After Bridgerton season 2 revealed the tragic way Edmund Bridgerton died, I assumed the period drama would stop using its bee motif, but the bees keep appearing and the reason why is just as sad. Although the Bridgertons’ father passed away before the events of the Netflix series, his presence has remained strong throughout the last three seasons. In particular, he affected Anthony and his story, which is where we learned about Edmund’s sudden death via bee sting. However, even after Anthony overcame his fear of bees, the end of Bridgerton season 3 continues using bees for one symbolic reason.

In Bridgerton season 3, I thought the series had left behind its bee themes in place of another bug: butterflies. Butterflies have long been a part of Bridgerton, as Penelope wears various butterfly accessories and clothes throughout the seasons. Most recently, the butterfly motif occurred in season 3 when Philippa lets loose a cascade of butterflies at the Dankworth-Finch ball. Bridgerton’s bee themes have not been totally replaced though. In fact, they reappear after the credits of every Bridgerton season 3 episode. A bee lands on the big red flower-covered Netflix symbol, then promptly flies away.

What Bees Represent In Bridgerton

Bees Represent Edmund Bridgerton

Bridgerton’s bee motif is one of the period drama’s longest-running themes, and I understand why. The bee represents Edmund Bridgerton. In Bridgerton season 2, Anthony has a moment where he becomes frantic about Kate being stung by a bee. It is revealed that a bee sting killed Anthony’s father several years prior, which is why he feels such overwhelming fear. Ultimately, this realization shows how Edmund impacted Anthony’s life and explains why bees appeared throughout Bridgerton. After Anthony’s explanation, I thought the bees would go away, but they continue to leave their mark on Bridgerton. 

Edmund’s influence hangs over all the Bridgerton children in different ways.

What I have figured out is that Bridgerton season 3 includes a bee at the end of the credits as a reminder that Edmund is still present in the show. Anthony has moved past his fear of bees and falling in love, but he isn’t the only Bridgerton affected by their father. In reality, Edmund’s influence hangs over all the Bridgerton children in different ways. Although the bee does not make a massive appearance in Bridgerton season 3, I believe the bee’s subtle inclusion is a hint that Edmund is still around and prevalent in the story.

Bridgerton Season 3 Shouldn’t Have Bees

Penelope’s Butterflies Are More Important This Season

Although I love the sweet and melancholy meaning behind Bridgerton season 3’s bee symbol, I don’t think it’s nearly as important this season as the butterfly. Colin is the Bridgerton starring in season 3, but Penelope’s story is really the most important in this installment. The butterfly motif only confirms it. In Bridgerton season 3, Penelope goes from being a shy, overlooked wallflower to a beautiful and bold butterfly. Penelope’s costume change in episode 1 finally reveals why butterflies have appeared for so long. In many ways, the butterfly is Bridgerton season 3’s version of season 2’s bee revelation.

Edmund Bridgerton is played by Rupert Evans in Bridgerton season 2.

Ultimately, Edmund’s bee symbol has very little to do with season 3, so I’m not sure it needed to be included. Edmund’s memory hangs over all the Bridgerton children, but he is never brought up by name in the season. Colin doesn’t seem to have any particular connection to him in this installment. Where Bridgerton season 2 had a clear connection to Edmund via Kate’s bee sting and Anthony’s flashback, season 3 has nothing like that. Therefore, there is no reason for Bridgerton to include the bee symbol in season 3. If anything, it should have been a butterfly.

Violet’s Story Explains Why The Bees Still Appear In Bridgerton’s Credits

Edmund Is Most Relevant To Violet’s Season 3 Story

Edmund Bridgerton doesn’t play the same role in Bridgerton season 3 as he did in season 2, however, one storyline brought Edmund immediately to mind. This season, Violet develops feelings for Lady Danbury’s brother, Marcus Anderson. Marcus and Violet have a slow approach to their relationship, and I believe a big part of that is Violet’s fear of moving on from Edmund. Violet is well-known for her love match, so entering a new relationship may seem like a betrayal to her. In this way, the bee in the end credits could be for Violet rather than Colin.

All in all, Edmund’s bee is not completely gone from Bridgerton. This makes me think that the bee will continue to play a role for the remainder of Bridgerton’s seasons. I believe it will represent different things for different characters. In season 2, it symbolized Anthony’s fear. In season 3, it showcased Violet’s love for Edmund, even as she moves on. Future Bridgerton seasons may offer something else entirely. However, I will be impressed if Bridgerton can keep its bug motifs alive for the next five season.