Reviews From A Non-Book Reader: ‘Bridgerton’ 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me” 

Dear reader,

Did you miss us? Bridgerton season 2 is here and we’re back to bringing you the analysis of our favorite characters. As we can never get enough of the Bridgerton family, you have already read our reviews from the point of view of a reader, now we ask you to join us in the review from the perspective of a non-reader. It’s time to break down Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” Ready?

Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me” is about listening to your heart and betting everything on it, no matter the consequences.

THE TERROR OF THE PAST

Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me” picks up where the previous episode left off as Anthony takes Kate to her house. He can’t see her like this, she feels so…dead in his arms. He’s terrified of losing her when he just found her.

He feels so guilty about things that aren’t his fault…but no one can get to him when Anthony thinks the worst. Because of that, he closes himself off again and decides not to visit Kate, he can’t do it because he couldn’t bear that another person he loves died in his presence.

I THOUGHT YOU WERE DIFFERENT…

The Viscount is not the only one who regrets his decisions in Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” Theo pushed Eloise away to protect her, it was the only way they could both be safe. But he no longer has anything to lose and what they have is… something that makes him happy, even though he knows it’s forbidden. Besides, she deserves to know the truth, they can’t get on with whatever they have if she doesn’t know.

Eloise trusts Penelope so much…she’s her best friend and Penelope loves her and feels so…bad about everything that’s going on, about what she did. The guilt she feels is coupled with the fear that Eloise will find out her secret just now that she has abandoned everything. She just wants everything to go back to the way it was between them. For that, Penelope must make Eloise get away from Theo.

Penelope meets Eloise and knows that it must be tough for her to listen and decide to drop her investigation. So Penelope is cruel to Eloise, is necessary for everything to go back to the way it was before. Although nothing can be like before when there are so many unsaid things between them.

Eloise ignores her at first… but she decides to walk away when Theo is about to kiss her. She wanted him to do it…and that’s dangerous for both of them. She and her family would lose everything and he… well, society wouldn’t be kind to him either. Eloise tries to convince herself that she’s doing this for Theo, but she’s doing it for her family.

Theo has nothing to lose if they continue what they are doing but she would embarrass her family and they would lose her reputation. Eloise knows that her family would never abandon her as Mary did, but that only means they would fall with her. Eloise can’t go through with whatever she has with Theo.

Theo is disappointed by this decision. He thought she was different, that she would always follow her heart. But as soon as things get a little complicated, she runs away. Eloise chooses her privileged life over him. She’s like all the others… and it’s time for him to forget her. Eloise already chose. Although this author hopes that they will meet again.

LADY WHISTLEDOWN 

Penelope is so relieved that her secret no longer creates danger in Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me” that she gets too carried away. She shows how she is and Eloise connects the dots. She never heard her talk like that, she was always so timid, so quiet, so… correct. She never showed him her sharp tongue before her… only she did, like Lady Whistledown.

Penelope tries to deny it at first but it’s no use. She tries to explain herself. Penelope didn’t know how else to protect Eloise, she did what she thought was best for both of them…although Eloise has a point here in saying that she just wanted to save herself. As we discussed, Penelope had to decide here, she weighed the pros and cons and prioritized herself, but that doesn’t mean Penelope doesn’t care for Eloise.

Eloise reproaches Penelope for making money at everyone’s expense makes no sense. It’s as if the editor of the newspaper is accused of making money from world events. And this author wants to remind Eloise that she loved the Lady Whistledown flier.

What hurt Eloise, apart from the lie, is that she gave up Theo because of what Penelope told her. They had something special… and that ended because of her manipulation. And yes, Penelope was somehow trying to make it go away mainly because her secret was in jeopardy, that’s the truth.

But it wasn’t easy for Penelope either. Eloise is her best friend and keeping this secret, hiding in the shadows when she was capable of being fearless and brave…it wasn’t easy for her to be someone she’s not. Lady Whistledown is everything Penelope had, her safe place, her identity…and she ended all of that for Eloise.

“AN INSIPID WALLFLOWER, INDEED”

Eloise’s next words are a problem for this author. She understands that Eloise was livid and that she wanted to hurt Penelope the way she hurt her but…there’s no excuse to be cruel.

Eloise throws all of Penelope’s insecurities in her face, everything that can hurt her. Penelope thought that Eloise loved her, that she could see that she was more than just someone to be pitied, someone who is just an insipid wallflower. But she throws that in her face like she’s always meant it. Because that is exactly what happened.

Eloise loves Penelope but she always took her for granted. She always assumed that she was the insipid wallflower, someone diffident who didn’t dare to join the ball and was comfortable in the shadows, watching, someone who no one else would ask to dance except out of pity. And, as happened with Edwina in episode 6, this is something you don’t say if you don’t think about it, if you don’t feel it, if it’s not dancing in the back of your mind.

