Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
Initially, I was thrilled to learn that Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela (Masali Baduza) would be the central figures of Season 5. However, the Bridgerton fandom swiftly dampened my enthusiasm.
Social media platforms have seen a flood of distressing responses that typically divide into two categories: dismay over Eloise’s narrative being delayed or vocal homophobes threatening to discontinue their support. Many of the critiques center on Claudia Jessie’s Eloise, whose character has long resisted the marriage expectations of the society.
“Why can’t they just stick to the ‘tradition’ of relationships in that period?” and “We do not have to make everything we watch gay.”
Though I understand the disappointment, I believe the emotional response may be exaggerated. Francesca’s arc, which includes her union with John, her meeting with Michaela, and John’s untimely demise, has already been fully explored over two seasons. The groundwork for their romance is well-established, making a prolonged storyline seem redundant.
Some fans insisted that Francesca needed extra time to mourn John, citing the two-year time jump. Yet, even with that, I struggle to see how additional episodes of grief would advance her character. Eloise, on the other hand, deserves equal space to develop her love life, much like Francesca did. Her storyline will have sufficient time in Season 5 to evolve, despite her recent stagnation in the episodes.
It’s not the first time the show has deviated from the books. For instance, the swap of Colin and Benedict’s roles allowed for richer character development and resolved their romantic tension. Similarly, Francesca and Michaela’s dynamic could provide compelling storytelling, even if it diverges from the original plot.
While I’d love to see Eloise rekindle her rebellious spirit—such as her secret visits to Theo and advocacy for social reform—her relationship with Sir Phillip Crane, as depicted in the books, offers a natural progression. This gives the series the chance to represent a wider array of identities, especially considering the 1800s setting, where modern medical solutions were not available.
The backlash against this change has been simmering since Michaela’s introduction at the end of Season 3 in 2024. Some critics claim Francesca’s female love interest will weaken the infertility storyline from the book, When He Was Wicked. But this argument feels shallow, as the challenges of infertility are not exclusive to straight couples.
Bridgerton has long included LGBTQ+ characters, albeit often as secondary plotlines. Benedict’s bisexuality and Brimsley and Reynold’s romance in the Queen Charlotte spin-off are prime examples. The positive reception to these moments contrasts sharply with the recent surge of hostility toward Francesca and Michaela’s relationship.
As the controversy intensifies, I urge Eloise’s supporters to temper their frustration and reduce the burden on Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza. The show’s evolution, while not perfect, represents a meaningful step toward greater inclusivity in historical dramas.
