Previously on Netflix’s Bridgerton, we watched Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) confess his feelings for his friend, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). Not only that, but Colin’s brother Benedict (Luke Thompson) has possibly found love as well, with Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New). Although it’s been frequently awkward but peaceful between the two, Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli) gifted Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) sheet music for her piano, which is a significant gesture to show his affection for her.
The fifth episode of the season, “Tick Tock,” starts us off with Penelope and Colin entering the Bridgerton home. This is where the previous episode left us, with Colin taking her to his house. They hold hands as they enter the drawing room, Colin telling some of his siblings and his mother that they’re engaged. Everyone in the room is overjoyed, except for Eloise (Claudia Jessie). She excuses herself and Penelope goes after her. Eloise is mostly upset about the engagement because Colin doesn’t know that Penelope is Lady Whistledown.
The next morning comes and everyone is reading the news on the new couple, Penelope and Colin, in Lady Whistledown’s article. Eloise rants to Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) about the engagement. Cressida tells her friend that her parents have arranged a marriage with Lord Greer (Richard Durden) who is much older than her.
Benedict, Colin, and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) are catching up. Colin tells his brothers how he and Penelope confessed their feelings to each other. He admits that he may have always had feelings for her, but had never really realized it up until recently. Colin leaves the boys to go find Penelope.
In the Featherington home, Penelope finds her mother in the room with the article in her hand. Portia (Polly Walker) is upset that she finds out about her engagement through Lady Whistledown and not her daughter. As Portia is degrading Penelope’s relationship, Colin comes in and stands up for Penelope. He tells Portia that he did this for love and nothing more.
Colin takes Penelope back to his home and leads her to a room, which will be their home once they are married. As he’s showing her some things, he tells her, “I will always stand up for you. Because I love you…Pen.” He tells her how special she is to him and how much he admires her.
Later, we see Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) having a spa day. Lady Agatha Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) visits her. The Queen tells her friend that she has something in mind. She sends a message to everyone; whoever exposes the identity of Lady Whistledown to her will receive a reward of five thousand euros.
Next, we see Eloise coming to Colin’s study. The two of them sit awkwardly and he apologizes for not telling her about his feelings for Penelope. He tells his sister that he wants her blessing to marry Penelope. Before Eloise leaves the room, Colin gives her the note from The Queen. The only question is, what will Eloise do?
It is now time for the betrothal party, which has been planned and prepared by Kate (Simone Ashley). Portia and Penelope attend the engagement alone, leaving Penelope’s sisters home. Portia apologizes to Colin and tells her that it’s best to leave it in the past and have a brand new start.
Eloise warns Penelope that she has until midnight to tell Colin about her secret identity. If she does not tell him, Eloise will do so herself.
Francesca introduces John to Anthony. As Francesca encourages John to tell them about a funny story, he freezes up, being shy. The two of them apologize and walk away.
As some of the group are playing a game of charades, Eloise steps away and Cressida follows. Cressida tells Eloise about her plan to find out who Lady Whistledown is so that she can get the reward money in hopes of running away to avoid having to marry Lord Greer.
Kate and Anthony tell Violet (Ruth Gemmell) and Lady Danbury about their pregnancy. Before they can tell the group, Cressida tells everyone that she is Lady Whistledown. This is a chaotic moment because Penelope is just about to tell Colin the truth. Once this happens, Penelope passes out.
Overall, this was a chaotic episode, with so much happening simultaneously. It’s exciting to know that Anthony and Kate are expecting a child together. It’s also nice to see John becoming more vocal in expressing his feelings toward Francesca. What will happen when Penelope wakes up? Will she still tell Colin that she is Lady Whistledown? Or will it all be forgotten, now that Cressida has lied to everyone?
Rating: 8.5/10