Daphne Missing the Weddings of Her Siblings Is Unforgivable
Phoebe Dynevor's leaving from Bridgerton makes sense, but Daphne's leave from the play is unacceptable. There were two Bridgerton weddings and Daphne missed both of them over season three. Their setting makes the situation much worse. Colin wed the best friend of many years and the next-door neighbor of the Bridgertons. Daphne knows Penelope, and although from her vantage point their marriage should be one of great delight, she hardly shows up. Moreover, Francesca's wedding is rather hurried; yet, Daphne, her older sister, should have been present to help her.
Daphne's disappearance is especially annoying since she may have been rather important for Bridgerton Season 3. The Bridgerton books penned by Julia Quinn wrote her that way. Colin is meant in the book to convey Daphne, not Violet, his questions of love and friendship. As she did for Anthony in season two, Daphne could have guided Colin through his emotions. Daphne also might have been the ideal counterpoint for Francesca. Their love tales couldn't be more different even if the two are quite similar. Daphne regrettably missed some of the big Bridgerton events.
Bridgerton Provides No Reason For Daphe Missing Her Family's Weddings
By assigning Daphne an excuse not to be present, Bridgerton could have readily covered her absence. They did not ultimately. Daphne is referenced in passing over the season, but her reason for being away is never explored. Actually, hardly a word exists to describe what Daphne is even doing. Though the show does nothing to validate or refute this, audiences can infer she is contentedly living her life with Simon. Daphne gets just a few fleeting references while Anthony and Kate construct their own narrative.
It's unfortunate that Bridgerton Season 3 leaves out where Daphne is as it would have helped her avoid looking like a horrible sister. Given the close ties among the Bridgertons, it seems odd that Daphne would skip two weddings. She might be married with children, but that does not stop London society women. For this reason, Bridgerton would have benefited from developing a justification for Daphne's absence. Maybe she is sick and pregnant, unable to leave the house. Possibly like Anthony and Kate's narrative, she might be on travel. In any case, a strong justification may have preserved Daphne's character.
Where Daphne is in Bridgerton Season 3
Viewers may only hypothesize where Daphne is during the third season since Bridgerton offers no hints about her location. She most certainly is in her house tending to her children. Daphne has a baby boy in Bridgerton season 2, and a year later in season 3 he might be a troublemaker to handle. Daphne might also have carried more responsibility as a Duchess. She might even be just savoring married life with Simon. Still, Bridgerton presents no logic and the novels present a different Daphne story totally.
The first Bridgerton book by Julia Quinn, The Duke and I, chronicles Daphne's love story.
Season 3 Made Daphne's Absence Completely Unforgivable
Phoebe Dynevor announced her leaving from Bridgerton well before the third season started, yet given all she ended up missing, Daphne's absence was startling. British actress Phoebe Dynevor first landed the fourth-eldest Bridgerton, Daphne role in 2020. Dynevor featured in Bridgerton season 1 and returned in season 2 but finally quit the show before season 3. Still, Daphne's absence from Bridgerton season 3 felt odd in the big picture.
Every season of Bridgerton centers on a different Bridgerton brother, however the ensemble cast of the show is still absolutely crucial. Seeing romance blossom between two main characters every season is fulfilling, but without the other Bridgerton family members' contribution, it would not be nearly as exciting. Their guidance and encouragement are really vital. Their side stories also offer much-needed relief from the romantic suspense. Season 3 made this more evident. Colin and Penelope's celebration of their marriage revealed clearly the presence of the other Bridgertons and the absence of some.
Daphne's character has suffered generally since Bridgerton season three.
A painful choice that could haunt next seasons is missing two of her siblings' weddings without explanation. Phoebe Dynevor might go back to Bridgerton, but it would be difficult to welcome Daphne's homecoming without in-universe background behind her time absent. Daphne could be better off staying out of the scene for the rest of Bridgerton that she has missed such important events in the life of her siblings.
From Shondaland and producer Chris Van Dusen, Netflix's Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn's same-named romantic books. The eight Bridgerton siblings, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth, are followed in the series as they negotiate life in Regency-era England and hunt love during the social season.
