This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3.
Summary
AmongBridgerton’slarge ensemble cast, one season 1 character has faded into the background — butBridgertonseason 3’s shocking endinggives her a way to make her essential return. While otherBridgertonseasons have ended with grand romantic gestures, season 3 offered a more dramatic turn of events. After several episodes of dodging the Queen’s advances and coming clean with her family members, Penelope finally tells the ton that she is Lady Whistledown. This revelation, though important, will not be the end of the gossip columnist. In fact, the shock waves that come next could prove even juicier.
The Lady Whistledown mystery is one of the most vitalstorylines set up inBridgertonseason 3. Although Penelope and Colin are at the center of it, the entire ton is affected by the hunt for her identity. Cressida Cowper’s life is ruined by her Lady Whistledown scheme, while the Queen, Eloise, and others learn to forgive and show mercy. Penelope’s revelation is only the start though. Her commitment to using Whistledown more positively insinuates that the column will change in coming seasons. Furthermore,the truth of Penelope’s identity could bring familiar faces out of the woodwork.
Bridgerton: 21 Biggest Book Changes In Season 3
Bridgerton season 3 changed plenty from Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, leaving some key events the same but also introducing new & different stories.
One Hugely Important Character Is Still Missing From Bridgerton
Marina Thompson Never Appears In Season 3
Bridgertonseason 3 juggles many characters and their stories, butone person from season 1 never makes an appearance: Marina Thompson. Although Colin visits Marina and her baby inBridgertonseason 2, the latest season does not give any glimpses of the young woman. Presumably, she is still at her estate with her husband and baby, but this isn’t confirmed. Marina does receive a few mentions though, particularly in regard to Penelope being Lady Whistledown. Colin wonders how Penelope could have written such cruel things about Marina, and Pen argues that she was trying to protect Colin.
Ultimately, it is strange that Marina never even makes a cameo inBridgertonseason 3 because she played such an integral role in Colin’s story.
Ultimately, it is strange that Marina never even makes a cameo inBridgertonseason 3 because she played such an integral role in Colin’s story. Many characters doubt Colin due to his strong feelings and his eagerness to act, and Marina is a perfect example of this. In season 1, Colin is prepared to marry Marina within a week or two. Therefore, it is a bitsad that Marina’s character ebbs away as Colin finds his true love. This is especially true since Colin was so committed to seeing her just one season earlier.
Marina Is Crucial For Eloise’s Bridgerton Story
Marina Needs To Come Back For Eloise’s Romance
The following section contains spoilers for Julia Quinn’s novel, To Sir Phillip, With Love.
Marina’s absence fromBridgertonseason 3 is questionable for another significant reason. According toJulia Quinn’s books,Marina needs to come back for Eloise’sBridgertonstory. InTo Sir Phillip, With Love,Eloise begins a correspondence with Sir Phillip Crane after his wife, Marina, suddenly dies. She sends her condolences, and they quickly form an unexpected bond. Thus, their romance begins. However, this story will never be able to happen unless Marina returns, and unfortunately, dies. Audiences have already seen her distant relationship with Phillip Crane, so the second half of her story must fall into place.
It would be kinder to include more than an arranged marriage, social ruin, and an untimely death in Marina’sBridgertonstory.
Considering Marina’s tragic fate, it is even more disappointing that she does not appear inBridgertonseason 3. If Marina is doomed to die, it would have been beneficial to check in on her during season 3. Some closure with Colin would have been satisfying. Above all, it would be kinder to include more than an arranged marriage, social ruin, and an untimely death in herBridgertonstory. However, season 3’s ending does open one possible door for Marina.Penelope’s revelation could give Marina a reason to returntoBridgertonone last time before her eventual death.
Penelope’s Whistledown Reveal Sets Up Marina’s Return
Marina Could Confront Penelope
After Penelope reveals her identity as Lady Whistledown, she notes that people may not be happy with her as time goes on. Certainindividuals will likely hold a grudge against Penelopefor what she has written. Someone who could be at the top of this list is Marina Thompson. Marina does not see Penelope’s speech at the Dankworth-Finch ball, so her identity will come as a painful shock. In many ways, Penelope’s writings are the reason Marina is so unhappy. In this way, Marina could return inBridgertonseason 4to confront Penelope.
Marina Thompson is played by Ruby Barker.
It would be a good thing to see Marina return in the next season ofBridgerton.Even if she appears only to challenge Penelope, it would be nice to see her before her tragic end. AlthoughMarina does not have a happily ever after, she certainly deserves closure for her season 1 storyline. Plus, Marina’s return will remind viewers of her importance. When she passes away, it won’t feel so sudden, and Eloise’s love story can begin without a hitch. Hopefully,Bridgertoncan get Marina to return one last time.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on August 24, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
