Bridgerton season 2 will feature the family's late patriarch Edmund Bridgerton, who is crucial to eldest son Anthony's development. Based on the bestselling books by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton season 2 will follow the second book of the series, entitled The Viscount Who Loved Me. While season 1 focused on Daphne's (Phoebe Dynevor) romantic pursuits, the second will turn its attention to Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and his love story. Rupert Evans' casting as Edmund Bridgerton likely means the show will touch upon the tragic events which shaped the family dynamic and put immense pressure on Anthony.
Bridgerton season 1 was released on Netflix in December 2020, and the Regency-era romance, based on the first Bridgerton novel The Duke and I, became a huge hit for the streaming service. Much of its popularity stemmed from its diverse cast of characters, including breakout star Rege-Jean Page as Simon Basset, the enigmatic Duke of Hastings. Though Page will not return for season 2, fans may still have plenty of steamy scandal and romance to look forward to in Bridgerton's new season.
Bridgerton season 2 could delve into the Bridgertons' backstory and provide some insight into how Anthony became the conflicted man viewers initially met. While his father Edmund Bridgerton is noticeably absent from season 1, The Viscount Who Loved Me reveals that Edmund dies from a bee sting. This proves a shocking blow to the family and to Anthony, who struggles with his own mortality and familial duty to marry later on. The show will most likely show Edmund's relationship with and influence on his children through flashbacks or memories Anthony recounts. It may also show how Edmund met Lady Violet (Ruth Gemmell) and began their family.
Edmund's inclusion in Bridgerton season 2 could flesh out Anthony's character and narrative arc significantly. In season 1, Anthony doesn't seem to know what he wants, eschewing family responsibilities and constantly stringing along a lower-class opera singer he knows he cannot marry. Season 2 can develop him even further by exploring Edmund's death and the emotional toll that experience had on Anthony. It may also illustrate how Anthony strives to be like his late father, how he approaches his courtship of Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), and how he learns vulnerability.
Though the Bridgerton patriarch does not make an appearance in season 1, fans of the books may have recognized the signs pointing to his future reveal. Bee imagery is prominent throughout the show, despite its negative connotations to the family. Edmund is an essential part of Anthony's growth into his role as the new Bridgerton patriarch, so it will be interesting to see how Bridgerton season 2 weaves him into the story.