Bridgerton season three was an entertaining, eventful, and compelling season. Not only did we get to see the much anticipated ‘Polin’ but the season also introduced us to several important plot points and characters which will inevitably play a larger role in the coming seasons.
One such character is Michaela, aka Michael in the books, Francesca’s one true love, following the death of John. However, Bridgerton must pay heed not to ruin Francesca’s grief just for the sake of a more ‘representative’ narrative. Here’s why the show must tread carefully.
Bridgerton must handle Francesca’s love life with care
Bridgerton Season 3 left fans with a lot of things and lessons, but the standout of all was Francesca Bridgerton‘s (portrayed by Hannah Dodd) marriage to John Stirling. Their sweet love story resonated with a lot of fans, but those who have read the books know that it will come to an end soon.
In the books, John (portrayed by Victor Alli) tragically passes away just two years after their marriage, at the time when they are also trying for children, leaving the quietest Bridgerton sibling alone and widowed at a young age. In the books, it takes Francesca four years to come back into society, ready to find love again.
And she does so in Michael Stirling, her late husband’s cousin. However, in the Netflix series, the show has gender-swapped Michael to Michaela (portrayed by Masali Baduza), sparking rumors about how John’s death might unfold. As per the recent rumors, it is being suggested that John’s death might occur at the end of episode six of Bridgerton Season 6, with his funeral being held in the seventh episode.
This sudden death suggests that Franchaela might occur in Season 5, which seems a bit too early for Francesca to move on if she truly loved Lord Kilmartin. While there might be a time jump before the fifth season comes along, the show must tread with care as a rushed death and new romance could make Francesca’s grief seem like a plot device, especially if it’s tied to external events rather than the book’s intimate tragedy.
Grief as plot armor could sabotage Francesca’s queer romance in Bridgerton
Francesca’s love for John is rooted in their shared quietude, a fact central to her arc. Even with the lack of passionate display, their love is no less valid or deep, and those who know can see it is just as special a bond as the other Bridgerton romances.
In the book, her four-year grief and miscarriage deepen her bond with Michael, who is also mourning John. While this long period eventually results in a new romance for her, the show has gender-swapped Michael with Michaela for a more representative narrative.
While people, although many skeptical, have welcomed this change, there is a possibility that the show’s queer adaptation risks using Francesca’s grief as “plot armor” to justify her attraction to Michaela, especially in Regency-era constraints on lesbian relationships. While a possible pregnancy plot might dominate, delaying Francesca’s feelings for Michaela and trivializing John’s loss, there is also a possibility that the show might rush things.
If Bridgerton rushes her mourning to spotlight Michaela’s arc, it could undermine Francesca’s genuine love for John. Even the promise of a happy ending for ‘Franchaela,’ it all hinges on balancing grief with queer joy. Mishandling this delicate plot not only risks alienating fans but will also ruin the happiness of Francesca’s complex journey of finding a second chance at love.
Bridgerton Season 4 is expected to release in 2026, while the first three seasons are available to stream on Netflix.
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