Bridgerton (Season 2)
Overview
Bridgerton series is based on the novels by Julia Quinn. There are in all 8 books which revolve around the 8 Bridgerton siblings. The first Season was based on her novel “The Duke and I”, which revolved around the eldest Bridgerton daughter “ Daphne” and season 2 is based on “The Viscount who loved me”, which revolves around the eldest son of the Bridgerton family Anthony. Having never read these novels I was in for a complete surprise as to how much I would enjoy this series showcasing the Regency Era with utmost perfection.
Recap
It was purely by accident that I came across a 5 minute clip on Facebook which had Daphne ( Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon ( Rege jean page) bickering about something and it intriuged me. Their chemistry seemed raw and real and left me wanting more. In the comment section I saw that this clip is from a Netflix original called “ The Bridgerton”. What came next was me binge watching the entire series in 2 consecutive nights. It kept me hooked from the very first scene and loved every bit of this series. The chemistry, sets, costumes, music and the casting all just seemed perfect. The love story between Bridgeton’s eldest daughter Daphne and the Duke of Hastings was scandalous, steamy and perfect cliche for all the ladies to make them go weak in their knees. We also had the mystery around the identity of Lady Whistledown who wrote gossip about the elite families of the ton, along with the Bridgeton siblings own struggles and Duke fighting his own demon of bad memories while growing up.
Story
Season 2 revolves around the eldest sibling of the Bridgerton family Anthony ( Jonathan Bailey) and Lady Danbury’s guests from India. After Anthony is scorned by his former lover, Siena for realizing his love too late he decides to get married in the upcoming ball as a duty and obligation for been the eldest Bridgerton. He is looking for someone who would be a perfect Viscountess and would fulfill all the duties of being a perfect wife, mother and the lady of the house. He finds Edwina Sharma ( Charithra Chandran), the diamond of the season to be most suitable for the role. However, there is a glitch when Kate Sharma ( Simone Ashley) elder sister of Miss Edwina thinks he is an unsuitable match for her sister. Kate wants her sister to marry only for love whereas, Anthony is convinced he should marry for duty and not love. Kate detests Anthony, for been the infamous bachelor and they find each other challenging their beliefs on several occasions and it is evident that hating each other is probably just an act ?
There were some parallel story lines which did not make sense and seemed dragged out. It could be because they are building a set up for the upcoming seasons as Netflix has renewed it for another 2 seasons.
Takeaway
Yes, like Season 1 this is epic, grand, exciting and super binge worthy. However, It lacks spark and couldn’t supersede Season 1. It is a one time watch specifically for period drama lovers.
Performances/Casting
Adjoa Andoh as lady Danbury is solid and strong. She has very strong screen presence. Jonathan Bailey as the responsible, lost elder brother does good too. He shines in his scenes with Simone Ashley and delivers a heart warming performance of a confused lover. Simone Ashley as the headstrong, and responsible elder sister justifies her part well. Both Simone and Charithra look the part of young indian girls. The rest of the Bridgerton and Featherington family take their roles forward from last season and are well casted. Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington Seems a misfit and a very unlikeable character. For whatever reasons I am unable to sympathize with her character. You will definitely miss Rege jean Page as the Duke. The score through out is soft and syncs well with grandness.
This show can definitely be watched once if you are into period dramas.