Season 3 of Bridgerton is going to be full of surprising twists and turns - especially if writers decide to adapt several storylines from the books.
The Netflix adaptation of the Bridgerton novels already included various changes in seasons 1 and 2, but the popular series will have to change drastically if it were to follow the events of the fourth book step by step. Bridgerton season 3 is set to tell the story of Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s romance, the central topic of the fourth Bridgerton novel, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. However, Bridgerton season 2’s ending already set up a starting point much different from the Bridgerton books, not only for Penelope and Colin as a couple and individuals but also for multiple supporting characters in season 3 (like Eloise and Benedict).
Having one season and respective book focus on each Bridgerton sibling made the nature of Bridgerton different from other shows. Regé-Jean Page not returning as Simon in Bridgerton season 2 cemented the possibility that even if they appear marginally in the books, some characters might not return to the screen as they aren't the focus of the story. Phoebe Dynevor’s Daphne not returning in Bridgerton season 3 might point to another difference from the books, but the most substantial differences might still be caused by the central story of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, and how some characters might rise as formidable foes.
Bridgerton Season 3 Will Have A Big Time Jump
Based on the future scenes that happened in Queen Charlotte and the events of Bridgerton season 2, fans have been able to establish that the current timeline is around 1815. However, if the writers are going to follow the events of the book, then there will be a major time jump for season 3 (as seen on Lady Whistledown's pamphlet in chapter 1 of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, the year is April 1824).
The timeline might not change so drastically, as one crucial plot point that caused the jump was Colin's grand tour in Europe. However, Colin’s return from Greece had already happened in Bridgerton season 2, episode 2 (not years later like in the books). This would make a time jump still possible, but not necessarily as big as the one in the books, given that some things happening in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton were already introduced in Bridgerton season 2.
Bridgerton Season 3 Will Reveal Penelope As Lady Whistledown
Penelope revealing to Colin that she was Lady Whistledown happened relatively soon in the fourth Bridgerton book, slightly shocking him as he didn’t expect it. However, it didn't ruin their courting, as, at the end, he accepted her. The public reveal of Penelope as Lady Whistledown also happened in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. This all came about after Cressida’s took credit for being Lady Whistledown; the revelation had Colin draw a breath of relief in the book as her taking the blame meant that Penelope was protected and wouldn’t be shunned from society.
However, Penelope couldn’t stand Cressida taking ownership of her hard work, leading to a final Lady Whistledown column where she announced Cressida wasn’t Lady Whistledown (which was released during Penelope and Colin’s engagement ball). Whether Penelope’s reveal as Lady Whistledown will follow these lines in Bridgerton season 3 or not, the revelation must happen as Lady Whistledown’s work is a crucial part of Penelope and Colin’s story (as well as her arc). This will make Bridgerton season 3 tip the balance of the Lady Whistledown affair, as everyone should know the truth by season 3’s end.
Cressida Cowper Will Be A Proper Antagonist In Bridgerton Season 3
Penelope’s final and rushed paper as Lady Whistledown caused her to make a mistake in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, which led to Cressida figuring out Penelope was behind the publication. Parroting her mother, Cressida was always a mean girl in Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2, but if Bridgerton season 3 follows the book, the events will cement her as a true villain. Indeed, said knowledge made Cressida confront Penelope in the book, blackmailing her into paying everything Penelope earned from Whistledown if she wanted Cressida to keep the secret. Thankfully, Penelope and Colin eventually figure out another way to get out of Cressida's blackmail, putting an end to Cressida Cowper’s threat.
Bridgerton Season 3 Will Have To Show Benedict Married (Or Avoid His Story)
Benedict was the third Bridgerton sibling to find love in the books, as he was the focus of the third Bridgerton novel, An Offer from A Gentleman. Bridgerton season 2’s reveal Anthony bought Benedict’s spot in the academy with a donation perfectly set up Benedict’s abandonment of painting (which ties in perfectly with his love interest eventually rekindling it as it happens in the book). However, the events of Romancing Mr. Bridgerton have Benedict appear as a married man, leading to Bridgerton season 3 either showing him already married – with the story of his romance still to be told – or ignoring his story altogether.
The Missing Daphne Still Needs A Central Role To Make Colin Understand Love
With Dynevor confirming that she will "watch season 3 as a viewer," it’s highly likely Daphne won’t have a prominent role in Bridgerton season 3. Still, one Bridgerton sister will have to help Colin, as a big turning point in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton saw him go to Daphne for help in recognizing love, not knowing if he truly loved Penelope. Daphne sharing anecdotes of her relationship with Simon eventually helped Colin in the book, making their chat fundamental in Colin’s character development.
Daphne’s support of Colin could be presented in the form of a letter, keeping the exchange important as it was in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book by having it happen offscreen or with a voiceover. However, another possibility could be keeping the talk, having it happen between Colin and another Bridgerton sister. With Hyacinth being too young and Eloise being unmarried, the perfect solution would be to talk with Francesca. This would also comply with the book story, as Francesca’s book recounts her second romance after becoming a widow, making her already married by the time of Colin and Penelope’s courtship (she married her first husband in 1818).
