In Bridgerton, society’s most powerful member is the elusive writer Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews). Since the release of her first society paper in the pilot, Whistledown has had the Ton hanging by her every word. She’s not only the driving force for the gossip around town, but she’s also the narrator of the story. The show revolves around her just as much as it does around the titular Bridgerton family.
Whistledown’s identity was uncovered to the audience in the Season 1 finale, with Eloise finding out in the second season. It wasn’t until the third season that Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) publicly came forward as the anonymous columnist, owning all the good and the bad of Whistledown. It will be interesting to see how the Netflix show moves forward now that London’s elite are aware of who it is that always has their eyes peeled and ears perked up around them.
Bridgerton
4
/5
- Release Date
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December 25, 2020
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson
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Ruth Gemmell
Lady Violet Bridgerton
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Luke Thompson
Benedict Bridgerton
Throughout her career as Whistledown, Penelope took her quill to divulge all the exciting matches, hot scandals, and drama unfolding around town. Some newsletters were enlightening, others were opinionated, and then there were those of a more scathing nature.
These are Lady Whistledown’s 10 most savage columns (and what they reveal about the author).
10
Takes Major Digs at Her Own Family
Season 1, Episode 1 – “Diamond of the First Water”
One of Lady Whistledown’s most scathing comments comes in the very first minute of the entire series. She opens her first newsletter by addressing the Ton as follows: “Dearest reader, the time has come to place our bets for the upcoming social season. Consider the household of the Baron Featherington. Three misses foisted upon the marriage market like sorrowful sows by their tasteless, tactless mama.” She then goes on to praise the perfect, beautiful Bridgertons and muse about what the season may hold.
Signing off, she writes, “It has been said that, of all b*****s dead or alive, a scribbling woman is the most canine. If that should be true, then this author would like to show you her teeth. My name is Lady Whistledown. You do not know me, and rest assured, you never shall. But be forewarned, dear reader, I certainly know you.”
More Than Just Self-Deprecation
It can be argued that Penelope harshly goes in on her family right off the bat to avoid suspicion, and while that may be true, she has bigger reasons. For one, she’s expressing her honest feelings about her mother Portia (Polly Walker) — and also about herself. At this point in the story, Pen still lacks confidence and a sense of self-worth. She doesn’t yet realize her beauty and power, which she has forgotten after years of being put down by her mom and sisters and forcing herself to cling to the sidelines. In a way, writing her first column is also her way of grasping the control missing in her life, even if that means taking a shot at herself and her own.
9
She Turns on Daphne
Season 1, Episode 1 – “Diamond of the First Water”
After “London’s marriage-minded misses” are presented to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), Her Royal Highness is most taken by Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), calling her “flawless,” cementing her as the season’s diamond. Lady Whistledown agrees in her next column, referring to Daphne as “the diamond of the first water.” Only, she later takes it back, declaring that the season’s “diamond requires a closer inspection,” and that Miss Marina Thompson (Ruby Barker) is “an even rarer jewel of only the most remarkable brilliance, fire, and luster.”
Taking jabs at both Daphne and the Queen, she writes, “This author is left to wonder whether Her Majesty might reconsider the high praise she once afforded Miss Bridgerton, for we all must know what the queen despises more than anything — being wrong. And the drawing room at Bridgerton House currently appears to be emptier than the muddled head of her dearest King George.”
Two Birds With One Stone
Penelope knew the reason Daphne’s prospects were dwindling was because her oldest brother, Lord Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), had scared all her suitors away. However, she saw an opportunity to both undermine the Queen and get under her mother’s skin. Penelope wanted Lady Whistledown’s opinion to be as respected as, if not more than, the Queen’s. By exposing how Queen Charlotte’s favorite had faltered, she was taking on the highest authority, and in turn, gaining the Ton’s regard. Pen also can’t help but twist a knife into Portia’s ego by mentioning that the true diamond is under her roof, but it isn’t one of her daughters. She couldn’t fire back at her mother’s insults as herself, but she could do it as the columnist.
8
Reveals Nigel Berbrooke Is a Deadbeat Dad
Season 1, Episode 2 – “Shock and Delight”
After Anthony discovers Lord Nigel Berbrooke (Jamie Beamish) is a creep who tried forcing himself on Daphne, he realizes his poor judgment and goes back on their agreement. The scoundrel, however, is intent on still marrying Daphne, and blackmails the lady and her family. Thankfully, Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) is a clever woman who orchestrates a scheme to get dirt on Berbrooke.
