Bridgerton season 2 proved that as much as we miss the Duke, he's no longer needed

Netflix's period piece drama Bridgerton became an instant success when it debuted in 2020, telling the thrilling and romantic story of how Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, fall in love in one of the most unconventional ways for 1813 London, England. Basset played by the talented Regé-Jean Page (Roots, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) swept audiences away with his charm, quick wit, and confidence.

Basset's tragic childhood of losing his mother and growing up with a horrid father was enough to deter him from ever marrying or having children of his own. What he didn't expect was for the steadfast and beautiful sister of his friend to flip his world upside down.

The couple went through a lot of drama, not surprisingly, before and after they wed. But by the end of season 1, everything was resolved and assumably the couple has been just as strong since.

What changed in Bridgerton season 2?

Therefore most, including myself, were surprised when Basset was not going to return for Bridgerton season 2. Season 2 brought the fiery and insatiable romance of Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma to life, surpassing the romance of Daphne and Simon.

Considering Anthony and Simon were close friends, to the point where their friendship nearly collapsed due to Simon and Daphne's pairing, you would think the charming Duke would return to aid his friend in his quest to find a wife. After all both men confided in each other in terms of women and romance.

Considering Anthony is about as dense and fearful as one can be when facing the inevitable head-on, he was going to need all the help he could get to forget everything he knew and allow himself to fall in love. However, it seems those duties and responsibilities fell onto Daphne's shoulders, as she tried multiple times to help her brother seek romance over duty.

Daphne's return was a pleasant welcome but now that season 2 concluded and season 3 is nearly here, we can't help but realize as much as we missed the Duke, his role is no longer needed in the grand story. Daphne has filled that gap and helped her brother find love in ways he failed her in season 1.

Anthony was overly protective of Daphne, to the point he was scaring away potential prospects. He may have been quite familiar with women but found himself completely clueless about love.

Simon should have been there, not only as comic relief but to help his friend as any would. But now that Anthony has changed for the better, finding himself happily married to Kate, his duties will lie with her happiness and future.

Any time spent with the boys, gambling or spending it in the company of multiple women is long over and now replaced with his family and future.

Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story are available on Netflix.