The second part of Bridgerton Season 4 has finally arrived, and fans were quick to celebrate the long-awaited return of Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sharma and the heir to the Bridgerton title, baby Edmund.
While viewers were clearly amused and content to see the viscount and viscountess back on screen, many had spent the first half of the season wondering why the couple and their newborn son were absent altogether. Now, the series showrunner, Jess Brownell, has addressed the decision, revealing that their absence was far from accidental and, in fact, essential to Benedict's arc.
Why Anthony and Kate Were Missing in Part 1
In the opening episode of Season 4, the couple are briefly mentioned by a servant, who reveals that they have welcomed their first son and heir while in India. The pair had left London society at the end of Season 3, when Kate was pregnant, choosing to spend time abroad before introducing their child to the ton.
After that brief reference, however, Anthony and Kate were neither seen nor meaningfully mentioned again in part 1. The silence did not go unnoticed. Fans took to social media questioning their whereabouts and expressing disappointment at their absence from major family developments.
Speculation intensified when the teaser for part 2 was released. In a romantic family moment, Anthony and Kate are shown in bed with baby Edmund, confirming their return. The glimpse was short but enough to reassure viewers that the viscount was not gone permanently.
From the teaser alone, many assumed that the couple had quietly returned to London high society and would naturally resume their place at the centre of family affairs.
Showrunner Explains Decision Behind Anthony's Absence
Speaking with People, Brownell clarified that Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley's limited presence in the first instalments was a deliberate creative choice, one directly tied to Benedict's journey this season.
'For Benedict in particular, it was important for Anthony to be elsewhere in part one', she said. 'Benedict [had] a moment to struggle with the weight of being the second son who's filling in for the viscount'.
She continued: 'Benedict's sense of responsibility, or lack thereof, is a bit of a runner that we're following with Benedict's journey. For Anthony to be in India — or later in Aubrey Hall — it allows Benedict the chance to rise or to fail'.
The reasoning places Benedict firmly at the emotional centre of part 1. With Anthony away, Benedict is forced into a more visible and accountable role, something that does not come naturally to him.
The showrunner also said that Anthony's return in part 2 is 'incredibly important', particularly because 'the relationship with Benedict is so key between the first and the second [parts]'.
Anthony's Return and Its Impact on Benedict and Sophie
After being absent for a time, Anthony is called back by his mother Violet, who hopes his presence will help guide Benedict as he navigates his complicated feelings for Sophie Baek. Benedict's growing involvement with the maid raises both emotional and social questions.
In the new episodes, viewers see Anthony, Kate and Edmund arriving back at Bridgerton House. The family formally meets Sophie and the little heir is introduced to the family.
Ultimately, the decision to withhold Anthony and Kate from the first half of the season appears to have been a strategic one.
Now, with part 2 released, their return signals not only a family reunion but a turning point in Benedict's story.
