Will Eloise Bridgerton be the star of Season 5?
Whilst the previous three seasons left clear clues at the end for which Bridgerton siblings’ season would be coming next, Season 4 has not left us with a clear indication of whether it will be Eloise or Francesca acting as lead for Season 5, nor has show runner, Jess Brownell.
I am resting my hopes on it being Eloise’s season for the key reason that her storyline as a side character feels as though it has now been exhausted. She has moved away from the more politically-minded arc that defined her character in Season 1 and 2 and has increasingly felt at a loss about her place in the world in Season 3 and 4, with her siblings and friends gradually becoming married off and leaving her alone in her self-proclaimed spinsterhood. Her declaration of “I do love a wedding” in the final episode’s post-credit wedding scene does seem to tip the scales in favour of Eloise’s romantic relationship with Sir Philip (who is the confirmed love interest, sorry to all of the Theo lovers out there!) taking centre stage next season but until an official announcement is released, we can only speculate.
How will Francesca and Michaela reconcile?
The death of John Stirling was an utterly devastating part of Season 4 but it has set Francesca’s character on the path towards her own season, in which her love interest is set to be Michaela Stirling, John’s cousin. As mentioned before, it is unclear whether this will be the central plot line of Season 5 or 6, but either way, the ending of Season 4 begs the question of how Francesca and Michaela will reconcile following Michaela sudden fleeing of the Stirling household without informing Francesca, likely to escape her own strongly blossoming feelings.
We see Francesca in the depths of her grief this season in Part Two but we also see Michaela provide a strong comfort to her, so we must ask how Michaela's departure will impact Francesca’s process of healing and, if she is not the starring Bridgerton sibling next season, where her arc will go. Hopefully, it is on a journey of grieving, healing and self-discovery but, of course, it all remains very up in the air until we have clearer information about what course the show is set on.
Who is the new Lady Whistledown?
Season 4 ended with the shock reveal that there is now a new Lady Whistledown spreading gossip in the ton - but who is it? This is a significant departure from the books, as there was only ever one Lady Whistledown in the form of Penelope Featherington/Bridgerton, and brings with it a whole new aspect of mystery to be explored in further seasons. There are already rumours circulating online about who it may be - Hyacinth Bridgerton, after her character appearing to be at a loss coming to the end of the season? Alice Mondrich, as the new Lady in Waiting for the Queen? Cressida Penwood, now taking up the mantle of the gossip writer instead of merely impersonating her? Whoever it is, it is sure to spark some drama in the ton which I cannot wait to see unpacked. After all, what is Bridgerton without Lady Whistledown spurring on the gossip mill?
Are Violet and Marcus truly over?
A significant plot line in Season 4 was the blossoming of Violet Bridgerton’s romantic relationship with Lord Marcus Anderson, Lady Danbury’s brother. Part One ended with the pair “having tea” with each other and Part Two even saw Violet accept a proposal from Marcus. But in the last episode, when Marcus suggests the pair announce their engagement following Benedict’s to Sophie, Violet instead asks if they can instead break off their engagement but continue to see each other on the down low. Whilst she appears hopeful for his acceptance of the offer, he quickly declines, though wishes her well in her continued journey of self-discovery. However, it remains to be seen whether this is this truly the end of their relationship or if the pair find their way back to each other in later seasons. Though I admire Violet prioritising her independence, I do hope it is eventually the latter, especially since their connection was such a enjoyable one to watch.
What’s going to happen to Lady Danbury?
Season 4 concluded with Queen Charlotte permitting Lady Danbury’s request to leave the ton and travel to her ancestral home, inciting a tear-jerking exchange between the pair that really cemented their friendship as one of the strongest connections within the show. Despite the poignance of the pair’s farewell, Brownell confirmed that Lady Danbury will return to the show and play a significant role in Season 5, though in what capacity, we do not yet know. However, one thing is for sure and it's that we can all breathe a sigh of relief at not having to say goodbye to such a fan favourite character quite yet.
What’s next for Benedict and Sophie?
Finally, whilst Season 4 concluded with the ton accepting the love shared by Benedict and Sophie and the pair’s beautiful wedding scene at My Cottage, the evolution of their relationship following this considerable step is yet to be seen. How will Sophie adapt to high society following life as a maid? How will Benedict assist in helping Eloise and Francesca through their own romantic dilemmas in future seasons? Jess Brownell has confirmed the show has only scratched the surface in terms of Benedict and Sophie’s future together but we don’t know yet how big of a role they will play; one can only hope it is bigger than Kanthony’s in Season 4!
All in all, there are plenty of unanswered questions to be keeping us excitedly guessing in the build up to the release of the next season of Bridgerton. In the meantime, I will be constantly refreshing the Bridgerton page for updates and rewatching Season 4 for the hundredth time!