This "Bridgerton" Alternate Ending Would Have Changed Everything For This Character
Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!
We still haven't gotten over the Bridgerton season 3 ending, or how it perfectly sets us up for season 4. But while all's well that ends well for Penelope and Colin, there's one character whose journey seems far from over: Cressida Cowper. Cressida had one of the craziest arcs this season — she became friends with Eloise, gave us a look into her family life, tried (and failed) to take credit for Lady Whistledown, and then seemed to leave the Ton for a life in Wales with her Aunt Joanna. Well, it turns out the Bridgerton season 3 finale had an alternate ending, and one detail would have changed EVERYTHING for Cressida.
@catquinn Cressida Cowper’s hair cage in the Bridgerton season 3 finale holds so much significance in a deleted scene from the show. Her mom Araminta comes to save her in an alternative ending and holds the key to her freedom. (Not Benedict as people are saying). It sounds like we will see more of Cressida in season 4. Im hoping she gets her happy ending. Hair by Grace Gorman @AHairyBusiness under the direction of hair and makeup designer Erika Okvist. #bridgertonseason3 #bridgerton #bridgerton3 #cressidacowper #cressida#greenscreen @Netflix @Bridgerton ♬ Give Me Everything (Stripped Down) - Archer Marsh
At the end of the season, we see Cressida Cowper riding away in a carriage, and actress Jessica Madsen reveals that we don't actually know for sure where she's going. "We did shoot a different ending," she tells Entertainment Weekly. "I don't know whether she is going to her aunt's because we actually don't see her aunt in the carriage. So, it could be that she's off somewhere by herself."
But Jessica also reveals the season had an alternate ending that would have changed Cressida's future. "[In the first ending we shot], Lady Cowper actually came to save her, and got in the carriage with her and they left together," Jessica adds. "I had a caged bird in my hair with a little door and Lady Cowper had the key."
TikTok user and Bridgerton expert Cat Quinn reveals hairstylist Grace Gorman told her the cage represents Cressida being chained to her life, with no way out. But having Lady Cowper choose Cressida would have shown Cressida wasn't as alone as she felt, and that she didn't have to isolate herself.
"It was a really beautiful moment," showrunner Jess Brownell tells EW of the alternate ending. "But in the edit, Shonda [Rhimes] and I talked about the fact that it felt like an ending for Cressida. It felt like it wrapped up her story and we intentionally wanted to leave it so that we can tell a bit more story with Cressida next season."
I would have loved to see this alternate ending, but I hope we can see some more mother-daughter unity later on because I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to Cressida.
Would you have preferred this alternate ending? Let us know your hottest Bridgerton take in the comment!
Lead image via Liam Daniel/Netflix
Chloe Williams serves as B+C’s Entertainment Editor and resident Taylor Swift expert. Whether she’s writing a movie review or interviewing the stars of the latest hit show, Chloe loves exploring why stories inspire us. You can see her work published in BuzzFeed, Coastal Review, and North Beach Sun. When she’s not writing, Chloe’s probably watching a Marvel movie with a cherry coke or texting her sister about the latest celebrity news. Say hi at @thechloewilliams on Insta and @popculturechlo on Twitter!