#and show saphne is much MUCH better than the book

[romanticatheartt]

I want to read bridgerton books before s3 and I saw you talked about the books as well are they any good?

God NO💀

Okay let me explain. Before I say anything I only read the first 3 books and the 6th one, which are Daphne, Anthony, Benedict and Francesca's story.

Here's my rating:

The Duke and I: ⭐ (Daphne)

The Viscount Who Loved Me: ⭐⭐⭐.5 (Anthony)

An Offer From a Gentleman: ⭐⭐⭐ (Benedict)

6. When He Was Wicked: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (Francesca)

Daphne's book was horrible. idk if you've watched the TV show but *spoiler* that scene with Daphne forcing herself on Simon? It's ten times worse in the book.

Anthony's book was okay-ish I love their romance ig but both character were so bland!! Kate is so boring and insecure. It made me roll my eyes way too many time whenever she open her mouth lol. Anthony also pissed me off!!! I didn't like him in the book AT ALL. Their first time is a light dub-con *spoiler* Let's just say he made their first night his right while Kate was terrified and just wanted to postpone it so she can gather up her courage. It made me quite angry. (bare that in mind s2 is soooooo much different than the book. Plot-wise I enjoyed the book better and for characters, I loved the show. Only if I could mashup these two...)

Benedict's book is a Cinderella retelling. The premises were there but the book didn't quite met them. Again Benedict is so boring... he's nothing like show!Benedict and I loved Sophie<3 Their story is quite unique and if the show approach it right, it can be the best season tbh...

Francesca's was my favorite. Angsty, more than the first three. It's the only book that their first time isn't questionable (kinda) and tbh I really enjoyed it! I loved both characters. I'm not saying it's the best historical romance book ever but it was way more enjoyable than the other 3 I've read.

I gotta say these books are problematic and white asf lmao. Simon is literally blond with blue eyes!! It was quite a shock when I read the book the first time...

[sea-owl]

I like how Bridgerton not only shows the love story between the couples but also the love story the leads have with themselves as they learn to self-love.

For some of the leads, it's more subtle than it is for their partner, like with saphne and philoise. Simon is the more obvious one since we see how his relationship with his father caused his self-loathing and wanting to end the Basset line. Same thing with Phillip, the trauma of his father, losing his brother, and his first marriage lead to this self-hatred he has that leads to his decision that the children are better off with him absent and his second marriage would be another marriage of duty. With Daphne, I think it shows more in the books since she was on her second or third season and no one wanted her for a wife but as a friend, or those that did made her uncomfortable. Then her marriage comes, but in some ways, she's still being treated with kid gloves, which frustrates her. Eloise is very subtle with hers, but she is mostly in a good place. She just needs a few tune ups.

Benophie and polin are a little more evened out when watching their self-love stories. Both Benedict and Colin are rooted in their purpose beyond being second and third sons. Sophie and Penelope are both learning to self-love beyond what society has done to them. With Sophie, she is a bastard daughter. She was never going to be given a fair chance in life. Lords barely like/tolerate their legitimate daughters. She had no chance. Penelope, with her job as Whistledown, heard all the whispers and gossip, which included ones about herself. As herself, she was only shown kindness from the Bridgertons, her best friend's family,and she believed it came from a place of pity.

Kathony is another one that really dives into self-love as well, especially with the show, Anthony has put his duty as head of the family first ever since he was 18 when Edmund died. This sense of duty went even as far as to his hunt for a viscountess. He was looking to continue on the Bridgerton line, not love. Meanwhile, Kate has always been seen lesser when compared to Edwina that she wasn't even looking for prospects for herself, which the show really hit home on by making Kate a spinster. She is also putting her familial duty first. This is why they aggravated each other so much, they were each what the other subconsciously wanted. Neither of them wanted to admit wanting love, they did not want to be vulnerable, and in a way, they did not believe they deserved to put their happiness and chance for love first.

I love seeing it in their stories where they have their breakthrough moments where they decide that no, I did not deserve that, I am more than what you made me believe, and I may not he there yet but I am going down the road where I will love myself.

[bellascarousel]

i know why you all are so against polin and its because you cant stand a midsize girl getting the happy ending. You always praise simone beauty and model body but she is an empty package, she is a bad person, with family, fans, friends coworkers and everyone really excepto her YT boyfriend and his rich white skinny friends. She spread unhealthy stereotypes for woman and thats okey for you all fatphobics

Honey, I DNF'ed Polin's book because it was boring. My favorite characters in their book were Felicity and Hyacinth. Felicity doesn't exist, and Hyacinth can't have the same role she had in the book because of them moving the time-frame way up. I actually shipped Polin more than Saphne during season 1, and was really excited to find out they were canon in the books. Then I tried to read their book and... just couldn't bring myself to care about them. There were just no real stakes. (A problem that admittedly WOULD be solved on the show by the fact that the Queen wants Lady Whistledown - except they probably won't actully unmask her to the ton this season because of not wanting to lose that narrative device.) Plus, Colin is one of those characters that I love in every other book, but kind of hated in his own. I do not care about the characters. Full fucking stop.

I love Simone because she is an amazing actress who did an incredible job of bringing my favorite Bridgerton character to life despite how little the writers gave her to work with. Kate is such a compelling character to me. And after the way Simone acted her fucking heart out with her, yeah. I'm excited to see what else she can do.

As for her looks, and the "unhealthy stereotype" she spreads... how DARE she be comfortable in her own skin? Only bigger women are allowed that, right? She's not unhealthily skinny for her frame size. What do you want her to do? Overeat to get pudgy because you think her natural body shape and size is somehow wrong?

Nicola is also obviously very comfortable in her body, and as someone who is NOT, I love that for her. I envy Nicola's confidence far more than I envy Simone's body. Because confidence is attainable, I will never look like Simone because I don't have her bone structure. But, hey! Maybe you ARE jealous of her and that's your real problem.

TL/DR I loved Kate and Kathony before Simone was ever cast. And I loved Polin until I tried to read their book (and until Penelope got two subplots in season 2 and her family took up so much screen time that would have been better served by fleshing out the Sharma family and giving THEM a proper subplot). It has nothing to do with the actresses.

[lostinafictionaluniverse]

My thoughts about the book changes Bridgerton S2, it’s rather long so under a cut and it contains spoilers

Book changes I liked:

Beegate 

They have changed a LOT from the books, and some scenes were non-negotiable for me initially when I first began anticipating the season. Then a lot was spoiled and we were told there's barely anything from the books. But some of the changes actually made it better? Like Beegate is a pivotal scene in the book, because they get caught out and have to marry. But their wedding is sorta 'forced' which makes it similar to S1 and Saphne. So I'm glad they included the Bee scene but made it pivotal in a different way in the show: it's the first time Kanthony come so close - physically and emotionally and it sets a trigger for all their future interactions. Also the way it affects them both threw me completely: Anthony is in tears and Kate cannot stop her heart from racing and that was beautiful. I really liked the fact that in the show nothing forced them to marry- not Beegate, not them sleeping together. They married because they love each other and this was so satisfying to me.

