Why Cressida Cowper Deserved Better: An Alternate Ending for Her Story in Season 3
In Bridgerton, a series known for its sweeping romances, lavish sets, and intricate character arcs, few characters have sparked as much controversy and division as Cressida Cowper. A lady of the ton, Cressida was initially introduced as one of the show’s antagonists, a socialite whose jealousy and sharp tongue made her a character many loved to hate. But as the story unfolded through Bridgerton season 3, it became increasingly clear that Cressida’s story arc could have been much more nuanced, and she deserved a better ending.
Season 3 of Bridgerton primarily focuses on the romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, but Cressida Cowper’s story is one that left many fans questioning: Why wasn’t she given more of a chance? Why was her narrative arc reduced to mere antagonism without the exploration of her deeper motivations or a satisfying resolution?
In this article, we will explore why Cressida Cowper deserves a better ending in Bridgerton season 3, propose an alternate ending for her character, and delve into the significance of a more complex portrayal of her role in the show.
Who Is Cressida Cowper in Bridgerton?
Before diving into her alternate ending, let’s first revisit who Cressida Cowper is within the context of the Bridgerton universe.
Cressida Cowper, played by actress Jessica Madsen, is introduced as a recurring character in season 1 of Bridgerton as one of the debutantes in Regency-era London. She is part of the high-society world of the ton and is shown to be an ambitious, sharp-tongued young woman with a taste for gossip. Cressida is often portrayed as an antagonist, especially in her rivalry with Daphne Bridgerton.
While Cressida’s jealousy and spitefulness are undeniable, the show presents her as a product of the rigid class system and her own insecurities, something that is largely unexplored in later seasons. In season 3, Cressida’s presence is felt primarily in the background, with her role largely relegated to being a foil for other characters rather than a central figure in the drama.
Cressida’s portrayal in the show is somewhat one-dimensional, and viewers are left wondering what her deeper motivations are, especially given her social standing and the pressures she faces as a member of the ton.
Why Cressida Deserved a More Complex Storyline
In the first two seasons of Bridgerton, Cressida Cowper is presented as an antagonist—nothing more than a jealous rival. However, a deeper look at her character reveals that she could have been far more than just the “mean girl.” The limitations placed on her role in the series have led many fans to believe that she deserved better—an opportunity to develop and show more depth.
1. Cressida’s Social Struggles and Insecurities
Cressida is portrayed as being extremely focused on status, wealth, and securing a good marriage, which are significant themes in the Regency era. However, rather than exploring the reasons behind her obsession with these ideals, the show focuses on her attempts to belittle others, such as Daphne and later Penelope.
Her rivalry with Daphne in season 1, for instance, could have been explored more deeply. Cressida’s bitterness and jealously of Daphne are shown, but little is revealed about Cressida’s own insecurities or fears about her place in society. In an era where women’s worth was often defined by their marriage prospects, Cressida’s desire for attention and status could have been an opportunity to dive into a more layered and tragic storyline.
Imagine, for instance, if Cressida’s obsession with securing a title or status came from a deep-seated fear of being overlooked or deemed unworthy. A deeper exploration of her backstory could have shown her as more than just an antagonist, but a woman driven by her own complex feelings of inadequacy.
2. Cressida’s Underrated Relationships and Potential Alliances
Another area where Cressida could have been more fleshed out is in her interactions with other characters. For example, her relationship with Lady Whistledown (Penelope) is a missed opportunity for intrigue. While it’s clear that Cressida has a penchant for gossip and is always in the know about London’s elite, her potential alliance with Whistledown could have been explored more thoroughly.
Instead of being portrayed as a simple antagonist, Cressida could have formed a more complex relationship with Penelope as a rival for the title of the most well-connected lady in the ton. Their mutual interest in secrets, rumors, and social maneuvering could have led to a fascinating dynamic, where Cressida’s ambition and cunning were used to her advantage. This could have been an intriguing storyline, especially if Cressida realized that her place in society wasn’t solely dependent on her marriage prospects but on her own intelligence and influence.
