20 June, 2024

Bridgerton Season 3 Review: Episode 5 'Tick Tock'

 Episode 5 opens with Penelope writing Lady Whistledown, as they show a flashback to the night before with Colin and Penelope entering Bridgerton House to tell the Bridgerton family of their engagement.  The Bridgertons are all very happy with the news - except (unsurprisingly) Eloise.  During a discussion between Eloise and Penelope we learn that Penelope still has not told Colin about her being Lady Whistledown, though she promises to do so.  The next day we see everyone reading Lady Whistledown and learning of the engagement, making it clear that Penelope rushed home to write the column (even before Colin knew that it was her) seemingly trapping Colin with a public announcement without his knowledge.  Lady Featherington finds out about the engagement via Lady Whistledown, not having been told by Penelope nor having Colin request permission as he should since Penelope is under age.  With this news it does make it clear that Colin is not the only person that Penelope was manipulating with the rushed announcement, but also her mother, she made sure that Colin would not back out nor that her mother would deny permission.  

It is this episode where the main external conflict is set up with the Queen announcing a bounty for Lady Whistledown's identity, something that makes Colin gleeful and Penelope concerned.  Penelope had attempted to tell Colin about being Lady Whistledown (after they had already had sex), however they were interrupted, and when Colin asks her about what she was going to say we see her say it was nothing, it is clear Penelope no longer wishes to tell Colin about being Lady Whistledown.  It comes to a head for Penelope at their engagement party where Eloise gives her the ultimatum to tell Colin or she (Eloise) will, Penelope is given until midnight.  As the clock strikes midnight it all comes to a head as Cressida announces herself as being Lady Whistledown and Penelope faints over dramatically onto the floor.  

Image Credit: Netflix

One of the highlights of this episode is the return of Kate and Anthony.  Kate and Anthony arrive home excited to share the news that they are expecting a child, however, they are preempted by Hyacinth announcing the news that Colin and Penelope are engaged, meaning Kate and Anthony push their news aside.  We see them again having the discussion not to share their news just yet, which is something that - whilst in character for Kate - is a little sad that Kate is still putting herself last at important moments and allowing others to come first.  We do see later in the episode, during the engagement party, Kate and Anthony tell Lady D and Violet that they are expecting, but they are interrupted in the announcement to the party at large by Cressida's announcement. 

We had some small scenes with Francesca and John which were lovely, and really showed their connection to each other, they continue to be a delight and John's apprehension at meeting Anthony is quite endearing, and his story at the engagement ball was sweet. 

Highs:  
  • Kate and Anthony's return.  
  • Francesca and Benedict calling Kate sister was a lovely moment to show that Kate is truly a Bridgerton now.  Also, Benedict introducing Kate as his sister to Lady Tilly Arnold.  
  • Kate and Anthony.  Despite their very limited screen time they were magical on screen. 
  • John's adorable story and his anxiety when he first tried to tell it, and Francesca's patient encouragement.
Lows: 
  • Penelope immediately reporting on her engagement Colin in Lady Whistledown, it came across as manipulative and a form of entrapment. 
  • Penelope not telling Colin that she is Lady Whistledown. 
A Bit of Both: 
  • The consent during the sex scene was a bit of good and bad. It was good they included consent, however, that it was Colin putting the onus on Penelope to stop, as opposed to giving Penelope the option to continue shows that Colin also has a slightly manipulative side. He essentially stated he would continue doing what he wanted unless she said to stop, rather than him stopping and letting her choose to continue. It is subtle but makes a huge difference in my opinion. 

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