Anthony being a Hero

Anthony being a 'Hero' when he snubs Cressida Cowper and stands up for Pen in the books was omitted, but Anthony was a hero in quite a different way: when he stands up for the Sharmas against the Sheffields.

The lake scene

The lake scene from the book was there in a different way that actually made it better with a Jealous + soaked Anthony, and Kate lusting after him (Why didn't Edwina notice anything here? I see her puzzled look at Kate's lingering glance at Anthony.)

Lovemaking scene

Another scene which is an iconic one is Anthony's dialogue when he tells Kate: I desire you, I burn for you etc etc. just before they make love for the first time after their wedding. This was removed from the show, but it turned out to be redundant. Also, I liked it much better on the show, because the book version had a couple of slightly problematic elements which are overcome of course with that piece of dialogue, but eliminating it altogether leaves no doubt that their coming together is totally consensual and with no hesitation from either person. In the book, Anthony kind of pressures Kate by saying he cannot wait and Kate weakens and realizes that she does not want to wait, but in the middle of it all he calls her beautiful and she freezes because she had never felt beautiful, and thinks he's picturing Edwina. And this leads to that bit of dialogue. In the show, the build-up between them is soooo well-presented that there is no doubt in the audience, or Kate's mind who Anthony really wants. He goes so far as to tell her he cannot marry Edwina because he will go through all his life wanting Kate and eventually he will cheat on Edwina with Kate. That is the level to which Kate has filled his head, and boy, I'm so on board with this version! Also, it's nice that Kate did not feel lesser than Edwina in that respect as well- her martyr complex for Edwina was bad enough, we did not need this too.  

Pall Mall. 

The essence of the game and Anthony getting burned by Kate is there, so I would say it's not taken much away and I loved the little addition of the mud scene in the show and them laughing together. It showed them letting down their defenses and opening up to each other. Some would argue that the humor is lost from the book, but I found this scene funny enough with Kate roasting Anthony  much to his siblings’ delight. and him grudgingly clapping every time she made a shot.

The love confession

Their realization that they love each other comes after they get married in the book. For Kate it's after Anthony helps her through her trauma with the thunderstorms and shows incredible understanding. For Anthony - he becomes fearful of losing her because he's convinced he's going to die too like his father. And then when the accident happens he says: ‘It was never supposed to be you, it was always supposed to be me.’ They changed this in the show: Anthony's fear of dying is not dwelt upon, but instead they give precedence to Anthony's fear of losing someone he loves dearly, which works just as well if not better. In fact, the part when he holds himself responsible for Kate's accident and then refuses to see her because he cannot bear it, and then finally breaks down when he hears she's okay came across as much more poignant and powerful than in the book (thanks to JB’s powerhouse acting). 

The confession itself was huge in the show for Anthony (and for Kate) because these two characters do not believe they can be loved for themselves. Kate does not believe Anthony loves her till he says the words and Anthony, in turn does not expect her to love him back. I really loved that the love Anthony feels for Kate is so overpowering and so humbling that he feels the need to tell her without expecting anything in return, and even after she tells him she loves him back he promises not to take that for granted (I want a life that suits us both).  The confession and the epilogue on the show felt really satisfying to me.

Book changes I did not enjoy:

The library scene and the minimization of Kate’s trauma: All they had to do was extend that scene. In the book it’s not a sexual scene. Kate is terrified and Anthony provides support and reassurance and just so much sensitivity and understanding that I feel we were robbed from seeing this nuance of his character. As also Kate’s vulnerability. The show paints her as almost superhuman with the control she has on her emotions, but this moment could have made her more human. Also, they really TALK - about their dads, their families, and that’s something I really missed seeing on the show.

The triangle

Okay, so they changed the Anthony-Edwina-Kate dynamic to a triangle and the triangle does not really exist in the book. I was resolved to hate it, in my mind it totally destroyed the key essence of these characters and though I still do not LOVE it, I don't hate it either. The DRAMA was utterly riveting, ngl, and I was pulled in by the high stakes, the angst, the tension, the 'kangan’ falling off at the key moment and A picking it up to give it to K and the symbolism of it all. It was so filmy but somehow effective. I liked all of the symbolism and foreshadowing: Edwina kind of setting up Kate and Anthony because she wants them to 'love' each other, the haldi she puts on Kate, the fact that Kate tries the ring for the fitting and she can't get it off (it fits her perfectly), Anthony handing her the bangle - I enjoyed all of them, even if they came across as cheesy and formulaic.

Edwina came off as being someone who was more fleshed out, and while I got her feeling of betrayal at what was going on under her nose, and I applauded her absolute refusal to 'settle' because she 'deserves' better, I still found her lack of understanding for Kate upsetting. Edwina in Ep. 6 was a queen but Edwina in Ep. 7 I did not like. Her being passive- aggressive at Kate and Anthony dimmed her character a bit for me. Her initial anger at Kate I understood, but after that, knowing how self-sacrificing her sister was, couldn't she have at least had a conversation with her and tried to understand her? Till the end, Edwina was all about herself, and when you contrast that with how much Kate de-focuses on herself and centers around Edwina I feel righteous anger on Kate's behalf. 

Everybody was blaming Kanthony for feeling for each other? Like WTF??

And they made Kate literally grovel to Edwina: ‘I will ask for your forgiveness everyday of my life.’ And then her telling Anthony that they should be ashamed of their kiss was shattering to me. All because of how Edwina was making her feel. I HATED THAT! I hated that Edwina made her feel so guilty that her first kiss with the man she loved devolved into a shameful experience to be shut down.

In Edwina’s defense I guess you could say it’s the conditioning that made her behave this way. Kate was firmly on the shelf and had declared she would not seek a suitor for herself. Edwina was anointed the diamond by the Queen herself. It must have been unthinkable for her to imagine that a handsome man like Anthony would want her sister over her. I think she may have felt jealous too, but I do understand her feeling of betrayal as well - she may even be thinking Kate dissuaded her initially from Anthony because she already liked him then. I just felt it stretched on for too long, and in an attempt to make Edwina look badass they diminished her compassionate nature. She actually had to say: I’m kinder than you to Kate because I did not see it or feel it.

I felt that bit remained unresolved between the two till the end and in an effort to make Edwina shine they ended up making her look preachy instead.

I wish there was something added in the epilogue with Edwina to show things had resolved fully between her and Anthony and her and Kate: at least they could have had her in the Pall Mall game in the end, she was the only one missing from the original one so it would have been nice and it would have been a nice callback to the book that has the game as an annual tradition and all the original players play each time. 

