‘Bridgerton’ season 2 brings more tension, drama and romance

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Bridgerton S2 | Netflix newsroom

Ma-Nogoy Faye, Business Manager

Slow burn. Tears. Tension. All words to describe the second season of Netflix’s hit show “Bridgerton.”

Worldwide, 82 million viewers fell in love with Daphne, played by Phoebe Dynevor, and the oh-so-handsome Simon Basset, played by Regé-Jean Page, during Season One.

Upon hearing that the Duke of Hastings would not be returning for the following season, many viewers were doubtful that this season could outdo its predecessor. However, even despite his absence, the second season was pleasantly surprising with its content.

This season had it all: love triangles, rapid emotions, sexual tension, beautiful wardrobe, opulent ballroom dances and, of course, the infamous Lady Whistledown.

Season Two followed eldest brother, Lord Anthony Bridgerton, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, who in the first season had a more minor role. He is in search of what he deems to be the perfect wife to fulfill his duties as viscount.

Meanwhile, Kate Sharma, played by Simone Ashley, and her younger sister Edwina, played by Charithra Chandran, arrive from India and are introduced into society by the famous Lady Danbury, played by  Adjoa Andoh.

Kate wishes for her sister to be happily in love and upon the courting of her sister by Lord Anthony, who wants anything but a love marriage, she tries to break their union before her sister gets hurt.

Meanwhile, Eloise Bridgerton, portrayed by Claudia Jessie, seeks the true identity of Lady Whistledown. The race to unmask their version of “Gossip Girl” is an extremely intriguing storyline.

Her friendship with  Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, is also tested and their fallout of friendship was well written. It surely kept the audience hooked.

This season is perfect for viewers who love the enemies-to-lovers trope and the imperfect love triangle that involves banter and a heavy amount of tension.

The chemistry between Kate and Anthony throughout the season is undeniable and overall left viewers even more excited for a new season.

Throughout the show, there are a few cameos from older characters back in Season One and a few nods to an absent Simon.

Season Two also made headlines due to its introduction to South Asian representation in the romance genre.

“Being a South Asian woman and a literature student it feels surreal to see Brown female characters represented in Regency era literature in mainstream media. Now that imagination has culminated into reality with a Bollywood touch,”  A Twitter user shared her thoughts on the new additions to the show.

The period romance genre is typically portrayed by white actors due to the settings in which many of the productions take place. Season One first made waves when it chose to cast Black actors in prominent roles such as Lady Danbury, Queen Charlotte and the Duke.

Furthermore, with this new season, “Bridgerton” continues to show that representation can exist in all spaces, including the Regency Era.

Even small phrases such as Edwina’s use of the word “didi” towards Kate, meaning older sister in Hindi, or the use of “appa” to refer to their dad made Twitter user’s hearts “burst with happiness.”

Because each season follows a new sibling, if the writers decide to deviate from the book series, we might be seeing a little more of Eloise in the third season. Her complex character and friendship with new character Theo Sharpe, played by Calam Lynch, might be tested next.

A forbidden love trope might be in the air for the two characters, which will set it apart from the two seasons prior. It will surely be something to look forward to.

Although this season had no Duke of Hastings with a spoon in his mouth, Season Two of “Bridgerton” did not disappoint. It was a thoroughly enjoyable watch and   I am looking forward to seeing what the writers come up with next season.