I Need to Talk About That Spicy Scene from 'Bridgerton' Part Two and What It Meant to Me As a Plus-Size Woman

The representation I needed

Author image: about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

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Published Jun 18, 2024

bridgerton mirror scene a photo of penelope featherington

Liam Daniel/Netflix

*spoilers ahead*

It's been almost a week since Netflix released Bridgerton part two of season three and there's been a lot of talk around a particularly intimate scene in episode five, also known as the 'mirror scene.' I should've know it was going to be a memorable moment when Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington) shared behind-the-scene pictures before the episode's release that involves her and Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton) breaking the lounge chaise on set.

But as a fan of the series, I didn't think much of it. Every Bridgerton season has brought all sorts of spicy scenes, so why was this one going to be any different? Heck, Penelope and Colin already had their first sexual encounter in part one with the infamous carriage scene. But when the moment finally came, I was suddenly flooded with emotions.

bridgerton mirror scene a photo of penelope featherington and colin bridgerton

Liam Daniel/Netflix

I can't remember ever seeing a curvy woman feeling so desired on TV. My mind immediately goes to the film Real Women Have Curves and even then I've never seen a plus-size woman nude without a joke or major spectacle behind it. For the first time, I saw my body represented on screen as something to feel loved (and lusted) over.

In the scene, Colin undresses Penelope in front of the mirror while sharing passionate and loving declarations about her body. I spent less time listening to his words and more time watching how Penelope took in her appearance. She wasn't shying away or looking at herself in disgust. Pen held her head up high and exuded so much confidence. It was so empowering and a scene that definitely stuck in my mind as I finished the rest of the season.

In Coughlan's interviews for the show, it has become apparent how important this scene was for her. She seems to have made it her goal to change the narrative of what society deems as a leading lady. Often times, us plus-sized girls are seen as the bubbly best friend, you know, the one that needs to lift up a more slender woman who ultimately "gets the guy" in the end.

During a recent screening, Couglan explained the impact of the scene. While the person aiming the question asked if she was 'brave,' the Bridgerton star gave an excellent response: "You know, it is hard, because I think women with my body type—women with perfect breasts—we don't get to see ourselves on screen enough, and I'm very proud as a member of the perfect breasts community. I hope you enjoy seeing them."

Gentle reader, it's not about 'being brave.' We're not trying to hold a sign and say "See, fat women can be loved!" The scene is also not about how Colin views or accepts her, but how Penelope views herself. Here, I was seeing a woman appreciating her love handles, her breasts, her stomach. Add in the vulnerability, the consent, the overall intimate moment that wasn't rushed or cut short. It was everything to me.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

The mirror scene has come with some mixed feelings from viewers, with many believing it falls into the 'I need a man to make me see that I'm beautiful' trope. But I saw the complete opposite. Despite the main love story, I saw Penelope grow into her own. While much of part two is about Penelope revealing herself as Lady Whistledown, I believe she is also revealing herself as Penelope Featherington. While much of part two is about Penelope revealing herself as Lady Whistledown, I believe she is also revealing herself as Penelope Featherington.

It makes me appreciate the actress even more because she actually requested these specific scenes. She wanted viewers to see how beautiful all bodies truly are and it definitely shows on screen. "It just felt like the biggest 'fuck you' to all the conversation surrounding my body; it was amazingly empowering. I felt beautiful in the moment, and I thought: 'When I'm 80, I want to look back on this and remember how fucking hot I looked!," she told Stylist UK Magazine.

As someone who's petite and plus-size, I often have days when I don't feel desired. I sink into my fears that I won't find someone to love nor take the time to truly love myself enough. This scene gave me a sense of clarity that I can look into a mirror and admire who I am. The mirror scene has become a physical and mental reflection that loving my body starts with me—and I can also be a part of the exclusive perfect breasts community, too.

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Chelsea Candelario

Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru

Chelsea Candelario is an Associate Editor at PureWow. She has been covering beauty, culture, fashion and entertainment for over a decade. You'll find her searching the internet...

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I Need to Talk About *That* Spicy Scene from 'Bridgerton' Part Two and What It Meant to Me As a Plus-Size Woman

The representation I needed

Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru

I Need to Talk About That Spicy Scene from 'Bridgerton' Part Two and What It Meant to Me As a Plus-Size Woman