Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
The Fandom’s Initial Reaction
When the news broke that Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela (Masali Baduza) would lead season five of Bridgerton, the excitement was palpable. However, the enthusiasm was swiftly tempered by a wave of discontent from parts of the fanbase. Social media platforms became a battleground for debate, with comments splitting into two distinct categories: those lamenting Eloise’s love story being delayed and others expressing homophobia, threatening to withdraw support from the series for daring to feature a sapphic romance.
Eloise’s Stagnation and Potential
Many fans’ frustrations centered on Claudia Jessie’s character, Eloise, who has long resisted societal expectations of marriage. While some argued that Francesca required more time to grieve John’s death—a storyline already established over two seasons—others felt the shift was unfair. The author suggests that the emotional toll might be exaggerated, as Eloise still has ample space in season five to evolve. Though her recent arcs have leaned heavily into rejecting her mother’s marriage demands, this doesn’t negate her potential for a compelling love story.
Francesca’s narrative, including her marriage to John and subsequent connection with Michaela, has already been explored. The author questions the logic of stretching their romance further, noting that the groundwork for their relationship was already laid. Meanwhile, Eloise’s arc could benefit from the same depth, with her relationship with Sir Phillip Crane—her love interest in the books—offering fresh direction.
A Call for Understanding
Scrolling through social media reveals a surge of indignation, often framed as a defense of historical tradition. Phrases like, “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” dominate the discourse. This backlash, rooted in homophobia, has been growing since Michaela’s introduction at the end of season three in 2024, fueled by a mix of misogyny and racial bias.
“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”
The show has a history of altering the timeline from its source material, such as swapping Colin and Benedict’s storylines. This change enriched Benedict’s character and resolved Colin and Penelope’s romantic tension, much like the dynamic between Francesca and Michaela. Fans who once celebrated such creative liberties now seem to chide the series for this decision.
Even so, the author believes Eloise’s story remains intact. Her character has always been a catalyst for societal change, and her relationship with Sir Phillip Crane—her eventual husband in the books—offers a natural progression. While some fans claim the infertility plotline from When He Was Wicked is jeopardized, this argument overlooks the shared challenges faced by same-sex couples in the 1800s, including limited access to modern medical solutions.
Representation and the Future of the Series
Despite the controversy, the author remains optimistic. The series continues to expand its representation, with LGBTQ+ characters like Benedict’s bisexuality and Brimsley and Reynold’s romance in the Queen Charlotte spin-off already part of its legacy. The backlash against Franchaela, however, feels more intense, suggesting a disconnect between past acceptance and current resistance.
Season five may not be the end of the road for Eloise’s romance. The author acknowledges that personal preferences vary, but insists the change is a positive step. A girl can dream, after all—especially when the dream involves a more inclusive narrative.
Subscribe to Metro’s TV Newsletter to receive daily updates on your favorite shows. Click the link provided to customize your newsfeed and stay in the loop on the latest developments.
To view this video, ensure JavaScript is enabled and your browser supports HTML5 video.