Also no Mr. Bagwell. I really liked that in the book Anthony falls short of Edwina's expectations because she wants a scholar to match her intellect. They seem to have dumbed her down in the show! She's much smarter and more perceptive and clued in to Kate's feelings in the book! But I also like the idea of Edwina and the Prince (I really liked him in S1) so if the show gives us this in a future season (or at least mentions it) I'd be thrilled. 

Overall, the triangle did add to the drama by raising the stakes and prolonging the separation, but it did end up destroying all 3 characters somewhat at the altar (pun intended)

To conclude, I really like how Kanthony are equals in every way. They always meet half way and whenever they came together it’s 100% consensual. 

Anyways, TL DR: I will always love these two - fools that they maybe, idiots that they may be, flawed that they may be and I thank Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey for bringing them to life so splendidly!

Book omissions I hope they include in future seasons

More of Kanthony talking and opening up about their individual trauma, perhaps in the form of more flashbacks for them both

Kate playing the flute badly and Anthony indulging her

Anthony being a brother to Edwina (in the book he offers her dowry)

Kate and Colin banter: This was so fun in the book! And I loved that little bit where Kate dances with him in the circle dance.

More of Anthony’s siblings (other than Benedict) showing they care for him perhaps in a chat with Kate (Like the one she has with Eloise in the book)

Newton is quite taken in by Anthony in the book and in the show they made it the opposite, so I would love to see a “Dog, sit!” from Anthony and Newton actually listening to him!

There’s a little scene in the book right before Beegate happens where they talk about what it means to be the oldest, and I would love this to be included in some form.

The scene where he drinks up all the tea so he won’t make a mess when he pulls her onto his lap!

We were robbed of A and K wedding, so show it to us in a flashback! PLEASE! 

And I really want this DIALOGUE: "Love's about finding the one person who makes your heart complete, who  makes you a better person than you ever dreamed you could be. It's about looking in the eyes of your wife and knowing, all the way to your bones, that she's simply the best person you've ever known."

I also want little Miles to yell at his parents to stop as they keep playing the flute and trumpet badly.

And the second epilogue. I really, really want the second epilogue.

[pensbridgrton]

As a desi woman but also a fan of Penelope’s do you have any thoughts on how Bridgerton is being promoted as racially motivated?

There's so much to unpack in this ask, phew.

First of all - my being a fan of Pen has literally 0 bearing on what I think of Netflix's promotion, but also more importantly, about it being "racially motivated."

Second of all, it's made me real uncomfortable that I've seen so many white people inserting their takes about all of this and ignoring actual brown people. Now, there have been plenty of brown/black fans in all spaces (here, twitter, etc. etc.) that have expressed concerns and that is completely valid, but once again, we are not a monolith and so while I was going to ignore this ask because it feels a little bait-y, I'm here because I do think it's important to offer another perspective.

No, I do not think the promotion is racially motivated. But before I get into that, let's talk about Penelope/Colin/Polin and their actors because I've seen so much shit and kept my mouth shut, but frankly I'm sick of it. And if you wanna read my take about something, you get to hear me vent about everything. So sorry, but this entire thing is a goddamn essay but whatever, I'll get there eventually.

Nicola and Newts (and Charithra and Claudia) are actors doing their jobs. The amount of people hating on Nic and Newts irritates the hell out of me. The hate on Charithra because there might be a possible love triangle? Get the FUCK out of here. I'm already going to stan Edwina because if she does love Anthony and creates a love triangle - good for fucking her. She deserves it.

You are allowed to not find Newts attractive. That's fine. You are allowed to think he can't carry a season (you're wrong, but again, that's your opinion. He literally carried an entire season of a show and he wasn't the main. But whatever, fine. ) What's irritating and frankly, shitty, is saying that people who do find Newts attractive are silly or dumb or naive or whatever the else I've been scrolling past (before blocking, especially on his damn birthday). Fans have different tastes. That goes for ships and characters and for fucking actors.

I like Penelope, a lot. I loved her in the books, I liked her in the show, and I'm curious to where her storyline goes. She's one half of my favorite ship. So, yes, I'm going to be optimistic about her characterization. I don't begrudge people who dislike Pen - she did a real shitty thing and as someone who has FROM DAY ONE, called her out for it (especially as someone who also loves Marina), I'm not here to call her girlboss or say what she did doesn't deserve consequences or dislike. Maybe I'm naive and optimistic, but I really think S2 is about Pen reaching rock bottom and S3 is about building and changing her to be the better person she - and LW - can be. But that's my hope for the future, but I don't actually control the show. I'm honestly more worried about Colin's characterization as an individual character, but... frankly, he's a white male character so I'm not putting my energies into worrying about it other than a few private breakdowns here and there because he's a character I resonate with a lot in the books. But the show is the show and the books are the books and I'll get over it. Instead, let me worry about shit that actually matters.

Like Bombay and "from India" and being outsiders. This, to me, are the ACTUAL concerns I have about S2. Not the love triangle or Lady Whistledown/Polin taking up screen time (let's be real... Polin had 10 mins of screentime in all S1 and Saphne was still the central focus, even over the secondary story of LW/Pen. I anticipate this same case in S2.) I do think if anything derails by enjoyment in S2 it's going to be this India storyline. (Well, and the complete lack of queerness but let's move on.)

So now to the promotion - no, I do not think it's racially motivated.

The EW spread was probably planned to be SA, JB, NC, and CC. But JB has a wholeass show coming out soon and SA was apparently busy - if it was racially motivated, CC wouldn't have been in that shoot at all, they would have called up CJ, LN, and LT. They didn't, because Edwina is important to S2 and if they couldn't have JB/SA there to talk about it, they at least wanted CC. And they clearly wanted to focus on Kathony... because so many of the articles and interviews included JB/SA THROUGH ZOOM (they made that fucking effort!) And guess what - the articles focused on two things - Kathony and Lady Whistledown. Guess what? That's the focus of the show. Focusing on LW as the central storyline for four seasons is smart for the show. They know this. It's obviously going to be a focus - but it's not going to overshadow the central romance. These are creator choices anyway, and have nothing to do with Netflix's marketing.

The teaser? Was literally like the S1 teaser. JA voiceovers with plenty of out of context clips, including a strong focus on scandal and sex -- especially in regards to Kathony. If you wanna get upset about a thumbnail, sure, fine I guess. You do you. I simply don't give a fuck. This show is a drama. It's focus is on scandal and gossip and a rotating romance storyline. The teaser, in my opinion, reflected that.

It's not even March yet. Netflix doesn't start REAL promotion until a few weeks before, especially for their returning shows. They shouldn't anyway - no one remembers until just before the premiere. Most everything from RJP and PD came AFTER S1 dropped - I expect the same here. I understanding wanting more SA content - I always do! - and I get wanting them to get the EW photoshoot like Batman and the Great... but JB is hella busy? Covid is still a thing? SA is clearly doing things based off her instagram.

