DISCLAIMER: This recap of Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 3, “Forces of Nature,” contains spoilers. Proceed at your peril.
Dearest Gentle Reader,
Episode three, “Forces of Nature,” finds our future lovers navigating the aftermath of that kiss. This outing brims with furtive glances, longing gazes, and an intense focus on lips and collarbones—everything you want from a steamy period drama. Polin is in bloom, folks, and not the kind that makes me reach for the Benadryl every spring. Plus, Benedict meets the exciting Lady Arnold, the Featherington women might be pregnant, Francesca meets Lord Stirling and Lady Danbury’s brother makes quite the impression on Lady Bridgerton. It’s all entertaining, good fun.
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Forces of Nature
We open with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) having a steamy, sexy dream about kissing Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). Their kiss is significantly more fiery and sexually charged than their real-life smooch (which was sweet and exuded warmth). He wakes up before the kiss goes further. That morning, we see the Bridgertons in the drawing room. Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) asks Francesca (Hannah Dodd) to relay precisely what Queen Charlotte called her at the last ball.
Meanwhile, Gregory (Will Tilston) reminds Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) of how he broke his arm while trying to see a hot air balloon from the roof. Eloise (Claudia Jessie) quietly (for the most part) reads a book. Colin later joins the family. Benedict asks if his brother had a late night. Colin acts awkwardly, trying to shake off his Penelope-themed dream. Hyacinth remarks that she thought what Colin did for Pen was considerate, which makes Colin act even more awkwardly.
Suitable Matches
Elsewhere, we see men setting up a massive hot air balloon for display at an outdoor fair. Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and Lady Agatha Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) go through a list of respectable suitors for Francesca, Her Majesty’s diamond of the season. Lady Danbury mentions Lord Alfred Debling. However, the queen believes he’s too wrapped up in nature to consider taking a wife. Danbury mentions her unwanted house guest but doesn’t disclose this person’s name. Hmm…
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Meanwhile, in the Featherington house, Pen joins Lady Portia (Polly Walker), Prudence Dankworth (Bessie Carter) and Philipa Finch (Harriet Cains) in the drawing room. Portia comments that her daughter has been sequestering herself in her room for a week. Her other daughters discuss how one gains weight during a pregnancy. Someone, anyone, give these girls a biology lesson.
Next, Pen receives an unexpected visitor in Eloise. She apologizes for the gossip getting out about Colin taking Pen under his wing. Eloise states it wasn’t her intention to spread the news. Pen replies that she wouldn’t reproach Eloise if the latter shared it intentionally. Eloise wishes Pen luck on her husband-finding endeavors. Ugh, I just want these two to mend fences!
Awkward Reunion
Later, Pen goes for a walk, realizing it’s time to reenter society. Everyone stares at her. She and Colin reunite, and they awkwardly decide to cease the lessons. Pen believes she’s learned a lot from Colin already. Oh, the tension is palpable. You can cut it with a rusty butter knife.
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Then, at a party, the mamas gossip about Lord Debling (Sam Phillips) as he stares at the stuffed animal heads fixed to the wall. Lady Cowper (Joanna Bobin) encourages her daughter, Cressida (Jessica Madsen), to get Debling to marry her. If she doesn’t secure a husband on her own, her parents will find one for her. Cressida chats with Debling about being a predator instead of prey.
Meanwhile, the Featheringtons and Bridgertons arrive. Benedict spots the debutante he danced with in the previous episode. He tries his best to hide from her. Elsewhere, Lady Danbury informs Francesca that the lower-ranking lords usually come calling first before the more influential ones inevitably descend. Violet remarks that their drawing room has been full all week.
The Party
Pen tries to chat with some of the lords at the party, but they poke fun at her for seeking assistance from Colin. Will and Alice Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe and Emma Naomi) arrive, looking sharp as ever. They talk to Colin for a spell. Alice and Will compliment Colin on his desire to help Pen.
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Benedict utilizes Danbury as a shield/distraction when the aforementioned debutante finds him again. Oh, Benny. It’s the 19th-century version of ghosting. Danbury accepts her role as a shield, but only if Benedict takes her for a turn about the room. Pen reunites with Lord Debling, and the two partake in clever flirting. They seem to click (although not as well as her with Colin).
The following day, Eloise and Cressida walk through the park. Cressida reveals her desire to learn more about nature to impress Debling. She asks for Eloise’s help since the latter is intelligent. Meanwhile, Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne) gives Prudence and Philipa a foul-smelling green concoction to ensure they give birth to boys. The ladies down it and instantly experience stomach discomfort.
Hot Air Balloon on Display
Later, the Featherington/Dankworth/Finch clan arrives at Lord Hawkins’ hot air balloon display at an outdoor fair. Colin finds Pen. The pair pretends they’re looking at sweets so the ton doesn’t suspect they’re interacting with each other. Pen admits she’s having a lovely time with Debling. They’re growing closer. Colin doesn’t look thrilled about that but tries to mask it. He fixes his gaze on her lips while she eats a cupcake. Oof. He’s got it bad.
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Next, Eloise and Cressida run into Debling. Cressida gushes about her fondness for the great auk (which became extinct in 1844). Debling is trying to save the flightless birds from extinction. Debling spots Pen and asks her to join the group. Awkward.
