Here's Why Marina's Death Will Be Bridgerton's Biggest Controversy Yet

The upcoming third season of Bridgerton, which delves into the relationship between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, is expected to be light-hearted and romantic, according to the cast. However, one significant controversy could potentially undermine the Netflix show's core message: Marina Crane's death.

Bridgerton, based on Julia Quinn's romantic novel series of the same name, has so far kept Quinn's key couples intact. If this trend continues, Eloise Bridgerton is set to find her happiness with Sir Phillip Crane, Marina's husband. In the novel, this occurs after Phillip becomes a widower.

How Marina Dies In The Books

In Quinn's novels, Marina is only mentioned in passing, primarily in relation to Sir Phillip's storyline. She never resided with the Featheringtons and was instead a distant cousin of the Bridgerton siblings.

Marina's marriage to Sir Phillip was much less scandalous in the books than in the series. She had been engaged to Phillip's brother George, but when he died in the war, Phillip proposed in his brother's stead. After their marriage, Marina became pregnant and gave birth to twins.

After the birth of her children, Marina grappled with severe depression for years and ultimately attempted suicide by drowning in freezing water. Phillip rescued her, but she developed a pulmonary infection and died.

Eloise sent Phillip a condolence letter, sparking their transition from pen pals to lovers.

Why Following This Story Would Hurt The Show

While this tragic tale doesn't get much attention in the books, the show cannot replicate it without conveying the wrong message. Netflix's Marina, portrayed by Ruby Barker, is a far more significant character than Quinn's Marina. She has been given a well-rounded, relatable arc and motivations that resonate with many viewers.

Furthermore, Marina is a woman of colour, which aligns with the 'love conquers racism' theme of the Shondaland Bridgerton universe. In this context, however, the character's race does matter, as fans have noted.

‘Seeing a black woman endure trauma and die the way she does in the books so two white people could get together would be very tone deaf,’ a fan wrote on Reddit, voicing the main concern about Marina's death. ‘Black women being fridged and pushed to the sidelines in film history so white characters can prosper is a well known and real problem that doesn’t need to be continued.’

Thus, Bridgerton's creators seem to have painted themselves into a corner with Marina's arc. If Eloise's ultimate fate is with Phillip, then Marina must die. That could happen as early as Season 3 to give Eloise and Phillip's relationship sufficient time to evolve.

However, eliminating a compelling character of colour in the manner and for the reason she dies in the book contradicts the message the show aims to convey. It looks like the showrunners don’t have many good options here.

Source: Reddit.