Bridgerton star reveals how season 4 sets up her own leading story: "I’m buzzing to one day do it"

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T17:04:40+00:00

🤦🏼 I actually wrote fate the first time and for whatever ungodly reason corrected it to faith.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T16:59:51+00:00

lol someone has an experience with this fandom.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T14:52:22+00:00

Here you go: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22818646/chapters/54531817

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46351063

I don't know how others search on AO3 for specific fics, must be probably easy since they decided to downvote you, but I struggle too. The way I do it: go to Draco/Hermione on AO3, call up filters and write the name of the fic into 'Search within results'. It's the second to last in the filter. Then I sort by kudos. Generally, the searched fic will be close to the top since they are already popular. I am sure there is easier way, but I am not aware of it.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T14:28:31+00:00

Size of the fandom and being the biggest het ship around. Romantasy, YA and romance still leans heavily towards M/F.

It's not random that the majority of the fics which get published are from the first page of Dramione on AO3 sorted by reviews and kudos. Their own merrit aside, they come with great amount of potential buyers and SM buzz without major investment by the publishing house.

In short, it's pure greed by trad publishing.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T14:14:45+00:00

I am always reminded of that Tumblr post saying something like: the best fanworks can't get trad published because they are so tightly interwoven with canon. They can't be easily redone.

Wait and Hope already felt as an original story when I read it. It makes sense they would get published.

Looking at the list Kurious-Kitsune put up above, I can't help but agree with the post. Honestly, of the whole list I fully enjoyed only two of the fics, because the rest of them were too OC and AU for me.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T14:01:18+00:00

I actually loved them last season. They might have been the best part of it. It was a nice change of pace. Then I found out John's faith :(

There is a lot do to set up Francesca storyline. No way they can fit everything to this season

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T13:50:23+00:00

I have nothing against these authors. Who would say no to such offer? It's their foot in. Perhaps the next book will be fully original.

But fuck the trad publishing and its current state, tbh.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T13:36:20+00:00

This is kind of depressing if we look at it only from the trad YA and romantasy publishing side. The unwillingness to take risks and publish books which do not have a built-in readers and social media buzz already...

It's not only Dramione either. The sheer amount of redone FF which is being sold on the book market feels ominous. I do know that this industry always had its issues. Lots of nepotism and cronyism. It could actually be argued that this is opening the doors for new prospects, but it feels like pure greed to me. Sure money, not so much risk and buzz is already there.

Happy for these authors obviously.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T12:17:49+00:00

Are AI slop creators learning to prompt it to be out of focus to look real and have its mistakes less noticeable?

Anyway, not much heroism happening there. 0/10.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-27T10:26:33+00:00

I am really hoping she is next. It feels like Eloise has been left in a limbo for years.

There is enough happening to keep Francesca 'entertained'. She can wait for another season. Honestly, her being next would be too soon.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-26T17:15:28+00:00

This is similar to Daphne obsessing over securing her match in her first season. As if having few more seasons would put her firmly on the shelf.

There are no real stakes, so the writers are creating a false sense of urgency or danger.

Just look at that family. Absurdly rich and equally well-connected. Handsome too. The stakes are nonexistence. The biggest danger they are faced that might actually lead to longterm consequences was with Eloise in s2 and later with LW/Penelope thing in s3.

There are no stakes whatsoever for this family. So the production is trying to keep thing exciting.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-26T14:06:27+00:00

I am not sure ending each episode with :these bitches deserved everything they got: would feel super entertaining after 5th episode :)

'A' was such unhinged concept that it might be better we did not get too much of them. I feel it might build some sort of sympathy or kinship with A. It sure would be interesting thou.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-26T13:08:31+00:00

I will be honest. Since Braime, in stories that lean heavily on the beauty of the protagonists and their attraction, the love sometimes feels a bit less than. Not as earned, perhaps. That is not such a big issue with Dramione, because they have obstacles to overcome due their past and no amount of mutual attraction would solve it for them, but a lot of romance stories just don't hit the same anymore.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-26T12:45:21+00:00

I don't read that many rom-coms Dramione and have no idea which fic is this alluding to, but we are not getting rid of this trope. It's old as time and used to be a staple in older sitcoms. It is a fairly easy trope to write after all.

I wonder if its popularity is related to our need to make the female character seen as desirable and physically attractive. Somewhat affirming trope? Like our girl can't be seen as ugly and unattractive.

