A heads-up: The piece that follows reveals key details from Eloise’s novel, “To Sir Philip, With Love,” in the world of Bridgerton. Here’s my take on it from an enthusiastic fan’s perspective.
It’s a whirlwind of emotions, love letters, and a surprise marriage proposal that will leave you breathless! If you’re as smitten with this series as I am, you won’t want to miss out on this heartwarming tale.
Even though Bridgerton season 4 hasn’t been released yet, we’re eagerly anticipating season 5, which might center around Eloise as the lead character. However, unlike previous seasons that drew inspiration from Julia Quinn’s novels, this one can’t strictly follow her book to shape its storyline. Bridgerton, a Netflix series adapting the same-named book series, has so far based each season on the love stories of different Bridgerton family members, mirroring the novels. Yet, despite making many alterations to the books throughout its three released seasons, the show has consistently maintained the core of each character’s tale. For Eloise, though, the series needs to deviate from the usual pattern.
From the start, Eloise has been a beloved character in the world of Bridgerton, even though she hasn’t been the main focus in any season so far. Her robust, resilient personality, deep-rooted love for truth, and hidden tender heart set her apart. This uniqueness has sparked great anticipation among viewers for Eloise’s own season of Bridgerton. However, when it comes to Eloise’s time in the limelight, the biggest mistake the Netflix alternative history romance TV series could make is to follow the plot of To Sir Phillip, With Love too closely. In fact, Bridgerton should veer significantly away from To Sir Philip, With Love entirely.
Bridgerton’s Eloise Is Much Different From Her Book Character
The Netflix Show Completely Changes Her Character
In the Bridgerton book series, the fifth novel, To Sir Philip, With Love, revolves around the romantic journey of Eloise. At 28 years old, she’s seen as a spinster and feels quite lonely and worried about ending up alone. A significant event occurs when her cousin, Marina Thompson (depicted as Penelope Featherington’s cousin in the show), passes away. This leads Eloise to write a sympathy letter to her widowed husband, Sir Philip Crane. Their correspondence deepens, eventually blossoming into a romantic relationship. Through this connection, Eloise ultimately marries Phillip and takes on his two children in the Bridgerton book series.
Eloise Bridgerton, undeniably, stands out as the most vocal, strong-willed, rebellious, and self-reliant character in the world of Bridgerton novels. However, it’s worth noting that her portrayal in Julia Quinn’s works differs significantly from another character who shares some similar traits. The discrepancies are substantial enough to explain why the Netflix series chose to bypass the events of “To Sir Phillip, With Love”.
Initially, it should be noted that the character Eloise as portrayed in the book differs significantly from her depiction in the show. While she advocates for women’s rights and social justice in both versions, she is not as vocal or rebellious about these issues in the book adaptation by Quinn compared to her character in the Netflix series. Furthermore, Eloise appears more cynical and pessimistic in Bridgerton, making it hard to believe that she would have a happy ending or display maternal instincts as shown in the show. This discrepancy is not a negative aspect but rather reflects the creative liberties taken by each medium.
Eloise Deserves Better Than Her Love Interest In The Novels
Phillip Is The Worst Bridgerton Spouse
To adapt the TV series version of Eloise’s book story effectively, it might be necessary to significantly alter it due to the fact that Phillip, arguably her least favorable “Bridgerton” spouse, could be involved. We haven’t had much screen time with him yet, so it’s hard to fully assess his character. However, if Phillip resembles the portrayal of Eloise’s husband in “To Sir Philip, With Love,” he may not be suitable as her main romantic interest in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
| Bridgerton Book | Main Character | Publication Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Duke and I | Daphne Bridgerton | January 5, 2000 |
| The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton | December 5, 2000 |
| An Offer from a Gentleman | Benedict Bridgerton | July 3, 2001 |
| Romancing Mister Bridgerton | Colin Bridgerton | July 1, 2002 |
| To Sir Phillip, With Love | Eloise Bridgerton | July 1, 2003 |
| When He Was Wicked | Francesca Bridgerton | June 29, 2004 |
| It’s In His Kiss | Hyacinth Bridgerton | June 28, 2005 |
| On the Way to the Wedding | Gregory Bridgerton | June 27, 2006 |
In Julia Quinn’s novels, Philip is not portrayed as a good husband to Marina or kind to Eloise. Given Eloise’s strong character in the TV show Bridgerton, she would likely not tolerate Philip’s behavior from the books. Moreover, since Philip neglects his children, it’s unlikely that Eloise would shoulder all the responsibility for the kids. The Bridgerton series has room to improve Philip’s character and behavior, but changing Eloise’s story is necessary for other reasons as well.
