'Bridgerton' Season 3: How a fan-favorite went from toxic to ideal beau
Contains spoilers for 'Bridgerton'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As 'Bridgerton' fans eagerly anticipate each new season, one character's evolution has captivated audiences more than most: Anthony Bridgerton. In Season 2 of the installment of the Netflix hit series, aptly subtitled 'From Toxic to Ideal Beau', Anthony's transformation from a flawed and controlling figure to a more nuanced and empathetic romantic lead takes center stage, leaving viewers enthralled and invested in his journey.
Throughout the previous seasons, Anthony Bridgerton, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, was often depicted as the responsible older brother, burdened by the weight of familial responsibilities and societal expectations. His overbearing nature and rigid adherence to tradition often clashed with his desire for personal fulfillment and genuine connection, resulting in tumultuous relationships and internal turmoil.
However, in the second season, Anthony undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, shedding the layers of toxic masculinity and embracing vulnerability and growth. As he grapples with his own demons and confronts the limitations of his past behavior, Anthony emerges as a more empathetic and self-aware individual, capable of genuine love and meaningful relationships.
Why Anthony Bridgerton is described as toxic in Season 1?
In Season 1 of 'Bridgerton', Anthony Bridgerton is often described as toxic due to his affair with Siena Rosso, a renowned opera singer. Their relationship is characterized by secrecy, manipulation, and Anthony's inability to fully commit to Siena due to societal expectations and his own fears of vulnerability.
Despite their passionate connection, Anthony's actions contribute to Siena's emotional turmoil and undermine her trust in him. Furthermore, Anthony's obsession with maintaining his family's reputation and adhering to rigid societal norms leads him to make selfish decisions that prioritize appearances over genuine emotional fulfillment.
As their relationship unravels and Siena ultimately ends things with Anthony, the toxic dynamics between them become increasingly apparent. Anthony's inability to prioritize Siena's needs and desires, coupled with his unwillingness to confront his own insecurities and shortcomings, perpetuates a cycle of dysfunction that ultimately damages both of them emotionally.
Internet slams Anthony Bridgerton for being toxic in love
Fans on Reddit were fired up about Anthony in Season 1, they slammed him for being a hypocrite, prioritizing his reputation over Siena's feelings.
Many posts called him 'toxic' because of the secrecy and the way he treated Siena like a secret, not a real partner. There was tons of support for Siena for leaving him she deserved better.
For example, a user suggested how Anthony doesn't have respect for Siena, the user wrote: "He clearly don't have any respect for Sienna at least she 's was aware their story have no future unlike to Anthony and dumped him."
Meanwhile, another user called out how Anthony used Siena, they wrote: "He treated Siena like shit. She was his longterm mistress, basically everyone knew about her, he paid for her house and practically lived with her, made her promises, and then his mother yells at him to be a responsible adult, so he f***s her one last time then unceremoniously dumps her and kicks her out of her house. And then has the gall to be jealous and possessive when she tries to find a new situation. He may have been infatuated and obsessed with her, but he didn't respect her at all, let alone really love her. They were so toxic, and good for her for having the strength to cut him loose."
Talking about how it was only passion not love from both sides, a user penned: "Makes sense. Sienna was a lover, she was a woman Anthony could never marry (yeah, I know he offered her to run with him if he lives through the duel with the duke but I honestly believe he expected to get ki... free coughing). I never thought he loved Sienna, I think he even never told her that. It was passion. It was lust."
Suggesting the same another user started how Siena was not a wife material in the show: "Anthony is the Viscount and a rake. That was the point of the story. He will never marry someone who is not a proper wife for a Viscount regardless if he has feelings for her."
Following the conversation one more user wrote: "i think anthony cared for siena and wanted the best for her but at the same time needed her to run away (obviously metaphorically speaking) from whatever was bothering him. she never really stands up to him (or for herself) until the very end. i don’t think he loved her or perhaps he did but he was never IN LOVE with her. on the other hand, kate stands up to anthony. she calls him out on his bs and by doing that she helps anthony become a better version of himself, whether he realizes it or not. kate is his equal in every sense of the word.
Some other user suggested even Siena didn't wanted it: "I think it’s important to note that Siena didn’t want to be the viscountess either, she wasn’t interested in being in high society"
Meanwhile, one fan shed light on the difference between Anthony's love for Kate and Siena, they wrote: "Because he did not loved her that much and also the fact that marrying someone like siena in 18th century would have tarnished the bridgertons hence sabotaging his sister's potential marriage prospects But at last I heartly believe that he was just infatuated with her she was the only female figure in his life that he could share raw intimacy with.. He was into siena but he loved kate."
While Anthony's past relationship with Siena was messy and labeled 'toxic' by fans due to secrecy and societal pressures, Season 2 offers a hopeful outlook. Anthony's journey with Kate Sharma allows him to shed those negative traits and embrace vulnerability.
Through their challenges, he learns the importance of open communication and emotional connection, paving the way for a future filled with genuine love.
'Bridgerton' Trailer
'Bridgerton' is available for streaming on Netflix