By exploring the possibility of an alliance or even a grudging respect between Cressida and Penelope, the show could have given Cressida a much-needed arc where she evolves into a more dynamic character.
3. Cressida’s Love Life Could Have Added Depth
In many ways, Cressida’s relationship with potential suitors was one of the most underdeveloped aspects of her character. Her rivalry with Daphne in season 1 is largely fueled by jealousy over a man—the Duke of Hastings—but after that, her love life is hardly explored.
In a society where women had limited agency, Cressida’s pursuit of a husband was almost her sole plotline. However, by giving her a more substantial romance or even a failed love affair that didn’t conform to the ton’s standards, the show could have humanized her. Her emotional journey, including dealing with rejection or societal pressure, could have been a compelling and relatable story for viewers.
Imagine if Cressida had been shown pursuing a love that wasn’t strictly for status, only to be thwarted by societal expectations or her own insecurities. This could have added a new dimension to her character and showcased the real emotional turmoil that women of her time faced.
Cressida Cowper’s Alternate Ending: What Should Have Happened in Season 3
Now that we’ve outlined why Cressida deserved a more complex and nuanced storyline, it’s time to imagine an alternate ending for her. Here’s what could have been done to give Cressida the redemption and growth she deserved in Bridgerton season 3:
1. Cressida’s Redemption Arc: Finding Her Own Power
Rather than having Cressida’s story remain static as a petty, spiteful antagonist, an alternate ending could have explored her potential for growth. Cressida could have gone through a journey of self-discovery, where she gradually sheds her obsession with social status and learns to embrace her own power and intelligence.
Rather than being defeated or ignored by the other characters, Cressida could have grown into a character who challenges societal norms. Perhaps she could have taken on a more prominent role in shaping the ton’s gossip and social scene, finding ways to assert her own authority beyond traditional marriage. By taking control of her narrative, Cressida could have become a character who defies expectations and makes her mark on society.
2. A Possible Love Story with an Unexpected Suitor
Cressida’s love life could have taken a surprising turn. Instead of being stuck in the perpetual cycle of jealousy over other women’s suitors, she could have developed a genuine, unorthodox romance. Perhaps she could have ended up with a character who wasn’t a typical suitor from the ton, someone who valued her intelligence and independence over her social status.
This romance could have been a beautiful story of personal growth, where Cressida realizes that she doesn’t need to conform to society’s expectations to find happiness and love. A storyline like this could have showcased her character’s evolution from a woman obsessed with approval to one who learns to prioritize her own desires.
3. A Collaborative Relationship with Penelope
Instead of merely serving as a foil to Penelope, Cressida could have developed a more complicated and collaborative relationship with her. Perhaps the two women could have formed a tentative alliance based on mutual respect for each other’s intelligence. Penelope’s evolution from a secret writer to someone more self-assured could have been mirrored by Cressida’s development, leading to an unexpected but powerful partnership between the two women.
This collaboration could have been grounded in mutual understanding, as both women were navigating a world where power was often granted only to those who conformed to societal expectations. By exploring this relationship, the show could have given Cressida a chance to find solidarity with another woman of the ton, leading to a more fulfilling and empowering storyline.
Conclusion: Cressida Deserved More in Bridgerton Season 3
Cressida Cowper, with her sharp wit and biting sarcasm, could have been so much more than just a jealous rival in Bridgerton. A more nuanced portrayal of her character would have allowed her to evolve into a more complex, multidimensional figure—a woman who defies the boundaries set by society and carves out her own destiny.
From her redemption arc to a potential love story or collaboration with Penelope, Cressida deserved an ending that allowed her character to evolve and grow beyond her initial antagonistic role. By giving her a chance to break free from her one-dimensional persona, Bridgerton could have delivered a more satisfying and empowering storyline for one of its most underrated characters.
