Netflix’s seasons 1 and 2 made a point to show more of the siblings and the family as a whole compared to the books, but one character in particular still felt underutilized despite that. ’s structure following one different sibling each season emphasizes the sibling and their quest to find love without disregarding their brothers and sisters' storylines. However, the singular focus on one sibling also tends to reflect only on the siblings closest to the protagonist each season, with the eldest being at seasons 1 and 2’s center making the youngest among the Bridgertons feel almost strangers.
seasons 1 and 2 already showed how it was often the same Bridgertons being at the main storylines’ front and center, with some developments teasing future seasons’ protagonists and others simply being the focus of stories parallel to the main character’s journey. However, the newfound prominence of previously ignored siblings like Francesca, hinting at changes for the period drama’s third installment that may properly shape more Bridgerton siblings compared to before. This could help highlight one young Bridgerton in particular, whose input in the books is superbly entertaining even before their story’s centrality.
While Hyacinth appeared in every episode of seasons 1 and 2, the defining qualities of her character in the books have yet to make an appearance in the TV show. season 2 dropped small hints about both her liveliness and piercing wit, especially when she teased Eloise that she would make a “” only to incite Violet to agree and continue badgering Eloise about dances and suitors. Still, with seasons 1 and 2’s focus being on the eldest sister and brother respectively, Hyacinth’s role within the family was overlooked
and she didn’t have time to shine.
Hyacinth being the youngest Bridgerton makes her one of the last to pursue love, leaving the show time before the season focusing on her. However, considering the stories of the Bridgerton siblings still untold, there are only two or three seasons maximum that can fully establish Hyacinth’s defining characteristics, including season 3. Indeed, were Eloise and Francesca’s seasons to follow their book stories, they would happen far away from London, making it more difficult for the other Bridgertons to appear
. This would leave only Colin and Benedict’s seasons to fully flesh out Hyacinth as a character.
Penelope being Eloise’s friend brought her inside the Bridgertons’ house plenty of times, but ’s focus being on Colin & Penelope’s love story will surely increase her visits to them. This could potentially offer Penelope’s perspective in observing the Bridgertons as an outsider, something that was rarely seen aside from Lady Whistledown’s words
in seasons 1 and 2. Seeing the Bridgertons through Penelope’s eyes was also a main fixture of the fourth book, , which offered a peculiar perspective that involved almost none of the Bridgerton brothers while focusing on the Bridgerton women.
Their frequent informal gatherings involving Penelope guaranteed more freedom than the ton’s parties, which offered a unique insight into the joviality of those meetings and the carefree true character of many of the Bridgerton women, from the newest Viscountess Kate to Violet, to Hyacinth. The latter’s devious wit especially shined in their speculative talks about Lady Whistledown’s identity, unveiling Hyacinth’s inquisitive mind and single-mindedness
, as Violet described it, when she wanted to uncover something. With Violet going as far as calling Hyacinth “” in , season 3 could offer so much in detailing Hyacinth’s qualities.
and Penelope’s story might make it more unlikely for Hyacinth to debut in society as well, especially if there won’t be too big of a time jump between
seasons 2 and 3, unlike the books. Still, one of Hyacinth’s central qualities was her understanding, acceptance, and even enjoyment of the ton’s functions in the books, with this detail being even more prominent in the books before her own, including .
season 2, episode 7 already offered a glimpse of the fun Hyacinth had while dancing in the Danbury-Bridgerton ball to promote harmony, as she was the only one willing to continue. However, Hyacinth’s debut in society during Colin and Penelope’s courtship highlights even more her ability to make the most of the ton’s parties in , as her participation with the rest of the older Bridgertons highlighted how her approach fully contrasted Eloise’s unwillingness, instead showing the fun Hyacinth manages to have despite Violet reminding her that her whole focus should be finding a husband.
The books often highlighted how some of the siblings actively searched for a partner, whether out of duty or because they knew love could be found from their older siblings finding it. However, unusually explains Hyacinth’s take on Violet’s matchmaking, as Penelope learns directly from Hyacinth how she is willing to let Violet do all the work and then “” highlighting a practical approach, unlike her siblings. While these revelations are unlikely to happen in season 3, it could still focus on Hyacinth in other ways, mirroring
’s insights into Hyacinth.
Bridgerton season 3, part 1 releases May 16, 2024 on Netflix, followed by part 2 on June 13, 2024.
