With the final episodes of season 4 only just released, fans will already want to know — what can they expect in Bridgerton season 5

With apologies for certain spoilers (and surely catching the end of the season is high on the list for any fan?), it’s time to ask — what can we expect from the Bridgertons?

How did season 4 end (spoilers)

Netflix has provided a good guide to the state of play, which rather than repeat, we’ve decided to focus on what we see as the main themes. As we noted previously, season 4 is a riff on Cinderella for second son Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). While the season ends well for them, it’s less so for younger sister Francesca (clue in her outfit in the picture above). Eloise (Claudia Jessie) meanwhile seems becomes more reconciled with the marriage mart, particularly as most of her friends are now wed.

There’s also big changes ahead for Lady Whistedown. Other characters also had some interesting development, particularly Violet Bridgerton (the mother played by Ruth Gemmell).

So, what does this all bode for Bridgerton season 5

While the alphabetical sequencing of sibling marriages is not well followed (Daphne, Anthony, Colin, Benedict), it won’t be a surprise to find the spotlight on Eloise. We assume it will be informed by the fifth novel, To Sir Phillip, With Love. The tease is (co Julia Quinn’s site) is in the form of a letter:

My dear Miss Bridgerton,

We have been corresponding now for quite some time, and although we have never formally met, I feel as if I know you.

Forgive me if I am too bold, but I am writing to invite you to visit me. It is my hope that we might decide that we will suit, and you will consent to be my wife.
— Sir Phillip Crane

Rather direct and plenty more to read on the link. But, the season won’t all be about Eloise.

What happened to Lady Whistledown

The arc used by Shondaland for Lady Whistledown differs from the novels in many ways. We already knew it was Penelope at the end of season 1 and by the end of season 3, the game was up and Penelope was revealed to the world. Season 4 made some use of Whistledown, but in the end Penelope has been forced to walk away from the role — how can she report gossip without a secret identity?

But.

Towards the end of season 5 there’s a new Lady Whistledown, another secret for viewers and Penelope denies it being her to Colin. What does this all mean? We have our theories…