In the enthralling world of “Bridgerton” season three, while Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington finally take center stage, another Bridgerton sibling, Francesca (Hannah Dodd), embarks on her own romantic journey. After debuting into society, Francesca quickly captures Queen Charlotte’s attention, becoming a sought-after marriage prospect. However, it’s not the Queen’s chosen Lord Samadani who steals Francesca’s heart, but rather the reserved Earl of Kilmartin, John Stirling (Victor Alli), a man who mirrors her own quiet nature. Their low-key wedding at the Bridgerton residence in the season three finale marks the beginning of their life together, with plans to relocate to John’s Scottish estate. But who exactly is Lord Kilmartin, and what does this marriage mean for Francesca’s future in Netflix’s “Bridgerton”?
Who is John Stirling in Bridgerton?
Image: Victor Alli portrays John Stirling in Bridgerton season 3, his reserved demeanor aligning with Francesca’s personality.
John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin, is introduced in the first half of “Bridgerton” season three. He distinguishes himself not through grand gestures or flamboyant pronouncements, but through a shared sensibility with Francesca. Unlike the passionate pursuits of her siblings, Francesca approaches marriage with a practical outlook, seeking compatibility rather than dramatic romance. John embodies this sensibility, his reserved and thoughtful nature resonating deeply with Francesca’s own personality. This shared quietude forms the bedrock of their connection, offering a refreshing contrast to the more tempestuous relationships within the Bridgerton family. Actor Victor Alli perfectly captures this understated charm, bringing to life a character who values quiet understanding and companionship.
John and Francesca’s Marriage: A Bridgerton Book Comparison
In Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” novels, Francesca’s marriage to John Stirling does occur, but their happiness is tragically short-lived. In the sixth book, “When He Was Wicked,” John passes away unexpectedly just two years into their marriage, leaving a 22-year-old Francesca widowed and pregnant. Adding to the tragedy, Francesca miscarries after John’s death. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the introduction of John’s cousin, Michael Stirling, who inherits the earldom of Kilmartin. In a dramatic twist, Michael has been in love with Francesca since their first meeting, which happened mere days before her wedding to John. Bound by loyalty and propriety, Michael keeps his feelings hidden, becoming a close friend to the couple. After John’s death, Michael’s internal conflict intensifies, leading him to withdraw and eventually travel to India.
Despite Michael inheriting the title, Francesca remains the Countess of Kilmartin, managing the estate in Scotland while Michael is abroad. Years later, with a desire to have children, Francesca considers remarrying, and coincidentally, Michael returns to London. The long-suppressed tension between them resurfaces, culminating in a complex and passionate love story. While the timeline of these events in the books overlaps with Colin and Penelope’s romance, the “Bridgerton” series on Netflix has shown a willingness to rearrange storylines, creating anticipation for how Francesca’s full narrative will unfold on screen.
Michaela Stirling: The Gender-Swapped Twist in Bridgerton Season 3
Image: Victor Alli and Masali Baduza as cousins John and Michaela Stirling in the Bridgerton Season 3 finale, hinting at a significant storyline shift.
The “Bridgerton” season three finale introduces a significant deviation from the books with the arrival of John Stirling’s cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza). In a gender-swapped twist, Michael Stirling from the books becomes Michaela in the series. Francesca’s reaction upon meeting Michaela is immediately palpable. She becomes visibly flustered, stumbling over her words as she introduces herself. This brief but charged encounter serves as a clear indication of Francesca’s future romantic trajectory. Showrunner Jess Brownell has confirmed that this gender swap was a deliberate choice, driven by a desire to explore a queer storyline for Francesca. Brownell explained that upon reading Francesca’s book, she identified a queer sensibility within the narrative, inspiring this significant adaptation for the Netflix series. This change promises to bring a fresh and contemporary perspective to Francesca’s love story, diverging from the original books in an exciting new direction.
What’s Next for Francesca? Queer Storyline and Season 4 Hints
While Netflix has not officially announced which Bridgerton sibling’s story will be the focus of the next season, the finale strongly suggests Benedict’s romance will take center stage. However, the introduction of Michaela Stirling firmly plants the seeds for Francesca’s evolving storyline. Showrunner Jess Brownell has indicated that Francesca’s narrative, being more intricate and spanning a longer period in the books, necessitates an earlier setup in the series. This implies that season four, while potentially highlighting Benedict, will also continue to develop Francesca and Michaela’s relationship.
Addressing the looming question of John Stirling’s fate, Brownell has assured audiences that the series will honor the emotional depth of Francesca’s relationship with John. To give adequate space for Francesca to grieve and for her connection with Michaela to develop authentically, a time jump is anticipated in the narrative. This approach suggests a thoughtful and sensitive exploration of Francesca’s journey, navigating both the heartbreak of loss and the complexities of newfound love. By introducing Michaela and hinting at a future time jump, “Bridgerton” season three sets the stage for a compelling and emotionally resonant storyline for Francesca in the seasons to come, promising a departure from the books that will undoubtedly captivate audiences.
