Eloise Bridgerton’s story in *Bridgerton* Season 5 faces a significant challenge: her book arc in Julia Quinn’s *To Sir Phillip, With Love* clashes with the character fans have come to love on the Netflix series. In the fifth novel, Eloise, at 28, is a spinster grappling with loneliness after years of rejecting marriage. She begins corresponding with Sir Phillip Crane, the widower of her cousin Marina Thompson, following Marina’s death. Their letters lead to a romance, and Eloise eventually marries Phillip, adopting his two children from his first marriage. This storyline, while fitting the Regency-era constraints of the books, feels out of step with the Eloise portrayed on screen.

The Netflix adaptation has reimagined Eloise, played by Claudia Jessie, as a fiercely independent, witty, and truth-driven feminist who balks at societal expectations. Unlike her book counterpart, who eventually softens to the idea of marriage out of fear of solitude, the show’s Eloise is more radical—passionate about intellectual pursuits, dismissive of courtship, and deeply skeptical of the patriarchal structures around her. Her friendship with Penelope Featherington, her detective-like obsession with uncovering Lady Whistledown, and her growing awareness of social inequalities (like her bond with Theo Sharpe in Season 2) have shaped her into a character who feels far removed from the book’s version. Forcing her into the book’s narrative—where she marries Phillip after a pen-pal romance—would feel like a betrayal of her established arc.

The show has already diverged significantly from the books in other ways, setting a precedent for change. For instance, Marina Thompson, a key figure in Eloise’s book story, is reimagined as Penelope’s cousin in the series, and her arc ends differently—she marries Phillip early on, and there’s no indication of her death by Season 3, which aired in 2024. Additionally, Phillip’s character has been underdeveloped on screen, making a sudden romance with Eloise feel unearned. Fans on X have echoed this sentiment, with many arguing that Eloise’s feminist ideals and disdain for traditional romance make the book’s plot incompatible. One user posted in June 2024, “Eloise marrying some random widower after a few letters? That’s not the Eloise we know—she’d rather burn the ton down than settle like that.”

Adapting *To Sir Phillip, With Love* directly would also undermine the show’s themes of empowerment and agency, which resonate strongly with its modern audience. Eloise’s Season 3 arc already hints at a different path—she’s questioning her place in society more deeply, especially after her fallout with Penelope over the Whistledown reveal. Her growing friendship with Cressida Cowper and her reluctance to conform suggest a story more aligned with self-discovery than a rushed marriage. The showrunners have a chance to craft a narrative that honors Eloise’s unique spirit—perhaps exploring her involvement in social reform, her intellectual pursuits, or even a romance that challenges Regency norms rather than conforming to them.

*Bridgerton* has already taken liberties with other characters’ stories—Daphne’s marriage to Simon in Season 1, Anthony’s arc in Season 2, and Colin and Penelope’s accelerated romance in Season 3 all deviate from the books to suit the show’s tone and audience expectations. Eloise’s story demands a similar overhaul. Sticking to the book would not only alienate fans but also diminish one of the show’s most dynamic characters. Season 5, expected around 2026 based on production timelines, should prioritize Eloise’s growth as a trailblazer over a traditional happily-ever-after, giving her the spotlight she deserves in a way that feels true to her on-screen evolution.

Eloise has been a fan favorite Bridgerton character from the beginning, despite not being the central figure in any season (yet). Her strong, unyielding personality, passion for the truth, and secretly caring nature make her stick out from the crowd. As a result, many are eager to see Eloise’s season of Bridgerton. When it comes time for Eloise to step into the spotlight, the worst decision that the Netflix alternative history romance TV series can make is to adapt her book story to a tee. In fact, Bridgerton should stray from To Sir Phillip, With Love entirely.

Bridgerton’s Eloise Is Much Different From Her Book Character

The Netflix Show Completely Changes Her Character

In the Bridgerton book series, Eloise’s romance takes center stage in the fifth novel, To Sir Phillip, With Love. At 28 years old, she is considered a spinster and has found herself quite lonely and fearful of ending up alone. Then, when her cousin, Marina Thompson (who is portrayed as Penelope Featherington’s cousin in the show), dies, Eloise writes a condolence letter to her widowed husband, Sir Phillip Crane. The two continue corresponding, resulting in a blossoming romance. One thing leads to another, and Eloise ends up marrying Phillip in the Bridgerton book and adopting his two children.

Eloise is, without a doubt, the most outspoken, stubborn, rebellious, and independent character in Bridgerton. As for her role in Julia Quinn’s novels, the fifth Bridgerton sibling is very different. The two separate characters share some similarities, of course. But, their qualities are different enough to be quite noticeable (and give reason to the Netflix series to ignore the events of To Sir Phillip, With Love).

For starters, book Eloise isn’t as against marriage as show Eloise. Yes, she is passionate about women’s rights and social justice. However, she isn’t as outspoken or rebellious about it in Quinn’s narrative like she is in the Netflix alternative history romance TV series. Additionally, Eloise is much more cynical and pessimistic in Bridgerton. As a result, her getting her book ending in the show is not believable, especially because, from what we’ve seen so far, Eloise doesn’t exactly have a motherly instinct (which isn’t a bad thing).

Eloise Deserves Better Than Her Love Interest In The Novels

Phillip Is The Worst Bridgerton Spouse

The TV series must change Eloise’s book story completely because she also arguably has the worst Bridgerton spouse, Phillip. We haven’t seen him much in the show, at least, not enough to judge his character fully. But if Phillip is anything like To Sir Phillip, With Love‘s version of Eloise’s husband, he shouldn’t be her central love interest in Netflix’s Bridgerton.

Phillip isn’t exactly the best husband to Marina in Julia Quinn’s novels, as he is quite abusive, and he surely isn’t very kind to Eloise, either. From what we know about her character, the TV show’s Eloise wouldn’t put up with Phillip’s behavior in the book. Also, since Phillip is known to neglect his kids, there is no way that Eloise would let that slide and assume all responsibility for the children. Bridgerton could alter Phillip’s character and personality to be kinder and less problematic, but his behavior isn’t the only reason the TV series must change Eloise’s story.

Bridgerton Already Introduced A Character Much Better Suited For Eloise Than Phillip

Theo Is Perfect For Eloise

Aside from Eloise deserving better than her book husband in Bridgerton, she already has someone who could be an exciting, worthwhile prospect — Theo Sharpe. Some fans subscribe to the notion that the show should bring Theo back and make him Eloise’s main love interest (and I’m one of them). As many will recall, season 2 introduced Theo as a printer’s assistant (and a women’s rights activist) at the shop that Lady Whistledown used to print her scandalous pamphlets. Eloise discovers this, and Theo helps her in her search for the anonymous gossip columnist.

Throughout their time together, Eloise and Theo develop a close bond; one that turns romantic by the end of Bridgerton season 2. They’re both passionate and stubborn, and they fight for social justice. Unfortunately, word soon gets out that Eloise is fraternizing with someone from a lower class.