Eloise Outshines Book Version in Netflix's Bridgerton, Creates a Major Problem for Writers
It is no secret that Netflix's hit series Bridgerton is based on the eponymous book series by Julia Quinn.
Fans of the books are certainly excited to see the beloved characters on the big screen. And those who first met the Bridgerton siblings on Netflix have by now read the books. The long breaks between seasons certainly allow for that.
Both book and show fans are finding that some characters are undergoing major changes in the adaptation. And the character who has probably changed the most is Eloise Bridgerton.
It is even hard to reconcile the Eloise of the books and the Eloise of the show. The show's Eloise is a spitfire who wants to be independent, fights for her rights, and hates the social norms set by the ton. She easily outshines the book Eloise, who is much more conventional and kind of boring.
After seeing the energetic and vibrant Eloise played by Claudia Jessie, it is impossible to see her as the book counterpart. That's why the book arc feels so wrong for the show's Eloise.
In Quinn's series, Eloise's love story comes fifth and is titled To Sir Phillip, With Love. After learning that Marina Crane has died, Eloise writes a letter of condolence to her widower, Sir. Phillip Crane, and the two become pen pals.
Their correspondence then turns into friendship and deep care for each other. After a particularly steamy visit by Eloise to Crane's estate, the two fall in love and marry.
This story fits well with the arc of the book Eloise. She is a 28-year-old spinster who can enjoy a domestic life with Phillip and his children. But for the show Eloise, such a story sounds discouraging and almost cruel.
While creating a wonderfully headstrong and independent character, the writers seem to have written themselves into a corner.
It is impossible to imagine Jessie's Eloise letting her fire go out, settling down, and accepting the life that Phillip seems to be offering her at the moment: motherhood, domesticity, and respectability.
It would feel like an insult to the character that fans love so much, and it could send an almost misogynistic message: the silly little feminist learns her place and realizes that true happiness lies in finding a good man.
Of course, Eloise can still have love interests. The sweet romance with Theo, who encouraged and supported her independence, proved it. But if Sir. Phillip is going to be her endgame, his character will have to change, and change a lot.