I might be blind and naive and too optimistic - but Netflix's promo is absolutely fine. If you're upset with LW being a focus on the show... that's not a Netflix/promotional thing, that's a creator/writers thing (which I feel like everyone already knew... that was literally the point of S1). Kathony is a great ship and I'm excited to see them adapted, but Netflix wants to retain viewers and you do that by showing a) people they are familiar with and like and b) waiting right before the premiere to push the hot sexy people they're actually going to see.

Thank you for your time if you read this ridiculousness.

[bridgertonbabe]

as much as I love show!kanthony and the fact that they chose to get married instead of being forced into marriage which fit their storyline of finally doing something for themselves, i'm still low key sad benedict won't be the first one to marry someone because he wants to. i'm literally just trying to think of all the ways they could make benophie stand on its own bc in some ways show!kanthony took some tropes from them.

Yeah to be honest I much preferred the chaos from The Viscount Who Loved Me where Kanthony are forced to marry to cover a scandal and the chaos that follows as they blatantly love one another but are too consumed with Kate's insecurities of Anthony having to marry her and Anthony's determination not to be in love with his wife. I thrive off of miscommunication and how obvious it was to everyone else but themselves that they did in fact love each other. I understand why the show went down the route that they did because it would be similar to Saphne being forced to marry to cover a scandal, but at least Saphne were more open to actually being in love with one another than Kanthony were in the book by keeping their deepest feelings to themselves.

So while the show did alter Kanthony's romance to a certain extent, I think they'll be incorporating different elements or taking moments from other books to use for future pairings, for example the way they had Simon say "I burn for you" in S1 when this was actually Anthony's line to Kate from his book. I don't know how Kanthony stans felt with Simon taking Anthony's line, because I sure as hell would be incensed if they gave Benophie's adrift/anchor exchange to a different couple. I'm hoping that going ahead into future seasons if Kanthony stick around that we'll see some more moments between them that came from their book - I want them to have a funny storyline of Kate deciding to take up the flute and Anthony teasing her for her abysmal playing until one of his siblings makes a joke of her attempts and Anthony jumps to his wife's defence, admonishing them for judging Kate when she's still new to the instrument, and then we cut to Anthony joining his wife by trying to learn the trumpet, much to his family's astonishment (and slowly deafening ears).

A line from Kanthony's book which didn't get used but I still want to see I think could be used for Benophie. After Kate and Anthony first sleep together he tells her "it's never been so good" - and having just reread An Offer From A Gentleman, Sophie asks Benedict if it's always like that after they make love for the first time. Benedict's too overwhelmed to say anything but shakes his head and I think considering at the end of S2 he confesses to never having been in love that the first time he sleeps with Sophie would make him realise that he has never truly made love to another until her. If he confessed to Sophie that it's never been like this for him then it would speak volumes of just how deeply Sophie has affected his mind, body, and soul. There's a lot of powerful moments as well as smaller moments in Julia Quinn's writing that I would love the show to take better advantage of, but I guess we'll see how they continue going ahead.

[redpensandgreenarrows]

OKAY! Alright! Time to gather my Bridgerton S2 thoughts...

This post will more than likely be a long one and kinda ramble-y, dive in below the cut at your own risk. 😉

Obviously there will be spoilers. This is your warning, hehe. And please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with me, I'd love to chat!! (And let us hope I can remember all the things I want to say...)

Overall, I REALLY liked this season. I liked it better than S1, but that's no hate to Saphne and their story. I very much enjoyed both for their own reasons. Also, I wish I had known to bring tissues for this season because SO MANY THINGS MADE ME CRY!

General thoughts on what I liked/didn't like:

Liked:

I like how they interpreted Kate and Anthony's love story from the books. Meaning, I like how both characters in the show accepted/acknowledged that they loved the other - internally at least - but the reason they fought it so hard we due to a sense of duty. Versus in the book: Kate thinking she wasn't as pretty/desirable as her sister, and Anthony refusing to love because he was sure he was going to die young.

Going off of that, I liked the change that Anthony didn't want to marry for love because he didn't want to be the cause of the type of pain Violet went through if anything ever happened to him. This felt more real - in conjunction with the flash backs - rather than this arbitrary belief that he only had a few more years to live because he obviously wouldn't out live his father.

WOO! That sexual tension! Hot DAMN.

Anything and everything Benedict/Luke Thompson. He fucking SLAYED this season, and no one can say otherwise.

Also, I got to watch Luke dress down, and I am all for more Luke T skin in my life.

Pall Mall was AMAZING.

More Bridgerton brothers fencing!

The Bridgerton's failed ball, but watching Anthony bring the Bridgertons and Sharmas together with the country dance! OMG IT WAS THE BEST THING EVER. EVERYONE HAD SO MUCH FUN! Well for a moment at least.

Disliked:

I didn't like that they hurt Edwina in this story. I like how Edwina in the book cottoned on to how Kate and Anthony felt and helped bring them together. The only reason I am not in an absolute rage about it is because of the badass backbone she grew from the revelation. It hurt like hell to see her go through that when you kept wanting Kate to just talk to her, but Edwina grew so much from the situation and finally became her own person.

They didn't give me enough Newton. Newton is an agent of chaos. We got a few scenes of sass and one scene of chaos - fall in the river. Not nearly enough.

The Sheffields. They are assholes. (Good for the plot, but I just dislike them because they are assholes.)

The whole Jack/Prudence/Portia triangle thing. Like I know Jack wasn't actually involved with Pru, but as soon as he made moves on Portia I was uncomfortable. 🤢🤢🤢🪕🪕🪕

The Featherington mourning dresses. Those browns were rancid.

The fact there was no explanation for Frannie's "disappearance"

Character points:

Anthony:

I am surprised the man didn't have a heart attack in the beginning. Talk about your Type A personality. Granted the flashbacks gave us a lot of insight, so we know why he is the way he is, but holy fuck. I've never seen someone micromanage their life so much.

The fact that I heard him say the phrase "child baring hips" 😡😡😡. Fuck off.

The INTENSITY this man brings to his performance is AMAZING.

Also, he made me cry MULTIPLE times season. Watching Jonathan's face crack as he cries immediately makes me cry. I wasn't ready.

THE BEE SCENE! 1.) I need Jonny to never make that panic/emotional face ever again. That hurt. 2.) The feeling of the hearts!!! What I perfect way to reassure Anthony that she is okay, even if Kate didn't realize how poignant it was!!! BRILLIANT.

His whole speech when he says "I love you" to Kate at the end. BEAUTIFUL. Full heart on sleeve. A++++

Kate:

It was like watching Anthony from S1. Which I'm sure was the point, but woo! Major deja vu.

Watching the battle of wits between her and Anthony: *chef's kiss*

Watching her struggles was so beautifully acted.

Also, I loved her little chat with Eloise. They played it out that those two could become close in future seasons. I'm here for it because that also plays into Ben becoming close with Kate, which I 1000% want.

