- Bridgerton season 3 introduced a significant change to Francesca’s love interest, Michael Stirling, who is now portrayed as Michaela Stirling, a woman.
- Francesca’s infertility story is a crucial aspect of her character in the book “When He Was Wicked,” so the show must not ignore this aspect of her character.
- Bridgerton can still include Francesca’s infertility story by focusing on it during her marriage to John Stirling.
Despite the massive book change, in season 3, Bridgerton must honor an integral part of Francesca’s story. The show shocked viewers when it revealed a twist that changed Francesca’s romance in her Bridgerton bookWhen He Was Wicked: Michael Stirling, her love interest, is now Michaela Stirling on the show. This decision astonished many fans, but it should not be that surprising considering the context—Bridgerton has always tried to be inclusive since its first season, adapting the books to allow people from all walks of life to see themselves in the characters.
In just one short scene, it is clear that Michaela embodies Michael’s personality—she is witty, charming, and has a devilish side. Michaela is just like Michael, only a different gender. It is an exciting change with great potential for Francesca’s romance. Francesca already has good chemistry with both John Stirling in Bridgerton season 3, and Michaela, which is how it should be, considering that they are both the great loves of her life. However, there is a critical component in When He Was Wicked that readers are rightfully concerned about.
Francesca’s Infertility Story In The Bridgerton Books Explained
In When He Was Wicked, Francesca Bridgerton struggles with infertility, a considerable part of her arc. She wants to be a mother more than her siblings, except maybe for Daphne. Francesca and John’s romance lasts for almost two years before he dies and she only conceives once, which ends in a miscarriage shortly after John’s death. She is married to Michael for almost five years before they finally conceive, and even then, they are nervous she won’t be able to carry to full term after years of trying. However, it does not stop Francesca from longing for a baby.
| Francesca Bridgerton’s Story | Book Year | Show Year |
|---|---|---|
| Francesca marries John Stirling | 1818 | 1815 |
| John Stirling dies, Francesca miscarries, Michael leaves for India | 1820 | – |
| Michael returns from India, Francesca goes to London for the season | 1824 | – |
| Francesca and Michael’s love story, ends in their marriage | 1824 | |
| Francesca gives birth to John II | 1829 |
Francesca wants a baby so much in her book that she travels to London early for the season to find a new husband so she can become a mother. Heartbreakingly, Francesca wants a child so much that she is willing to marry a man she does not love. It is her biggest dream and her biggest heartbreak. When He Was Wicked‘s second epilogue reveals that Francesca and Michael have two children, John and Janet. Now that Michael is Michaela, Bridgerton will have to reevaluate this part of Francesca’s story, and there is a chance they might not include it at all.
How Bridgerton Has Changed Francesca’s Book Story
Bridgerton season 3, episode 8, “Into The Light,” introduces Michaela Stirling, who is Michael in the books. Bridgerton has only had two gay couples—Brimsley and Reynolds in Queen Charlotte, and Henry Granville and Lord Wetherby in Bridgerton season 1. Both couples have to hide their relationships because Queen Charlotte and Bridgerton imply that this Regency era does not accept gay couples, which matches history. These circumstances suggest that the primary focus of Francesca and Michaela’s love story will revolve around their sexualities. Furthermore, Michaela is a cisgender woman, so unless Bridgerton plans to introduce IVF, it is unlikely they will keep Francesca’s infertility.
Bridgerton’s Book Change Is Good, But Francesca’s Infertility Story Is Still Important
It would be a disservice to Francesca if Bridgerton decides to ignore her infertility storyline. The introduction of Michaela Stirling proves that the show can keep the essence of a character, even if they change some aspects such as gender or race. All the Bridgerton siblings have their defining traits. Colin is a writer, for example, while Benedict is an artist. Both Eloise and Hyacinth are headstrong feminists who have no interest in settling down unless it is on their terms. Francesca has three defining traits: her introvertedness, distinguishing her from the rest of her siblings, her love of music, and her desire to become a mother.
Furthermore, Francesca’s sexuality does not mean she cannot experience infertility. Many lesbians and bisexual women also experience infertility, and their stories should not be left behind, either.
While Bridgerton has already portrayed the former characteristic, the show should not erase Francesca’s desire to be a mother—and, by extension, her infertility. Infertility affects many women around the world—according to the World Health Organization, one in six women experience infertility. Bridgerton should not forget their representation, especially since the show prides itself on its diversity. Infertility stories are often underrepresented in media, similar to LGBTQIA+ narratives. Furthermore, Francesca’s sexuality does not mean she cannot experience infertility. Many lesbians and bisexual women also experience infertility, and their stories should not be left behind, either.
It makes more sense for Bridgerton to keep Francesca’s infertility; she can bea beacon of representation for many women and LGBTQIA+ people. The show should allow Francesca to be with the woman she loves freely without erasing her infertility and desire for motherhood. Francesca’s siblings receive their happy endings—Daphne gets to be a mother and be with the man she loves. Anthony overcomes his trauma and chooses to be with Kate. Colin becomes a writer and marries his childhood friend. The remaining Bridgerton siblings will likely achieve happy endings without compromising their arcs. Francesca should be no different.
How Bridgerton Can Still Include Francesca’s Infertility Story
There is a way that Bridgerton could incorporate Francesca’s infertility storyline and keep Michaela Stirling. Ideally, this path works best if the show leaves Francesca’s story for season 6, just like When He Was Wicked is the sixth Bridgerton book. Under this method, Bridgerton season 4 can focus on Francesca’s infertility during her marriage to John. While Francesca’s infertility is not a focus while she is married to John, it is only because each book is specific to one Bridgerton sibling—Francesca does not have storylines outside When He Was Wicked.
Bridgerton‘s ensemble show allows Francesca to experience infertility during her marriage to John. This change could also allow Francesca to endure a miscarriage so that when John dies during her pregnancy, she carries to full term and gives birth to John—who is not biologically Michaela’s. However, Michaela will raise him with Francesca all the same. However, it is possible that Francesca miscarries in the book due to the stress of losing her husband, so rather than having him die before she gives birth, Francesca can carry to full term and give birth to their son before John passes away.
