Fans Draw Parallels Between Francesca and John's Season 3 Storyline and Taylor Swift's 'The Prophecy'

'Bridgerton' Fans Compare Francesca and John's Season 3 Journey to Taylor Swift's 'The Prophecy'

Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton and Victor Alli as John Stirling on ‘Bridgerton.’ Liam Daniel/Netflix

Francesca Bridgerton and Lord John Stirling share a natural connection in Bridgerton season 3, leaving some fans feeling a bit sad.

In season 3, Francesca (played by Hannah Dodd) joins the marriage scene and catches the eye of the reserved Earl of Kilmartin, John (portrayed by Victor Alli), who is not one for the spotlight.

Francesca takes the spotlight in Julia Quinn's sixth book of the Bridgerton series, When He Was Wicked. In 1820, she married John Stirling and relocated to his family estate in Kilmartin, Scotland. Tragically, John passed away just two years later, leaving his title to his cousin Michael Stirling, who had feelings for Francesca since they first met at her wedding. Despite his attraction, Michael never acted on it out of respect for their family ties.

However, for some readers of When He Was Wicked, watching Francesca and John's love story unfold on screen evoked a different emotional response.

One X user expressed their admiration for the relationship between Francesca Bridgerton and John Stirling, two introverts who found each other. They mentioned being unable to get over the way they fell in love and the inevitable end to their story.

Another user shared their wish for a change in the storyline, hoping that John Stirling would remain alive to continue his love story with Francesca. They highlighted the sweetness of their first meeting in the series and how John had even changed the music to her liking.

'Bridgerton' Fans Compare Francesca and John's Season 3 Journey to Taylor Swift's 'The Prophecy'

Taylor Swift Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Managemen

Fans have compared Francesca and John's entire relationship timeline to some of Taylor Swift's heartbreaking songs from her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department. Specifically, they have pointed out "The Prophecy," which has been featured in many fan edits.

In the song, Swift, who is 34 years old, sings about feeling like she had something special but losing it. She questions whether it was destined to end badly, comparing her situation to the curse of Eve.

She goes on to say, "Maybe a weaker person would have given up / A stronger person wouldn't plead / But I gazed at the sky and pleaded, 'Please, I've been praying / Alter the prediction / I don't desire wealth / Just someone who values my companionship."

Fans particularly related to this song as it resonated with Francesca's experience as a widowed young woman following John's passing, until she eventually finds solace with Michael.

Other viewers believed that Swift's song "loml," which is another TTPD ballad, suited Francesca better.

In the lyrics, Swift sings, "If you know it in one glimpse, it's legendary / You and I go from one kiss to getting married." Later on, she adds, "You talked me under the table / Talking rings and talking cradles / I wish I could un-recall / How we almost had it all."

It is unclear how much of Francesca and John's love story will be explored in season 3 of Bridgerton or if Dodd will be the focus of season 4. Netflix has confirmed the renewal of the show for another season, with scripts already completed. However, the new main couple has not been announced yet. If Francesca takes center stage, it is possible that John will have some role to play.

Bridgerton season 3 is currently available for streaming on Netflix, and the final four episodes will be released on June 13.

Editor's P/S:

The relationship between Francesca Bridgerton and John Stirling in "Bridgerton" season 3 has stirred a mix of emotions among fans. Some are deeply moved by the connection between the two introverts, finding solace in their shared understanding and quiet love. The tragic end of John's life has left many heartbroken, longing for a different outcome.

Fans have drawn parallels between Francesca and John's story and Taylor Swift's songs, particularly "The Prophecy" and "loml." These songs resonate with Francesca's experience of losing a beloved partner and finding a