by Patrick T Fuller on April 22, 2021
Arts & Entertainment
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
The show Bridgerton became an instant hit when it was released to the public on Dec. 25, 2020. Bridgerton takes place in London in the early 19th century, narrated by an unseen gossip hound called Lady Whistledown. This show highlights the challenges of fitting in and finding love in a hierarchical society. The first season focuses on the character, Daphne, who is entering society in search of a husband. This proves to be a challenge for her with her protective older brothers and the expectations of her.
Many fans have been anxiously waiting for season two and looking out for hints. As claimed in Marie Claire, “Several moments of Bridgerton’s first season all but confirm that the next installment will revolve around Anthony. Those familiar with [Julia] Quinn’s series know that bees play a significant role throughout the books: In the second, The Viscount Who Loved Me, we learn that patriarch Edmund Bridgerton, whose death was only rarely mentioned in the show’s first season, died of a bee sting at the age of 38. As a result, his two eldest sons are understandably very wary of bees, with Anthony especially terrified of the insects, a fear that continually arises throughout his search for a bride.” Many viewers felt for Anthony as his quest for love proved to be challenging in season one.
Season one focused heavily on Daphne’s relationship with Simon. Their romance was powerful, leaving fans anxiously waiting for more. In April, the show confirmed that Simon, played by Regé-Jean Page, would not be returning. This is largely due to the fact that each novel in the Bridgerton book series which the Netflix show is based on focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling and their love story, with Daphne and Simon being the focus of book one. Page explained to Variety that “it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.”
This omission in season two will significantly change the direction of the show. Many fans are wondering if Daphne and Simon’s romance will even continue. Phoebe Dynevor, the actress who plays Daphne, claimed in Radio Times, “There’s no such thing as a happy ending, is there? I think love’s always shifting and changing. So who knows? I’d like to see what happens next. And also, I’d like to see Daphne get involved in Anthony’s love life since he was so involved in hers.”
The show will be welcoming Kate Sharma—played by Simone Ashley—in season two, who will be making her own debut into society. Quinn commented in Radio Times, “Kate had known from the outset that she wasn’t the sort who would capture the attention of the town. She wasn’t pretty enough to overcome her lack of dowry, and she’d never learned to simper and mince and walk delicately, and do all those things other girls seemed to know how to do in the cradle.” This description imbues Sharma with an underdog power that will inject the show with refreshing new energy.
As season two of Bridgerton approaches, expected to air in 2022, devoted fans are both excited and intrigued to see the upcoming changes. With the popularity of the first season on Netflix, people are optimistic that this show will continue for seasons to come, giving fans their dose of romance, comedy, and drama as these London elites find love in their society.