Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
Bridgerton is finally celebrating a lesbian romance – the homophobic reactions are gutting
Upon learning that Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela (Masali Baduza) would be the lead duo for season five, I was thrilled. Yet the rest of the so-called Bridgerton fandom swiftly doused my enthusiasm.
Social media has become a hub for intense reactions, splitting into two distinct groups: those lamenting Eloise’s love story being delayed and others, more fervently, expressing homophobia. The latter group threatens to boycott the series, dismissing the inclusion of a sapphic romance as a bold move.
“Why can’t they just stick to the ‘tradition’ of relationships in that period?”
This sentiment echoes across online comment sections, alongside comments like, “We do not have to make everything we watch gay.” The backlash against Francesca and Michaela’s romance, dubbed “Franchaela” by some, has been simmering since Michaela’s introduction at the end of season three in 2024.
While the majority of frustration centers on Eloise, whose character has long resisted marriage, her storyline is set to be explored in season five. For me, the concern seems misplaced, as Francesca’s journey has already been mapped out over two seasons. The seeds of her romance with Michaela were clearly sown earlier, making a prolonged focus on it feel redundant.
Some fans argue Francesca requires more time to grieve John’s death, which is depicted with a two-year time jump. Yet I can’t see how additional episodes of mourning would enrich her character further. Eloise, too, deserves equal space to develop her love story, much like Francesca had. Her arc will have ample room in season five, even if recent episodes have shown her as a repetitive figure pushing back against her mother’s marriage plans.
Historically, the show has altered timelines from the books, such as swapping Colin and Benedict’s roles. That change allowed for Benedict’s character growth and resolved Colin’s romantic tension with Penelope, a narrative arc akin to the current pairing. This shift proved beneficial, so why should the same logic not apply to Francesca and Michaela?
Moreover, the setting in the 1800s offers a unique context for exploring same-sex relationships. Without modern medical advances, the challenges of infertility would naturally extend to a couple in love, creating opportunities for broader representation. The argument that this would undermine Eloise’s storyline seems disingenuous, as her struggles have already been addressed.
While I would personally prefer Eloise to be central to a women-loving-women storyline, the show’s decision to focus on Francesca and Michaela is still commendable. Fans are getting to witness Eloise’s romance, so the backlash may be a bit excessive. I urge Eloise supporters to temper their outrage and ease the burden on Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza, who are already facing a wave of negative commentary.
Franchaela’s homophobia has been brewing since the character’s debut, often colored by misogynoir. LGBTQ+ characters have long been part of the Bridgerton universe, typically as secondary elements like Benedict’s bisexuality or Brimsley and Reynold’s romance in the Queen Charlotte spin-off. These moments usually drew positive responses, making the current anger against the new pairing all the more disheartening.
Bridgerton fans will be getting Eloise’s romance, so it’s certainly not the end of the world. The show’s ability to adapt and expand its narrative continues to impress, even as some cling to the notion that tradition must remain unchanged.
