“He finds it intimidating that [Penelope’s] so successful,” Newton tells EW.
“And he has to learn to accept that and how the power dynamic shifts between them.”
WARNING: This article contains spoilers forBridgertonseason 3, part 2.
Luke Newton in ‘Bridgerton’.Liam Daniel/Netflix
But Newton says that Colin’s hurts are much deeper and more complicated than that.
It wasn’t really the stuff that had been said about him."
“He’s obviously affected by it and his ego’s slightly bruised,” Newton continues.
Polly Walker, Ruth Gemmell, Nicola Coughlan, and Luke Newton on ‘Bridgerton’.Liam Daniel/Netflix
“But also, it’s because she sees the truth.
That’s the thing with Colin and Penn.
She sees him for who he really is.
So when she writes those things, it bugs him because it’s true.
Ultimately, it’s the weight of everything.
“He finds it intimidating that she’s so successful,” Newton reflects.
It’s about overcoming that and accepting that, ultimately, Whistledown is part of her as well.
“He lacks purpose.
The absence of a father has affected him and he feels like he needs to protect everyone around him.
That moment when the threat of Cressida comes up ignites a spark.
I remember [showrunner] Jess [Brownell] saying to me, that it gets Colin going.”
“‘I can do this.
I can fix things.
I’m charming, I can talk around this, and it gives me something to focus on.’
I love the blackmail moment because it really ignites the spark in him.
But Penelope ultimately convinces him that he doesn’t need to be that guy.
Colin also achieves his goal of publishing a book, written from his travel journals with Penelope’s help.
Does he have a bigger literary future ahead?
“He’s done his journals and he’s happy with that.
And I’m sure we’ll talk about the success of it.
Everything goes wrong soon after that.
But as an actor, it’s really nice to sit in that.
“Nicola and I are excited to explore more of the rom-com element,” he concludes.
It’s always interesting to see each couple do that.
We see that with Anthony and Kate this season.
I’m also looking forward to supporting whoever’s next and getting involved in that.”
Bridgertonseason 3 is now streaming on Netflix.
