Simon Basset will officially not be a part of Bridgerton season 2 — and an unintended consequence of that absence could see him repeating his father's sins. Based on Julia Quinn's titular books, the period drama debuted via Netflix in 2020. Upon its release, Bridgerton rapidly became the streaming service's most-watched series to date. Offering a more diverse take on the genre, the show made stars of its cast. Principal among them was Regé-Jean Page. As Simon, the dashing Duke of Hastings, Page captured the attention of fans the world over.

Despite being one of society's most eligible bachelors, Simon began with no intention of marrying. After forming a mutually beneficial ruse with Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), however, he became part of the season's central romance. After the usual ups and downs of the genre, Simon and Daphne solidified their feelings for each other. By the time the credits rolled on the Bridgerton season 1 finale, the pair had happily married and welcomed a son into the world. In the process, Simon had overcome a myriad of childhood issues.

Related: Bridgerton Season 2: Everything We Know (Thanks To The Books)

Each of those issues and insecurities stemmed from Simon's relationship (or lack thereof) with his father. Played by Richard Pepple, the previous Duke of Hastings was a cruel and abusive man. Obsessed with conceiving a son, it was suggested that he sought that end through some truly detestable methods. When Simon was born, the Duke didn't care at all about the wellbeing and, subsequently, the heartbreaking death of Simon's mother. All that mattered to him was that he finally had an heir. Unfortunately, the moment he learned that Simon had a speech impediment, the Duke shunned Simon and treated him as though he were dead — refusing to have anything but the perfect son. As a result, Simon was instead raised by Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and resolved to be the direct opposite of his father in every way.

Simon more than lived up to that as Bridgerton season 1 ended. Not only did he serve as a loving husband, but he was both present and supportive of Daphne at his son's birth. Given that, it would be all-but-impossible to imagine him succumbing to his father's ways down the line. With things shifting to Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his own quest for marriage, having Simon missing from Bridgerton season 2 could be a good narrative decision. After all, it would allow the show to avoid having to pull focus. With Daphne confirmed to be returning, however, there could be some unintended consequences. No matter how much time would've passed between seasons, Daphne and Simon's child will be extremely young and likely remain with her. As such, Simon's absence from his life will be as keenly felt as his father's absence was felt by him. Equally, it would be hard to explain away with exposition.

The marriage season has been shown to last a good few months. While that wouldn't be as substantial as the neglect demonstrated by his father — nor as brutally intended — it would nonetheless be a repeat of Simon's upbringing. That would go double if Simon's absence remained a factor in Bridgerton's future, thus forming a recurring pattern. Simon would just as much be overlooking the importance of having a full presence in his son's life. Though the reasoning behind it would be different, it's not outside the realm of possibility for it to be construed that Simon's priorities have become almost as skewed as his father's.

Of course, this troubling outcome could be offset by Daphne's Bridgerton season 2 story establishing that the child remained with Simon. However, it was shown previously how distracted he could get by his work — to the detriment of several other things. As such, it could be further imagined that the raising of the child is being handled by the staff and that he's nonetheless absent.  It's unlikely the show would want to ruin Simon's character development like that - and nor should they - yet it would remain entirely possible. Fans will know how the writers deal with Simon's absence, however, when Bridgerton returns.

More: Simon's Bridgerton Season 2 Absence Means A Key Mystery Won't Get Solved