Regency Romance
Should ‘Bridgerton’ Change Eloise’s Romantic Endgame? (POLL)
Eloise’s season of Bridgerton may still be yet to come, but that doesn’t mean fans haven’t already starting thinking about what her love story will look like in the Netflix series.
For the most part, romance hasn’t been a concern for the unconventional Bridgerton sibling, who’s played by Claudia Jessie. She’s been far too preoccupied with her books and — up until the Season 2 finale — figuring out who Lady Whistledown is. Not to mention, Eloise has been outspoken about her aversion to becoming a wife, fearing that she’ll gain a husband but lose her freedom. Her mother has already thrust her daughter onto the marriage mart, but Eloise hasn’t met her match yet.
All of this begs the question: What should Eloise’s endgame look like? In one case, there’s the book route. Julia Quinn’s To Sir Phillip, With Love sees Eloise begin corresponding with Phillip Crane (Chris Fulton) after the death of his wife, Marina (Ruby Barker). (She’s still alive in Season 3 and already married to Phillip.) Once Eloise visits his estate, they get to know each other more and bond while taking care of Philip’s children. They fall in love and tie the knot.
Netflix
Some fans, however, are of the opinion that Eloise’s book outcome doesn’t make much sense for her character. Considering all of her reservations about marriage, they’ve pointed out that Eloise staying single might be the better endgame. That way, she’d be able to hold onto the independence that she values so much and not have to make any unnecessary sacrifices. It could be another chance for Bridgerton to modernize and deviate from the source material, like they’re planning to do with Francesca Bridgerton’s season.
On the other hand, some viewers still want Eloise to find love. In Season 2, the “Theloise” ship was born. When she sets out to discern Lady Whistledown’s identity, she finds herself at the columnist’s print shop, where Theo (Calam Lynch) works. Theo is an original character in the show who has a natural chemistry with Eloise, and they find common ground over their interest in women’s rights. They share an almost-kiss, but Eloise shuts things down before they can go any further. He didn’t come back for Season 3, which disappointed hopeful fans.
However, another ship emerged out of Season 3: Eloise and Cressida (Jessica Madsen), aka “Creloise.” While on the outs with Penelope, Eloise strikes up an odd friendship with complicated mean girl Cressida Cowper. Their relationship is unexpectedly deep, with Cressida letting Eloise see a more vulnerable side to her that no one else does. However, by the end of the show, Cressida’s actions have destroyed the bond they formed. (She finds out Penelope’s secret identity as Whistledown and blackmails her.) Could there be a chance of Creloise reconciliation, romantic or otherwise? We’ll have to wait and see.
All of that considered, what do you think? Should Eloise still end up with Phillip? Should the show bring back Theo, or give her a queer love story with Cressida? Or would you rather see Eloise stay alone? Vote below!
