The success of Netflix’s Bridgerton comes as no surprise to fans of the Julia Quinn novels the show is based on. The first season follows the events of the first book, The Duke and I, and strikes a tone that is half Gossip Girl, half Pride and Prejudice, and one hundred percent escapist delight.
Though no official announcement of a second season has been made as this article is being written, fans are clamoring for a continuation of the story. If the first season’s immediate success is any indication, a second season will likely arrive within the next couple of years on the streaming site.
Simon And Daphne As Parents
The first season mainly focused on the dramatic romance between Simon and Daphne, as they went from fake-courting to married and in love. The two worked through their biggest problems, namely, Simon’s daddy issues and a general lack of communication from both parties. Their romance made for a compelling watch, and they had just begun a family together in the time jump at the end of the season.
It’s possible that a second season could take place in the time leading up to the birth of their first child, or perhaps their storyline could feature the two navigating their new status as parents. If the chronology of the books is any indication, it’s Anthony’s turn to find love in season two. After all the meddling he did in the relationship between his sister and his best friend, it might also be fun to see Simon and Daphne having the chance to meddle in his affairs.
Eloise’s Search For Lady Whistledown
The last episode of season one featured the revelation that the elusive Lady Whistledown was none other than Penelope Featherington, best friend of Eloise Bridgerton. Eloise spent much of the first season attempting to uncover her identity and discovered that she was mistaken in her belief that Genevieve Delacroix was the secretive writer.
Penelope hasn’t yet told anyone about her secret identity, but it may be interesting to see how this plays into her friendship with Eloise, who will doubtless be as anxious as ever to solve this mystery.
Anthony’s Romance
Things ended on a sour note for Anthony, romantically speaking, in the last episode of season one. After a tumultuous, on and off romance with his mistress, opera singer Sienna, she finally ended things with him for good, citing the differences in their lifestyles and his inability to commit.
She had moved on with someone else, suggesting that things may finally be done for good between the two. A scorned Anthony has sworn off of love at the season’s end to a disapproving Simon and Daphne, stating his intention to find and marry someone that he doesn’t love. Of course, fans of the books will know that he does manage to find love again, after becoming entangled in a sort of love triangle with two sisters. This storyline will likely take up most of the second season if that bee is any indication.
Eloise’s Social Life
Throughout season one, the fiercely independent Eloise repeatedly states her desire to avoid a formal “coming out”, something which refers to the process of a young lady declaring her eligibility for courtship and marriage.
Towards the end of the season, with the marriage of her older sister, her mother seems more and more determined to force her into that social sphere, but perhaps Eloise’s willful nature will cause conflict with her mother’s wishes in season two.
Colin And Penelope
Penelope’s unrequited love for Colin almost came to light, before he stated his intentions to leave London, making Penelope rethink the timing of her declaration. He spent much of the first season enamored, and briefly engaged, to Marina Thompson, before finding out that her feelings weren’t genuine and that she was hoping to avoid scandal by marrying him before giving birth to her child.
Penelope prevented this union from occurring by using her platform as Lady Whistledown, but Colin still seems to see her as no more than a close friend by the season finale. With the death of her father, Penelope will have other things to think about in season two, but fans may still look for more Colin-and-Penelope moments in the development of that relationship.
Marina’s Future
Speaking of Marina, who ended the season married to the brother of her unborn child’s father, it’s unclear whether we’ll be seeing any more of her. In the books, Eloise later ends up married to the man Marina has just begun a life with after he is widowed, but it is unclear whether the show will stick with this particular plotline or switch things up.
It would be a shame to kill off Marina, a character whose resilience and wit have endeared her to many viewers. However, whether or not there is more of her story to be told remains to be seen.
The Future Of The Featheringtons
Another shocking revelation featured in the season one finale was the death of Lord Featherington. His gambling debts were a side plot all season, straining his marriage and throwing a wrench into his daughter’s futures.
Lady Featherington is alerted to who will be inheriting her late husband’s estate, and her reaction indicates that whoever it was will certainly shake things up for her family, as well as for the surrounding members of the ton. It’s possible that a known character may make a return, or perhaps a new character will be introduced as a sort of foil for season two.
Benedict’s Revelations
Season one featured a professional and personal exploration for Benedict Bridgerton, who unearthed a secret society of artists with an alternative lifestyle to what he had previously been exposed to. He began to pursue his passion for art, as well as explore sexual relationships with multiple women.
He’s made aware of homosexuality, something he might not have been exposed to without his friendship with artist Henry Granville. How this will affect Benedict moving forward remains to be seen, but it is entirely likely that he will continue to explore his identity in many ways.
The Fate Of King George
Queen Charlotte became something of a fan favorite this season, though her character is not in the books. Her relationship with her husband, King George, whose health and mind rapidly deteriorated, was a seldom touched-upon but poignant plot point.
The troubles in her marriage made room for an interest in drama and gossip, and the Queen acted as something of a surrogate for the audience. However, given that the role is being played by the very talented Golda Rosheuvel, perhaps more of the Queen’s personal struggles will be explored in season two.
Philippa’s Romantic Prospects
Though Penelope’s sisters mainly served as comic relief, Philippa Featherington struck up an awkward and endearing attachment with a young suitor. Unfortunately, the two were unable to marry due to her father gambling away her dowry, but her young man doesn’t seem to be the type to mind.
It’s unclear which man will hold her fate in his hands, along with the fate of the rest of her family, now that her father is deceased. Hopefully, at least one member of the Featherington family will be able to secure a happy ending next season.
