Bridgerton. (L to R) Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in episode 207 of Bridgerton. Cr. Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022
Cover (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix)

Lady Whistledown returns with new scandals and even better gossip. Is the second season of Netflix's hit show, 'Bridgerton', as exciting as it claims? Tatler friends weigh in

Introducing: Tatler Takes, your weekend guide to movies and series you must watch—or not. Today, we're asking our Tatler friends about their personal takes on some of the world's most talked-about series. We ask whether they loved it or hate it; and whether we should add it to our own weekend lineups. 

This week, we're catching up with Shondaland's Bridgerton season two. Starring the likes of Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, and Nichola Coughlan, Bridgerton 2 is a dramatic series that's been the much-awaited follow-up to the hit first season. 

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After Lady Whistledown's year-long hiatus, audiences will be glad to know that Bridgerton has finally returned. Unlike its first instalment, which centred on the love affair between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the second season takes its spotlight and shines it directly unto Daphne's brother, Anthony Bridgerton. On a quest to find a suitable wife, the viscount is led to meet Kate and Edwina Sharma, two sisters who make his decision a tad bit complicated. Fortunately, and as always, one can rely on Lady Whistledown to reveal all that needs to be known on the family's scandalous affairs. 

So is it a yes or a no from our Tatler friends? Let's find out:

Irene Martel Francisco

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Irene Martel Francisco)

Did you enjoy the series? Please tell us why yes or no.

The whole season two worked but not as well as season one. It somehow had too many sub plots. I thought they needed to devote more time to the two lead characters (Anthony and Kate) and how their feelings grew for each other.

If yes, what was your favourite part and why?

I thought Jonathan Bailey acted brilliantly as Anthony. Violet (the mum) was excellent too in her role. However, Kate was too stiff and Edwina got way too much air time.

What do you think needs to be improved?

This was a slow burn compared to season one. I missed Regé-Jean Page and the heat that was generated. As a result, season two lacked passion for me.

Rosenthal Tee

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: @rosenthaltee / Instagram)

Did you enjoy the series? Please tell us why yes or no.

Yes! I mean even if it’s not historically accurate, I really enjoy Shonda’s vision of the regency era! Love the fashion and colours especially Eloise’s!

If yes, what was your favourite part and why?

I love the clothes but quite honestly besides that I love seeing the Bridgerton characters in real life, having read majority of the series already!

What do you think needs to be improved?

To be honest I just felt that the slow burn love buildup fell a little flat for me. And that’s hard to say because Anthony and Kate’s story in the books is my favourite! I love a haters to lovers trope so I was expecting more chemistry!

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Jet Acuzar

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Paco Guerrero)

Did you enjoy the series? Please tell us why yes or no.

Yes, it was such fun! Bridgerton is basically a Ladurée macaron hued version of Pride and Prejudice mixed with elements from the Taming of the Shrew presented in a very American frilly and fluffy way.

If yes, what was your favourite part and why?

Is it mad to say I love the raunchy bits! I love stories where protagonists initially dislike each other, then realise over time, as they get to know each other, how much they are made for each other and that their aversion for each other is in fact deep attraction and infatuation.

My favourite scenes are when they chase each other on horseback, I love all the racing scenes including the ones at Ascot. I am a huge fan of flat racing and enjoy watching the big races especially in England. I always enjoy seeing horse racing and the industry portrayed on screen. There is something thrilling about a literal interpretation of the proverbial chase—depicted as races along the English countryside between the two protagonists: Kate and Anthony.

What do you think needed to improve?

In my non-expert opinion, so many things didn't sit right with me. I think the styling of the sets look cartoonish (can't believe it's the same set as the super tasteful The Crown). The costumes look like they came from a Disneyland parade. The hairstyles (those halfway between brow and forehead length unforgiving mini bangs especially in season one were just criminal), and the men's hair is very Ross from Friends which seems an ill-fit for the show's period.

The jewellery looks like it was pulled from a Kenneth Jay Lane clearance bin, the dialogue is so cringey, the choice in the soundtrack is just confusing [especially] seeing people waltzing to a Miley Cyrus instrumental played by an orchestra—it all feels like a tacky elaborate 18th birthday party in the Philippines or a Mexican quinceañera. Like a little girl's idea of romance and opulence, or someone who wants to "arrive". 

Oh it's just absolutely dreadful, but when you put all of these elements together, this light, whipped to stiff peaks saccharine artificial food coloured pavlova of romanticism makes for pure unadulterated addictive TV Shondaland magic. After a heavy past few years, it feels so right to admit how much we love a light and fun show that seems to have gotten everything so wrong.

That aside, all the actors are immensely talented and this shows you the power of good casting as the actors are divine and I am so gripped by the story they are telling. The show is a disaster and I cannot wait for season three!

Ryanne Co

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Joshua Vera)

Did you enjoy the series? Please tell us why yes or no.

I enjoyed season one, which was why I was so excited for season two. Though the latest instalment did carry over the same kind of fun and frivolous set-up and fashion, I was just too frustrated with the plot and the characters to say that I loved it. Kate is everything I dislike in a person: scheming, manipulative, condescending, a liar and a know-it-all. Nothing redeems her for me. Anthony and Kate's love story made no sense whatsoever, not because of their forbidden love but because their story progressed way too quickly. It was "I hate you" one minute to "I love you" the next (literally all they did was fight and play pall mall and suddenly they're in love). Some of the dialogue also felt as if it had been lifted directly from the Wattpad version. It was fun to watch, but I hated it at the same time. 

If yes, what was your favourite part and why?

Honestly, I loved Lady and Lord Featherington's story. Even though it was incredibly smutty, it still progressed better than Kate and Anthony's. You kind of understand why Lord Featherington would think they made a great team versus Anthony who saw Kate ride a horse and decided he loved her. 

I also enjoyed Madame Delacroix's new role. Her accent is to die for. 

What do you think needs to be improved?

Kate and Anthony's story, Kate's attitude. Benedict's story I also found incredibly boring. We know you love art and hedonism, that's great, now what? All in all, a great way to waste a few hours of your life but incredibly frustrating! Haha! 

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