This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3.
It is now an expectation that, when a new Bridgerton season is coming out, the sibling who is starring in that season will get a glow-up, however when it comes to season 3’s Colin Bridgerton, the Netflix period drama truly outdid itself. In the past, the third-eldest Bridgerton family member has been mostly likable. Though he has shown elements of naïveté and obliviousness, it has always been clear that Colin’s heart is in the right place. But now that his season is upon us, Bridgerton has proven that Colin is more than just the little brother; he’s the most eligible bachelor.
As previously mentioned, Colin has come across as likable, but somewhat awkward in the first two seasons of Bridgerton. Where his elder brothers, Anthony and Benedict, have always been out on the town, meeting women and enjoying more adult circumstances, Colin has been occupied with romance and travel. In many ways, he has been portrayed as the dreamy little brother, always putting his immediate feelings before logic, as displayed by his sudden betrothal to Marina Thompson. But luckily, Bridgerton season 3 has turned the tables, and it was the best choice they could have made.
The most important thing that Bridgerton season 3 has done with Colin is stripped him of his immature ways and turned him into a character worthy of being a love interest. At the start of Bridgerton season 3, Colin returns from his travels, not only with a new (and better) look, but with a new sense of self. He is no longer babbling about his travels to anyone who will listen.
In turn, this maturing has made Colin all the more enticing. When the ladies flirt with him, he unexpectedly flirts in return. In this way, Bridgerton season 3 shows a side of Colin audiences have never really seen before. Though he attempted to court Marina in season 1, Colin has never been portrayed as particularly intimate or sensual. But now, in season 3, as soon as he steps out of his carriage, Colin becomes the ton’s most eligible bachelor. He is not only more adult, but he is more flirtatious, more experienced, and more attractive for all the above reasons.
Although Bridgerton gives Colin an amazing glow-up, this isn’t even the series’ biggest accomplishment. In reality, the most impressive thing Bridgerton season 3 has done is make Colin the perfect love interest as a result of giving him a balance. Sure, Colin is arguably more attractive now, both physically and personality-wise, but he also remains a good person. Unlike his brothers, Colin does not fall into the rather disappointing category of rake. He manages to do a tightrope walk on the line between enticing bachelor and kind soul. This is what sets him apart from previous male Bridgerton leads.
Where Simon brought a certain sort of aloof command due to his position as Duke in season 1, and Anthony carried around his reputation as a strict patriarch and rake in season 2, Colin has something entirely different. Unlike other Bridgerton leads, one of Colin’s main personality traits is kindness. And though Bridgerton has successfully matured him and added a new attractive appeal, he manages to maintain his sweet airs, especially when it comes to Penelope. Though he dons a new leather coat and wavy hair, Colin remains as the nicest Bridgerton brother, and this is his greatest strength.
Overall, Colin’s transformation paired with his romance with Penelope gives season 3 the potential to be the best season of Bridgerton yet. Although Daphne and Simon started it all, and Anthony and Kate brought a fiery and entertaining passion, Colin and Penelope’s story is something truly special. Colin’s transformation may be sudden, but it is also somewhat relatable. He has finally grown into himself. Furthermore, his and Pen’s romance feels realistic too. Where the enemies-to-lovers trope is only common in stories, friends-to-lovers happens all the time in real life. Therefore, Colin and Pen are the most like audiences.
At this point, with only Bridgerton season 3, part 1 released by Netflix, there is certainly more fun to be had, along with some serious conflict as well. However, this season has already proven that Bridgerton is very good at crafting their characters to perfectly fit their stories. Nothing ever feels out of place or sudden. Colin’s transformation is just one example of how Bridgerton season 3 is raising the stakes, and making the series even better with every new season.