The Viral Bridgerton Theory No One Asked For But Makes Weird Sense
The creators of Bridgerton must know by now that fans will spend HOURS dissecting the smallest crumb of information that comes their way.
Summary:
- A key plot synopsis teases that Eloise will be making a new friend in Season 3
- Fans of the books believe that the 'friend' may be her future husband
- Although this would be early compared to the novels, it would make a lot of sense to get the characters connecting earlier in the timeline
Fans of Bridgerton will spend endless time on analysis. This can range from doing deep-dives on cast lists, analyzing the colour of Penelope's gown in that leaked behind-the-scenes photo ('OMG it's GREEN!! What does THAT mean?!?!'), and sacrificing goats by the light of the full moon in the hopes that the Benophie romance will be happening in season 4*.
What Got Teased?
When a synopsis for Bridgerton's third season teased that Eloise will 'find a new friend in a very unlikely place', the theories came fast and furious. Many fans think this might be an opportunity for the show to introduce a character who will be important later on; Sophie Beckett is one strong possibility, as it would allow the audience to get to know the young maid before her romance with Benedict turns her into one half of the aforementioned 'Benophie'.
Another theory is that Eloise's friend will turn out to be someone we've already met, like her printshop buddy Theo Sharpe.
However, the theory that's gone viral recently is actually the one that seems to make the most sense: perhaps Eloise's 'new friend' will be none other than Marina Thompson's husband, Sir Phillip Crane.
What Happens in the Books?
This theory may make very little sense to those who haven't read the Julia Quinn novels on which Bridgerton is based. After all, Eloise and Sir Phillip have never met, move in different circles, and may seem to have nothing in common.
In the books, Eloise and Sir Phillip meet later in the Bridgerton timeline, after the marriage of Sophie and Benedict as well as Colin and Penelope (if you think that's a spoiler… come on. #Polin). In Eloise's book To Sir Phillip With Love, Sir Phillip is a widower struggling to manage his two hyperactive and unruly children. Eloise is leaving marriageable age and just starting to worry about the reality of life as a spinster aunt.
A note of condolence after the loss of Sir Phillip's wife leads to a lengthy pen-pal correspondence, and after a year Sir Phillip proposes a marriage of convenience. Eloise, headstrong and spontaneous as ever, heads off to his country estate on a whim and is surprised to find out that Phillip has a temper, a secret, and kids. At first they butt heads, and Eloise regrets her mad dash across the country, but as they get to know each other the sparks start to fly.
Wait, That Actually Makes Sense…
Although the books have Eloise and Phillip start their friendship-via-letters much later in the timeline, it would make a lot of sense for the show to introduce them to each other earlier. After all, they're meant to spend quite a lot of time getting to know each other through the written word, and if that could be established early on in the show it would allow the friendship to unfold much more naturally.
Even better, starting the friendship now would allow the audience time to get to know the character of Sir Phillip better. Right now, we only know him as Marina's savior and platonic husband, a mild-mannered man who is obsessed with plants. He likes Greece, but that's about the limit of what we know.
Actor Chris Fulton played Sir Phillip beginning in Bridgerton's Season 1, when he rode in on a (metaphorical) white horse to save the pregnant Marina from a life of scandal. Eloise is played by fan-favourite Claudia Jessie.
Bridgerton's hotly anticipated season 3 will be released in two parts, beginning in May 2024.
*No goats were harmed in the writing of this article.