So everybody’s favorite scandalous period drama returned in March, and let’s say that I wasn’t impressed. The 2022 season of Bridgerton focuses on Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and his journey to find the perfect “suitable wife.” Enter Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), an annoying and mysterious beauty, alongside her lovely belle of a sister, Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran). While Edwina may be convinced Anthony is the one, Kate is not so sure.
Related: Bridgerton S1 Review – Very Average and Problematic!
Related: Severance S1 Review: A Work of Art and A Masterpiece!
While I admit that Season 1 of Bridgerton always had a certain charm and pomp that I knew would appeal to the teenage girl in all of us, there were many things lacking plot-wise. Rather than fixing some of that in Season 2, I’m afraid it’s more of the same but worse. For one thing, the sensual scenes in this season are almost non-existent. This is notable since its debut season was bombarded with too many.
Remember, this is also Anthony’s story, and he is known as a huge rake, but somehow they saw fit to tone the sex down. I’m sorry, but it’s just a huge disconnect from the character in Season 1. Anthony was always the most interesting in Bridgerton for me (and Benedict), but his story has left me disappointed. Instead of the steamy, combustible affair I expected, we got two bickering children whose arguments were more annoying than sultry.
The “chemistry” between Anthony and Kate leaves a lot to be desired. I found her irritating, honestly. At least they’re a little less vomit-inducing than Simon and Daphne. Unfortunately, I was expecting a lot more fire with this couple. Penelope and her exploits are far more entertaining than the leads. It is also hilarious that Anthony speaks so much of his honor and being a gentleman when he’s slept with half the lowborn women in the ton.
To make matters worse, the dialogue is terrible, with Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran falling in and out of their accent. Bailey consistently overacts, but he’s pretty to look at, so I’m guessing women won’t mind so much. The set design is beautiful, as are the various jewels displayed, but the costumes are somewhat lacking, especially when compared to those worn in The Gilded Age. I did, however, like the soundtrack that is filled with classical versions of well-known hits like Madonna’s Material Girl.
I question whether the other Bridgerton children will be old enough for their stories to be told, in the future seasons. But I doubt I’ll be watching though… Bridgerton on Netflix is some pointless and frivolous escapism, which is okay if that’s what you like. There’s no real depth, no themes to explore, or anything to unpack here. Let’s be honest, the only real draw this show ever had (aside from all the sex scenes) was Whistledown herself and her secret identity. Now we’ve realized (far too soon) it’s just Pen, there’s no more story there. Just a bunch of pretty things to look at.
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