Season 2 of Bridgerton was full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and plenty of surprises that have fans eagerly making theories about where the show is headed next in season 3.
With Kate Sharma actor, Simone Ashley, already confirming in an interview with Deadline that her character and "Anthony's [story is...] just getting started," they won't be the only romance in the limelight next season as Nicola Coughlan (who plays Penelope) has also hinted that her character could also find herself involved in a great love story with Colin (via Digital Spy). A closer look at season 2's biggest moments may be the key to predicting what is in store for the next season.
Anthony Paid For Benedict To Get Into Art School
Benedict, the bohemian Bridgerton brother, finds himself immersed in art school and is developing his talent when it is revealed that Anthony's donation is what guaranteed his entry. After uncovering the truth, Benedict is devastated by the revelation and decides to leave art school.
It is always surprising to see how involved Anthony is in his siblings' lives because, despite outward appearances, he is ive and tries to do his best by them. Sadly, his interventions don't achieve the intended results as his gesture ends up affecting Benedict's self-esteem. By the time season 3 come around, Benedict might be on a new path or he might go back to art school to prove himself.
The New Lord Featherington Is Not Old Or Rich
At the beginning of the season, the Featherington women eagerly await the arrival of the new Lord Featherington who holds their financial future in his hands. They are expecting an old, wealthy, curmudgeon and are completely surprised when it is his young, handsome, and penniless son, Jack Featherington, who arrives instead.
This was a missing storyline from the Bridgerton books, as it leads to some of the most interesting dynamics in the show. Jack's situation creates both opportunity and complications for the ever scheming Lady Featherington. However, she successfully navigates each new revelation with a new plan.
King George Makes An Appearance
King George makes his second appearance in Bridgerton in Episode 6 when he bursts into the room and interrupts the Queen's audience with Edwina. The King is confused and believes that the wedding festivities are his own. The Queen reacts first with shock, then embarrassment, and finally sadness. Surprisingly, Edwina steps in to comfort the King. Her words not only calm him down but win her favor with Queen Charlotte.
King George has largely remained a mystery in the show and he appears to be a mystery to the ton too. This scene helps to set up an even bigger surprise with the Bridgerton spinoff about the King and his wife in their younger years which will likely touch on the origins of his declining mental health.
Kate's Secret, The Sheffield's Stipulation
Mary Sheffield eloped in India with Kate's father and was consequentially disowned by her family. To restore their honor and control their grandaughter's marriage, the Sheffields have made an arrangement with Kate to pay Edwina's dowry if she marries a noble Englishman and to provide a living for their daughter, Lady Mary, who has run out of money. Kate chose to keep the deal a secret from both Lady Mary and Edwina.
The surprise comes when the secret is revealed during a dinner with the Sheffields, who withdraw from the deal removing the safety net that Kate had carefully created for her family. This reveal exposes one of the layers of secrets that Kate is keeping from everyone and provides an opportunity for Anthony to break his engagement, which he does not take.
How Anthony Became The Viscount
Unforeseen by Bridgerton fan theories, season 2 provides the surprising backstory of how the previous Viscount ed away. He was stung by a bee after a hunt with Anthony and died moments later in his wife's arms. It was a traumatic experience for Anthony, who felt responsible for his death and was overwhelmed by the responsibilities that his death brought onto him. In response, Anthony hardened himself to love, became overly controlling, and felt like he could never measure up to his father. These are huge aspects of Anthony's personality that he overcomes in season 2.
With the help of his family, he opens his heart again. As this happens, he learns to embrace his title and role in the family. Hopefully, his siblings will get a break from his complaining now that his title has given him the opportunity to start a relationship with Kate.
Colin Uncovers The Featherington Fraud
Colin gets a chance to step in as a hero by uncovering the fake ruby necklace at the Featherington ball. Out of respect for his friend Penelope, he confronts Jack Featherington in private.
This series of events likely gave Colin a boost of self-confidence as his main complaint in season 2 was that he did not have a purpose or direction in his life. Hopefully, season 3 will bring him the inspiration he is looking for. This event had Penelope falling even more in love with Colin.
Lady Featherington Sends Lord Featherington Packing
There are many hints that Lady Featherington is not totally into Lord Featherington's advances. If there was an attraction on her side, it is immediately dashed the moment Lord Featherington mentions leaving her daughters behind. What is surprising is how quickly Lady Featherington reformulates her plan after this reveal.
The fast-acting Lady Featherington uses the opportunity to turn the tables on Jack, casting full blame on him and sending him back to America. It will be interesting to see if Lady Featherington's schemes will continue in season 3 now that she has secured a fortune. However, the truth always comes out in Bridgerton, and her newly acquired wealth will likely attract suspicion.
Edwina Forgives Kate
Edwina shows her true character in the final three episodes of Bridgerton and it is refreshing to see how honest she is with everyone. After she calls off her wedding, she very accurately calls out Kate for putting all of her own dreams on her instead of going after them herself.
After Kate's near-death experience, Edwina is empathetic toward Kate. She sees through all of Kate's lies and her own. She tells Kate, "I am done with playing a part. I want to know myself truly and I want to know you too because I am unsure that I like the young ladies that we have both been playing." After reconciling, she walks hand in hand with Kate into the ball, encourages her to dance with Anthony, and publicly seconds the Queen's approval of the couple. Overcoming this level of betrayal from her sister is a huge win for Edwina. She has one of the best character arcs of the show and will hopefully be a part of future seasons and find her prince.
The Queen Approves Of Kate And Anthony
The Queen's involvement in the love affairs of her court can be overly controlling, however, she appears to soften in season 2 following her interactions with Edwina and her husband, King George. She is reminded that everyone deserves the opportunity to find true love.
At the ball, when Anthony and Kate dance together and the ton begin to gossip, the Queen claims responsibility for Edwina's canceled wedding. She gives her approval to one of Bridgerton's best couples, opening the door for Kate and Anthony to finally be together. This is a complete surprise to the ton and a hopeful moment for future couples who defy tradition. Maybe Eloise and Theo will be next?
Eloise Finds Out Penelope Is Lady Whistledown
In one of the most emotional scenes in the series, Eloise discovers that Penelope is Lady Whistledown. She unravels all of Penelope's lies and feels betrayed as she realizes the cost to her family and friends.
Eloise calls out Penelope for who she truly is: self-serving, manipulative, and a coward who is unwilling to stand up for herself in reality. Penelope tries to fight back saying it was all she had and that she actually did something great. But, all of her actions as Lady Whistledown were based on insecurities and that can never be considered great. One of the questions fans are asking after Bridgerton season 2 is, will Penelope and Eloise make amends? Hopefully, this is a turning point for Penelope and she will begin to focus on her own growth in season 3 and repair her friendship through honest means.