Lady Whistledown, once beloved in Bridgerton, has become an annoying presence in the show, with her actions now feeling more like lazy writing.
Over the years, Bridgerton has seen a lot of things happen as it watched love stories unfold, betrayals take place, and a lot of drama ensue. But of all things, one of the most interesting things it did previously, during the early seasons of the masterpiece, was bring about a character as interesting as that of Lady Whistledown.
To say the least, that respective alter ego of Penelope Featherington really did serve as one of the most intriguing elements of the historical drama set in the Regency era in England. However, with the passage of time, now it feels like she has become the masterpiece’s most annoying character, and really, none of us expected it.
Lady Whistledown used to be one of the most intriguing characters
Penelope Featherington / Lady Whistledown. | Credits: Bridgerton / Netflix.
Ever since Bridgerton came around, a lot of characters have debuted in it and spiced things up. Up until recently, Lady Whistledown was one of those very characters who added all the required intrigue and nail-biting elements missing from the saga. To say the least, she didn’t take long to become one of the fans and viewers’ favorite parts of the entire saga.
The pseudonym taken over by Nicola Coughlan‘s Penelope Featherington, Whistledown is better known as the popular and widely admired anonymous writer of a social pamphlet detailing the gossip of the Ton. And, over the previous few seasons of the historical drama, the character really did delve into some deep and delicious gossip for the fans.
For one, Whistledown’s Society Papers were filled with scandalous and intriguing details about the Ton and held immense power, influencing the lives and reputations of the characters, including even the Queen. These gossip columns even served as a commentary on the societal norms and expectations of the Regency era, and often forced characters to act.
Then, when Penelope finally came clean that it was she who had been working behind the Lady Whistledown moniker, it became a central plot and added a layer of complexity to her character, allowing audiences to see her in a new light. But with the progression of the saga, now that very character seems to be transforming into one of the most annoying characters ever.
Is Lady Whistledown transforming into an annoying Bridgerton character?
Penelope / Whistledown. | Credits: Bridgerton / Netflix.
Throughout many seasons from the beginning of the series, Whistledown really did serve as a deliciously wicked narrator. However, with the passage of time, now that exact character who once used to be interesting feels like one who has devolved into a plot-hole-generating, hypocritical meddler, clinging to her power like a spoiled brat refusing to share toys.
In fact, what previously served as a savorous plot element in the historical series now feels like a bothersome one, as Penelope’s pseudonym alter ego’s omniscient knowledge, conveniently deployed only when the story demands it, feels less like clever commentary with the further progression of the masterpiece and more like – *winces* – lazy writing.
Not to mention, Lady Whistledown’s sanctimonious pronouncements, which are delivered in that smug, breathy voice, now hit very differently as they grate instead of titillating. All of this, in turn, is developing her less into a charmingly chaotic force and more into a narrative parasite; one who seems to suck the joy out of what was once a delightful romp.
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton | Credits: Netflix
That being said, it can’t be denied that Lady Whistledown, a character who once felt like an instrumental force in the plot’s development as her anonymous yet all-knowing gossip columns often instigated events, now feels more like an element worth getting rid of, much to fans’ disapproval. What remains to be seen is how long she decides to stick around, nonetheless.
Bridgerton can currently be streamed on Netflix.