This is what Eloise really thinks of Penelope, what she always thought, maybe subconsciously, but she did. For Penelope is like a slap in the face. It’s all her insecurities thrown in her face. She doesn’t deserve that crap even though she didn’t do the right thing. Eloise has the right to be angry but not to be cruel because to have friends like that, why does Penelope want enemies?

This author just hopes that Eloise realizes how unfair and cruel she was to Penelope and when she starts to see her (because she never did), she realizes how wrong she was. Penelope deserves an apology for this.

Penelope draws strength from where she doesn’t have it to hit Eloise back. And saying something true, although Eloise will not accept it: she cannot bear that it was the faint-hearted Penelope who is doing something for herself. Eloise always reads about women’s independence, she talks about it…but she’s still a rich woman who didn’t do anything for herself. However, Penelope dared to go a step further. And a part of Eloise envies her for it.

Peneloise hurt a lot. Both said things that they didn’t feel and many others that they did. Is there a fix for them? Yes. But both have to apologize to each other for several things. And this author feels that in season 3 Penelope must grow beyond any Bridgerton. She must be more than Colin’s love interest or Eloise’s friend. It’s her time. And this author can’t wait to see it.

TRUE LOVE IS WORTH IT

Kate finally wakes up… only to be disappointed not to see Anthony at her side and to learn that he didn’t care about her well-being. She believed that…it doesn’t matter. It was just her imagination. But nothing is further from reality. When Anthony finds out that she is awake, he cries like a child. He cries with relief, he cries with happiness… he thought he lost her but there she is, as strong and stubborn as ever, defying death.

Violet witnesses Anthony break down and reveal her feelings for him for the first time. She knows that he loves Kate. So, she goes back to being the mother she always was and she is there for him. She understands that she is partly to blame for Anthony’s change after his father’s death and for the responsibilities he has shouldered.

Anthony was just a boy and he wasn’t ready to become a Viscount and take on that responsibility. And she let him do it because she was too broken to do anything else… but it was a mistake because it drove Anthony to the point of loving a woman and refusing to pursue happiness with her out of fear of his pain.

It’s the first time that Violet talks with him about those dark moments after Edmund’s death and lets Anthony see that his death split her in two but that she would choose to feel that pain a thousand times more because of the moments of happiness that lived together were worth it. Happiness and true love are worth it…living an empty life is not an option. It’s time for Anthony to stop being afraid to live and risk everything for his heart, for Kate.

“MARRY ME”

After the conversation with his mother, Anthony finally visits Kate in Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” It’s funny how they’re both closer to each other than they’ve been since they met but, at the same time, it feels like they’re further apart than ever. And Anthony saying the wrong words doesn’t help at all.

Anthony Bridgerton doesn’t know how to express what he feels. What a shocker.  But this author didn’t think he was that clumsy. What he said made Kate feel that he was only asking her to marry out of an absurd concept of duty and propriety, not because he loved her. Not because he is consumed by her.

Kate can’t accept his proposal. Not like this, not knowing that he doesn’t love her (although nothing could be further from the truth) nor with her guilt that doesn’t leave her. Kate can’t help but feel that what she’s going through right now with Anthony is up to her sister, not her.

Anthony recognizes the signs of what Kate is doing: she is running away. He has been doing it since he met her. In the end, he ended up entangled in her and his feelings for Kate only grew. Now Kate feels the same way like they can’t be together because that would be taking away from everything she’s supposed to do. But she doesn’t know what else to do, not if he doesn’t love her as she loves him.

SISTERS

Edwina is finally willing to listen to Kate. About to lose Kate made Edwina realize that she loves her sister and that’s the only thing that matters. When she listens to her, Edwina realizes that Kate was pressured in all aspects. She was fighting growing feelings for Anthony, trying to fool herself and trying not to hurt Edwina at the same time.

Edwina surprises this author with her maturity at this point because she realizes that they have been playing a role for so many years that they don’t know each other or themselves. Kate sacrificed everything she wanted from a young age and didn’t get a chance to find out exactly what she was sacrificing.

As for Edwina, she was groomed to be the perfect socialite, the perfect fairy tale princess, like a porcelain doll. Edwina never stopped to think about who she was beyond that.

It’s time for both of them to stop playing those roles and be themselves, following her heart, wherever it leads. It’s time for the two to start getting to know each other as they are. And start from scratch from there. So, Edwina forgives Kate and, for the first time, she’s interested in what she wants. No more sacrifices, no more putting someone other than her first. And this author is proud that Edwina grew up this way.

