Lady Whistledown's back

The new season of Bridgerton could have been a reflection of reality, rather than an escape from it

- ANJULY MATHAI

Get your satin slippers ready, ladies. For the ton isback with the season’s first dances. The first part of Bridgerton season 3 is out, and it is as delectable as ever, immersing us once more into the world of stays and petticoats, feathered hats and powdered wigs, tulle and topaz, men with titles and women setting their caps at them.

The show has often been called a floozy fantasy, popcorn escapism and distraction from the real world, perhaps not entirely without reason. After all, who wants to read about geopolitics or global warming when you can instead listen to Lady Whistledown’s verdict on the viscount’s new waistcoat. Yet Bridgerton, especially season 3, has such potential to be more—not to be a distraction from reality, but rather a reflection of it. Because it has at its heart not a heroine who is picture perfect.