Season 2 of Bridgerton has consumed my every thought since I binged it this past weekend. (See, now I'm even writing like I'm in the Regency era.) I even think I liked it more than Season 1. The build up between Anthony and Kate is so juicy, you can't help but want more. And even though Kate and Anthony's story is technically done (every Bridgerton book focuses on another sibling's journey) it feels like there's so much more to be said about Kanthony.
But, dear reader, we've been burned before. (No "I burn for you" pun intended.) With Regé-Jean Page not returning for a second season, many may wonder if Simone Ashley and Jonathon Bailey will follow suit. Are they a one-and-done couple, or like Daphne, can we hope for more cameos — even if they're not the focus of the story?
Why wasn't Regé-Jean Page back?
Obviously, the Duke did not make an appearance this season. The Hollywood Reporter got the scoop last April that Page only signed a one year deal and although he was asked to come back, he declined to return. With two movies coming out, I can understand why.
What would his plot have looked like?
He obviously would have been at all the family scenes and the wedding. While I, of course, would have loved to see his beautiful face on my screen again, I don't think his presence would have added much to the storyline. Plus, his absence made it possible for Daphne to step up as Anthony's confidant. As an audience member I thought this shift in the dynamic between the these siblings interesting to watch. I also think she had just the right amount of scenes to elevate his journey, without distracting us with her own storyline.
What would an Anthony and Kate plot look like?
Anthony is the head of this family and after the journey we saw him take this season, will most likely become more of a father figure to the younger siblings. He will also continue to be a brother to the older ones, all of which (Benedict, Colin, and Eloise) seem a bit lost. We also saw a friendship forming between Kate and Eloise and we love to see it. After the falling out with Penelope, Eloise definitely needs a friend and I think could really look up the Kate.
Have Johnathan Bailey and Simone Ashley said anything about returning?
In a new interview with Deadline, Ashley confirmed she and Bailey would be back. She said, "We’re going to be back! Kate and Anthony are just getting started ... In Season 2, there was a lot of push and pull between Kate and Anthony, there were complications with the family, and then they find each other towards the end. I think everything is just starting. I’d like to see Kate just let go a bit more and play more in Season 3 and kind of swim in that circle of love together. I think they both deserve it.
Can't wait for more Kanthony.
Images: Netflix