Summary
Netflix’s swoon-worthy romance seriesBridgertonhas made some interesting changes to the literary source material, but I don’t think it will alter Eloise’s storyline – and nor should it. The show focuses ona romance plot for each of the siblingsinthe Bridgerton family tree, with the emphasis so far on Daphne, Anthony, and Colin Bridgerton’s romances. This leaves Eloise, Benedict, Francesca, Hyacinth, and Gregory Bridgerton still awaiting their time to shine. While previous storylines have been changed for dramatic effect, I believe Eloise’s would actually benefit from a faithful adaptation.
According to the books, Eloise is set to marry Sir Phillip Crane. The showrunners have not yet confirmed when herseason will take place in theBridgertontimeline. However, whenever it happens, there is a possibility that theBridgertontelevision series will alter her story from the novels. WithBridgertonseason 3, I was struck by how many details were changed – such as when Penelope’s Lady Whistledown reveal to Colin took place. While some of these differences made the show more effective, making such dramatic alterations to Eloise’s journey would not be the best way forward.
Sir Phillips' Costumes Give Away That He Will Marry Eloise
He Wears The Bridgerton Color Palette
In all of Sir Phillips' appearances onBridgertonso far, he wears shades of blue and green. This is thesame color palette that the entire Bridgerton family wears.Anytime one of the siblings develops a love interest, their clothing includes this exact color palette. For example, Penelope Featherington once wore bright warm colors. Then, hercharacter inBridgertonseason 3wore more greens and blues since she was destined to marry Colin. Although Sir Phillip has only been in a few scenes, his color palette matching the Bridgertons' reinforces the idea that he will marry Eloise.
Another color the Bridgerton’s tend to wear is purple. However, viewers have yet to see Sir Phillip wear this color in the show.
For the sake of consistency, Sir Philip’s color scheme should mean that he marries Eloise, just as he does in Julia Quinn’s novels. Teasing viewers with the clothing color Easter egg risks double disappointment, as any deviation from the story would represent a radical change from the books and break a previously established trend. To avoid any inconsistency, either with the color signaling or in completely changingwho Eloise ends up with inBridgerton, Sir Philip needs to be a major presence.
Sir Phillips’Bridgertonseries plot has so far followed his original storyline. For instance, he married Marina Thompson (Ruby Barker) just like in the books. There is, however, already a slight difference to his storyline from the source material in that Marina is actually Eloise’s cousin rather than Penelope’s. This relationship in the books allows Sir Phillips and Eloise to connect after Marina’s death. Given that Penelope and Eloise are not only best friends but now sisters-in-law,I think the show can still easily connect the couple.By doing so, theBridgertonshow will still stay true to the book series, despite the slight story change.
If the series wishes to avoid more controversy, then it should continue to use the storylines provided in the books mixed in with more dramatic changes.
SinceBridgertonseason 3 did feature some massive changes from the books,the show should stay on track with Sir Phillips and Eloise’s story. After all, there was a lot of controversy aboutBridgertonseason 3’s major change to Francesca’s romance, which proved divisive with the show’s audience. If the series wishes to avoid more controversy, then it should continue to use the storylines provided in the books, mixed in with more dramatic changes. This is especially true since it would seem strange to have kept Sir Phillips' plot accurate so far, only to steer off course when Eloise’s season arrives.
The Way They Meet Again Might Be Different From The Bridgerton Books, But It Should Still Happen
There Are Some Slightly Changed Circumstances
Technically, Eloise and Sir Phillip had already met at a ball in the second season ofBridgerton. Unfortunately, their meeting did not end on good terms. Therefore,what happens to Eloise in theBridgertonbooksversus the show is already slightly different. Yet,there is still the possibility they could meet again and be on good termsif the Netflix series continues to follow Sir Phillips' plot accurately.
Eloise and Sir Philip reconciling, potentially in the aftermath of Marina’s death, is crucial in enablingBridgertonto accurately capture Eloise’s book story. Otherwise, it’s difficult to see how the show can avoid completely rewriting Eloise’s romance from the ground up. If it doesn’t, then I and other book fans will have to contend with the dual disappointment of not seeing our favorite storylines adapted and all of the show’s previous visual hints being a red herring.
Eloise’s story is not the only potential romance that could happen inBridgerton’s fourth season. Benedict’s and Francesca’s storylines are also potential plots that the upcoming season may exhibit.
With theconfirmation ofBridgertonseason 4, Eloise may finally be getting her romance storyline. Her relationship with Sir Philip has the potential to be one of the show’s most beautiful stories and deserves to be adapted faithfully. IfBridgertondoes deliver a more traditional version of the novels' plot, I and many other book fans will breathe a sigh of relief.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on July 18, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
