Simon Basset’s absence from Bridgerton season 2 has the potential to improve Daphne’s story. Despite the fact that season 1 ended right when Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon's relationship as newlyweds and parents was just beginning, Regé-Jean Page, the breakout star of Bridgerton who portrays Simon Basset (a.k.a. the Duke of Hastings), won't be returning in season 2. Since Simon and Daphne’s relationship was the central focus of Bridgerton season 1, it seems almost impossible to imagine the second season of the popular Netflix series continuing without Regé-Jean Page. However, some Bridgerton viewers may be surprised (or devastated) to hear that Simon’s presence in Bridgerton season 2 isn’t completely necessary for the series to continue.
Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s novel series of the same name, with each subsequent book featuring the romance of a different member of the Bridgerton family. While season 1 followed Daphne, the eldest Bridgerton daughter, during her first marriage season as she attempts to find love amongst the highest ranks of London’s most eligible bachelors in 1813, Bridgerton season 2 is based on Quinn’s second novel, The Viscount Who Loved Me. While Phoebe Dynevor is reprising her role as Daphne Bridgerton, Bridgerton season 2 focuses on her brother Anthony’s (Jonathan Bailey) search for a partner of his own. Simon's absence will no doubt be felt, but it provides an opportunity for Daphne as a character.
Now that Simon only exists offscreen in the Bridgerton universe, Daphne's story can be expanded within Bridgerton season 2 and explore certain aspects of her character that exist independent of her relationship with Simon. Daphne spent much of Bridgerton season 1 being defined by her romantic relationships. Representing the restrictive roles allotted to women during the Regency period, Daphne’s story arc within season 1 centers on her desire to marry and the development of her relationship with the Duke. In the Bridgerton season 1 premiere, Daphne excitedly prepares for her presentation into London society and aspires to be named the Incomparable, a coveted title that claims her as the most promising debutante of the social season. Many of the challenges Daphne encounters pose a threat to her ability to find a suitable match, including her brother Anthony’s poor matchmaking skills and the possible ruination of her reputation when Cressida (Jessica Madsen) witnesses Daphne and Simon kissing in the garden. Even after Daphne and Simon marry, the remainder of the season focuses on the couple's conflicting viewpoints on having children. With Simon's absence in Bridgerton season 2, Daphne will have room to grow as an individual.
Bridgerton season 1 began to develop Daphne’s newfound authority within her own family and under her new title, the Duchess of Hastings. While Daphne may have only gained the title due to her marriage to Simon, Daphne begins to make her mark as the Duchess by being compassionate toward the villagers of her estate and by bringing her own style to the role, a trend which can continue into Bridgerton season 2 without Simon. When Anthony is involved in a scandal, Daphne returns home to attempt to mend the damage done to her family’s social standing. As a duchess who has already developed her own relationship with Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte, Daphne can establish herself further as a representative of her family and use her sway and experience with the upper echelon of London society to improve her family's status in season 2. Especially since Anthony will likely pursue both Kate (Simone Ashley) and her sister Edwina (Charithra Chandan), there will certainly be some scandals for Daphne to clean up for Anthony in Bridgerton season 2.
As a debutante who has already been through the Ton’s marriage market, Daphne can also use her experience in Bridgerton season 1 to help her sisters and brothers secure suitable matches for themselves. When Daphne and Simon pretend to court one another to attract more desirable suitors for Daphne and repel suitresses for Simon in season 1, Daphne demonstrates an aptitude for manipulating the rules of her society to work in her favor. In Bridgerton season 2, Daphne can put her ability to manipulate the system to good use by helping Anthony attain the marriage of his choosing.