When Bridgerton first premiered on Netflix on Christmas Day in 2020 (yes, it’s really been that long), viewers immediately became enraptured by the steamy, gossip-filled tale of high society.
Season 2, therefore, had a lot to live up to, with fans ‘burning’ for a romance that could match the passion between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page).
It was inevitable that the new complex connection between Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and the Viscount Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) would be compared to the first couple of the series, against a backdrop of balls, orchestral versions of contemporary songs and the ever cutting words of Penelope Featherington’s quick-witted alias, Lady Whistledown (Nicola Coughlan).
While the second season takes a few episodes to really come into its own and break away from unmistakeable parallels to the first, the payoff will certainly satisfy fans of the books and TV show alike, with enormously emotional moments that pull at the heartstrings and a fiery show of desire.
Several months have passed since Daphne married and had a baby with Simon, with the focus now on Anthony, whose sole desire for the new social season is to find a wife to become his Viscountess.
Pursuing this quest with his head rather than his heart, new debutante Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) catches his eye, after she and her family, including her sister Kate, arrive in town from India.
Kate – who is fiercely protective of her younger sibling – discovers that Anthony is not prioritising finding a love match, and so she decides to do everything in her power to prevent an engagement between the pair from taking place.
However, in doing so, the line between love and hate is blurred as she and Anthony get to know one another better, leading to an extremely complicated and dramatic situation indeed.
Having exhibited his protective brother side in season one, Jonathan excels as the male head of the Bridgerton family whose aim is to protect his clan’s legacy, while unwittingly pushing away those who he cares about the most.
At first, Anthony’s brash manner can make it hard to sympathise with his plight, while making it very easy to look at him through Kate’s eyes as an obstinate, misguided young man unworthy of her sister’s affection.
However, viewers will find their perception of the eldest Bridgerton sibling turn on its head when they realise the trauma he has suffered, making it clear why he is the way he is as he continues to struggle with the loss of his father after becoming the head of his household with all the pressure that comes with such an esteemed position.
Simone previously made her mark in hit Netflix comedy-drama Sex Education as Olivia, a member of the clique dubbed the Untouchables known for their disdainful treatment of other students.
Fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels were full of excitement to witness Kate come to life as a match for Anthony, what with her sharp tongue and no-nonsense manner.
Simone’s portrayal of the character definitely lives up to her formidable reputation, as she takes delight in putting Anthony in his place – one of the only people to ever do so – while constantly being on hand to give him a scathing reality check.
Kate and Anthony’s chemistry sizzles from the start, clashing in a manner not too dissimilar to Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and sparking electricity with every sideways glance and slight touch, as they both continue to deny the feelings that are brewing under the surface.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of season two is the show of sibling love, from Daphne turning the tables on Anthony to be the one to give him heartfelt advice to Kate caring for her sister Edwina’s happiness above all else.
However, behind closed doors, mayhem is brewing, with Penelope having to go to extreme lengths to preserve Lady Whistledown’s secret identity, Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) striving to forge their own paths and Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) continually battling against the restrictive life she has been born into.
We have to warn you – fans hoping for a show a raunchiness from the outset may be disappointed, as season two of Bridgerton massively turns down the scale when it comes to the quantity of sex scenes for which it originally became known.
While season one opened with Anthony having sex with his former flame Siena (Sabrina Bartlett) up against a tree, the new episodes bare far less skin and illicit encounters than fans might be expecting.
However, the slow build of Kate and Anthony’s relationship as he continues to court her sister Edwina results in one hell of a climactic conclusion that will leave audiences salivating once more.
Verdict on Bridgerton season 2
At the start of Bridgerton season two, one can’t shake the feeling that while it is an enjoyable watch, it doesn’t quite measure up to the magnificence of the first season.
When the show first came out, the diverse cast, modern music and steamy show of sex positivity in 19th century society made it feel refreshingly new. So matching its first outing was always going to be a challenging undertaking.
However, it is worth the wait for the new episodes to ramp up the action, romance and scandal, with the story strengthening at every turn until viewers suddenly realise how invested they have become in the midst of the decadent tale.
Having become one of Netflix’s biggest breakout hits from the minds of creator Chris Van Dusen and TV icon Shonda Rhimes, the second season proves that Bridgerton is absolutely not just a one hit wonder, tapping back into the magic formula that audiences across the globe are sure to lap up once again.
Prepare for big reveals, unexpected liaisons, scene-stealing turns from Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and tear-jerking moments as the sumptuous period drama delves back into the deepest secrets of the ton.
Bridgerton season two premieres on Friday March 25 on Netflix.
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