Of course, the news her housekeepers discover makes it around town and into Lady Whistledown’s column: “It is said one cannot judge a book by its cover. But in the case of the bumbling Baron Berbrooke, it seems his displeasing appearance is quite an apt metaphor for the state of affairs in his household. I would not be surprised if Lord Berbrooke were called away to the country on alleged business. Business which, perhaps, might involve sending some much overdue funds to one former maid and young boy, who we can only hope takes after his mother.”
Bad News for Some, a Kind Gesture to Others
Penelope wasn’t just doing her due diligence as Whistledown. She was also protecting people she cared about. Additionally, the writer had become invested in Daphne and Simon and wanted to do their romance a favor, unaware that it was a ruse at the time. The newsletter also spoke of Penelope’s intolerance for unscrupulous men, and served as a warning to others of his caliber.
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7
The Marina Thompson Pregnancy Bombshell
Season 1, Episode 6 – “Swish”
One of the hardest choices Penelope ever made as Lady Whistledown was outing Marina’s pregnancy to the Ton. Penelope understood the dire situation Marina was in, and she had been onboard with her finding a husband before she started to show, but when that prospect turned out to be the man she loved, Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), it broke her. The minute Marina shared her intentions with her, Pen developed a change in attitude with her cousin. Despite her anger, she tried helping Marina, uncovering that Portia had forged George’s letters. But he was still out of the picture, and Marina was out of time.
A Ruthless and Heartbreaking Detonation
Pen was out of time, too, and had to do something drastic. The tone of the voiceover as Whistledown relays the bombshell proves Pen’s reluctance to have to resort to such measures. Despite what some fans have theorized, it wasn’t jealousy that drove her to it, but love, as well as a sense of right and wrong. Pen wanted to save Colin from entering a marriage that he would eventually discover was built on lies. So important was his happiness that she was willing to sacrifice not just Marina, but herself and her sisters, who would now be tainted. Protecting Colin from heartbreak broke her own heart. What seems like a harsh betrayal driven by envy is so much more layered.
6
Lady Whistledown Challenges the Queen
Season 2, Episode 1 – “Capital R Rake”
Lady Whistledown was quiet following the dramatic events of Season 1. She makes her return with a bang, timing her first society paper of the season to coincide with the debutantes’ introductions to the court. After such a long silence, Queen Charlotte must stop everything to find out what the mysterious writer has to divulge. To the monarch’s surprise, Whistledown confidently challenges her to name a diamond of the season, while also taunting her efforts in finding her by calling them futile.
The Early Stages of Self-Realization
Later in the episode, she provokes Her Majesty again by suggesting in her column that maybe it’s Whistledown’s place herself to name the season’s incomparable. After the Queen names Lady Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) the diamond, Whistledown takes a shift: “Is the entire practice of naming a diamond not… well, rather ridiculous? Should a woman not be valued for so much more than her dancing skills or her comportment? Should we not value a woman instead for her candor, her character, her true accomplishments?”
Penelope’s sense of power is growing stronger, making her fearless in mocking the Queen. She’s beginning to realize that she holds as much influence as the monarch herself. Additionally, she’s trying to grasp the self-esteem she was missing in the previous season, telling herself, as much as others, that it’s not society that dictates a lady’s worth, but what she carries within.
5
Taints Eloise’s Reputation
Season 2, Episode 7 – “Harmony”
Queen Charlotte began to suspect that Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who had helped her with her investigation, was Lady Whistledown herself. These suspicions came after Eloise was spotted leaving the print shop in Bloomsbury where Theo Sharpe (Calam Lynch) worked as an assistant. The Queen threatened Eloise, giving her three days to confess and use her powers for Her Majesty’s benefit, or else have herself and her family ruined.
After venting to her best friend, Penelope advises her to stay far away from Theo and the print shop, and then takes matters into her own hands. In Whistledown’s next column, she writes about Eloise’s associations with “political radicals,” effectively shattering her reputation.
Good Intentions, or An Act of Betrayal?
Penelope was definitely driven by a need to protect her friend from the monarch’s wrath. The news explained why Eloise was at the print shop. Furthermore, in printing something so damning that could ruin Eloise’s future, it all but ensured an end to Queen Charlotte’s suspicions. While it’s true that she wanted to deter Her Highness, it was also a selfish act of self-preservation. Pen didn’t want to expose herself. Instead of saving her friend by being honest, she betrayed her trust, convincing herself she was doing the right thing. Whistledown was the only sense of power and control in Penelope’s life. She refused to give that up, even if it meant risking their friendship down the line.
