If you renewed your Netflix subscription hoping that Season 2 of “Bridgerton” would be just as sexy as the first, you might want your money back. Critics who received an early look at the season’s first two episodes were quick to point out the lack of sex and general chemistry between the characters. Season 2 will focus on Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma’s (newcomer Simone Ashley) courtship, which the Daily Mail called a “slow build” when compared to Daphne and the duke’s fling the previous season.
Then there’s the missing Duke of Hastings. Regé-Jean Page originally intended to only stay for one season, as the producers didn’t plan to focus on his character much after that. However, due to the success and cult-like status he garnered as the duke during the premier season, producers were desperate for him to reprise the role, per The Hollywood Reporter. They reportedly offered Page a whopping $50,000 per episode for five episodes in the second season, but he declined. According to sources who spoke to the outlet, Page isn’t interested in any more television work; he’d rather focus on his promising film career.
Despite the absent duke and the disappointing sex scenes, the news for “Bridgerton” isn’t all bad. “It may never reach the status of high art,” Dan Einav wrote in the Financial Times, “but as high camp and escapist entertainment, it’s pretty irreproachable.” Enough said.
Nicki
