It's the bear vs the man
In the era where most women would choose a bear over a strange man in the forest, one of the main things that makes Bridgerton S3 so special, is the cast of some of the most non-toxic male actors Shondaland has cast. Not only did they fill the show with incredibly GOOD regency men this season - but also the actors themselves.
From browsing their social media profiles and watching countless interviews, it is clear that guys like Luke N, Luke T, Sam, Lorn, James, Martins, Victor, Daniel and Johnny seem to be the exact opposites of the stereotypical toxic male that taught this author, at the ripe age of 15, the need to always be alert, and to carry keys between my fingers just so when walking somewhere after dark. What a joy then to watch a TV show filled with wonderful male characters, portrayed by male actors who are kind, and supportive, and respectful to women and their scene partners. Who are not divas on set or have big egos as actors. Whose scene partners won't stop talking how safe and comfortable they felt while filming very vulnerable and exposing scenes (also kudos to Shondaland production team, of course). Whose BTS videos are filled with praise and admiring words about their scene partners and the rest of the cast and crew. It really is the basic minimum threshold of human interaction to not make someone feel intimidated or uncomfortable in your presence. Yet the whole bear vs man debate and the outcry from many men still not getting it, shows that it's worth writing about it some more.
