Among Bridgerton‘s large ensemble cast, one season 1 character has faded into the background — but Bridgerton season 3’s shocking ending gives her a way to make her essential return. While other Bridgerton seasons have ended with grand romantic gestures, season 3 offered a more dramatic turn of events. After several episodes of dodging the Queen’s advances and coming clean with her family members, Penelope finally tells the ton that she is Lady Whistledown. This revelation, though important, will not be the end of the gossip columnist. In fact, the shock waves that come next could prove even juicier.

The Lady Whistledown mystery is one of the most vital storylines set up in Bridgerton season 3. Although Penelope and Colin are at the center of it, the entire ton is affected by the hunt for her identity. Cressida Cowper’s life is ruined by her Lady Whistledown scheme, while the Queen, Eloise, and others learn to forgive and show mercy. Penelope’s revelation is only the start though. Her commitment to using Whistledown more positively insinuates that the column will change in coming seasons. Furthermore, the truth of Penelope’s identity could bring familiar faces out of the woodwork.

One Hugely Important Character Is Still Missing From Bridgerton

Marina Thompson Never Appears In Season 3

Bridgerton season 3 juggles many characters and their stories, but one person from season 1 never makes an appearance: Marina Thompson. Although Colin visits Marina and her baby in Bridgerton season 2, the latest season does not give any glimpses of the young woman. Presumably, she is still at her estate with her husband and baby, but this isn’t confirmed. Marina does receive a few mentions though, particularly in regard to Penelope being Lady Whistledown. Colin wonders how Penelope could have written such cruel things about Marina, and Pen argues that she was trying to protect Colin.

Ultimately, it is strange that Marina never even makes a cameo in Bridgerton season 3 because she played such an integral role in Colin’s story.

Ultimately, it is strange that Marina never even makes a cameo in Bridgerton season 3 because she played such an integral role in Colin’s story. Many characters doubt Colin due to his strong feelings and his eagerness to act, and Marina is a perfect example of this. In season 1, Colin is prepared to marry Marina within a week or two. Therefore, it is a bit sad that Marina’s character ebbs away as Colin finds his true love. This is especially true since Colin was so committed to seeing her just one season earlier.

Marina Is Crucial For Eloise’s Bridgerton Story

Marina Needs To Come Back For Eloise’s Romance

The following section contains spoilers for Julia Quinn’s novel, To Sir Phillip, With Love.

Marina’s absence from Bridgerton season 3 is questionable for another significant reason. According to Julia Quinn’s books, Marina needs to come back for Eloise’s Bridgerton story. In To Sir Phillip, With Love, Eloise begins a correspondence with Sir Phillip Crane after his wife, Marina, suddenly dies. She sends her condolences, and they quickly form an unexpected bond. Thus, their romance begins. However, this story will never be able to happen unless Marina returns, and unfortunately, dies. Audiences have already seen her distant relationship with Phillip Crane, so the second half of her story must fall into place.

It would be kinder to include more than an arranged marriage, social ruin, and an untimely death in Marina’s Bridgerton story.

Considering Marina’s tragic fate, it is even more disappointing that she does not appear in Bridgerton season 3. If Marina is doomed to die, it would have been beneficial to check in on her during season 3. Some closure with Colin would have been satisfying. Above all, it would be kinder to include more than an arranged marriage, social ruin, and an untimely death in her Bridgerton story. However, season 3’s ending does open one possible door for Marina. Penelope’s revelation could give Marina a reason to return to Bridgerton one last time before her eventual death.

Penelope’s Whistledown Reveal Sets Up Marina’s Return

Marina Could Confront Penelope

Image via Netflix

After Penelope reveals her identity as Lady Whistledown, she notes that people may not be happy with her as time goes on. Certain individuals will likely hold a grudge against Penelope for what she has written. Someone who could be at the top of this list is Marina Thompson. Marina does not see Penelope’s speech at the Dankworth-Finch ball, so her identity will come as a painful shock. In many ways, Penelope’s writings are the reason Marina is so unhappy. In this way, Marina could return in Bridgerton season 4 to confront Penelope.

Marina Thompson is played by Ruby Barker.

It would be a good thing to see Marina return in the next season of Bridgerton. Even if she appears only to challenge Penelope, it would be nice to see her before her tragic end. Although Marina does not have a happily ever after, she certainly deserves closure for her season 1 storyline. Plus, Marina’s return will remind viewers of her importance. When she passes away, it won’t feel so sudden, and Eloise’s love story can begin without a hitch. Hopefully, Bridgerton can get Marina to return one last time.