I like how Kate kinda ended up being the one to finally give in and take the initiative when they first had sex. She said "yes let us finally do something for ourselves."

I love Kate. She is amazing, especially after she recognizes and acknowledges her issues. Yay for accepting happiness!

Kathony:

How. HOW!? Is it possible to have so much chemistry and have the act of "dancing around each other's faces, nearly touching" be SO DAMN HOT!? What is this witchcraft!? It was hotter than any of the damn sex scenes in S1. Everyone, I give you: the "female gaze". You're welcome.

THE WRITERS REALLY SLOW BURNED THE HELL OUT OF THIS DIDN'T THEY!?!?!? 👀👀👀 Straight out of a gd fanfic.

Once they got together at the end, and seeing them so happy together was so beautiful. And I don't care that they made out in front of family. Those two idiots in love would so do that. And the family was happy for them, so 😛.

Benedict:

Everything.

The snark from the beginning. Me and my dark ass humor love him.

He fucking MOOED at Eloise. 🐮🐮🐮

Watching him dump a whole ass pouch of drugs into his tea, down it, and proceed to get high af. A++++ However, I thought he was going to do more during the dinner. That scene felt too short 😂.

I guess Benedict and windows are a thing: he yells out of them, gestures out of them, ... and eventually climbs out of them to run to a lake - while sick - to get rid of a boner. Windows. Who knew? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Not only an artist, but he makes up poetry on the spot!? Sophie's a goner. She won't be able to resist his romantic ass. (I certainly can't.)

I GOT TO WATCH THE MAN STRIP, AND I GOT TO SEE HIS ASS. Not mad about it. 😇 (Frankly, I thought the scene with him sleeping with the model was going to be more of a thing. Guess not.)

I can only imagine how the news about Anthony's monetary contribution killed any and all ideas about who he thought he was becoming. Bring on the "#2/second son" gloomy thoughts. However, I was pleasantly surprised by Anthony's praise at the end when Ben confronted his brother about leaving the school. I'm glad his family seem to appreciate his abilities.

Eloise:

Boy! Did this poor girl go through the emotional rollercoaster this season! Social season stress, almost uncovering Lady W, finding someone she's attracted to, being threatened by the Queen, pushing away the man she's attracted to, scandalized by Lady W and then finding out her best friend has been keeping a secret that she is Lady W. THAT IS SO MUCH.

I felt bad seeing her so uncomfortable and feeling like she can't live up to expectations. However, seeing her with the giant feather in her hair in the beginning was quite humorous.

She did manage to make the Queen laugh, which was unexpected, but I loved!

Bless her for always sticking to her beliefs and ideals. She's a badass.

That last scene with Penelope. Holy. Fuck. SO MUCH EMOTION. But so good. I hate that she's hurt though. I have no idea how they will find their friendship again.

Other characters:

I didn't expect the Colin storyline where he outs Jack and protects the Featherington women. But I liked it! And I also liked how natural his changing feelings towards Pen felt, especially after what Marina said to him. But of course they had to throw in that heartbreaking line at the end. 😬😬😬

Boy, did Pen's Lady W secret really come for her at multiple angles this season! I wasn't expecting how quickly that was all going to happen. And again that ending was devastating between her and Eloise.

Speaking of Marina. I'm glad they seem to be treating her story well. Book Marina's story is very tragic, and I hoped show Marina's story would be somewhat easier on her. The poor thing deserves it. But I have NO idea how the show is going to bring Phillip and Eloise together.

Phillip you big ass botany nerd. 🤓🤓🤓

Seeing how excited Hyacinth became when Anthony asked her to dance! My heart!!! Just being the best big brother 💙.

ANTHONY AND GREGORY'S SCENE ABSOLUTE DESTROYED ME! I WAS A SOBBING MESS. I CRIED SO MANY TIMES THIS SEASON. I WAS NOT OKAY.

Justice for Francesca!

I love seeing Lady D and Mama Bridgerton team up to play matchmaker. It makes me happy. Lady D has become this second Bridgerton parent and I'm here for it.

I will say, seeing Lady D RATTLED this year was a shock. I was not expecting that. HOWEVER, I think it made her more... human. Even those with that "fuck around and find out" attitude can hit bumps in the road.

The scene with Violet and Anthony after she tells him that Kate is awake also destroyed me. SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE WARNED ME I WOULD NEED TISSUES!

And Daphne!! I adored this more wise and mature Daphne. You can really see the growth from S1!!! 💙

Okay. My brain is shutting down. I don't think I can think of anything else right now. But PLEASE share your thoughts and feelings! I'd love to chat about this season 😊!!!

[shameonmeeguiltypleasure]

Current Thoughts about POSY REILING:

*Note: I have not read An offer from a Gentleman. All thoughts and impressions I have were formed after reading ‘The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After’ 2nd epilogues. Why? Because I’m doing my best not to be influenced by the books while waiting for the show’s portrayal of certain couples. (I was impatient for Polin and Philloise, also far too curious about why Michael was such a popular character in fics, so those three are the only books I own) * 

Direct Quotes that really stood out to me about Posy’s character from Bridgertons:HEA :

“she was perfectly pleasant to look at, perhaps a little plump, she had all her teeth, and it had been remarked upon more than once that she had uncommonly kind eyes.” (84)

“And since Posy did not enjoy repeated needle-sized skin punctures, it was Rosamund’s embroidery that always looked exquisite.” (85)

“You couldn’t turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse, and you certainly couldn’t turn a Posy into a Rosamund” (86)

“Posy, who had been ignored for most of her life. Posy, who had spent years feeling guilty for not standing up to her mother. Posy, who was still a little bit plump and never would be as beautiful as her sister, but who would always have the kindest eyes……. Posy might have spent twenty-two years being poked and pricked by her sister, but she was no fool” (87)

“As for Posy, she often said that her life had not really begun until she went to jail. This tended to require some explaining, but most of Posy’s statements did. Posy didn’t mind. The Bridgertons actually liked her explanations. They liked her. Even better, she rather liked herself. Which was more important than she’d ever realized.” (88)

“She is not for everyone,” Sophie had admitted to Benedict the previous day, “But that does not mean she is not a brilliant catch” (89)

Overall Impression:

If I’m honest, I’m not a fan of that love at first sight troupe. I mean yeah it’s sweet, but my personal preference is the slow build, dark/borderline toxic dynamic in couples. My favourite reads are for couples who are incredibly devoted/obsessed with each other, literally, no one else registers with them as another potential love interest.

So, I was actually disappointed to read that Posy ends up falling in love with her vicar at first sight. It felt like a cheap diluted version of Ben and Sophie’s situation which made me feel as if Posy ended up settling for less than she could have.

