By: Alexis Stallard, Online Editor
Today’s dating world is a scary one because you never really know who the person you’re with is until you’re 20 minutes into the most awkward dinner on planet Earth. You are never truly aware of the other person’s intentions, either. Do they want something casual, something serious, or do they have other motives?
The London socialites of the 17th century had the right idea. Everyone who was “out” in society was there for one reason – to get married. The reasons behind that desire can differ, but there is no guessing as to what they are after.
The second season of the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton” was released Friday, and this time, its focus is on the oldest Bridgerton child, Anthony. While I was upset to no longer look upon the angular jaw of last year’s star Rege-Jean Page as the Duke, I quickly found a new favorite. My totally platonic love of this season is Simone Ashley, who plays Kate Sharma. The woman is a Disney princess come to life, and she played the role of “concerned older sister” extremely well.
The show is based on a series of books by Julia Quinn and it is centered around the Bridgertons, a family of nobility in 17th century England. The “social season” refers to the time of year when all the families of high social standing return to the bustling city of London from their quiet country homes. Those who are of age work their hardest to find an advantageous marriage. It even has an anonymous gossip writer, dubbed Lady Whistledown, who exposes even the best kept secrets of the upper echelon. For me, it is reminiscent of the crown jewel of early 2000s drama television, “Gossip Girl”.
This season had a lot to live up to, seeing as the first season was a total hit. The first season aired Christmas day in 2020 and was our introduction to the complicated world of London’s social season. The first season followed the eldest sister, Daphne, on her tumultuous first social season.
I appreciated the dedication to building the tension between Anthony and Kate, rather than just jumping right into the relationship. I think it was necessary to switch up the plot this season to keep it interesting, seeing as Daphne and Simon’s relationship would no longer be there to draw in an audience.
The loss of the Bridgerton patriarchy was finally fully addressed this season, and I admit to shedding several tears. Watching Violet’s pain after losing her husband while trying to cope with being a new mother again was nothing short of heart-shattering. Also seeing how Anthony became Anthony made his character much more understandable and likable.
On a happier note, my favorite episode by far was the pall-mall episode, in which the Bridgerton siblings play a very competitive game of croquet. The whole Bridgeton family is extremely lovable and watching them interact as true siblings was definitely a bright spot in the season. Knowing how respected they are in society, it is fun to watch them act in opposition to how they are expected because of their social standing.
I wish the dating scene in 2022 could be as simple as the social season seems to be on “Bridgerton,” but since it’s not, I will live vicariously through the Bridgerton family. I highly recommend this second season, especially if you watched the first season. Do yourself a favor: Forget all your responsibilities, open Netflix, and slip into the non-existent world of Bridgerton. You may laugh, you may cry, but you will definitely be entertained.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Unsplash