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4
Calls Out Colin for Changing
Season 3, Episode 1 – “Out of the Shadows”
Following Francesca Bridgerton’s (Hannah Dodd) debut, Whistledown once again becomes keen on the idea of the Queen picking an incomparable, challenging Her Majesty once more. The author, however, is more interested in discussing Colin’s return from his worldly travels as a changed man with a remarkable amount of rizz: “I do not fear change. I embrace it. And then there are some who take the embrace of change a step too far, as with Mr. Colin Bridgerton, who seems to have embraced a new personality entirely. But one must wonder, is this new character the real him, or simply a ploy for attention? And does Mr. Bridgerton even know?”
An Act Driven by Devastation
When Pen wrote the column, she was still deeply hurt by what she overheard Colin say before he left the previous season. He had vehemently dismissed the idea of them together, and even made fun of it. It was her heartbreak speaking. After Pen reveals why she’s acting so differently towards him, Colin gives her a sincere apology the next day. She immediately regretted the publication, even insisting to her sisters that Whistledown was wrong about Colin.
3
Uncovers Her Arrangement With Colin and Attacks Herself
Season 3, Episode 2 – “How Bright the Moon”
One of the meanest things Penelope ever wrote as Whistledown was about herself. In the third season premiere, Colin offered his help to Pen in finding a husband. He advised her on men and coaxed out her inner charm. After partygoers overhear their arrangement and word starts getting around, she has no choice but to report on it: “We know there is one young lady who most certainly wishes her plans had remained in the dark.
Penelope Featherington, who was so certain that she would not find a husband on her own, that she had to enlist the help of Mr. Colin Bridgerton. And while we knew Miss Featherington’s marital prospects were slim at best, this recent scandal will certainly make any further hopes disappear. This author would not be surprised if Miss Featherington should wish to return to her familiar shadows once and for all.”
A Brave Act
As juicy as the gossip was, if it hadn’t made it into the column, it could have cast suspicion on her. Not only was she disparaging herself with what she wrote, but she also risked the possibility of ever finding a husband with such a scandal. Pen was so committed to being Whistledown that she didn’t care, sacrificing her prospects to keep her profession afloat. Her comments also reflect her worst fears — that she’s destined to be on the sidelines forever, never being a main character in her own story.
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2
The Attack on Portia Featherington (And Jab at the Queen)
Season 3, Episode 5 – “Tick Tock”
“It seems the only thing quicker than the match between Miss Featherington and Mr. Bridgerton is the rest of London’s quick return to old ways, with Lady Featherington racing to attach herself to the Bridgertons and the queen back on her fruitless hunt for Lady Whistledown. But this secret is one that cannot be rushed,” publishes Whistledown after announcing Penelope and Colin’s engagement in a risky newsletter that puts herself in the spotlight.
Mommy Issues
Pen doesn’t miss the opportunity to once again have a shot at her mother. Her comment highlights the strained relationship between mother and daughter. Pen is finally receiving the attention and doting she always wanted from Portia, but she’s enraged that being engaged is what it took. Just episodes before, Portia was scolding her and putting her down for not being “realistic” about her chances for marriage. Of course, she also feels inclined to remind the queen that she can’t be caught. Pen is no longer afraid of her. If she’s outed by anyone, she knows it will be by Eloise.
1
Outs Cressida as a Liar
Season 3, Episode 7 – “Joining of Hands”
In an attempt to avoid marrying the elderly Lord Greer (Richard Durden), and for the financial independence it would bring her, Cressida (Jessica Madsen) claims to be Whistledown at a party. She then begins to impersonate the author. In the penultimate episode, Pen takes her power back in a newsletter distributed right after Cressida’s fake column. She denies Miss Cowper’s claims, calls her a liar, and insinuates she’s clueless by listing all the news and gossip Cressida missed in her fraudulent paper.
In Which She Takes Down Her Bully
She closed off the letter by saying, “I say this all to remind you that this author, the true Lady Whistledown, is always paying attention. Something that I believe Miss Cowper should try to do a little more.” Penelope was at her bravest, especially considering that her husband was now aware of the truth. She couldn’t sit back and allow another to claim what she had worked so hard for and risked so many relationships for. Although her identity wouldn’t remain a secret for much longer, she was also ensuring that no one would ever try to assume her identity again.
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