APOLOGIES

Mary finally apologizes to Kate in Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” Mary realized what is happening and knows that Kate is on the run. She, in a way, did that when she went with her husband to India, but running away is never the answer. It’s the first time that Kate spills her feelings. Until now, she kept it all to herself, locking away her feelings so no one could find them. Kate assumed a role that didn’t correspond to her. But why?

Kate always felt that it was the least she could do. Mary is not her biological mother but she accepted her, when she saw the opportunity to help her, to give her back a little of that love, she did it. Kate always thought that she had to somehow earn her place in her family and that if she did enough, if she sacrificed enough, her family would love her and forget that they aren’t related by blood. And she didn’t mind doing it.

But the reality is, blood-related or not, Mary, Kate, and Edwina are family, always have been. Kate doesn’t have to earn a seat at the table when she already has it in her own right. Love is not won or lost, love is only felt. And Mary, as her mother, is heartbroken that Kate feels this way, that somehow she has done something that makes Kate feel like she doesn’t deserve love.

This is another way she and Anthony are alike. He also felt that he had to earn the place and love of his family in the wrong way, that he had to protect and care for them in a way that he couldn’t with his father. Violet and Mary made the mistake of letting them do it, of letting them feel like they had a duty that wasn’t theirs and that it was more important than following their heart. Now both are aware of it and don’t plan to do it anymore. And it was damn time.

“YOU’RE VERY SPECIAL TO ME”

At Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” Penelope can’t take her eyes off Colin (while Anthony does the same with Kate), and when he looks for her and takes her away her heart accelerates. They’re together and alone… will this be the time for Colin to propose? But it’s just business. Colin was being a gentleman and protecting her, and while he’s cute, it’s not what Penelope expected—neither does this author.

However, Penelope’s hopes – and ours – are raised again when Colin asks her to dance. He wouldn’t have to nobody does. She’s always in a corner, watching the dance from afar but not participating in it. But Colin asks her to dance and not only that, he tells her how special she is to him. And this author is screaming.

Penelope has been dreaming about this for years. Dreaming of the moment when he saw her and realized that she was always there, waiting…for him. Dreaming that he felt more than affection for her. And now it’s happening. Will Colin court her? Will this be the day he declares his intentions to her?

Everything seems to indicate it and Penelope’s heartbeats frantically…she’s happy. As happy as she had ever been. Penelope always thought that her feelings for Colin would be one-sided and that her life with him would be just a dream, a secret longing that wasn’t destined to be fulfilled because there wasn’t a chance in the world that he would feel more than friendship for her. But everything she always dreamed of is coming true.

“I WOULD NEVER DREAM OF COURTING PENELOPE FEATHERINGTON, NOT IN YOUR WILDEST FANTASIES”

These words, this cruelty. Is there still time to suffocate Colin with a pillow? It’s what he deserves. In the previous episode, Colin was talking about the respect and affection he felt for Penelope, even in this episode he confesses how special she is to him and now he’s making fun of her with his friends. You don’t do that if you respect and love someone if that person is special to you.

Penelope hears these cruel words and the last thread that kept her standing is severed. She thought that something could happen between her and Colin, especially after that night, his words… but it was all a lie. Colin only did it because he felt pity for her. The insipid wallflower that nobody asks to dance and is never really participating in the party, it was almost his duty to ask her to dance so that she wouldn’t feel left out.

Penelope realizes that everything Colin has said to her, that everything he feels for her, stems from pity. He only asked her to dance out of pity, he only comes over to her out of pity. And she’s just her sister’s friend who’s always there, alone, and he wouldn’t be a gentleman if he didn’t care a bit about her.

Penelope has been in love with this man for years. But the man she loves wouldn’t be able to mock her so cruelly. Penelope realizes that Colin will never notice her, never see her, he sees her as the insipid wallflower that everyone sees and he always will.

Colin doesn’t deserve Penelope or her love. He’s a child who spends his time playing at being a man without really knowing what that means. He needs to grow up before he even deserves to say hello to Penelope. It hurts this author to say this because Polin is her OTP but it’s the truth.

Penelope lost absolutely everything in Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” She thought that if she gave up being Lady Whistledown she would still have Eloise by her side and maybe she and Colin… could be more than just friends. But now Penelope lost Eloise forever and Colin made it clear how he felt about her. The only thing Penelope has left now is Lady Whistledown. And she comes back.

Right now, all this author wants is for Penelope to decide to walk away from Colin, for her to stop begging for him to see her and go her own way as Lady Whistledown. And when he realizes what a fool he was to her, begs her on his knees to look at him. Colin has to win back Penelope’s love and affection, she deserves nothing less.

THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME

As Penelope’s heartbreaks, Kate and Anthony meet in Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” She made it very clear what her decision was, so Anthony is determined to keep his distance…only Kate, as always, surprises him by making it clear she doesn’t want to do it. No more. She wants to dance with him, feel him.

