While the controversy surrounding the finale of the third season shows no sign of calming down Bridgerton, which led many fans to complain to Shonda Rhimes for the narrative liberties taken with respect to the novels written by Julia Quinn, the love story between Colin and Penelope has reached its happy ending, with the release of the last four episodes of the season, which are already available on Netflix from June 13th. Having closed this chapter, it is legitimate, therefore, to let our gaze wander to the horizon, to try to understand what the future of the television show will be, which for years now has attracted the attention of the audience of subscribers to the streaming service.
Since we are talking about the fourth season – which, second USA Today we won’t see until 2026 – this article contains some previews of the ending of the third season which could ruin the experience for those who have not yet completed watching everyone the episodes available. According to some clues gathered in the last episode, it is almost certain that the next season of the TV series will focus on the character of Benedict Bridgerton, who until now has been ignored or treated as a sort of wild card to be used to fill the screen or, as as they say, stretch the broth. What makes us lean towards this option is a phrase that Eloise says, shortly before leaving for Scotland together with her sister Francesca, whose story is now at the center of online complaints. Before leaving, in fact, Eloise assures Benedict that he will return to Mayfair, London, in time for the masquerade ball organized by their mother. In Julia Quinn’s book, Benedict meets the love of his life at Lady Violet’s masquerade ball.
Although there is no certain data on the plot of the next season and on which couple will be at the center of the narrative, there seems to be a possible certainty: Julie Andrews, the former Mary Poppins and voice-over of the series, may not return. In the finale of the third season, in fact, Penelope announces to all the London aristocracy that she is the true Lady Whistledown, with the placid good of Queen Charlotte. Shortly after, while Bridgerton 3 draws to a close, Lady Whistledown returns to speak off-screen, asserting that it will be her last social bulletin that will bear her signature. Shortly thereafter, Julie Andrews’ voice is replaced by that of Nicholas Coughlan, the interpreter of Penelope. The young woman has finally found her voice, no longer having to hide and now she can use her real name to sign her writings. It is very likely, therefore, that Julie Andrews will not return for the fourth season, since the identity of Lady Whistledown is no longer necessary.
However, second The WrapJulie Andrews’ voice and off-screen presence have become so iconic and so connected to Bridgerton that it is possible that the screenwriters change the cards on the table to ensure that the production does not have to give up such a Hollywood star.
