Bridgerton is known for its grand romance and true love: stolen glances and fits of passion set amidst floral clusters, candlelit ballrooms, and the general refinery of the ton. The second season of the drama has the same theme as the first, with the title family and the Sharma sisters being portrayed.
The new sisters, Kate and Edwina, are played by Simone and Charithra Chandran and tell a complex, sentimental tale of the bond between sisters.
Bridgerton has always had sibling dynamics. A family story was laid out in the first season. The dynamic of the Bridgerton family was at the forefront of the eight episodes we encountered mid-pandemic. Think about the worlds of Benedict and Eloise bonding over late night chats, and Anthony being protective over Daphne throughout her relationship with Hastings.
The second season explored a sisterhood that was different from the first. Kate has a deep love for her half- sister, and in monologues she talks about her many talents, pickiness over a suitable partner, and pearls of wisdom on her wedding day. There is more going on in the ton, but the Sharma sisters are still the focus of the second season.
Kate's love for Edwina prevails even in the core love triangle. Kate never wavered in her dedication to her sister despite her own feelings towards the viscount. She is unable to keep away from him entirely, and while an ethical quandary exists here, it is also hard to deny the fact that she remains dedicated to ensuring Edwina's happiness despite her own torment. Kate's devotion to her sister stopped her from pursuing Anthony, even though she was caught in the web of the conflict.
Kate and Edwina...and Newton. Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix
When she identifies the love Anthony and Kate share, she feels a sense of betrayal. There is a sad blip in the love story of the Sharma sisters, but it points to the strength of their connection. Honesty and loyalty are at the core of their relationship and a secret like this can cause a significant tear. The writers of Bridgerton and the actors who shaped their performances to reflect the love, pain, and attachment Kate and Edwina struggle with gracefully handled this thread.
The bond between Kate and Edwina was more important to me than any other relationship depicted in Bridgerton. My sister told me that Kate reminds her of me while watching the show. The sisters have a shared South Asian heritage and I saw the two of us within that dynamic. I have been in my own household for 22 years and have experienced a universal sisterhood with the Sharma sisters. I see us in the protectiveness of Kate and the understanding that their greatest hope is for the other to be happy.
The Sharma sisters are symbols of a universal sisterhood, one that I have experienced for 22 years in my own household.
The caterpillar-to-butterfly arcs show the power of sisterly love. In the aftermath of her broken engagement, Edwina takes control of her own narrative, and even wins over the Queen with her newfound strength and conviction. When Kate is in danger, she is able to assume a position of care and courage for her, too, guiding her older sister in her own time of crisis following the accident and her will-they-won't-they equation with Anthony.
Kate was counseled in episode 8 to be the sister I know that she is. Do not follow your heart after doing the opposite for a long time. You've spent a lot of time shining your light on me. It is time for you to be your own person.
Kate would have been quick to deliver the kind of words that Edwina spoke. The seeds are being planted for a stronger relationship between the two of them, one which continues to center their exceptional connection.
"It is time for you to shine all on your own." Credit: Liam Daniel / Netflix
Many sisters know that their other half is more deserving of love, happiness, and adventure than they think. As the relationship between the Sharmas grew, I saw nothing but a deeper care, even more so as Edwina found her own place in the world.
In the final episode of Season 2, Kate and Edwina take to the dance floor, ignoring judgement from onlookers. They will never be alone with the other by their side as they take hands and dance. The Sharmas smiled and laughed at each other. I know what it feels like. Despite the noise, sisters are partners in life and all that comes with it.
The second season of Bridgerton is now available to watch.
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