With Bridgerton season 4 now in production, it’s crucial that the show avoids the mistakes made in seasons 2 and 3, where key characters like Daphne and Anthony were sidelined after their respective seasons. While Bridgerton shines in its rotating focus on different Bridgerton siblings, the recent seasons have left fans frustrated by how the stories of Daphne and Anthony were handled after their big romantic arcs. As season 4 prepares to focus on Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) romance with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), there’s a real concern that the same treatment could happen to Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), leaving important character development on the cutting room floor.
Bridgerton Season 2 and 3 Missed Key Character Follow-Ups
The Bridgerton format works well in theory: each season highlights one sibling while still allowing others to remain integral to the story. However, in practice, seasons 2 and 3 have failed to build on what came before. In season 2, fans were disappointed by the absence of Regé-Jean Page’s Simon Basset, which meant Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) was left to carry on without the man she had fallen in love with in season 1. While Daphne was a central figure in the books that season was based on, she was almost entirely absent from Bridgerton season 2, leaving viewers wondering how her life had evolved since her marriage to Simon.
Season 3, which deviated from the books by focusing on Colin and Penelope’s evolving relationship, still made some of the same mistakes. Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and his wife Kate (Simone Ashley) were present but felt underused, often pushed to the background despite their importance to the Bridgerton family dynamic. While Jonathan Bailey’s hectic schedule may have contributed to his limited screen time, it still felt like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of the Viscount and Viscountess’ relationship. Kate, especially, deserved more solo moments beyond her scenes with Anthony, as her character was far more than just a romantic interest.
Bridgerton Season 4 Can’t Repeat the Daphne and Anthony Problem with Colin and Penelope
As Bridgerton moves forward with Benedict’s story in season 4, it’s critical that the show doesn’t repeat the mistakes made with Daphne, Anthony, or even Colin and Penelope. While Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) romance with Sophie (Yerin Ha) must take center stage, the show can’t afford to ignore Colin and Penelope after they were so prominently featured in season 3. Penelope, in particular, has been positioned as a key figure in the series, not only as a Bridgerton friend but also as Lady Whistledown, with her secret identity still a major storyline. Her journey deserves to be followed closely, and to push her to the side would do a disservice to the character’s development and to the intricate plotlines that have been built around her.
Additionally, the series has begun to set up new storylines for other Bridgerton siblings, such as Francesca (Ruth Gemmell) and Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who were last seen leaving for Scotland at the end of season 3. While this opens up opportunities for more focus on Benedict and Sophie, it also presents a chance to keep Colin and Penelope’s storylines front and center, ensuring they aren’t lost in the shuffle. With fewer characters in play, season 4 should have more room to delve deeper into unresolved arcs, especially since Colin and Penelope’s relationship, along with Penelope’s continued role as Lady Whistledown, is still integral to the show’s larger narrative.
Bridgerton Needs to Give Colin and Penelope the Attention They Deserve
It’s easy to assume that after their season 3 focus, Colin and Penelope might take a backseat in the upcoming season, especially with Benedict’s storyline demanding attention. However, the lack of follow-through on Daphne and Anthony’s arcs in previous seasons highlights a potential pitfall Bridgerton must avoid. If the show wants to truly honor the intricate relationships between its characters, it needs to keep Penelope and Colin’s evolving romance in the spotlight. Whether it’s through their personal growth or continuing their pivotal role in the larger Bridgerton family saga, Colin and Penelope deserve the narrative space that Daphne and Anthony never got.
In short, while Benedict’s romance is the main draw for Bridgerton season 4, the show must avoid sidelining Colin and Penelope’s ongoing journey. As much as the focus should be on Benedict’s new love story, Bridgerton is at its best when all of its beloved characters continue to evolve and interact, and that includes the central couple of seasons 2 and 3. Bridgerton’s strength lies in its interconnected family dynamics, and it’s time for the show to give its returning characters the attention they’ve earned.