There were also a lot of muted parallels between Penelope and Posy, in my opinion- Like their family relations for example. Although Portia Featherington is far better than Araminta for sure. Both Penelope and Posy were often ignored and tended to downplay their talents because they believed their value and physical features to be so little worth.

The only important difference of note is that Penelope was intended to be a main character while Posy was a solid side character in Sophie’s story….. which is an honest shame.

Although I will say this….. If I was ever going to entertain the idea of writing a Self-insert OC fic for the Bridgerton verse, Posy would definitely be a character to consider. Why?

1)     She’s introduced in the third book (years 1814-1817 I think?) which is a good place to have an OC wake up in her body. This way Saphne & Kanthony’s happy ending won’t be at risk and Sophie could still go through her needed experiences to become the character readers love.

2)     Posy Reiling is a side character, which allows a possible SI/Oc so much more flexibility regarding their influence on the cannon plots. I mean, if the SI/Oc was a Polin fan she’s just in time to help a stepsister’s future sister-in-law out (haha).

3)     The SI/Oc can very much still have control of their own future without stressing too badly…(I think. Once again I haven’t read Benophie’s book).

I really did like the part where Benedict was considering going out and practising his Protective Dad instincts when Posy and her Vicar were kissing not even a few minutes after meeting.

But yeah…. I’m overall a little disappointed by the slightly recycled plot line JQ gave Posy for her love life, but am well aware of the potential for Fanfiction.

[thekatebridgerton]

Just think: there are Bridgerton writers who genuinely think that “you are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires” is a SHONDALAND stroke of genius 😦😬😑

Julia Quinn, I’m so sorry. You deserved to have your books adapted by people who respect your work.

That happens when you left Saphne steal the "I burn for you" and have to come up with something else. That Kanthony line is pretty neat tho. It's just dissapointing that there wasn't any more poetically romantic dialogue to gif about.

You know a lot of people talk about Julia's "bad writing" as though she's ever denied that some of her writing is bad? like, Julia will always go out there talk to millions of fans and sometimes she tell them she doesn't know how she wrote her books either. She is the height of chill and all I aspire to be when I grow up.

Julia Quinn will get asked questions about the show in interviews and literally answer with different versions of "not my clowns, not my circus" even if technically she owns the rights to the circus. Queen Julia is so chill and nice and she doesn't take herself seriously. she definately deserves better than what's being adapted from her work. We don't talk enough about how much I love Julia.

[jeanvanjer]

I’ve been irrationally stewing about the teaser thumbnail lmao. Yes it of course should’ve been one of the leads, but even more, an unflattering closeup of Penelope looking smug isn’t going to induce people to click. A beautiful woman like Simone as Kate or Anthony in the bathtub? Even the Queen? Yes. Penelope looking crazy? No.

Honestly I’m a bit over their marketing.

I don’t really understand the logic behind not being heavy handed on the romance aspect of the show, and more on LW but maybe that’s just me being a book fan first and a lover of HR novels in general. The show itself started off as a romance and everyone was more interested in Saphne than they were in LW. So I’m sure returning fans want romance again not Gossip Girl. It really isn’t even that intriguing since everyone knows who LW is anyway. The poster which I’m quite sure will be the tie in over isnt doing any favors. It’s cute but when you compare it to one from S1 the optics aren’t great.

As far as thumbnails go I think Anthony in the bathtub would’ve been the best choice. Maybe something neutral would’ve been better. Like the one overlooking the ton. Or maybe since the show is about family this season, one of the Sharmas would’ve been nice.

I don’t think Penelope looks crazy but I think the showrunners assume that LW is the most attractive factor of the show overall and that’s why they chose her face. And really the fact that she’s the thumbnail wouldn’t be such a problem if the EW shoot was heavy on Simone and Jonathan content.

People are saying “well maybe they want to keep things about the story a mystery” There isn’t a mystery surrounding the seasons main story other than what they’ve changed about the Sharmas. So with that I get why Shelley Conn is missing but not why there isn’t much focus on the leads. Everyone knows who Anthony will end up with because they’ve already announced Kate as his leading lady. And the fact that Bridgerton has blown up the way it has, I doubt other than some thousands of viewers, everyone knows the gist of Kanthonys story.

The problem isn’t Penelope being the thumbnail, it’s the fact that she’s the thumbnail after fans getting very little content marketing wise of the main leads. Also the fact that Daphne was the face of both teaser and trailer of s1 isn’t doing any favors.

So some can wait and watch to see if marketing gets better towards the premiere of the show.

I’m not really gonna do that anymore.

[mermaidsirennikita]

I think you and that anon hit the problem right on the head. The amount of fans I've seen saying they hate the triangle because it might make people Anthony with Edwina and my reaction has been, "yeah probably and so what??" The fact that some of them truly think they can control and demand the fandom and general audience to all agree and like kathony is insane to me. No matter what the show does that is never going to happen. People are going to have different tastes, want to multiship, or just not think actors have chemistry. This is all normal in tv show and movie fandoms. Even season 1 of bridgerton had some fans think Daphne should of been with the prince, or they wanted Colin and marina to be together despite Saphne and Polin being super popular. Why did they think season 2 would be different????

I think season 2 is much more beloved by book fans (and to be fair, it's much better than book 1). A lot of the Saphne fans I've seen are more show!fans, which makes sense. Show!Saphne has RJP, RJP and Phoebe have chemistry, the *scene* is lessened for the show. In the book it's much more visceral imo, and the fact that is that Simon and Daphne aren't compelling enough in the book to justify shipping them anyway.

People though s1 would be this stepping stone so that they could get the adaptation they actually wanted. And they assumed that because the source material is better, there wouldn't be any alterations. And that's just not how adaptations work. No matter how good the book is, there will be changes. When things are turned into movies, there is often more cutting due to time; TV shows often necessitate expansion, padding, general additions.

But even if the book had been adapted so faithfully... Some people would've felt differently than the vocal book fans do. Like? Speaking as a romance reader, a lot of romance readers don't think the Bridgerton books are anything special. That in itself is a divergent opinion lol. Like, I enjoy TVWLM and WHWW but I'm pretty vocal in the things I disagree on in the books.

You just can't control people's reactions. If divergent opinions really destroy your ability to love something, maybe the internet isn't for you?

[fayevalcntine]

- Nicola got the most ‘hate’ (I can’t think of a better word, controversy?) for the EW article, ELLE and the pat mcgrath collab. Because no one wanted her promoted like that. She also got the hate for the featherington screentime situation because people are sick of the ginger family antics. People are now vocal about edwina because they keep saying “the sisters are soulmates” when they had a rushed reconciliation and she apparently doesn’t go to the off-screen wedding.

