Coming full Circle with Vulnerability .. The Bridgerton Way

Many of us live our lives in fear of really being seen and heard for who we are.  

We don’t feel good enough or bright enough, or thin enough, or educated enough or whatever enough.

We will do anything to fit in.  This can be at work, with friends and even with our family of origin.    However, to “fit” in requires us to change or to hide a part of ourselves, meanwhile, sabotaging our authenticity.

In the most recent series of Bridgerton actor Luke Newton and fellow Galway girl Nicola Coughlan go full circle through a journey of vulnerability and show us how rewarding it can be to stay true to yourself and come out victorious in the end.     

Actor Luke Newton, in an interview openly speaks about his personal vulnerability journey.   He says, “At the start of the whole process there felt like a bit of an expectation to step into the positions that had been created by our previous leads”.

He goes on to say

“it really feels like earning our place there and feeling really comfortable there. It’s nice there was vulnerability there at the start because that’s also so true to our characters. They were more vulnerable; they were more exposed within society. They didn’t have each other to protect each other. And now we feel like we have that as actors as well as our characters. It’s like a full circle moment.”

Let’s take a look at how Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton navigated vulnerability in this very popular series.

Penelope’s vulnerability is apparent in her early life as she deals with societal rejection and her family's constant comparisons. She couldn’t be more different than her two sisters.  Colin, too, faces his own struggles with finding his place and purpose, feeling overshadowed by his siblings.

Penelope creates Lady Whistledown, embracing a powerful, assertive role, a far cry from the Penelope that presents herself to the world. Colin becomes an ally, although unknowingly, as his friendship and eventual romantic interest provide emotional support.

Both characters begin to rely on their public personas to mask their vulnerabilities.

Penelope's trials are compounded by her secret identity as Whistledown and unrequited love for Colin. Colin, on the other hand, faces his own trials, such as his quest for purpose and identity beyond being a charming Bridgerton. Their mutual vulnerabilities start to surface as they navigate these challenges.

Penelope initially finds success and power as Lady Whistledown, masking her insecurities. Colin gains superficial success through his charm and travels, but both realise these are temporary solutions that don't address their deeper vulnerabilities and desires for genuine connection and purpose.

Penelope’s spiritual death is triggered by the risk of exposure and the moral conflict of her actions as Lady Whistledown. Colin faces a similar existential crisis, realising that his charm and travels have not led to true fulfillment. Their vulnerabilities become raw and unavoidable during this stage.

Both Penelope and Colin confront their innermost fears and insecurities. Penelope faces her fear of being unlovable and unworthy without her alter ego. She also does not want to give up her passion for writing, which she admits is an essential part of herself.  Colin confronts his fears of inadequacy and failure. Their vulnerabilities become the gateway to deeper self-awareness and growth.

Penelope yearns to be seen and loved for who she truly is, both a woman and a writer. Colin starts yearning for genuine purpose and connection, moving beyond his superficial successes. Their mutual vulnerabilities draw them closer, revealing their true selves to each other.

Penelope’s journey also involves understanding her mother’s pressures and expectations. Colin’s journey involves reconciling his place within his family, moving past the shadows of his siblings. Their vulnerabilities help them empathise and connect on deeper levels with their families.

Penelope learns to assert herself and share her true feelings with Colin, who in turn learns to value depth and vulnerability over charm and bravado. Their mutual acceptance of their vulnerabilities helps heal their own wounded aspects, fostering a relationship based on honesty and respect.

Penelope integrates her assertive and compassionate sides, while Colin balances his charm with a newfound depth and empathy. Their true relationship emphasises how they support and balance each other.

Penelope and Colin return to their community as their authentic selves, with Penelope no longer needing Lady Whistledown to feel powerful, and Colin finding purpose and connection beyond superficial charm. Their vulnerabilities, once sources of pain, now become sources of strength and authenticity.

Follow the rest of the Bridgerton series here