I love Bridgerton, but since its very first season, the period drama has kept up one specific trend that I absolutely hate. Since 2020, Bridgerton has entertained me with its gorgeous costumes, talented actors, and immense drama. Every season, I am more excited to see what Netflix and Shondaland have cooked up. Watching my favorite characters get their moment in the spotlight and fall in love is incredibly satisfying. However, Bridgerton doesn’t always hit the mark. In fact, the series has one problem that I believe is its biggest weakness of all.

Bridgerton’s writers are romance experts, but they can never seem to give their Bridgerton couples good stories once their season is over. Take Daphne, for example. The eldest Bridgerton daughter faded into the background of Bridgerton season 2. She sometimes appeared to provide wise sisterly advice, but beyond that, she lacked a strong storyline. A similar issue occurred in season 3 with Anthony and Kate. Though the two hit big relationship milestones, they were away on their honeymoon or in India for the majority of the season. Luckily, I think Bridgerton season 4 has a chance to finally make a change.

Bridgerton Season 4 Will Not Sideline The Main Characters Of Season 3

How Penelope Will Stay Relevant

Although Bridgerton has a history of casting off its main characters once their season is through, it seems to me that Bridgerton season 4 will finally turn the tide. The storylines set up at the end of Bridgerton season 3 hint that certain characters cannot be shoved into the background. For one, Penelope must stay relevant beyond season 3 because of her role as Lady Whistledown. In Bridgerton season 3’s final episode, Penelope pledges to use Lady Whistledown in a more positive way. I have to assume this promise will be made true in future Bridgerton seasons.

How Francesca Will Stay Relevant

Another Bridgerton season 3 character that I want to stay in the spotlight is Francesca. This season, Francesca proved herself to be one of the most interesting Bridgerton family members, and honestly, I need more of her. Fortunately, the end of season 3 gave her a huge upcoming plot line. Next season, Francesca will go to Scotland alongside John, Michaela, and Eloise. Presumably, this will set off her romantic plot as written in Julia Quinn’s book, When He Was Wicked. However, whether season 4 is Francesca’s season or not, I am desperate to see Francesca continue playing a significant role.

Eloise’s Move To Scotland Ensures Francesca Can’t Be Pushed Out

Two Bridgertons Are More Important Than One

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There is another reason why I believe Francesca can’t be sidelined in Bridgerton season 4. By having Eloise go to Scotland as well, Francesca gets to remain in the Bridgerton loop. If Francesca simply went to Scotland with John and Michaela, the show easily could have lost sight of her, just as it did when she was staying with the Bridgertons’ aunt in season 1. However, with two Bridgertons in Scotland, there is a much higher chance that the show will follow their plotline more closely. Francesca’s move to Scotland makes her story more interesting and important.

It would be unwise for Bridgerton to force both Francesca and Eloise into becoming background characters.

Furthermore, it would be unwise for Bridgerton to force both Francesca and Eloise into becoming background characters. While Francesca has become one of my new favorite Bridgerton characters, Eloise has been one of the best for a very long time. I am always eager to see what Eloise is up to, and her story will get even better now that she is motivated by social justice again. Ultimately, I think Eloise’s trip to Scotland is a way for Bridgerton to make the Scotland storyline even grander as will be following both Francesca and Eloise’s exciting storylines.

Why Bridgerton’s Main Couples Have Disappeared

They Have Nothing To Do

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To be fair, I think Bridgerton’s main character problem is an understandable one. Once the season is over, the happily married couples have little left to offer the series. With their stories tied up in a perfect bow, there is no reason to add more drama to their lives. In fact, I think giving them a big story could distract from the new couple. However, it is still a frustrating scenario that Bridgerton continues to repeat. Bridgerton needs to figure out how to include its established couples in a way that is cute and interesting without taking focus away from the single characters trying to find love.

At this point, Anthony and Kate in season 3 were a step up from Daphne in season 2, but Bridgerton still has a long way to go before it perfects this issue. I hope the series can continue experimenting with its main characters to find a good role for them to play. I also have my fingers crossed that more Bridgerton cast members stick around once their romances are fulfilled. Overall, I am optimistic that Bridgerton season 4 can be one of the first seasons to utilize its previous main characters in an intriguing way.