Will Bridgerton Season 3 Avoid a Mistake of Treating Marina Like a Plot Device?

Bridgerton fans were surprised to learn earlier this week that Ruby Barker will not be reprising her role as Marina Crane in Season 3 of the Netflix romantic drama.

The actress announced her departure via her Instagram account while engaging with fans in the comments section. Her exit has raised many questions about the upcoming season, particularly regarding Penelope Featherington's arc.

Marina's absence from the show means that she and Penelope won't have the opportunity to properly resolve one of Bridgerton's most controversial storylines. The plot began in Season 1 when Marina joined the Featheringtons for the new social season and became friends with Penelope. However, their friendship was strained by Marina's big secret: she was pregnant by her boyfriend, Sir George Crane.

With George away fighting in a war and no word from him, Marina was forced to look for another husband. Unfortunately, she set her sights on Colin Bridgerton, Penelope's childhood friend and longtime crush. Marina attempted to trick Colin into marrying her, but Penelope intervened, exposing Marina's pregnancy in Lady Whistledown's column.

The revelation effectively ruined Marina's reputation and future. Thankfully, George's brother, Sir Philip Crane, arrived to announce George's death and offer Marina his hand in marriage. Marina accepted, which partially salvaged her reputation.

Fans blamed both Marina and Penelope for the mess. Marina should not have tried to trick Colin, and Penelope should not have acted so cruelly. Viewers have been eager for the characters to make amends. This is particularly important for Penelope, who needs to mature before becoming Colin's love interest in the upcoming season.

However, it appears that the show's creators have decided to deprive Penelope of her redemption arc and use Marina as a mere plot device.

Marina's absence from Season 3 likely means that Penelope's actions towards her will no longer be addressed as an issue. Furthermore, it will push Marina closer to her book arc, where she appears to serve only as the unloved and depressed wife of Philip Crane, who is destined to become Eloise Bridgerton's love interest after Marina's eventual death.

This approach does not sit well with viewers who have come to appreciate Marina as a complex and well-developed character.