Season 3, Part 2 of Bridgerton has recently sparked controversy among fans due to a significant plot change that has left many unsatisfied. Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton book series, has defended the twist in the season finale, where Francesca Bridgerton’s character was led into a queer storyline by gender-swapping Michael Stirling, a popular character. While this move has upset many loyal fans, Quinn has stood by showrunner Jess Brownell’s decision.
In the original book “When He Was Wicked,” Francesca is portrayed as deeply in love with her husband, John, and devastated by his tragic death. She later falls in love with his cousin, Michael Stirling. However, in the Netflix adaptation, Francesca’s character seems to develop feelings for John’s female cousin, Michaela, shortly after getting married. This change has led fans to believe that it undermines the depth of Francesca and John’s relationship and erases important plotlines about infertility, miscarriage, and birth after child loss.
Fans of the book have expressed their disappointment through a petition urging showrunners to restore Michael Stirling to his original role in Francesca’s story. The emotional attachment viewers develop towards fictional works, as explained by Michael Bronski, can lead to feelings of betrayal when significant changes are made to beloved characters or storylines. While heterosexual viewers may feel let down by the gender switch, queer viewers may find it refreshing to see representation in the show.
Julia Quinn’s plea for fans to trust the Shondaland team and have faith in the new storyline has not appeased the disgruntled audience. Fans have expressed their frustration on social media, emphasizing the loss of a heartfelt narrative surrounding Francesca’s journey. While adaptations often take creative liberties with source material, the departure of Michael’s character arc in the show has caused significant unrest among fans.
The adaptation of books to screen is a complex process that involves interpretation and creative decisions by the adapter. Sohinee Roy, an English professor, highlights that adaptations reflect not only the adapter’s ideologies but also the historical context in which they are created. While fans may be disappointed by changes in adaptations, authors like George R.R. Martin have shared their frustrations when onscreen versions deviate significantly from their original works.
In the case of Bridgerton, Julia Quinn assures fans that both the book and screen versions will be beautiful and moving in their own right. While the discord between fans and creators continues, the evolution of the Bridgerton series reflects the intricate relationship between literature and visual media. Ultimately, each form of storytelling offers a unique perspective on the beloved characters and their journeys.
