After just over a year, it’s almost time for Netflix’s hit show Bridgerton to return for a new series, letting us in on the secrets of the ton once again. Following the pattern of Julia Quinn’s book series, the new episodes will leave the now (happily) married Daphne and Simon behind, turning their focus instead to Viscount Anthony Bridgerton as he becomes the subject of his mother’s marital schemes. While the Duke of Hastings may not be returning, there’s much to look forward to for lovers of the show and books alike, so here are just some of the things I’m excited for and some of the questions I have about Bridgerton series two.
Anthony
As I’ve said, this series is all about Anthony and since he’s one of my favourite characters in the show, this is a huge plus in and of itself. But what I’m really looking forward to is how the character will be developed as part of the show’s leading storyline, rather than a side character in this series. Since up until now he’s spent most of his time making his sister’s life more complicated and brooding about problems he doesn’t want to discuss, it shouldn’t be a big surprise that as an Anthony fan, I may find myself in the minority. While in the first series, it’s heavily implied that many of his clear flaws are the result of societal expectation, he wasn’t given enough screen time to make him a character everyone was willing to side with. So in the latest series, I’m excited to see something of a ‘redemption arc’ for the Viscount, showcasing all his individual quirks and emotions to flesh out the character beyond being the overprotective big brother who has had to take on more responsibility than he’s clearly at home with.
New Characters
New characters always bring changes to the feel of any show, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the Sharmas will bring to London society. Simone Ashley from Sex Education and Charithra Chandran from Alex Rider take on the roles of the Sharma sisters and have commented in interviews about how important the sisterly dynamic is for them in the show. This is an aspect of the new series that has the promise to be a refreshing change, as whilst the dynamic between the Bridgerton siblings is fantastic, Daphne and Eloise spend much of the series at odds, while the Featheringtons openly critique one another. It’s safe to say that the door has well and truly been left wide open for some more positive sisterly interactions.
Music
Music is a huge part of the show overall, allowing all of the ball scenes to feel as enchanting and magical as possible but also heavily contributing to the modern twist on what could easily have been a very classic period piece. Some of the covers of songs in the first series (Bad Guy and Thank U Next) were recorded by Vitamin String Quartet, who specialise in producing covers of contemporary songs. I’m incredibly hopeful that their recordings will be making a return this series to underscore more dramatic dances and extend those instrumental Spotify playlists.
Colin
In addition to excitement for the new series, there are also many questions that will need to be addressed, some of which pertain to Colin. At the end of the last series, fresh off of heartbreak, we saw Colin finally embark on his tour to Greece, so where is he now? We know from photos that Colin does appear in the series but how much time has passed, is he making a fleeting return to London with the sole purpose of flirtation or is he back for good?
Lady Whistledown
In a surprise reveal, the end of series one disclosed the identity of Lady Whistledown, information that in Quinn’s series is withheld until the fourth book. While her secret is safe amongst the ton, it will be interesting to see how the issue of Whistledown’s identity is dealt with now that we, as an audience, share in the secret. I can only assume that in place of red herrings for her identity this series will be focused on the logistics of keeping her secret, particularly from a very determined Eloise…
Benedict
Benedict, the brother you can’t help but love. Despite my attachment to the character, I can’t profess excitement in the same way as Anthony, but rather a cautious interest into how his character is developed. In the first series, it seems to be heavily implied or at least, we are led to speculate over the potential of the character being bisexual. I am intrigued to see how this suggestion will be taken on this series, as it would be very uncomfortable for the implication to be made if there is no intention of building on it proactively. It could be incredibly interesting to see the character interacts with Granville further to properly interrogate the storyline and uncover more of Benedict’s true self by unpicking exactly what ‘freedom from societal expectation’ could mean for him.
I’m hopeful that these musings and more will be addressed on the 25th March when Bridgerton returns, but until then, dear reader, it’s all in the hands of the one and only Lady Whistledown…