Warning: This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton Season 2.
Bridgerton season 2 is back with all of the pomp and circumstance of season 1. It is just as opulent as season 1; however, season 2 has a different tone, and many fans of the show think it is better in many ways!
Season 2 delivered a less-steamy version of romance that was much more enjoyable to watch and led to a greater payoff in the end. And, although season 2 may have been toned down in the bedroom, it was not short of excitement or surprises.
More Prudence Featherington
In season 1, Prudence's character is subdued and unimportant to the central workings of the story. However, in season 2, she is brought further into the main plot, where she provides much of the comedic relief of the season.
From voguing at the wedding to her naive excitement about her fake engagement, Prudence is always doing something to make audiences laugh. Her comedy and bright costumes make her increased screen time a great addition to season 2.
Better Hair
Bridgerton has done hair much better than other Regency-era films and shows. However, season 1 still had its fair share of distracting hairstyles. Daphne's bangs, inspired by Audrey Hepburn from War and Peace, in particular, created an internet sensation as fans puzzled over the less-than-flattering look. Despite this misstep, Oscar-nominated makeup designer Marc Pilcher (Downtown Abby and Mary Queen of Scotts) and his team of 40 hair and makeup artists designed iconic looks for each character, and it is fascinating to learn the hidden messages behind each hairstyle, covered by Glamour.
For season 2, many characters received a glow-up, so it was bye-bye sideburns, ringlets, and mullets, and hello sophisticated hairstyles. Characters with the biggest changes include Eloise and Penelope with their more mature and grown-up looks and Anthony, who is more dashing than ever with his clean-shaven cheeks and preppy low-key bouffant.
The Squad Of Matriarchs
In season one, the primary role of the show's matriarchs was arranging marriages. However, in season 2, their own stories begin to be featured. This not only provides more context to the lives of their children but also gives the show a multi-generational perspective that enriches the story.
The addition of Lady Mary Sheffield Sharma hints at a backstory between many of the older women from the season of their own debut, which will likely be featured in the Bridgerton prequel. Lady Violet also receives more attention this season as her love story with Lord Edmund Bridgerton is featured in flashbacks.
More Bridgerton Family Time
The opening scene of season 2, like season 1, shows the Bridgerton family preparing for the debut. This year, it is Eloise's turn, and the family gathers around her bedroom door eager to see the transformation. When the door opens, their reactions range from surprise among the brothers, approval from the sisters, and pride from Lady Violet.
Season 2 brings some of the best family scenes of the series, including their frequent afternoons in the drawing-room, the family dance after the canceled wedding, and the fan-favorite Pall Mall game. These scenes reveal more of the characters' personalities and show a friendly, ive, and often competitive relationship between each of the siblings.
More Bridgerton Bros
Speaking of family, season 2 brings more scenes between the Bridgerton brothers. The laws of succession in the English peerage system create an interesting dynamic between the brothers that is unseen in most modern familial relationships. The oldest, Anthony, inherits both the title and estate, while his younger brothers are free to choose a life of their own. The brothers, especially the older three, frequently tease each other both about their relationships and professional lives.
One of the best moments of the season is when Anthony steps into more of a fatherly role for his youngest brother, Gregory. This scene shows Anthony's personal growth and his newfound acceptance of his role in the family.
Eloise Debuts
Eloise's debut in the first episode is one of the best moments in the series. Not only does she surprise her family with her new, grown-up look, but she surprises everyone by gaining the Queen's favor at her first ball. Eloise's presence in the ballrooms in season 2 provides an outsider perspective with her social critiques and hilarious interactions with potential suitors that make her character even more endearing beyond the popularity she attracted from fans in season 1.
Her sweet mother does her best to help her along, but Eloise's heart lies with a boy in a small print shop on the other side of town. Although she does not find love in the place she is expected to, Eloise's debut season was not a failure, and she has one of the most romantic moments in Bridgerton with Theo.
More Diversity
Season 1 set the stage for a culturally diverse Regency-era show, and season 2 took it to the next level. The Sheffield sisters from the books, who were pale and blonde, became the Sharma sisters in the show. Indian culture and traditions are seamlessly woven into the storyline and add a new perspective and vibrancy to the show.
In an interview with Town & Country, Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes explained, "Finding some South Asian women with darker skin and making sure that they were represented on screen authentically and truthfully feels like something that we haven’t seen nearly enough of. I felt like it was time for us to make sure that we were seeing as much as possible."
Edwina And The Queen
Edwina and the Queen create a friendship and eventually become allies as the events of Season 2 develop. Initially, the Queen had to be convinced by her friend Lady Danbury to select Edwina as the diamond of the season. However, Edwina's response to unexpectedly meeting King George ultimately wins her favor with the Queen.
This moment reminds the Queen that everyone deserves the chance to find true love, and this shows a more empathetic side to the Queen that was only glimpsed in the first season. In one of Season 2's biggest surprises, the Queen publicly approves of Anthony and Kate's relationship, and Edwina steps forward to second that approval.
Behind The Scenes With The Real Lady Whistledown
Season 2 provides audiences with a chance to see how Penelope's Lady Whistledown operation works. This includes scenes of her eavesdropping at balls, transporting messages, making deals, and lying to cover her tracks. The behind-the-scenes look shows a different side of Penelope that wasn't seen in season one and makes it difficult to know whether to root for her or against her.
Her treatment of Eloise is specifically difficult to judge, and one of the biggest questions Bridgerton fans have after season 2 is, "What will Eloise do now that she knows the truth?"
Slow Burn Romance
Fans may be divided about the change in pace for the central romance of the season, but many agree that season 1's relationship was primarily based on lust while season 2's was built on love.
The slow build-up of their romance allowed for character development and a realistic relationship established not only on attraction but on a mutual understanding of one another. Kate and Anthony, the best couple of Bridgerton season 2, each spent a lifetime sacrificing their own desires for the sake of their families. By the end of season 2, however, both characters realize that those sacrifices did not actually help their families and, in many ways, hurt them instead. Once the two collectively realize that choosing to be with each other means choosing themselves, they are finally able to have a beautiful and fulfilling relationship with each other and their families.