Bridgerton Season 2 Proves Anthony Was The Real Mr Darcy (Not Simon)

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Here's how Bridgerton season 2 proves that Anthony Bridgerton is more like Mr. Darcy than Simon Basset was. The Regency-era romance-drama, based on Julia Quinn's best-selling Bridgerton book series, is no stranger to crafting handsome, emotionally unavailable male protagonists. With a wealth of Austen-inspired Easter eggs, it's not a surprise that Anthony Bridgerton's character and narrative arc in Bridgerton season 2 most closely align with Mr. Darcy's.

In Bridgerton season 1, Simon Basset (Rege-Jean Page) and Daphne (Phoebe Dyvenor) decide to fake-court each other and develop more-than-friendly feelings for each other in the process. Their attraction is more readily apparent through their banter at the beginning of the season, especially with Simon's charisma and geniality. Bridgerton season 2 leans into a slower burn, building upon the enemies-to-lovers trope in true Pride and Prejudice fashion with Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) meeting his match in Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).

Related: Bridgerton Is Already Setting Up Its 8th & Final Season

Anthony is the real Mr. Darcy because of the way his character presents himself. While Bridgerton season 1 has its own share of Pride and Prejudice references, season 2 makes it even more apparent. When Anthony and Kate officially meet at a ball, Kate's first impressions are dashed when she overhears Anthony's true requirements for a wife. Afterwards, Kate calls Anthony out on his sexist views, his too-high opinion of himself, and his deficient character. This mirrors how Elizabeth views Mr. Darcy's seemingly smug attitude. Anthony and Mr. Darcy both form attractions to Kate and Elizabeth because they are much more forthright and thoughtful than other women of that era. Anthony, like