- I’ve seen more of the opposite. there are way more “i stan edwina/charithra so i can’t be racist” than there are the opposite. There are certain big accounts on twitter who have openly said they don’t like Simone as Kate as well as some racist remarks in general who are now hiding behind Edwina. The amount of people who said Kate is too girl boss and that she’s not like book kate since Tudum they are now team edwina is insane. And they’re are the ones who jump to say everything is racist. Certain benophie and saphne stans who have said racist stuff all have edwina pops and claim to adore her character because she’s sweet and naive. Yet when recently, transphobic/racist/colourist remarks about simone were exposed; these accounts stayed silent. I have seen pretty much all discourse for here and on tumblr. Charithra and Edwina weren’t called slurs or targeted for their race/skin colour or get called ‘not indian enough’ because Simone has a french first name and a stage name for her surname. Meanwhile just this week i’ve seen these pro-edwina accounts call simone “box face” , that she gives “transgender vibes” and that she’s “too dark and untalented” Simone has been receiving racist hate since her casting but all you people have been radio silent. Like the disgusting things that were seen when it was announced that Sai bennet, a white woman, isn’t playing kate. Yeah. But no one has yet to show anything to this level for simone/kate.

If you think kathony stans are biased, then you are too.

The fandom complained more indirectly about Nicola and that EW cover than directly targeting her and her twitter account whereas Charithra got hate for literally just saying that Edwina is really into Anthony on the show to the point where fans made her deactivate her Twitter account for just doing her job in promoting her character? Also I'm sorry but in what world is fans complaining about an EW cover in general even remotely the same as Charithra being made to look like some evil scheming woman who's directly plotting with the Bridgerton Twitter account or the promo team to downgrade Simone or steal her spotlight and photoshoots or have her own parents apparently pay the production team in order for their "nepotism kid" to get a bigger role on the show? I've not seen anyone make claims like this for Nicola so no, the hate she gets has never gotten to the level that Charithra or Simone get.

I've been supportive and vocal about Simone getting the role of Kate since the start and I've literally said on my own account that all the fans complaining about Sai Bennet not being cast are delusional because no offense but that actress has the least memorable face I've ever seen. And the latter examples that you mention is literally what I said in my previous ask, that people keep using either Simone or Charithra as their supposed favorite in order to shit on the other actress. I've complained about this on my own Twitter account at least several times because I've very much so seen some Kathony fans even use the opinions from s*phne stans to just continue hating on Edwina or Charithra as if those fans' supposed "love" for both the character and actress isn't just fake and a way for them to dismiss any claims about being racist or gross when they hate Kate/Simone. And if you're referring to that one specific article that that white author wrote about loving Edwina more than Kate, I've complained about that too, because not only did she misinterpret Kate but she literally misunderstood the whole logic behind Edwina's character as well. Edwina can never be a Daphne-like character nor can she ever be a supposed girl boss like her or even Penelope because she literally doesn't have the privilege of a title or wealth the way either of those characters do.

To say that I'm automatically biased just bc I call out kathony fans who are going above and beyond to make the most insane claims about an actress in order to make her look like some bizarre cartoon villain is laughable because I love Kate and Anthony as characters, but I'm also more than capable of understanding that they're FICTIONAL when Charithra is a real person who is simply doing her job and literally just trying to explain the logic behind her character's writing. Whether the writing is good or not is up to you, but to vilify her to the point where y'all start making up random conspiracy theories about her is insane and some fans really need to understand this.

[deadmunds-ghostbee]

I don’t want to have to wait till episode 6 for (non dream) Kathony sex 😭😭 They better be engaged by 5, so they’re married at the start of 6.

Seriously though, they did a bad job with the ending in S1 and Simon/Daphne apparently had more time married. I hope the s2 conflict and resolution isn’t terribly rushed. If 6 is the wedding, Kate and Anthony only get 2 full episodes married? 😭

Also tbh I’m wondering how they dragged out the pre-wedding events for 6 episodes. Not a lot happens. How long are they at Aubrey Hall for now? episodes 3-5? They’re only there for only 1 week in the book, but I think it might be a 2/3ish weeks in the show.

I mean, at least we can confirm engagement in either five or six? That’s better than not know imo. I’m not super optimistic they’ll be married by start of six but who really knows at this point?

They did a bad job with ending Daph and Simon but I think a lot of that had to do with how both of them were under explored emotionally and how their problems weren’t discussed well? And if you recall, they were mostly pissed at each other for their ep 5, happy for ep 6, pissed for ep 7 and most of 8. So like sure they had a fair bit of sex, but it was on and off and often not sex they should have been having.

Comparing them to Kathony there are huge differences. k and A are happy and that’s the conflict. In the book they bond and communicate about their pasts and their fears even before they get married. And I’ve heard from fans who have seen it that the depths of Kate and Anthony’s relationship in the show surpassed their expectations. All this means I think there will be more emotional intimacy earlier on, in contrast to Saphne who never really got there? Their building conflict lays that groundwork for a nicely explored relationship too, meaning the missing component is mostly just physical.

And if you think about it, how much is in tvwlm after the marriage? We got some of Kate adjusting to being a wife, tea set sex and Edwina’s dowry, storms and the visit with Mary and that’s it. Most of those scenes were quick too. I’d like to see them married by 6 like you, just so we can see how sex complicates the relationship and see more vulnerabilities and get a bit of fluff, but we’re not missing out on scenes we had in the book. Also, Kathony make out a fair bit during engagement and while I think it’s likely to be cut there’s a chance they keep it to fill that middle ep time with it.

As for what they can fill in the first five eps, I can think of a fair bit. Not to be a clown but I think after Daph catches them in four, Anthony might try to propose (or if not Daphne might insist) but Kate refuses and then she turns around in five and starts taking suitors. And Anthony just goes on a wild rampage. That adds a whole phase that wasn’t in the book in addition to scenes we know are added early on like shooting and horse racing, family meals with Lady D and all the ballroom stuff.

All of this is to say, short marriage doesn’t not stick the landing and isn’t necessarily unearned depending on execution. I just don’t want that kind of boring overdone longing that’s so common in slow burn. Kathony are chaotic doers. They can only have so many stolen glances and stay true to their relationship vibes imo. But also I don’t want bloated drama, bc this is romance?

Episode 8 of s1 was longer than the rest too and they could do it here. We don’t know if there’s a carriage accident or when or how Anthony runs off either. But they’ll have the emotional groundwork there to do it quickly if they need to I think. My main worry in my previous asks is if they elongate enemies time and don’t switch to friends soon enough. That love might feel unearned bc they’re not vulnerable with each other in that state. If they become friends then we can wait a little longer probably?

TLDR; I don’t think we have much to worry about regardless based on the nature of Kathony.

