I’ve dutifully binged all 8 episodes of Bridgerton Season 2, and as a longtime fan of the book series, I have thoughts. I’m saving all of my spoiler-based opinions for the March 25th release, but for now, I wanted to help my fellow Quninnites (as in fans of Julia Quinn, not the gastrioceratacean) govern their expectations accordingly.
Meet The Sharmas
Kate Sheffield, the heroine on The Viscount Who Loved Me, becomes Kate Sharma in Bridgerton. She’s joined in London by her stepmother Mary and beloved half-sister Edwina. (So minus the last name addition, that stays the same.) The change to Sharma also comes with a slightly different backstory, as they were in India prior to visiting London for the season. They do still live in genteel poverty and have all of their hopes pinned on Edwina making an advantageous match during the season.
Looking for new books to explore after you finish Bridgerton? Here are four book series you should definitely check out!
Bridgerton Season 2 Isn’t Just Anthony and Kate’s Story
Each book in the series closely follows one of the Bridgerton siblings. While the rest of the family – and the Featheringtons – make an appearance, there aren’t any elaborate subplots happening with Eloise, Benedict, or the others. While Season 1 of Bridgerton ended with the revelation of Lady Whistledown’s identity, that isn’t even revealed until book 4 in the series.
All of this is to say that we do get stories involving Eloise, Benedict, Penelope, and others in season 2 of the Netflix series that are either all-new subplots or early reveals from later books. Or some mishmash of both.
The Bee, The Mallet of Death, and Newton Are All There In Season 2
A game of Pall Mall, a rambunctious corgi, and an inopportune bee sting all play a huge part in The Viscount Who Loved Me, and they’re all present in Bridgerton Season 2. That’s not to say they all play the exact same role. Things end a little (or a lot) differently in each case.
Season 1 Is More Faithful To The Duke and I Than Season 2 Is To The Viscount Who Loved Me
The last two episodes of Season 1 made some pretty substantial changes to the story when compared to The Duke and I, but overall the tone and the spirit of the book were still there. In Season 2, the last four episodes are dramatically different from The Viscount Who Loved Me. We’re talking full shifts of character, with completely different plots and motivation. It’s a lot. I’m dying to go deeper here, but since spoilers are verboten until the premiere date, you’ll just have to use your imagination. Then come back on the 25th when I’m diving in deep.
Will Fans Of The Books Be Dissapointed In Season 2 Of Bridgerton?
If you’re a fan of The Viscount Who Loved Me, you should definitely watch Bridgerton Season 2. (As if I could say you shouldn’t and you would listen…) Will you be disappointed? Maybe. I reject any attempts to divorce myself from my book fandom and know my opinions are laced with my own bias. I was disappointed. And I’m also anxiously awaiting Season 3.
About Bridgerton
What happens when duty is in conflict with the heart’s true desire? There is potential for a considerable scandal, indeed. Bridgerton Season 2 premieres March 25th, only on Netflix.