Bridgerton season 4 appears to be setting up a fascinating journey of self-discovery for Francesca Bridgerton.
Bridgerton season four is now on Netflix with the first four episodes introducing some exciting plots, which are expected to unravel in the second half of the season. The hit series will return for part two on February 26 and fans have plenty of questions that need to be answered.
While season four focuses on the connection between newcomer Sophie Baek (played by Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), another Bridgerton sibling has stepped into the spotlight as Francesca (Hannah Dodd) raised questions about intimacy in her relationship with husband John Stirling (Victor Alli).
Following their small wedding at the end of season three, the couple appeared to be trying to conceive a child in season four. Francesca was worried something was amiss as she was yet to fall pregnant, later discovering she had not yet reached her “pinnacle”, meaning orgasm.
Fans of the series have questioned Francesca’s sexuality since the third season, when she appeared to be captivated by John’s cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza). Francesca actress Dodd opened up to Entertainment Weekly about what can be expected in her storyline this season, teasing: “I think, as an introverted person, Michaela sort of makes [Francesca] step forward, and there’s tension, and she has to confront things.
“It’s just a completely different energy. She doesn’t understand what it is, but it’s just a very different vibe. And I think it makes her look at herself and maybe feel a bit more bold.” Here is everything you need to know about Michaela Stirling and her role in Francesca’s life.
Who is Michaela Stirling in Bridgerton?
Michaela Stirling is John’s cousin, who came to Mayfair after John married Francesca. She intended to travel back to Scotland with the newlyweds plus Francesca’s sister, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) who was going to live with them.
When she first met Francesca, she teased that whatever stories John had told her were lies, and the truth was actually much worse. This was the first glimpse of Michaela’s feisty personality that Francesca noticed.
Michaela is close to John, which is likely to make Francesca feel even more awkward about her return in season four. John and Michaela are likely to talk openly about their feelings and relationships, which is something Francesca may not be used to.
Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell told Entertainment Weekly that Michaela’s presence will push John and Francesca out of their comfort zone in the second half of the season. She said: “I think Michaela is Fran’s direct opposite in a lot of ways.
“And just as Fran and John are finding a sense of peace, a sense of ease, here comes Michaela who is chaotic and loves to spice things up. So it’s definitely going to throw Fran and John for a bit of a loop and test them both a bit.”
What happens between Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling?
Francesca’s storyline in the TV adaptation of Julia Quinn’s novels is the one that has seen perhaps the most drastic change. In Francesca’s book, When He Was Wicked, Michaela is actually a man, called Michael.
Michael falls in love with Francesca from the moment he lays eyes on her, which happens to be a couple of days before her wedding to John. Knowing she is already in a loving relationship, Michael keeps his feelings to himself.
Tragically, John dies two years into their marriage, having complained of a headache one morning. After John’s death, Michael takes up his position as the Earl of Kilmartin, however he heads off to India, leaving Francesca in charge of the estate.
Four years later, Michael and Francesca reunite in London and they end up getting married. While this is yet to come to fruition in the series, the introduction of Michaela suggests a love triangle is on the horizon.
Bridgerton season 4 part 2 lands on Netflix on February 26