[alrightsnaps]

bestie i am with you! i think there are lots of benophie stans that are books purists so they like [ ] 🥴 but i love ben and sophie and i want my girls kate and sophie together and have a cute and supportive friendship idc how or when but i need it ☹️ i need anthony and kate to support ben and sophie ughhhh. the only good thing about s3 is we’re gonna have a subplot for kate and anthony and hopefully a good one (although i wouldn’t put my money on it because sh*nda…) lol

They're going with the whole "benophie will be overshadowed by kathony" schtick which is just bullshit lmao. First of all, this is the show that couldn't be bothered with Kathony during their own season for fuck's sake. If Ben and Sophie's story is gonna be sidelined (which is a reasonable concern because that's what happened with Anthony and Kate) it's not going to be because of Kathony, it's going to be because of the 842 different b-plots. Why aren't they taking it up with the Featheringtons or Lady Whistledown but the couple that got robbed throughout their season?

On the other I recognise that I had a very similar approach with Saphne before RJP's departure was announced, because I was very protective of Anthony and Kate and wanted the focus to be on them. But I have changed my mind about that since tbh. After the mess that was season 2 I'd much rather have had a Saphne arc (similar to Eloise or Benedict's in length and promo) rather than all the Featheringtons and Lady Whistledown nonsense. Just imagine Simon having the time of his life as Anthony is hyperventilating over his attraction to Kate Sharma lmao. It would have been a treat for the audience to have beloved characters return to the show and I doubt it would've prevented Kathony from blowing up the way it did one bit, especially if the producers had done their job and treated them as protagonists, the way they did with Simon and Daphne in season 1.

Similarly I don't think Kathony will take away from Benophie, it will only make their story better if they involve them in their arc, give us a Kate/Sophie friendship etc. If you have a couple that can stand on its own it won't be overshadowed by secondary characters and for me if they do as good a job in casting Sophie as they did with Kate their success is a given. Just look at Kathony, the show's PR did everything in their power to sideline them (to the point of pretending this was a throuple season or something, not to mention spending more time promoting polin over their leads) and they predictably became the couple everyone is talking about.

When it comes to audience reception your leading character or couple can only be overshadowed if they don't come up to scratch; Spielberg's West Side Story is a good example where ensemble cast members outshone the leads. Benedict and Sophie fans have nothing to worry about.

And my guess is that s03 will be about polin anyway so by all means, let Lord and Lady Bridgerton get have the season's screen time and promo. It's only fair after the shitshow that was the s02 promo, plus the show will need all the ensemble help they can get and Kathony are their strongest suit right now.

[tellywoodtrash]

Hey TT! Please tell me that I'm not the only one who liked the love story of season 1 of Bridgerton better than whatever they showed in season 2. It felt as though they took the worst tropes from a really bad tellywood show and plastered that onto Kathony's story. The subplots of season 2 were better but the main plot was so badly executed. I can't believe that Saphne were more romantic in the show when Kathony is an "it couple" in the books. 😭😭

I don't care much for Daphne as a main character, but I agree. The love story felt so much more........ Idk..... Coherent? Like there was an actual proper journey that we went on with the characters - the first meeting, the fake!dating, the wedding with healthy doses of angst, the resolution of the angst + happy days, the conflict, and then final resolution of the conflict. Kathony in the book follow this arc too, but in the show............. Like they did away with so much of the crucial goddamn backstory and character motivations and it was just not compelling man. Simon's backstory and trauma was actively explored in the first season which made us feel for him and understand where he's coming from and why he's doing these things. None of that for Anthony, nosiree. This season just had sasta tellywood vibes of neverending angst angst angst angst (with no real reason for conflict even!?!!?!!!? Like, beyond a point what even is the reason these people are like YOU MUST NOT!!!!!! YOU SHOULD STOP!!!!!!!!?!?!!?!) and then one super dumb tacked on ending that gave no satisfaction whatsoever. Overall, even though I didn't give a single fuck about Simon/Daphne as individuals, or even as a couple, their love story was way more compelling than show!Kathony's.

[thedukeofhastingssexyrobe]

1/6) Seeing as though your blog has become rant central I'm just going to get somethings off my chest if you don't mind. Apologies in advance because I have a feeling it's going to be long. Firstly as upset as I was that Rege was leaving, I feel like I'm actually okay with it even though I was really looking forward to whatever the season 2 storyline would have been for Saphne. Whether Rege has booked something big or not he would have thought the decision through and made the one best for him

2/6) I don't think we'll see much of Phoebe either and I don't think we should get more than a few cameos from her as a bridge between the two seasons otherwise it'll be odd that she's spending so much time away from her husband (and this is coming from someone who's fav is Daphne). Both R&P's careers are taking off and after being the main reason the show is the success it is they should be allowed to capitalize off it whilst hopefully both off them coming back for cameos in the future.

3/6) Second point, we don't know whether some of the cast is upset or not but if they are I agree that they don't really have a right to be and neither do the fans of the other couples. If we look at the build up to S1 there was only the book fans as the fandom and then the people who saw the promos as the initial viewers. The thing that bought in the vast amount of viewers was social media who went crazy over S&D and were thirsting after Rege. Now going into S2 there are close to 100 million

4/6) people familiar with the show and some of them have read the books and want to see the other couples all because R&P did their jobs well. The other actors are going to have the same writers and producers as R&P did but without worrying about bringing in an audience so I don't really see the problem. As for the fans bitching about how this situation affects their actors and book couple, you've all loved telling us how S&D are the weakest and the other books are so much better than theirs,

5/6) well if that's true then all the actors have to do is portray these love stories that are "so superior" and no one will care that S&D are gone right? RIGHT? No seriously I get that these fans are jealous but did they think we'd tune into S2 and be like "oh you were so right they ARE better!" Get a grip! Anyways even if the first month viewership drops it's not that big of a deal, even 50mil is a big success and will get them to S4 at least although I don't think it should go further then

6/6) that. The thing that made S1 special outside of R&P was that it was new and shiny and joyful at a time we all needed it and I don't think they'll be able to recreate that perfect storm again but who knows. I think I've gone on long enough but before I go, I find it hilarious that Phoebe didn't do anything for the SAGS last night despite it being a big Hollywood event and her being the female lead because she was probably like "nah I've got work in the morning but let me know how it goes"

Wow!!! nonnie l agree with everything you said here and when l say everything l mean EVERYTHING. l love these messages!!👀😭 Message 4 and 5.... nonnie couldn’t help but throw in the snarky comments  lmao  “  As for the fans bitching about how this situation affects their actors and book couple, you've all loved telling us how S&D are the weakest and the other books are so much better than theirs,5/6) well if that's true then all the actors have to do is portray these love stories that are "so superior" and no one will care that S&D are gone right? RIGHT?”  l’M CACKLING. .

And this part “  if the first month viewership drops it's not that big of a deal, even 50mil is a big success and will get them to S4 at least although I don't think it should go further then” wow you didn’t come to play lool.

Phoebe is a busy woman she’s shooting her new movie and doesn’t have time for that little event called SAG Awards!!! Our girl is too busy becoming the new face and brain of young hollywood lool. As you said nonnie this is now a central rant so come rant if you need to !!!

Thanks for the asks nonnie!!!