Pen and Cressida not-so-subtly compete to see who knows the most about nature to impress Debling. Pen insists one shouldn’t overlook the sparrow. Oh, and grass is the bee’s knees! Colin continues with the longing glances in Pen’s direction. If you imbibe, take a shot every time Colin looks at Pen longingly or lustfully.
Breaking the Rules
Elsewhere, the Mondrichs decide not to attend that evening’s ball. After all, Will misses his club. While he pops in occasionally, it’s not the same as spending an evening there. Alice would rather stay at home. I like that they’re bucking the traditions of high society. Do whatever you want.
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Meanwhile, Benedict enters a tent to hear Lord Hawkins (Deepak Verma) discuss his hot air balloon invention. There, he meets Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New), a woman who speaks her mind and shushes the naysaying men who won’t let Hawkins deliver his lecture. Benedict is smitten. Listen, I get it. I love Hannah in Black Sails.
Next, Queen Charlotte introduces Francesca to Lord Samadani (David Mumeni), a marquess from Vienna. He traveled to London specifically to meet her. They sit together while gazing at the hot air balloon. At the same time, Pen and Cressida continue their unacknowledged competition to win Debling’s affection. Eloise looks simultaneously bored and horrified. While observing Pen, Colin notices a few men trying to stabilize the hot air balloon as a gust of wind threatens to send it skyward.
Carry On, My Wayward Balloon
At this moment, Prudence and her husband, Harry Dankworth (James Phoon), decide to get it on beside a tent, away from prying eyes. Suddenly, a gentleman catches them, causing Prudence to push Harry. He topples over one of the ropes holding the balloon in place. It snaps loose, pulling out the various stakes securing the balloon. Eloise and Cressida duck out of the way upon seeing the wayward balloon.
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Colin, Will, Benedict and the other men rush to grab ropes, pulling the balloon back to its resting spot. It’s an act of derring-do that only a romantic lead can do. Pen becomes frozen in place as the balloon careens toward her. Thankfully, Lord Debling shields her from harm as the men finally gain control of the balloon. Lord Hawkins jumps in, ordering the men to release the ropes. He flies into the sky.
Eloise expresses her relief that no one is hurt. Cressida seizes the opportunity to feign injury, telling Debling that one of the ropes must have hit her ankle. At least she’s committed.
Love at First Glove
Later, when the Bridgertons arrive at that evening’s ball, Violet drops her glove. Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) picks it up. The two lock eyes briefly before parting ways. Remember when Violet admitted to Danbury in Queen Charlotte that she wanted someone to water her garden? It’s her time for romance again.
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Lady Cowper orders Cressida to secure a dance from Debling. No pressure. Eloise wanders around, completely bored by the debutantes’ talk of marriage and wedding days. Francesca spends more time with Lord Samadani but becomes overwhelmed when he mentions he wants eight children. Good grief. Women aren’t merely baby-making machines.
After Francesca excuses herself, Violet looks for her, noticing she’s no longer with Samadani. Lord Anderson reunites with her. Lady Danbury introduces him to Violet as her brother. I knew it! Outside, Francesca meets John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli). He’s perfectly fine with standing outside in silence. The two enjoy a comfortable quietness together. Sparks fly, y’all.
Lady Arnold and Benedict Bridgerton
Meanwhile, Benedict tries to get away from the ball. He runs into Lady Arnold. They formally introduce themselves to each other. There’s not-so-subtle flirting. They have chemistry. They’ll have fun together until Benedict’s real love comes along (*cough cough* Sophie *cough cough*). Lady Arnold and Benedict take to the dancefloor.
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Then, Will works behind the bar at his bustling club. Lord Garret (Jonathan Livingstone) chats with him about the upcoming hunt, which Will was invited to. Garret reminds Will that everything in high society has limits. For example, members of the ton don’t work. So, Will will have to give up the club.
Elsewhere, Pen chats with Lord Debling as the latter fetches lemonade for Cressida. She apologizes for pretending to be someone she’s not the day before. Pen isn’t a nature gal and prefers a good book over exploring. Debling claims he’d rather marry someone who’s unequivocally herself. Plus, talking about nature all the time would ensure he’d never have guests for dinner parties. Cressida watches with a look of disappointment on her face.
From Friends to More
Next, Colin asks Violet what she hopes Francesca will have regarding a successful match. Violet wants her children to have what she had with her late husband—love and happiness. Colin remarks that a solid foundation of friendship was beneficial for his parents. Violet counters that while friendship is great, it’s rare for two parties to share mutual feelings of love.
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Colin asks how they knew they loved each other. His mom responds that Edmund made his feelings known. That’s when she notices how her son gazes at Pen. She grins. A mother knows. Colin approaches Pen, clearly intent on a love confession.
However, upon seeing Pen, he can’t get the words out. My poor baby. That’s when Debling swoops in, asking Pen for a dance. The Featheringtons and the ton watch in surprise as Pen and Debling dance. Prudence and Philipa admit they feel nauseous despite not drinking Varley’s potion. Philipa runs for the nearest chamber pot. Portia is over the moon — her girls are pregnant.
Between Man and Himself
Lady Whistledown (Julie Andrews) narrates Debling’s surprising move of courting Pen. “For in the battle between man and nature,” Lady Whistledown says, “it is quite clear that the battle is, in fact, between man … and himself.” Colin looks tormented as he watches Penelope, the love of his life, dance with another man.
RELATED: Members of the ton, read our Bridgerton recaps here!
Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix.
Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: KATE SHARMA
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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