Warning! The following contains SPOILERS regarding the Bridgerton books. The Netflix adaptation of the Bridgerton novels has already deviated from the source material in seasons 1 and 2. However, if the show were to faithfully follow the events of the fourth book, significant changes would need to be made. Season 3 of Bridgerton will focus on the romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, which is the central theme of the fourth book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Nevertheless, the ending of Bridgerton season 2 has already set up a different starting point compared to the books, not just for Penelope and Colin, but also for other supporting characters in season 3, such as Eloise and Benedict.
The unique approach of dedicating one season and corresponding book to each Bridgerton sibling sets Bridgerton apart from other series. The absence of Regé-Jean Page as Simon in Bridgerton season 2 suggests that certain characters may not return to the screen if they do not play a major role in the story, even if they make minor appearances in the books. Additionally, Phoebe Dynevor's Daphne not appearing in Bridgerton season 3 could indicate further deviations from the source material. However, the most significant differences are likely to arise from the central plot of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton and the emergence of formidable adversaries for the characters.
Bridgerton Season 3 Will Have A Big Time Jump
Based on the future scenes in Queen Charlotte and events in Bridgerton season 2, fans believe the current timeline is around 1815. However, if the writers follow the events of the book, there will be a major time jump for season 3. Lady Whistledown's pamphlet in chapter 1 of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton reveals the year as April 1824.
While the timeline may not change drastically, there is a key plot point that caused the jump: Colin's grand tour in Europe. However, Colin's return from Greece already occurred in Bridgerton season 2, episode 2, rather than years later as in the books. This suggests a potential time jump, although not necessarily as significant as in the books, since some elements from Romancing Mr. Bridgerton were already introduced in Bridgerton season 2.
Bridgerton Season 3 Will Reveal Penelope As Lady Whistledown
Penelope's revelation of her identity as Lady Whistledown occurred quite early on in the fourth Bridgerton book, surprising Colin who was not anticipating it. However, this revelation did not hinder their courtship, as Colin eventually accepted her. The public exposure of Penelope as Lady Whistledown also took place in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. This turn of events came about after Cressida falsely claimed to be Lady Whistledown. Colin felt a sense of relief upon this revelation, understanding that Penelope was now protected from social alienation.
Nonetheless, Penelope could not tolerate Cressida falsely taking credit for her hard work. This led to a final Lady Whistledown column, released during Penelope and Colin's engagement ball, where she exposed Cressida as not being Lady Whistledown. Whether Penelope's reveal as Lady Whistledown will follow a similar path in Bridgerton season 3 remains uncertain, but it is crucial for the revelation to occur as Lady Whistledown's influence plays a vital role in Penelope and Colin's narrative. By the end of season 3, everyone should be aware of the truth, thereby shifting the dynamics of Lady Whistledown's impact.
Cressida Cowper Will Be A Proper Antagonist In Bridgerton Season 3
Bridgerton Season 3 Will Have To Show Benedict Married (Or Avoid His Story)
: Penelope's hasty and final contribution as Lady Whistledown resulted in a critical error in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, which ultimately exposed her as the source behind the scandalous publication. Echoing her mother's ways, Cressida consistently embodied the role of a malicious peer throughout Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2. However, if Bridgerton season 3 follows the narrative of the book, this sequence of events will solidify her as a true antagonist. This newfound knowledge compelled Cressida to confront Penelope, leveraging the secret against her by demanding that Penelope repay all the earnings she acquired from Whistledown. Fortunately, Penelope and Colin eventually devise an alternative plan to circumvent Cressida's extortion, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by Cressida Cowper.
Benedict, the third Bridgerton sibling, found love in An Offer from A Gentleman, the third novel in the series. In Bridgerton season 2, it is revealed that Anthony bought Benedict's place in the academy, which leads to Benedict abandoning his painting aspirations. This perfectly sets the stage for his love interest to reignite his passion, just like in the book. However, the events of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton show Benedict as a married man. This leaves Bridgerton season 3 with two options - either depicting him as already married and leaving his romance story untold, or completely ignoring his story.
The Missing Daphne Still Needs A Central Role To Make Colin Understand Love
Dynevor's confirmation of watching season 3 as a viewer suggests that Daphne will likely not have a significant role in Bridgerton season 3. However, one of the Bridgerton sisters will need to assist Colin, who sought Daphne's help in recognizing love in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton without knowing his true feelings for Penelope. Daphne's sharing of anecdotes about her relationship with Simon ultimately aided Colin's character development in the book.
Daphne's support for Colin could be conveyed through a letter, preserving the significance of their exchange as in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton book, either by happening offscreen or with a voiceover. Alternatively, the conversation could take place between Colin and another Bridgerton sister. Considering Hyacinth's young age and Eloise's unmarried status, the ideal solution would involve Francesca. This would also align with the book's storyline, as Francesca's book details her second romance after becoming a widow, making her already married during Colin and Penelope's courtship (she married her first husband in 1818).
Bridgerton Season 3 Will Completely Change Eloise's Role (& Have Her Run Away)
The central romance in "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" defies Eloise's expectations of growing old with Penelope and becoming old maids together. Penelope and Colin's marriage acts as a catalyst for Eloise's desire to escape, even though she is happy for her friend. She wants to explore her epistolary relationship with Sir Phillip, which began after Marina's death. However, in Bridgerton season 2, Penelope and Eloise find themselves at odds with each other.
Eloise's storyline in Bridgerton season 2 introduces a romantic interest in Theo Sharpe, rather than through secret letter exchanges. This potential change to Eloise's story in Bridgerton season 3 would be significant. If the writers want to start a romance between Eloise and Phillip, they would need to introduce them through Colin, who is the only link between the Bridgertons and Sir Phillip in the series. Additionally, Marina would have to be deceased for this to happen. Although it is unlikely for all of this to occur in Bridgerton season 3, if it did, it would completely alter Eloise's story and role.