The enchanting tale of the second season of Bridgerton, Netflix’s beloved romance series, centers around Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Ms. Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) in a classic enemies-turned-lovers whirlwind romance featuring more of the scandal, gossip, and thrill that won recognition in its debut season. Created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shondaland, this titillating, yet not historically accurate period drama, based on the book series of the same name by writer Julia Quinn, was released on March 25, 2022.
Eldest son and family heir Anthony attempts to sway Kate into allowing him to take her younger sister Miss Edwina Sharma’s (Charithra Chandran) hand in marriage, who was named the “Incomparable” Diamond (or most desirable maiden) of the summer 1814 London marriage season. Through the course of the show, one could argue there was never any hate to begin with, only frustration and longing.
Lady Whistledown (narrated by Julie Andrews) returns for another enthralling season, having been outed during the season one finale as Penelope “Pen” Featherington (Nicola Coughlan). Queen Charlotte’s (Golda Rosheuvel) game of hide-and-seek with the gossip-column writer reaches a boiling point in the newest season, one that ultimately leaves the friendship between Eloisa Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), the third eldest daughter and newest entry in the London marriage arena, and Penelope in tatters.
The first season, based on the first in the novel series, “The Duke and I”, was set a year prior and featured the relationship between second eldest Bridgerton daughter Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Bassett (Regé-Jean Page), the brooding and highly-desirable Duke of Hasting. Season Two tackles the basics of plot of “The Viscount Who Loved Me”, the second book, yet diverging in details and character casting.
Much to the woe of viewers, fan-favorite male lead from the first season Simon did not make a cameo in season two. However, Daphne made several cameos, some including their infant son and heir to the Hastings line, Augie Bassett. Upon the series’ initial release in December of 2021, it held position as Netflix’s most watched show for nearly a year until the release of Squid Game in fall of the same year.
The Sharma family was introduced, having returned from India following the passing of the father. Kate’s character is smooth and rough around the edges. She is both personable and relatable, yet also reserved and closed off. Her mother passed away when she was young and her stepmother, Mary (Shelly Conn), took her under her wing when she married the late Mr. Sharma, Kate’s father. Their backstory tugs at the heartstrings, with each mystery being uncovered or question answered peeling back the layers of their enigma.
We are able to delve deeper into the psyche of Anthony, whose serious and sometimes dictatorial nature is explained through flashbacks, showcasing the loss of their father Edmund and the ensuing mourning process by the family, especially his mother, Dowager Viscountess Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell). Labelled a “Capital ‘R’ rake” (an individual, usually male, who has been in numerous casual and normally sexually relationships), it is made clear that his attempts to avoid love were caused by this loss and the pain Violet chose to conceal. He simply sought to not feel that same level of agony.
The cast grew more diverse, with the introduction of the Sharma family who originally were white characters of the Sheffield family. However, there are signs of concern when this diversity becomes just another flitting plot narrative as Kate’s skilled ability to hunt and ride horses is chalked up to her being of Indian descent. It was a bit strange to see that for a family that developed in a different culture, they acted as if they had never set foot outside of Britain. They equated this to Kate’s studious nature and want for her sister to find a suitable partner, yet it felt like empty reasoning.
The individual journeys of characters like Eloise and second and third Bridgerton sons, Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Colin (Luke Newton), were given the spotlight. While each character had ebbing and waning romance plots of their own, their developing stories of self expression took center stage for good and for bad. They each aim to find fulfillment aside from their namesake, with Benedict venturing more into the world of art, Colin looking to become a businessman, and Eloise delving deeper into her love of literature and female empowerment.
One largely noticeable difference is the lack of intimacy scenes, which were fairly prevalent in the latter part of season one. Intense sexual tension between the main characters attempts to make up for this exclusion, yet falls short due to it’s inability to feel natural. It felt simply like a stand in that was not wanted. We also saw increased interaction with other subplot romances like Eloise and print shop assistant Theo Sharpe, as well as Penelope and Colin. Several moments were reminiscent of Jane Austen film adaptations, such as Anthony’s “wet shirt moment” and Kate’s trek into the muds of the forest for the sake of sportsmanship.
Season One was heralded for its mixed cast with several main, supporting, and background characters having ancestry other than European. Characters such as Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and the Modiste Madame Delacroix (Kathryn Drysdale). Queen Charlotte’s character was based off of the real life version, having married King George III in July of 1761 and rumored to have a distant African ancestor connected to the Portuguese royal family. She did not originally appear in the novels, and was an original character created by the show writers.
Production quality is once again top notch, featuring high definition resolution and perfect framework. Astoundingly detailed and vibrant set design, accurate to the era and scene setting. Incredible character wardrobes, color palettes and designs perfectly fitting of each character. The intimate details of each character’s wardrobes tell their story alongside the plot, befitting of each one’s personality and environment.
For example, the Bridgertons’ wardrobes feature more neutral tones and simple designs hidden in plain sight, distracting the fact that as a more upper class family with less struggles, they have nothing to prove. The Featherington’s, on the other hand, feature bright colors with designs that pop out and catch the eye, showcasing their desire for attention and approval among Britain’s upper class.
Fans everywhere have taken extreme liking to the show, with users all over the internet voicing their opinions on the newest season. Other viewers have even held and shared footage of live events, such as Bridgerton-themed parties and get-togethers. Twitter user LaceyStripes took a liking to a certain quote that seems to have caught the attention of many other fans, stating, “Bridgerton Season 2 was absolutely amazing. So much so, that if I’m seeing a guy and he doesn’t say ‘You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires’ then I don’t want it!”
With its many touching moments and unexpected plot twists, the second season of Bridgerton stands impressively on its own while carrying forward the charm and grace of its debut season. The show is rife with intrigue, self-discovery, and best of all, romance. However, it may take into account that its diversity should be a larger focus and more accurate, not just a way to attempt to associate with a larger portion of their viewer base.
Netflix has officially announced via social media that seasons three and four have been given the production greenlight. There is also a spin off show in production which will revolve around the origin story of Queen Charlotte with side plots showcasing the pasts of Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton.
Overall, season two of Bridgerton was another success for Netflix, and fans hope that season three will live up to the hype of the previous two.
