Don’t Panic! Bridgerton Season 2 and Rege-Jean Page Not Returning

When I first saw the news today that Rege-Jean Page wouldn’t be returning for Season 2 of Bridgerton, I was a bit in disbelief. A belated April Fool’s joke? I felt a bit betrayed. How could one of my favorite characters just up and leave the show that catapulted him to success?

But when I thought about it, it wasn't all that surprising.

Page is a rising star to say the least, and is clearly moving into big things both for creative and commercial success. Is it that surprising that he would move on from a show, even one as popular as Bridgerton, when he loses top billing for the next season. While of course Bridgerton is the catalyst for much of his success, it is his own skill and talent that puts him on this new pedastal.

So I am beyond happy for him, that he can focus full time on new opportunities and grow his career. Talented, handsome, and truly enjoyable to watch, he could undoubtedly be one of the up and coming A-listers of Hollywood. And don't we all want that for him?

Of course I will miss his presence on Bridgerton. He brings a charm, an easy grace onscreen, that will certainly be missed. He added depth to the story and variation within the characters. His fantastic swagger pierced by moments of genuinely moving vulnerability is one of the highlights of the show. Simon's character and Page's performance will leave a mark on our hearts forever.

With that said, I think it structurally works well for Bridgerton, which seems to be set up more as an anthology rather than one continuous story. Obviously characters overlap and connect, but each season carries a different focal character. Of course a continuation of the Duke's story would be interesting, but I am much more impressed with Bridgerton taking the risk to move on with the story it set out to tell rather than pander by extending what was popular. Too many shows do that; they caricaturize their characters and destroy the story by taking the small, niche bits that people love and making that the entirety.

I am deeply impressed that Bridgerton allowed itself to grown and change, to move on.

It's like a relationship; we all still love Rege-Jean Page, but it's not working for both of us anymore. It wasn't wrong or a waste of time because it ended, but simply a beautiful season. So that was pretty cliche, and while we've probably all dreamed of being in a relationship with the Duke of Hastings, I definitely belabored that metaphor. But there are also story reasons I am excited for this change as well, so stick with me.

For starters, it kneecaps the toxicity of Simon and Daphne's relationship. (If you haven't read my "It's Time to Get Real About Bridgerton" entry, I recommend it. I go into a lot of detail about this) The short version is, I was not looking forward to the show trying to sell me on the happy relationship between a rapist and her victim. While I hope for the absolute best for Phoebe Deynvor, her character is appalling, and I am beyond glad I won't be subject to Daphne's "romance" with the man she assaulted.

I am also thrilled for Jonathan Bailey, who plays Anthony Bridgerton, as well as for Simone Ashley, set to play his love interest. For Ashley, it must be daunting to step into a show that is almost unthinkably popular. I am incredibly excited to see what she brings to the show, and I beseech everyone to be open minded about the character, and always kind to the actress, regardless.

It also gives their relationship the room it needs to develop as the A story rather than having to constantly split time with another “main” relationship.

Now, for Anthony. For me, Anthony was by far the most compelling character and had the strongest and most well plotted arc of the show. I was remiss to watch him struggle to be seen as the leading man as undoubtedly Page's presence would have loomed large over the show. Undoubtedly, it still will.

So this is my impassioned plea to not let your love of Simon eclipse your chance to love Anthony. And my cry to everyone to be kind to the actors, who are real people and have real feelings. Stepping down from my soap box, I'll close with this:

Remember Bridgerton as the gift that it is, a bright, enjoyable, wonderful show with strong representation and a delightful experience.

We as the audience are not owed anything by the actors and creators. Our support is, I am sure, thoroughly appreciated by them. We can like and dislike, but cruelness and negativity isn't the answer. When something is very important to us, it’s scary to watch it change. But change is often good. It breeds creativity and development. So let's support Rege and Phoebe and Jonathan and Simone and every member of the fantastic cast and crew.

And at the least, let's keep an open mind and heart to what season 2 of Bridgerton can do. I certainly can't wait to find out.