{"id":51748,"date":"2024-05-20T11:58:17","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T09:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=2042861"},"modified":"2024-05-20T13:02:53","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T11:02:53","slug":"why-francescas-is-the-superior-love-story-in-bridgerton-season-3","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/why-francescas-is-the-superior-love-story-in-bridgerton-season-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Francesca\u2019s is the superior love story in Bridgerton season 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

Francesca and John’s blossoming romance avoids scandal, makeovers and epiphanies. <\/p>

By Laura Denby\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 20 May 2024 at 09:58 AM<\/p>

\n\n

*Warning: This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3 part 1.*<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bridgerton is back, and so is Penelope\u2019s alter ego, Lady Whistledown<\/a>, whose gossip column is still gloriously delivered by screen icon Julie Andrews.<\/p>\n

The show\u2019s third run may focus on Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin\u2019s (Luke Newton) grand romantic adventure, but Colin\u2019s younger sister, Francesca (now played by Hannah Dodd<\/a>), is the breakout star of the season.<\/p>\n

Even Queen Charlotte<\/a> (Golda Rosheuvel) herself agrees.<\/p>\n

Across just four episodes, Dodd has brought to life an intriguing, unyielding version of the character. And, despite its early stages, the blossoming of Francesca\u2019s very own fairy tale deserves just as much attention as Penelope\u2019s \u2013 if not more.<\/p>\n

In author Julia Quinn\u2019s Bridgerton<\/a> books, the character is the focus of the sixth story, When He Was Wicked<\/a>, following her second chance at love as a widow. In contrast, Francesca\u2019s first<\/em> love story is a quieter one \u2013 but it\u2019s far from dull.<\/p>\n

After playing a sassy, satirical rendition of the Funeral March ahead of her presentation in episode 1, Francesca follows the show\u2019s tradition of attempting to secure a husband \u2013 though she isn\u2019t necessarily holding out for true love as her mother, Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell)<\/a>, hopes.<\/p>\n

\"Genevieve\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Penelope undergoes a wardrobe makeover in pursuit of a husband.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Happily, Francesca looks to have found love regardless \u2013 and even better, she does so only by being herself.<\/p>\n

As Penelope gives in to societal pressures, changing her wardrobe and forcing herself to go along with the interests of potential suitors, Francesca continues playing her beloved piano, rolling her eyes as she\u2019s \u201cinspected\u201d by the gentlemen of the Ton, and, above all, seeking solitude.<\/p>\n

This puts her in the orbit of John Stirling (Victor Alli), who joins her for some peace and quiet outside as the Ton dances the night away. Francesca eyes him with a surprised smile, and when John calls for Francesca at home, the pair humorously baffle her relatives as they enjoy more companionable silence.<\/p>\n

An awkward encounter sees Francesca discuss her music taste, and when she criticises one composition for its pace, John suddenly rushes away. At the next ball, he presents her with a scroll containing a revised music score of the same song, and Francesca is delighted.<\/p>

She immediately requests to leave, and John doesn\u2019t seem the least bit offended by her abruptness, the smile on her face enough to prove he\u2019s made the right call.<\/p>\n

And so, just as Penelope and Colin get passionate in a carriage<\/a>, a giddy Francesca sits at her piano and beams as she plays John\u2019s composition.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a scene which sits just as powerfully as Bridgerton\u2019s cliffhanger. As enthralling as Colin\u2019s love declaration is, John\u2019s gesture, and Francesca\u2019s reaction, should not be overlooked.<\/p>\n

Why? Well, while leading man Colin remains unaware of Penelope\u2019s secret identity<\/a>, his earlier arrogance isn\u2019t forgotten in the eyes of the viewer. Meanwhile, it doesn\u2019t take an epiphany for the humble John to know who, and what, he wants.<\/p>\n

\"Ruth\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton, Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton and Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton in Bridgerton.<\/span><\/figcaption> Liam Daniel\/Netflix <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As for Francesca, there is no scandal to speak of. In fact, unlike the other debutantes, she prefers to avoid attracting attention altogether until she\u2019s noticed by John.<\/p>\n

Of course, television drama thrives on scandal, as does Whistledown, but we don\u2019t need to see it in every corner.<\/p>\n

Francesca and John\u2019s is a simple tale about acceptance and appreciation, both of which John holds for Francesca from the moment they meet.<\/p>\n

She returns the sentiment, and this lack of complexity makes their bond that much more compelling, without secrecy or the tiresome trope of the character who undergoes a makeover to impress the person they truly want to be with.<\/p>\n

Francesca bypasses the chaos, and doesn\u2019t sacrifice the things she embraces most in life. This very attribute is exactly what draws Queen Charlotte to Francesca when she catches her at the piano instead of mingling at the ball, with the latter\u2019s refusal to conform mirroring the young monarch\u2019s spin-off story.<\/p>\n

Penelope and Colin may have been given the complex narrative, the conflict and even the sex scenes, but Francesca and John\u2019s connection feels all the more special for its gentler delivery and lack of fanfare, making it the superior love story of the season.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n