How is Bridgerton season 2 coming along?
Bridgerton returns with its second season – more great dancing, lush gardens, people looking at each other greedily, elegant dresses being tried on by Modiste, more slanderous gossip about the people of Tone, and the eternal mystery about Lady Whistledown’s identity.
However, we, the viewers, have been in the front row since the end of the first season. The Regency gossip is none other than Penelope Featherington, who dons a cape and an Irish accent every time she does her job. This season is missing Duke Simon Bassett, played by Déj-Jean Page, who seems to have added some hot touches to the historical genre last season.
Aside from the fact that he lacks overtly great sex scenes, he was honestly the more attractive figure on Anthony’s show, despite his storyline in season one being based on a confusion between “I won’t” and “I can”. ‘t. “In truth, Anthony was a big deal in the first season, but if he’s been elevated as a hero this time around, we will have to live with it.
Simon’s wife, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor), jumps back and forth from time to time to give advice to her reckless brother. I guess we’ll have to make do with what we have, although it certainly looks like Bridgerton was aiming for a more mature and romantic storyline. The attempt is successful in its limited form, although it sometimes drags on.
So, back to the great British society you’ve never read about in textbooks – think of Regency Splitsville – where everyone is of marriageable age, and all “mothers” are looking for potential suitors for their children. This season focuses on the actions of Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), a rough but very gentle character at heart. A little recap for our main character, he was heartbroken at the end of the first season after the love of his life realized he couldn’t accept her in public despite his best efforts.
In the second season, he is a stern and stubborn viscount who must attend a dance and find the right woman to marry. We know his backstory: he is a depressed child who had to take care of a vast estate after the sudden death of his father. The show really tries to convince us that it’s modelled after Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy. Meet the proud Kate Sharma, and they will immediately quarrel.
It’s hard not to because his views on women are offensive, and he doesn’t seem to get it. “She’s not like other Regency girls” in that she can walk in puddles, show off her ankles, and ride a horse whenever she wants to. He gets turned on by a woman who keeps arguing with him; why not. Unfortunately, Anthony is not Darcy; the character of Austin remains out of her reach and struggles to make her Bridgerton persona intriguing.
Kate and Anthony give themselves every chance, but if they’re left alone, they’ll probably wear each other down in seconds. The show loves its image of hate that turns into fiery love, and while it worked for Simon and Daphne, it just doesn’t have the magic for those two. Romance is a slow burn, and you’ll have to wait a long time to see any semblance of chemistry. There are dozens of complications as Anthony initially competed for the attention of his placid sister Edwina, who was like a fruit fly until almost mid-season. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that a love triangle develops and pent-up desires explode like a volcano.
The most compelling plot revolves around Penelope and her determination to avoid being exposed as Lady Whistledown and the astute Eloise, who is thrilled to reveal the identity of the world’s controversial gossip writer. Now I’d like to see more of Eloise, one of the most well-written and funniest characters on the show, more than Daphne or Anthony.
Why can’t we focus the season on his exploits?
Or maybe give me a spin-off just about her and Penelope; that would be more fun. Eloise’s poignant humour adds spice to the show, and when she’s not there, Bridgerton struggles to resist. I never considered Bridgerton a period drama because that would be a genuine disservice to the genre and the show.
The first season, despite its value, was fun when you wanted something light and airy. They tried to get him sane this time, but he quickly ran into serious trouble. If you’re absolutely loyal to the show and Shonda Rhimes, watch Bridgeton.
