But where is it?
Related: Have we ever seen her standing?
Thats not to say that Season 3 isnt beat for the gods.
Bridgerton / Netflix
There are just enough close-ups of Penelopes heaving breasts.
(Does she need an inhaler?)
There are also lovely shots of Penelope and Colin collapsing onto beds dramatically.
We have receipts, though!
So, did we all miss something?
Well, you see, Season 3 is queerer than you think.
Netflix
Theres Penelope, first of all.
So, she holds herself back.
She lowers her expectations and seeks comfort over happiness.
She chooses a 19th-century vegan over love.
Suddenly, you have the tragic love story of every closeted queer person on the planet.
Then there are those stolen moments.
When Penelope repairs Colins hand, the brief touch sets her cells ablaze.
You know she remembers that touch forever harbors it, nurtures it, summons it, devours it.
What queer person hasnt felt this way towards a straight crush?
But is the soul free in a loveless marriage?
Then theres those supporting characters.
Similarly, queer people avoid emotionally transparent arrangements, at least when reacting to trauma.
We often bar ourselves from all-consuming love, fearful of true freedom.
Theres also Francesca, who shuns the dances and lemonades and endless conversations, opting instead for meaningful silences.
In fact, when a rakish suitor makes a sensual comment to her, she balks.
The only times she lights up are when shes discussing, performing, or being recognized for her music.
In both cases, shes queer.
Oh, and theres Eloise, who is the most queer-coded of the bunch.
Shes always preferred Wollstonecraft to Austen, philosophy to embroidery; she scoffs whenever traditional marriage is mentioned.
But above all, she thrives at the borders of society.
Trapped in a heterosexual marriage, shed wither.
The only explanation is love.
So anyway, I would put good money on Eloise becoming the queer diamond of Season 3. c’mon tell me no.
I will die inside.
(like let it be Eloise.)
