Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Eloise’s Bridgerton book, To Sir Phillip, With Love.

Although Bridgerton season 4 hasn’t premiered yet, we’re looking ahead to season 5, which will probably feature Eloise as the main character, but it can’t rely on her book to formulate its narrative. The Netflix show is based on Julia Quinn’s book series of the same name, with each season carrying out one Bridgerton family member’s love story, just like the novels. Throughout all three aired seasons of Bridgerton, the show has made many changes to the books. However, they have all stuck to the basis of every character’s tale. For Eloise, though, the series must stray from the norm.

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, pᴀssion 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 pᴀssionate 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 ᴀssume 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 ᴀssistant (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 pᴀssionate and stubborn, and they fight for social justice. Unfortunately, word soon gets out that Eloise is fraternizing with someone from a lower class.

Given Eloise’s privilege, she isn’t subjected to as much ridicule as Theo, which is why she tells him they can’t see each other anymore. They ended their relationship on a bitter note, and it never felt like Eloise and Theo truly got closure in Bridgerton. So, the Netflix series would be wise to bring back Theo to continue his and Eloise’s story, seeing as they’re perfect for one another.

Season 4 Would Need To Start Setting Up Eloise’s Book Story (But It Likely Won’t)

Phillip’s Character Is All But A Distant Memory Now

Since Eloise’s romance is likely coming in Bridgerton season 5, the show would have to start laying the groundwork for her story in season 4. If it were to adapt To Sir Phillip, With Love fully, Eloise would likely start writing to Phillip in season 4. However, based on everything we know about the upcoming episodes, it doesn’t seem like Phillip is involved in the season.

Bridgerton has also cornered itself into a bad spot concerning Eloise’s book story. In the novels, Marina is the Bridgerton family’s cousin, not the Featherington’s. So, it doesn’t make much sense why Eloise would send a condolence letter to the widow of her best friend’s cousin, especially one who hasn’t been seen or mentioned since his brief appearance in season 2. Ultimately, Eloise’s connection to Phillip is completely gone.

Bridgerton Could Establish The Perfect Complement To Benedict’s Romance With Eloise’s Love Story

Both Could Be Rags-To-Riches Stories

One of the most intriguing reasons why Bridgerton should abandon Eloise’s romance in the books completely concerns Benedict. The second-oldest Bridgerton sibling finds love with someone from a lower class, Sophie Baek, meaning their story in season 4 follows the rags-to-riches trope. Meanwhile, if the series brings Theo back, Bridgerton could explore the same storyline for Eloise’s season, but with swapped gender roles. Netflix’s alternative history romance could then compare and contrast Benedict’s tale with Eloise’s and how both are treated by society.

Eloise’s bond with Benedict is undoubtedly the strongest among the Bridgerton siblings, as they’re quite similar. So, it would make sense if their respective romances in the show were alike, making it important that Eloise and Benedict are central figures in each other’s stories. Theo’s return in season 5 would ensure that Benedict and Sophie remain significant characters after their season​​​​​, a feat that has yet to be accomplished in Bridgerton.