Bridgerton Already Introduced A Character Much Better Suited For Eloise Than Phillip
Theo Is Perfect For Eloise
Apart from Eloise being more deserving of a better husband than the one portrayed in Bridgerton, she already has a captivating, valuable suitor – Theo Sharpe. Some viewers believe that the series should reintroduce Theo as Eloise’s primary love interest (and I am among them). In season 2, Theo was presented as an assistant at the print shop previously used by Lady Whistledown for her scandalous pamphlets. Eloise becomes aware of this, and Theo assists her in identifying the anonymous gossip columnist.
In the course of their shared experiences, Eloise and Theo grow exceptionally close, a bond that eventually blossoms into a romantic one towards the end of Bridgerton’s second season. Both are ardent and headstrong individuals who champion social causes. However, news spreads quickly about Eloise associating with someone from below her class.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that the love story between Eloise and Theo in Bridgerton was left hanging. Given her privileged status, Eloise seemed to escape much of the derision faced by Theo. This is why she ended their relationship on such a sour note. It never felt like these two truly found closure together in the series.
Now, I believe that the creators of Bridgerton should revisit Theo’s character, as he and Eloise have an undeniable connection. They’re made for each other, and their tale deserves to be told in full. Let’s hope they get a chance to find the happiness they deserve!
Season 4 Would Need To Start Setting Up Eloise’s Book Story (But It Likely Won’t)
Phillip’s Character Is All But A Distant Memory Now
Given that Eloise’s romance may unfold in Bridgerton season 5, it’s possible that the show will begin setting up her story in season 4. If they were to fully adapt ‘To Sir Phillip, With Love’, it could be that Eloise initiates correspondence with Phillip in season 4. Yet, considering the information available about the upcoming seasons, it appears that Phillip is not featured in season 4.
In the Bridgerton series, Marina isn’t actually a Featherington but a member of the extended Bridgerton family. Given this fact, it seems rather unusual for Eloise to write a consolatory letter to the widow of her best friend’s cousin, considering that the said cousin has been absent from the story since his brief appearance in season 2. As things stand now, Eloise’s relationship with Phillip is nonexistent.
Bridgerton Could Establish The Perfect Complement To Benedict’s Romance With Eloise’s Love Story
Both Could Be Rags-To-Riches Stories
One compelling reason why the Bridgerton series might choose to exclude Eloise’s romance from the books altogether revolves around Benedict. As the second-eldest Bridgerton sibling, he embarks on a love story with Sophie Baek, who is from a lower class. This narrative follows the classic rags-to-riches pattern and could be continued in season 4. If Theo is reintroduced to the series, it would provide an opportunity for Bridgerton to explore a similar storyline for Eloise’s season, but with reversed gender roles. In this scenario, Netflix’s alternative historical romance could delve into the comparison and contrast between Benedict’s tale and Eloise’s, examining how societal perceptions impact their relationships.
It is clear that Eloise shares the closest connection with Benedict among the Bridgerton siblings, as they have many similar qualities. Consequently, it seems fitting that their romantic storylines in the series mirror each other, making it crucial for Eloise and Benedict to play pivotal roles in one another’s narratives. Theo’s appearance in season 5 will help maintain Benedict and Sophie as important figures following their own season, a feat that hasn’t been achieved yet within the Bridgerton series.
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2025-04-25 02:19