Bridgerton Season 3: The Surprising Twist That Deviates from the Book (And What Fans Can Expect)

Summary

Bridgerton season 3 skips book 3's focus on Benedict Bridgerton, opting instead to adapt book 4's story of Colin and Penelope.

Prioritizing Colin and Penelope's love story stems from the emotional buildup and investment that audiences already have in their relationship.

It is uncertain whether Benedict's story will be explored further in season 4, as Eloise's character is becoming more popular and may be given more importance in future seasons.

Bridgerton season 3 will deviate from the original book order by skipping a storyline and focusing on a different love story. This decision will result in the omission of a significant storyline. Shonda Rhimes, the creator of the adaptation, has previously followed Julia Quinn's Bridgerton novels, dedicating each season to a different Bridgerton sibling. Season 1 focused on Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings, while season 2 centered around Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. However, for season 3, the focus will shift to Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, skipping over the storyline of Benedict Bridgerton from book 3. While there have been some changes to the original plot, Shonda Rhimes has mostly stayed faithful to Quinn's novels, although introducing altered subplots, such as Eloise's romantic involvement with Theo Sharpe. These changes have allowed certain side characters to gain more prominence and popularity. Thus far, the older Bridgerton siblings have received more screen time, while the younger ones have been portrayed as children and have had lesser roles. Nevertheless, season 3 will mark the first significant departure from the chronological order of Quinn's novels.

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Bridgerton Is Skipping A Book To Tell Colin & Penelope's Story Sooner

The third book in the Bridgerton series, titled An Offer From A Gentleman, focuses on the romantic relationship between Benedict and Sophie Beckett. However, in season 3 of Bridgerton, the storyline will shift to highlight the love story of Penelope and Colin instead. Showrunner Jess Brownell explained to Variety that they have chosen to skip Benedict's story in favor of Colin and Penelope's, as she believes it is their time to shine. Throughout the first two seasons of Bridgerton, Penelope has harbored feelings for Colin, while he remains completely unaware. The season 2 finale saw Penelope overhearing Colin express his reluctance to marry her, creating tension between them. Brownell believed that this unresolved tension between Colin and Penelope needed to be explored further.

What Happens In Bridgerton Season 3's Missing Book

: Due to this accumulated progress, Brownell acknowledges the profound investment of both audiences in the pair. Furthermore, Bridgerton deviated from the original books by revealing Penelope as Lady Whistledown in season 1 and by having Eloise discover Penelope's secret at the conclusion of season 2. These particular details have led to a climax of emotions for Penelope in season 3, making it the opportune moment to recount the tale of her and Colin. Brownell mentions how Colin has come close to realizing Penelope's affection for him, thus making season 3 the "perfect moment to tee it up". This implies that skipping Benedict's story is justifiable because of the progress each character has made by the end of Bridgerton season 2.

An Offer From A Gentleman is based on the classic fairy tale Cinderella. It tells the story of Sophie Beckett, the illegitimate daughter of an Earl, who is forced to work as a maid by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Sophie's life takes a turn when she attends a masquerade ball and meets Benedict, a charming and captivating man. However, due to circumstances, Sophie has to leave the ball at midnight without revealing her true identity to Benedict.

Years later, Benedict crosses paths with Sophie once again, but this time she is working as a housemaid. Despite her lowly position, Benedict finds himself irresistibly drawn to her and becomes determined to rescue her from her harsh living conditions. However, he remains fixated on finding the mysterious woman he met at the masquerade ball and is still determined to marry her.

After acknowledging his feelings for Sophie and facing his fear of marrying someone from a different social class, Benedict suggests that Sophie becomes his mistress to avoid breaking his vow to the mystery woman. However, Sophie declines the offer as she is worried about her children inheriting the same illegitimate title she had. When Benedict eventually discovers Sophie's true identity, he becomes furious, causing her to leave the Bridgerton household. Tragically, Sophie's stepmother falsely accuses her of theft. Thanks to Lady Whistledown's revelation, the Bridgertons learn of Sophie's imprisonment and come to her aid, leading to Benedict and Sophie's eventual marriage. In the epilogue, it is revealed that they have been blessed with at least four children.

Will Bridgerton Season 4 Return To Benedict's Story?

The return of Benedict's story in Bridgerton season 4 remains uncertain, particularly with Eloise's rising popularity among audiences who eagerly await to discover her ultimate romantic partner. Completely excluding Benedict's narrative would deviate considerably from the books and greatly disappoint numerous fans. On the other hand, it is possible for Bridgerton to incorporate his storyline into season 3 on a smaller scale. Eloise's story entails a significant time leap, posing substantial difficulties if season 4 were to predominantly focus on her. Nonetheless, Benedict's narrative also involves a two-year time jump, providing the opportunity to introduce and parallel his story alongside Eloise's in season 4.

Bridgerton has skillfully intertwined sub-plots into the narrative without overshadowing the central couple's story. By introducing Sophie to Benedict in season 3 and commencing season 4 after a two-year time jump, his character arc can be effectively explored. This approach allows Bridgerton to maintain Eloise's portrayal as a young, independent woman while providing an opportunity for a more extensive storyline involving Theo prior to her book. Eloise, who is arguably the series' main character, should not have her season introduced too soon, as it could diminish her significance and contradict her widespread appeal.