LAST May 16th, Netflix released the third installment of “Bridgerton,” one of the most well-received shows on the streaming service.
The third installment focuses on Penelope Featherington and her romance with Colin Bridgerton, whom she’s secretly been in love with for years now. In this season, Penelope proves that even wallflowers can bloom with time and confidence.
Many beloved characters are once again making appearances on the show, such as Eloise Bridgerton, Anthony Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury, Kate Sharma, Violet Bridgerton, and many, many more.
At present, only the first part of Season 3 can be viewed on the platform, while the second part is set to release on June 13. If you’re not a fan of cliffhangers, it’s recommended that you wait for Part 2 before streaming it.
If you’ve already watched the first half, though, something you may have met is the addition of two new characters: Lords Barnell and Basilio.
The best part? They’re played by Filipinos!
About the characters
With Lord Barnell being played by Martin Sarreal, and Lord Basilio by James Bradwell, the Philippines finally gets representation on one of Netflix’s most popular shows.
Lord Basilio is introduced in the first episode of the season speaking to Francesca Bridgerton at a ball. He is also present in the second season, talking to Penelope at yet another ball. Lord Barnell is also seen in the given episodes, conversing with Penelope Bridgerton amongst other men at the same ball.
“It felt important to me to affirm my heritage in even this small role, so to see it resonate so strongly has been immensely, gratifyingly galvanising,” writes James in a post on Instagram.
He also explains that he was originally offered the role under a different name, also of East Asian heritage, but he wanted to represent his own instead. After suggesting several Filipino surnames, his name, “Basilio,” was then chosen.
He notes that those behind Bridgerton made him feel like a collaborator with his role, and even teases a possible recurrence of his role in the following season.
“There are now officially TWO Pinoys in the Bridgerton universe,” writes Martin.
“What more can you truly ask for?”
Following the release of Part 2 of the season, fans can expect that a fourth season will be in the works soon enough.