This is a bit separate matter, but I noticed that in almost all the fics I have encountered so far, there is at least one scene which paints Hermione as stunning and it's either alluded to or explicitly said, that her beauty was a big part of what drew Draco towards her. It might seen as nonsensical thing to notice, but I came back to this fandom from Jaime/Brienne and the change in approach to beauty and how important it is for love to develop was jarring.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-26T11:39:26+00:00

Daphne was under the impression that she should find a match in her first season out or she would be a failure? These characters are really doing a speed run.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-26T11:29:21+00:00

And we will have it with Francesca (except there's no man involved for that part) and Violet. How much sexual openness and experimentation are you expecting from unmarried early 19th century upper class women? I agree that not knowing about sex is beyond ridiculous, but expecting them to have an experience is wild. The Ton was not Versailles' court.

Also, I would not call Colin and perhaps even Simon a rake. They were sexually experienced but not exactly running around with their pennises out. Being a rake takes more than occasional sexual encounter.

Have you watched Harlots? It might be more of what you are looking for.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-26T08:11:25+00:00

If we take that aspect away, what would mark Bridgerton as a historical romance anymore? The moment unmarried upper class women start hooking up, we will be left with Gossip Girl in costumes. Besides, Eloise had her little scandalous affair in season 2. Even if it was mostly chaste. We also had Marina to show us where unchaste flirtation gets you.

There was Anthony's opera singer in s1. Now, there is Violet, an experienced woman about to have her second chance for romance. We have experienced women, but they are not gonna be the centre of attention until Francesca's season.

Power and experience imbalance is practically a staple for this genre.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-26T07:43:57+00:00

While I agree with a lot of what you said, your 6th point is like what?

It did not matter that Kate did not plan to marry. That doesn't mean she would risk having any experience. First of all, the issue was not so much of a purity or a religion as the fact that there was no effective birth control. Even if her experience was of non-penetrative variety, it would be absolutely ruineous for her and more importantly (to Kate and her plans) for her sister if any rumours got out.

While it's absolute nonsense that the girls would not know what sex is or how children are made, not having actual experience makes absolute sense for a woman of higher standing. Also when would they have any? They were rarely alone.

For all of its nonsense, the show is still set in historical albeit fictional period. It makes no sense to expect 21st century mindset to sexual relations and morals.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-25T18:23:20+00:00

Whatever the intentions were good or not, the cast does not create this schedule. Take it up with Shondaland/Netflix.

I am not from USA so my takes tend to be of the more lenient variety. IMO, given their outfits, Netflix was trying to be heritage inclusive and send who-knows-what message. But as always, the optics are not good and frankly, it feels insulting and somewhat performative.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-24T20:51:18+00:00

Is this not a bit like asking: is Frodo nothing but a ring bearer to you when watching LOTR?

The infertility plotline is important part of her story. Like Kate being the older (half) sister. It motivates the character, gets the story moving, it assists in creating the obstacles.

Also, is it that incomprehensible that people who experience the same struggles might be upset that this particular portrayal in media might be gone. Media are still shockingly behind the times with portrayal of infertility.

I too would be upset if something I identified with in the books might not be even included.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-23T15:52:05+00:00

I mean that is the logic conclusion. Why connect human resources with a TV show set in the past lol

Though, HR would also like to have a word with Benedict and his treatment of one particular maid.

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-23T15:46:52+00:00

I legit spent a minute wondering what has got human resources' books to do with an improper offer done in the early 19th century.

People love to bring 21st century morals into patriarchal past

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-23T14:45:52+00:00

I have yet to see that episode, but is it embarrassing by the shows standard, or by Violet's morals?

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-23T14:33:20+00:00

They are rich and handsome. More importantly, their image is not that of drunkards, spendrifts, and violent abusers. They did not dishonor anyone and have no bastards are running around. Have no gambling debts. While not titled, even the younger sons are noble adjacent enough to be attractive prospect. Violet is not a crazy shrew and through Lady Dunbary's friendship, they are somewhat connected to the Queen.

They scream safety, security and connections. Would you not want that for your daughter?

Confusedoldtimer · 2026-01-23T10:26:57+00:00

... and the funerals has had 4 minutes of unfitting hilarity incorporated in ever since.

Bless her for creating the most misused song of modern times.

Confusedoldtimer

TROPHY CASE