This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3 and Julia Quinn’s novel “To Sir Phillip, With Love”
Because Bridgerton season 3 is Colin’s season, it would make sense that his former betrothed, Marina Thompson, would make an appearance, but so far, there has been no sign of the character, leaving fans to speculate about Marina’s future with the show. Marina Thompson, played by Ruby Baker, first appeared in Bridgerton season 1 as a far-off cousin of the Featherington family, who was sent to stay with them due to her scandalous pregnancy. While there, Colin fell in love with Marina, but their betrothal was short-lived as Marina disappeared to get an older husband.
Although Marina’s role decreased significantly into Bridgerton season 2, even then she did not disappear completely. After going on his travels, Colin visits Marina at her new estate, alongside her husband, Sir Phillip Crane. Marina tells Colin to move on, despite her obvious unhappiness with her situation. In this way, Marina’s story seemingly comes to a disappointing end, as Bridgerton season 3 has yet to offer an update on Marina. And unfortunately, if Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books tell us anything, what happens to Marina will get even worse.
Though Marina’s sudden disappearance from Bridgerton may seem out of the ordinary, the reasoning behind it actually makes sense. In an interview with Digital Spy, actress Ruby Baker revealed that she would “probably not” return to Bridgerton.
In this way, Baker’s return was sullied by the actress’ own personal problems, which is entirely understandable.
However, Baker goes on to explain how her personal struggles were affected by Bridgerton and the character of Marina, in particular. Baker noted that, though Bridgerton was one of the best moments of her life, she was enduring some of the worst times as well during the era. And furthermore, Baker notes that Marina’s tragic end, paired with what she went through during filming Bridgerton, makes it impossible for her to return as Marina. She concludes by saying, “It’s not going to happen. I’ve done my bit.”
In Bridgerton season 2, it is abundantly clear that Marina Thompson is unhappy with how her life ended up, and understandably so. This will ultimately lead to the tragic end Marina faced in Julia Quinn’s novels. In the books, Marina ends up attempting to take her own life by drowning in a nearby lake. Although her husband tries to save her, she ends up dying of lung fever after several days. Knowing this, it makes sense that Ruby Baker would find it unnecessary to return and portray this upsetting scenario.
Regardless, Marina Thompson will likely return, at least by name, to Bridgerton. Whether her death will occur in Bridgerton season 3, or in a later season, is unclear. However, in order for Eloise’s Bridgerton storyline to take place, Marina’s death will, unfortunately, have to happen. In the end, it is likely better off that Ruby Baker will not return for Marina’s end, and that it will happen off-screen, as Bridgerton will likely be better off without it.