Though it is a dominant part of the story, Queen Charlotte’s romance is not the only thing going on. With a race for a Royal heir and a focus on Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) and Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas) in the 1814 storyline, there is more going on. Queen Charlotte leaves a few loose ends, especially concerning Lady Danbury and Violet. First, the spin-off reveals that Violet is interested in love again, and later, it creates tension in Lady Danbury and Violet’s friendship as Violet learns that her father and Lady Danbury had an affair. These open plotlines could and should be addressed elsewhere, specifically in Bridgerton, as the two shows are already connected. Lady Danbury and Violet play important roles in the original series, making their conflicts relevant. Season 3 has set up a new love interest for Violet, proving that these stories can go on without a second season of Queen Charlotte.
Similarly, one of the biggest lingering questions from Queen Charlotte is what happened to Brimsley (Sam Clemmett) and Reynolds (Freddie Dennis)? The franchise’s first gay couple are important characters in the series, but the finale showed Brimsley in 1814 dancing alone as he remembered a moment he shared with Reynolds. There is no more information about what happened to Reynolds, if they broke up amicably, or if Reynolds tragically died in the intervening 50 years. Certainly, it is a question worth answering, but it’s not enough to justify a new season of a show that doesn’t have a clear path forward.
‘Queen Charlotte’s End Could Open Up Opportunites for Other Characters
It’s impossible to deny that Queen Charlotte was a success. Not only did it get attention after its release, but it is back among Netflix’s most-watched shows a year after its end. This means the powers that be will want more of it. However, there is another solution. Rather than continuing this series, Netflix could make a new one, or a few of them, establishing a further reaching Bridgerton universe. There are many characters in the world of Bridgerton with love stories to tell, each different than the last. Perhaps a series about Brimsley and Reynolds could answer the lingering question of their future while welcoming back familiar faces from Queen Charlotte. Or else a series about Violet as she falls for her husband, Edmund Bridgerton (Rupert Evans), whose love is of particular importance as it greatly impacts their children’s lives and continues to inspire each of them to find their own romance.
Even less prominent characters have love stories that could expand the universe, creating many opportunities for such spin-offs. Mary Sharma’s (Shelley Conn) backstory could justify a series. Or any of the almost-too-good characters who are cast off by the romantic lead as they chase their true love. Julia Quinn, who wrote the book series the show is based on, has other series set in the same world that could be used. Or else Netflix could go in a new direction and explore other romances. Since there is no clear path to continuing Queen Charlotte specifically, this energy is better spent on other characters, especially as, with the early drama and where they stand in Bridgerton, the King and Queen deserve a break.
