Bridgerton: Daphne & Simon’s Story Is Over (& That’s A Good Thing)

Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset’s love story is over as of the Bridgerton season 1 finale, and that’s a good thing. The pair had a whirlwind courtship that was filled to the brim with drama, scandal, and romance. However, there were as many downs as there were ups in Daphne and Simon’s relationship, so it’s best if the Netflix show moved on from their relationship to focus on other characters and plots instead. 

Daphne was undoubtedly Queen Charlotte’s favorite young woman at the start of Bridgerton season 1. As such, Daphne was the primary choice for marriage in the Ton and the eldest Bridgerton daughter was hosting a number of gentleman callers in the early episodes of the series. Despite capturing the attention of Queen Charlotte’s nephew, Prince Friedrich, Daphne was smitten with Simon, the Duke of Hastings. Their relationship started off well enough, with a meet-cute that ultimately led to a mutually beneficial pact. Actors Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page also had a lot of chemistry that helped to authenticate the intensity and attraction Daphne and Simon felt for each other throughout Bridgerton season 1. 

However, as the couple’s story developed, the holes in their relationship became more apparent. For one, Daphne wanted nothing more than to marry for love and have a family. Being a mother was something she greatly desired and it wasn’t because society demanded that she become one, either, despite sister Eloise’s accusations. Simon, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with marriage or family even though he had grown to love Daphne during their fake courtship. How else was he supposed to keep the vow he’d made to his father about never siring children? 

While it was easy to root for Simon and Daphne to get together early on in Bridgerton season 1, their relationship quickly unraveled. Daphne wanted to marry Simon despite his protestations, but he told her that he would rather finish the duel (and possibly die) rather than marry her, primarily because Simon knew that he wouldn’t be able to provide the happiness Daphne desired. What’s more, Simon lied to her about why he didn’t want children and the series took too long for them to have an open, honest conversation about their individual wants and needs for the sake of drama. This led Simon and Daphne’s romance to become toxic in various ways. There’s also the issue of Daphne’s assault, which has been condemned by fans and critics alike. 

Bridgerton season 1 ended with Simon and Daphne ultimately getting their happy ending, which was a relief because the series is now free to explore the lives of other characters and relationships in the Ton. A potential season 2 will more than likely focus on Anthony Bridgerton and his romantic life, forcing Daphne and Simon into the background. There are so many avenues the show can take and plenty of storylines to delve into, including how Bridgerton will handle the reveal of Lady Whistledown’s identity and how that shapes the columnist’s role in the Ton. Ultimately, Simon and Daphne will continue being a part of the story, but the chapter on their romance has concluded, which really is for the best. 

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Mae Abdulbaki
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Mae Abdulbaki is a movie reviews editor with Screen Rant. She previously wrote about a variety of movies and TV shows for Inverse, CinemaBlend, Pajiba, and The Young Folks, where she wrote reviews, features, news pieces. Her other work can be found at The Mary Sue, Film School Rejects, UPROXX, Heroic Hollywood, Looper, The List, and Bam Smack Pow, among others. Mae has also appeared on television segments, podcasts, and panels to discuss all things entertainment.

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