Current Obsessions

Which is funny, because I am a chubby, short gal who lives in Ireland and went to school in Galway. You’d think I would relate to Nicola more, but it’s more a case of her being who I aspire to be. Everyone loves her because it’s hard not to! She is so charming, always knows what to say, has great energy and work ethic, and even though she identifies as introverted, it doesn’t stop her from being outgoing. She is exceptional not only at acting but also at engaging with her fans and the media. Not to mention, she is great at using her platform to promote important causes.

Meanwhile, Luke appears to be more obviously introverted and doesn’t always seem the most natural when it comes to dealing with the press. And of course, because Nicola is such a star at it, which has led to her being rightfully booked and busy, there is inevitably this comparison between her and Luke, with people criticizing him for not capitalizing on his success as well. This is sad because he too is a great actor, but his performance on screen may be overshadowed by the critique of his real-life persona.

As someone with ADHD, I have seen a lot of myself in Luke’s demeanor throughout the press journey. I think we’ve seen how Nicola brings out the more outgoing parts of Luke, most likely because he’s comfortable around her, which is so relatable, honestly. I often feel like my true personality doesn’t come out around strangers unless I’m with someone I already feel safe with, which often makes me feel misunderstood and frustrated with myself for not being more of a ‘Nicola’ when I know deep down that I can be.

I know there is discourse about how the show handled the Lady W reveal but I personally liked the change from the book in giving Penelope more agency over her own identity. And I love this moment in particular because Penelope finally takes full ownership of it.

In previous seasons, I think even Penelope viewed Lady W as a separate entity from herself, which has made it easier for her to justify some questionable decisions and hide behind the mask of her pen.

Now she’s taken accountability for her past mistakes but also fully and unapologetically takes ownership of her alter ego. In a less sinister way it reminds me a bit of when Walter White says “I am the danger.”

An underrated moment in the first episode is when Colin goes to check on Penelope after her dress rips. When she asks him what he’s doing outside, he downplays his concern and replies that he’s “just getting some fresh air.”

It’s a small detail in the dialogue that shows where his mindset is. This comes right after his conversation with the other gentlemen in the ton, where Colin is really playing up his new ‘much-more-fun-this-season’ persona. While he’s still being aloof and trying to play it cool, he can’t help checking up on Penelope. It’s the first moment between them where we see Colin’s true colors poke through.

Even more delicious is the contrast in this interaction with the next time he chases after her in episode two, after the gossip about them spreads. He no longer downplays his concern for Penelope and isn’t afraid to stand up for her as a true friend.

Contrast this again in episode 4 when Colin pushes past the same gentlemen he spoke with in the first episode, no longer concerned with their opinions or pretending to be someone he’s not.

L: That’s not a euphemism, I promise.