#tick tock

But as I was scrolling through TikTok as one does, I was reminded of one scene that never, ever fails to touch my soul and could very possibly uproot the Modiste bitch-off. And that's the beginning scene of 3x05.

It is underrated magic to me.

That whole section in the book is ridiculous and fun and you're catching up to comprehend Colin's one-track vision, just as Penelope is. It's the best.

God, I love that book.

But in the show, it's so tender. When Colin turns back towards Penelope, offering his hand, with the echo of the words "Are you coming with me?" still reverberating in Penelope's skull, my breath catches. He's so eager but also has this controlled serenity. He's leading her to Bridgerton house with conviction and purpose in a way we've really never seen before. And alongside that entire silent exchange, you have Lady Whistledown, Penelope herself, waxing poetic about predictability ending in a surprise.

Her surprise.

And if that weren't enough, there's a stunning song composed by Kris Bowers, also titled "A Surprise," where we finally hear the gorgeous resolution to their theme for the first time. Sometimes I tear up from simply listening to that song.

And then as they walk through the hall, we have the Dutch angles of Penelope's trepidation but also excitement, and the sound of her heart beating, and Colin's elation with their engagement.

I love Hyacinth's unbridled enthusiasm and Violet's sincere joy. I love Francesca's tampered-down excitement and Gregory's tepid annoyance. I love Colin just basking in everything with eyes on his new bride the entire time.

It all works. Even Eloise's confrontation with Penelope is so well-done. What Eloise says is true, barring the harsh delivery. And the heartbreak that she’s been carrying all season is incredibly evident here. Peneloise are grieving each other and firmly not friends, and now Eloise has to reconcile with the fact that Colin and Penelope are in love. She sets up the entire conceit of the back half of the season, and Penelope knows full-well she's right, but she just can't tell him yet. She can't do it.

And then we have Colin's concern and reassurance that they'll live happily ever after, swiftly juxtaposed by the scene of a teary Lady Whistledown and the Bridgerton tree in foreboding disarray in the title card.