Bridgerton: Is Screen Ready for Mixed-Weight Romance?

The discourse around the relationship between Penelope and Colin in Bridgerton, a Netflix show by Shonda Rhimes, has been intense. A post by Luv Sick Plus, a plus-size clothing retailer based in Chicago, reacted to an unfortunate comment on Threads that said such a relationship was unrealistic. The author of the post strongly disagreed with this sentiment affirming that fat people have always been loved and desired. 

This particular plotline for season three of Bridgerton is quite intriguing as it veers away from traditional romance conventions. It features a mixed-weight romance between two characters – Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). This storyline challenges societal norms about desire and desirability while revealing uncomfortable truths about human relationships – namely that thin individuals can love, lust after, and marry those who are larger than them. 

Bridgerton's fresh take on period dramas coupled with its record-breaking popularity makes it an interesting subject for discussion. However, the online reaction to "Polin," the affectionate nickname given to Penelope and Colin's union has been particularly heated. 

Zoe Strimpel’s article titled “Bridgerton's Big Fantasy” published in The Spectator adds fuel to this debate when she declares that Coughlan isn’t hot enough to be desirable for someone like Colin. She argues that despite her acting prowess or being adored by fans; she still wouldn't be plausible as his romantic interest due to her size. Her remarks provide insight into fatphobia - which lies at the heart of why "Polin" has sparked controversy. 

Strimpel’s description of Penelope as just “the friend” suggests a need to sideline plus-sized individuals even when they’re central figures in their own storylines — reminiscent of how larger-bodied actresses often play non-sexual sidekicks in romantic comedies featuring smaller-bodied leads. In addition, Strimpel fails to acknowledge Colin’s desire for Penelope. Instead, she focuses on the seeming implausibility of his attraction due to her size. 

This controversy sheds light on how deeply fatphobia is ingrained in society and how it interacts with other factors like wealth and social standing. It shows that some individuals feel a need to police what they deem socially acceptable relationships based on body size. 

However, not everyone agrees with this narrow view of attractiveness or desirability. The Plus Bus, an LA-based plus-size boutique posted about Coughlan being a “fat icon” – sparking varied responses from netizens. 

Despite these disagreements over whether Coughlan qualifies as plus-sized or not (since she wears a US size 10 whereas traditionally plus sizes start at 14), there's no denying that her role has stirred up conversation because it deviates from typical love story leads. 

Through Polin's storyline, Bridgerton invites us to question if societal views regarding marriage and social status have evolved since the Regency era. It challenges our preconceived notions about romance showing us that human desires are complex and don't follow set rules — especially when it comes to matters of the heart. 

For some viewers, this unconventional romance may be disconcerting as it forces them to confront their own internalized fatphobia; but for others who've lived in larger bodies for most of their lives — such romances aren’t so alien after all.  

In conclusion, Luv Sick Plus’ post encourages people - especially those who identify as 'plus-sized' - to share images depicting their happiness by doing something they enjoy or spending time with loved ones; inspiring others by simply being themselves.