And that dance is…goddess, it’s their wedding dance. That’s a fact. The symbolism of the dance is beautiful. Until that moment, their dances reflected their relationship, it was a fight. But this dance is…different. This dance reflects seduction, passion, acceptance of the feelings that overwhelm them… and the promise to live them.

When they meet again in Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” the two can recognize how much alike they are…and how they feel. Anthony just needs to tell her, get it off his chest once and for all, and let her choose. Anthony always put her first, and always cared about her wants her needs, and her choices.

“IS THAT A PROMISE, KATHANI SHARMA?”

Here, he’s opening up to her, he’s giving his heart so that she can decide what to do with it. He loves her since he met her, he can’t conceive of his life without her, that’s the real reason why he asked her to marry him and he only hopes that she loves him back.

And she does. Kate loves him with the same passion. And knowing that the reason behind his proposal was love… her heart begins to beat frantically. Nothing is standing between them anymore. Their life will be a continuous challenge and they can’t wait to live it together. They seal their promise with a kiss that sets everything on fire.

The next thing we know, they’re already married and are enjoying their union in a way that makes our hearts race. Not only because of the physical aspect but also because of the subsequent challenge, they complement each other in a way that is magical to see. They just…fit together like two puzzle pieces made to be together. Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me” and Kanthony’s story ends here.

It’s a very nice way to end, however, this author feels that they ran out of time. Bridgerton season 2 was so focused on Edwina and the couple she formed with Anthony that it didn’t have time to focus on Kanthony and they should always have the spotlight. It’s their story, their season, their moment, and yet…it didn’t feel like it.

GETTING READY FOR SEASON 3…

Benedict feels like an impostor in Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” This author must admit that she was also surprised to learn that Anthony bought the place at the art school. She understands why he did it, Anthony just wanted to ensure his brother’s happiness and that he could dedicate himself to what he loves, but the other side of the coin is to make Benedict feel that he didn’t deserve to be there because he is not good enough.

I mean, even his brother thinks that. But nothing is further from reality. Anthony is an expert at feeling inadequate to meet the family’s expectations. He has been where Benedict is now… but he realized that this isn’t life. Benedict must do what he wants to do, he doesn’t have to strive to meet family expectations.

They love him and know that he’s good at painting. But they love him not for what he can do with a brush, but for who he is. He’s able to see what everyone needs, even if others don’t see it. That’s who he is and they will continue to love him no matter what he decides to do.

This author is tremendously proud of Anthony but she feels bad for Benedict. He’s unable to see what Anthony sees in him. Benedict always thought that painting was part of him and he’s discovering that maybe he was always wrong. He’s doubting himself and his identity. And this author is clear that this is the beginning of Benedict’s story. In this way, Bridgerton season 2 prepares for the next season.

Other Stuff In Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me”

• The scene between Anthony and Gregory…my goodness! It brought tears to my eyes because Gregory never met his father and Anthony is acting as such.

• I love when Anthony realizes that he demands too much of everyone and can learn from his mistakes.

• I want to marry this man. Can l?

• Will is wonderful and has more honor than many high-society gentlemen. I’m glad Colin figured it out, in the end.

• Colin defending the Featherington family in such a fierce way is due to Penelope, I have no proof but no doubt either.

• Violet is finally back to being the loving mother she always was. Welcome back!

• Anthony is a total asshole when he has his life turned upside down, but I understand now where he’s coming from, and helps me not want to smother him with a pillow so badly.

• Even though Portia is a snake, I’m glad she remembers that she has three daughters and shows that she loves them, albeit in the wrong way.

• What Violet says to Eloise doesn’t leave my mind. Eloise has to be herself, no matter what.

• I love the dance between the Sharma sisters.

• Edwina encouraging Kate to follow her heart and get closer to Anthony is just what I wanted to see this season.

• Carlota saving the day. She’s a true QUEEN.

• The detail on the bee in the final scene is magnificent and one of the reasons this show is so great.

• Newton is super cute and I love him!

• I don’t think what Colin feels for Penelope is pity or friendship. But he has to earn her forgiveness for this humiliation.

• Edwina and the prince, nice touch Bridgerton 2×08 “The Viscount Who Loved Me.”

• KATHANI Sharma. That Anthony refers to her by her full name shows that he sees her, that he always saw her, and how important she’s to him.

• It’s sacrilege that we had to watch 1 hour of Edwina/Anthony’s wedding and we didn’t see a second of Kanthony’s wedding.

Time to say goodbye, dear reader, it was a pleasure to share with you Bridgerton season 2 reviews from the perspective of a non-reader. Thank you for reading and see you soon!

Love,

Lady R.

Agree? Disagree? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts about ”The Viscount Who Loved Me” with us in the comments below!

Bridgerton Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.