's right - but I feel that this is more so an excuse for her not to do it. Because I'm sure Penelope could prove it if she wanted to.
Penelope takes a moment to admire Genevieve's designs hanging on the wall. Genevieve states that her intention was to bring them to France to grow her business. But now she's not sure it'll happen because she's going to get busted for assisting Lady Whistledown.
Penelope is fierce when she claims that Genevieve's name will remain out of all this hoopla. Because Penelope really doesn't want to hurt anyone. Not really.
And this is when Genevieve makes the suggestion that in order to save Eloise, Penelope should write something in Lady Whistledown that Eloise wouldn't write about herself.
And Penelope balks at the suggestion. She already feels as though she's done enough damage, and she could never hurt her friend that way. She also remembers clearly what happened with Marina and Colin and the last time she tried to protect someone she loved through Whistledown it wasn't great.
But also, I have to mention that Penelope's own hubris is beginning to get in her way. If she had gone to Eloise first, and confided her identity to her and then wrote the incriminating paper then maybe it would have gone over better? Granted, there was the chance that Eloise might reject her based on concealing her identity - and Penelope is always putting self preservation first. It's become a survival skill.
Penelope doesn't want to make a further mess of everything. But there are no easy solutions out of this one.
Ah Pen....yes, such a tricky situation and the scene with Genevieve is really well done, especially with the lighting! I agree with all you are writing about what Pen says and her being like Portia. Very true.
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