Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
When news broke that Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela (Masali Baduza) would lead season five of *Bridgerton*, I was thrilled. Yet, the reaction from much of the so-called fanbase was swift and disheartening, pulling me back to reality with surprising speed.
A Social Media Storm
A quick scroll through social media reveals a flood of distressing responses, divided between two main groups: those lamenting Eloise’s love story being delayed to a later season and vocal homophobes vowing to stop watching the series for daring to feature a sapphic romance.
The bulk of the frustration centers on Claudia Jessie’s character, Eloise, whose defiance of the marriage market has been a key arc since the show’s debut. While some fans argued that Francesca needed more time to grieve John’s death – with a two-year timeline confirmed – I find the focus on Eloise’s sidelined narrative feels disproportionate.
The Case for Franchaela
Francesca’s storyline, including her marriage to John and the introduction of Michaela, was already well-established across two seasons. The emotional groundwork for their bond, unlike Eloise’s, is already laid. Stretching their romance into a new season feels redundant, unless the aim is to prolong the drama of their relationship.
Eloise, however, deserves similar space to develop her love life. Her character has evolved significantly in recent episodes, breaking free from her mother’s expectations and asserting her independence. Though she has appeared somewhat stagnant in the latest episodes, this is likely a temporary phase, especially as her arc promises richer storytelling in season five.
Timeline Changes and LGBTQ+ Representation
It’s worth noting that *Bridgerton* has long adjusted plotlines from the source material. The swap of Colin and Benedict’s roles, for instance, allowed for greater character depth and resolved lingering tensions. Similarly, the shift to place Francesca and Michaela at the center of season five could mirror the creative choices made for Benedict’s bisexuality and Brimsley and Reynold’s romance in the *Queen Charlotte* spin-off.
These changes often spark positive reactions, yet the current outrage against Franchaela feels more intense. This may stem from the intersection of misogynoir and homophobia, as some critics argue that prioritizing a female love interest will dilute the infertility plotline in *When He Was Wicked*. But this critique overlooks the fact that the challenge of conceiving would equally affect a same-sex couple in the 1800s, especially without access to modern medical tools.
“Why can’t they just stick to the ‘tradition’ of relationships in that period?” “We do not have to make everything we watch gay.”
The backlash has been brewing since Michaela’s introduction at the end of season three in 2024. While the show has historically included LGBTQ+ characters as secondary storylines, the recent focus on a central lesbian romance has ignited a wave of hostility. This shift, however, opens the door for broader representation, allowing viewers to see a wider spectrum of love and identity reflected on screen.
For me, the move to spotlight Franchaela is a step forward. Eloise’s romance with Sir Phillip Crane – her future husband in the books – will be explored in season five, offering a nuanced portrayal of love in a period setting. While some may wish for a different pairing, the opportunity to celebrate a lesbian storyline is a significant win for inclusivity, even if it means sacrificing a bit of personal preference.
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.
