Top 10 Times the Ladies of Bridgerton Stole the Show

Almost a year after their ill-fated whirlwind romance, Colin Bridgerton seeks out Marina Thompson in pursuit of closure. Whatever mistakes Marina once made, it is clear that she has already moved on and made peace with her choices. In contrast, Colin has been dwelling obsessively on the past and wondering what might have been. Whatever she says, Colin assumes that Marina, who married for necessity rather than love, must be dissatisfied. She is quick to set him straight though. Content in the life she has built with her husband, Marina refuses to entertain Colin’s view of her as a tragic figure. Her clear-eyed, mature perspective is tough for Colin to take, but something he desperately needed to hear.

Simon had his issues to sort through, but with a father like his it’s a wonder he grew up as well-adjusted as he did. That is in large part due to the influence of Lady Danbury. As his godmother she takes a keen interest in his well-being that his father does not share. Though she is clearly heartbroken by Simon’s bruised self esteem, she does not give him pity. Rather she becomes the first adult in his life to relate to him. And with a mind to his future, she also becomes the first parental figure to offer validation. Simon’s father may have been a dud, but we should all be so lucky to have Lady Danbury in our corners

One of our earliest introductions to the callous side of Anthony Bridgerton saw him abruptly ending his relationship with opera singer Siena Rosso. Despite his proclaimed duty to find a suitable wife, he becomes jealous when he sees his former paramour socializing with Simon. However, when he shows up at the theater to get her back she isn’t exactly receptive to his renewed attention. Anthony attempts to persuade Siena of his feelings for her, but she is the one to remind him of the realities of their social positions. It’s not spite that motivates Siena, simply a desire to protect herself from further heartbreak. She may not be a noblewoman, but she knows she deserves better than to be toyed with.

It’s no secret that Eloise chafes against the expectations of her class, which usually manifests in her patented snark. However, a late night conversation with Benedict shows us the genuine feeling under all the quippy one liners. While Benedict mopes about his artistic efforts, Eloise can’t hold back her frustration. As she points out the lack of support that women face from the world it is clear how deeply Eloise resents the unequal status quo. She reminds Benedict of the barriers he will never face, citing Lady Whistledown, who must hide behind a pen name and publish in secret to protect herself. Direct and undeniably correct, Eloise shuts down his pity party hard.

If there’s one thing we learn about Kate Sharma it’s that she plays every game to win, especially against Anthony. We see this on full display during a round of Pall Mall at Aubrey Park. However, an earlier outing to the races had already revealed Kate to be a formidable and unapologetic opponent. When Anthony shares his choice of horse, Kate, of course, has a contrary opinion, one that she has clearly done her homework on. Anthony is dismissive, but once the race starts it’s obvious Kate has gotten under his skin. No amount of cheering can change the fact that Kate was right though. Insufferable as Anthony’s been, we don’t begrudge her taking a small moment to gloat.

Devastating as this moment was, it was also impossible to look away from. After two seasons of sleuthing, Eloise finally discovers the true identity of Lady Whistledown. The raw emotions erupting in this scene are hard to endure. Especially because the two best friends know just which buttons to push to cause the most pain. Penelope’s desperate attempts to explain herself don’t move Eloise. Her hurt and betrayal are palpable on screen as she rips into Penelope for all the permanent damage she could have inflicted. However, Penelope ultimately isn’t ready to just roll over. She has a dart of her own for Eloise that we know is sure to fester long after the fight has ended.

Easy going and mild mannered, Edwina has spent her life letting stronger personalities dictate what’s best for her. That all ends in the aftermath of her canceled wedding. Shaken as she is by the events of the day, a moment with Queen Charlotte helps Edwina find the strength to speak up for herself. Anthony offers a vision of a dutiful, if loveless, marriage, that she summarily rejects. Even more difficult, she asserts her independence from Kate. Though her sister loves her, Edwina can now see that she has used her to hide from her own feelings. It’s a moment of incredible bravery in the middle of a day that should have left her completely crushed. Whatever anyone else may think, Edwina is ready to stand on her own.

A master schemer no matter the circumstances, Portia attempts to improve her family’s desperate financial situation by running an investment scam with the new Baron Featherington. But when Jack reveals he plans to take her and the swindled funds to America, we see where her true loyalties lie. We finally experience someone using the misogyny of the era to their advantage when Portia points out how easy it will be for her to play the innocent victim. To Jack’s shock and dismay, she further reveals that she has even thought up a solution to her immediate problems, which leaves him out in the cold. Faced with the threat of society’s wrath, Jack has no choice but to concede. Apparently Portia’s beast mode is Mamma Bear.

When Daphne learns of Simon’s painful family history, she is finally able to understand the fear that holds him back. With their marriage on the line, she wastes no time in getting right to the point. There has been distrust and secrecy between the couple, but the summer rainstorm seems to wash all of that away. And Simon’s emotional walls begin to crumble as Daphne professes her feelings openly. While we saw all kinds of steamy passion between these two, this display of honest devotion is the most intimate moment Bridgerton has given us. Daphne may be a debutante damsel, but she becomes Simon’s white knight with words that prove that real love is, indeed, patient and kind, and always supportive.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Violet Bridgerton Declares Open Season on Anthony, “Capital R Rake”
Lady Bridgerton Checks Her Son’s Attitude as Only a Mother Can

Genevieve & Siena Drink to Their Independence, “Art of the Swoon”
Bridgerton’s Two Career Women Prefer Self-Determination Over High Society

Edwina’s Haldi Ceremony, “The Choice”
The Sharma Family Shares a Sweet Moment While Keeping Their Cultural Traditions

Penelope Shows Off Her Business Savvy, “Capital R Rake”
Nicola Coughlan’s Native Accent Helps Show A Tougher Side to Normally Polite Penelope

Queen Charlotte Has Her Priorities in Order, “Capital R Rake”
Who Cares About Another Debutante Season When Lady Whistledown Has Returned?

It was love at first sight. And then hate. And then love again. Kate Sharma burst onto the ton with a verve that would make Jane Austen proud. However sparks don't really start to fly until the Danbury ball, where Kate overhears Anthony’s demeaning wishlist for a prospective bride. A topic she doesn’t hesitate to bring up in the face of Anthony’s subsequent charm offensive. As we have already witnessed the Viscount’s demeaning approach to the marriage market in action, watching Kate dress him down becomes even more satisfying. Yet, while Anthony is clearly taken aback he still has the confidence to try flirting again. See that face? That’s the face of someone struck by Cupid’s arrow.