The Bridgerton television series created by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix is based on books called The Bridgerton Series written by Julia Quinn. So, while season one followed the love story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Bassett, the second season is likely to follow Anthony Bridgerton’s story. This is also what happens in the second book, so fans have a lot of thoughts and opinions on the character and what his choices are moving forward.

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After the death of their father, Anthony becomes the patriarch of the family who is meant to help his siblings and guide the family, but he makes some pretty grave mistakes in season one of the show. So, while some people still like the character, others aren’t as interested in following him more deeply.

Bad Person: He doesn’t realize how much freedom he actually had

Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix Bridgerton

Anthony is rather resentful of his lot in life as the next viscount after his father’s death. He longs for the freedom of a second or third son, but his woe-is-me attitude can be really grating. The truth is that compared to most other people in his world, he’s got things very good.

He has more freedom than his sisters could ever imagine even if he does have responsibility. He also has actual power in society and doesn’t have to be secondary because of his gender.

Redeemable: He’s still bound by the rules of society

jonathan bailey Anthony bridgerton watch

While on the one hand, hearing Anthony whine about his lot in life was annoying, the truth is that he’s still a person with thoughts and feelings. He also didn’t ask to be born into a title he didn’t want to inherit, and he wants the freedom to be who he is and pursue who he loves.

So, while he might not have it as bad, it doesn’t mean he can’t feel frustrated.

Bad Person: He didn’t listen to Daphne when it came to her suitors

Right away Anthony lost favor with many viewers because of the way he handled Daphne’s debut in society. As the man of the household, he was supposed to help manage her suitors and find her a suitable match, but he really wanted nothing to do with this role. However, instead of just listening to Daphne, he turned away every man who was interested in her despite her wishes, and this made him seem like a selfish jerk.

There was also that ridiculous duel with Simon that was more about Anthony's own ego and issues than what Daphne wanted.

Redeemable: There is a side of him that is compassionate

anthony Benedict And Madame Delacroix Bridgerton

Anthony makes some poor choices, and he doesn’t always treat the people around him that well, especially the women in his life. However, he is also a product of his society, and he’s not an evil person.

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He does show that he has the ability to change his mind and listen to others, and he does seem to have compassion for his family members even if he can be too self-centered.

Bad Person: He doesn’t look out for his family like he should

benedict eloise and anthony bridgerton

While it’s not exactly fair any way you look at it, a lot of the care of the Bridgerton family falls on Anthony’s shoulders. While Lady Violet Bridgerton should be able to have the power in this way, the society they live in is very sexist, so Anthony should step up to the plate.

However, he is always so worried about his own problems that he doesn’t pay enough attention to his siblings.

Redeemable: Because he didn’t ask for the responsibility he was given

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Regardless of whether a person is rich or poor or what gender they are assigned at birth, no one has the ability to choose the specific situation they are born into.

So, while it's’ easy to point to the many privileges that Anthony has, it’s still not that simple for him to step away from his family and pass the responsibility onto someone who might want it more.

Bad Person: Because he nearly forced Daphne to marry Nigel

Bridgerton Anthony and Daphne

While Anthony refusing to let Daphne engage with her many suitors was bad enough, Anthony reaches another level of awfulness when he arranges a marriage with Nigel Berbrooke. He gives Daphne no say in the matter, and he won’t change his mind when Daphne, as well as their mother, say no.

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He tries to force his sister to marry a man who is clearly creepy and unappealing, and this is pretty sexist and selfish of him. He clearly doesn’t care at all about the feelings of the women in his family.

Redeemable: He backed off when he learned how Nigel really was

While it was frustrating that it took something so extreme for Anthony to see that he was wrong, at least he did finally back off.

When he learned that Nigel had tried to force himself on Daphne, he took his sister’s side and wanted nothing to do with Nigel anymore. But, he still should have listened to Daphne earlier on.

Bad Person: His treatment of Siena is nearly unforgivable

Bridgerton Anthony and Siena

The two biggest black marks against Anthony are his treatment of Daphne as well as his treatment of his lover, Siena. The way he uses her and changes his mind over and over is definitely cruel.

He promises first to always help her only to turn around and abandon her completely, and he then comes crawling back even though he still doesn’t know for sure what he wants or is willing to commit to. He just shows that he views women as lesser than and as beings he can use for his own wants.

Redeemable: The second season could explore his motivations more

Anthony Bridgerton in the television series

There are a lot of things Anthony does in season one that makes him seem unlikable, and his motivations are often a bit murky.

While he makes questionable choices, he could be redeemed if the second season goes more into why he did the things he did and his own issues. He would also probably need to make some big apologies to people and change his ways, but there's a chance he could turn things around.

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