Bridgerton 2×07 “Harmony” Review

Bridgerton “Harmony” Spoilers Ahead

Bridgerton‘s seventh episode, “Harmony,” is one of the good ones, only it should’ve been episode four or five instead. It shouldn’t have taken us until the penultimate to finally see the core love story take a grand leap towards their happy ending. The Viscount Who Loves Me works exceptionally as a novel because even though “I love yous” aren’t exchanged until the very end, we see much of Kate and Anthony’s love story and their individual struggles throughout the novel.

And with two episodes remaining, we’ve barely just begun scratching the surface where it matters—we’ve yet to make amends with the Sharma sisters. As humorous as the ball’s theme (and the title of the episode) are, harmony is precisely what the series has been missing until this very episode, making it feel that much more convoluted when thinking of all the moments that we could’ve gotten.

Harmony

The family’s dance is the kind of scene that deserves credit where credit is due because it’s the very thing I’ve personally hoped for since learning that the novels will be adapted. Anthony Bridgerton finding ways to include his younger siblings in the festivities perfectly showcases the viscount’s heart in a way that tells us how much he cares for them. We have a scene breakdown discussing this scene more in-depth, but it ultimately comes down to the detail that this moment in Bridgerton’s “Harmony” is the showcase of this family’s heart.

Two families joined together by grief, threaded by love and respect, as they each understand what it’s like to experience profound losses. It’s allowing themselves a moment of true, untarnished joy where they could escape without the ravaging eyes of society. It’s a moment where perhaps if Daphne and Francesca were here as well, we certainly wouldn’t be able to contain our emotions.

Through a simple country dance, every step they take, every cheer that leaves their mouths, every laughter that bursts forth spreads the kind of healing love that is to go on working wonders. Kate and Violet dancing together, Anthony and Lady Danbury. Hyacinth dancing with each of her brothers. Eloise and Lady Danbury, every little moment is beautifully cathartic and showcases something bigger, something even more glorious. Of all the scenes thus far, this is easily one that’ll become a fan favorite.

Ostracized and Still Trying

Perhaps one of the surprising highlights of Bridgerton’s “Harmony” is seeing that it isn’t merely the women who are on the receiving end of cold shoulders, but Anthony is as well. And while this season certainly has its flaws, dismantling toxic masculinity is still happening by revealing that when there’s a scandal, the ton will react no matter male or female. It’s especially the case for Anthony’s character arc throughout.

Although the Bridgertons were fortunate enough to avoid all of this after Whistledown’s article about Marina’s pregnancy was released, this time, the duchess cannot come in to save the day. This time, it’s up to them to keep talking in order to sell the story that the wedding was called off because of a mutual decision.

Still, it’s heartbreaking that we are still here with such a wall up in front of Edwina and Kate when it should’ve never been this way. In the books, Edwina would have noticed Kate and Anthony’s feelings for one another long before this, but she makes a comment about having been so blind feels more forced than faithful to the character. It’s almost comical, and when it comes to two sisters, something like this shouldn’t be this dragged out. How do they go forward from here? I can laugh about it, sure, but it still hurts.

The same can be said about the moment where Kate is essentially vilified when Edwina believes she isn’t as kindhearted. At no point during this scene does Kate make Edwina seem cruel when she asks if they should take their leave, which is precisely why the dialogue feels so off—forced almost to continue pushing the drama along just a little further until the very end. And it’s imperative to ask why? Why continue this? Why did it have to be this way? If they included the accident taking place at the end of “An Unthinkable Fate,” surely Edwina would’ve realized not only Anthony’s feelings but her own. She would’ve understood precisely what it is that she wants and all the things her sister has always wanted for her because the end result would be her happiness above everything. Edwina fell hard due to her own decisions; no one else’s. She chose not to listen to Kate despite the warnings.

The Queen vs. Eloise Bridgerton

Frankly, the queen thinking that Eloise is Whistledown is one of the few things that makes sense, and I’m glad we got here. It’s a change that makes far more sense because Whistledown plays a larger, perhaps a more vile role in the series. We will always adore Penelope Featherington here at Marvelous Geeks, but she takes her columns much farther than in the books in the show. And for the sake of drama, it works to push it all further organically. Of all the things she could have said about Eloise, this shouldn’t have been it, but the same could be said for Marina’s pregnancy.

Penelope might not have terrible intentions, but Bridgerton’s “Harmony” ultimately shows us that she still has much to learn and is far from where she should be. This piece undoubtedly causes her a plethora of pain because she cares for Eloise more than anyone, but it wasn’t something she thought of too intently.

A Constant

There’s also plenty to be said about how things continue to bud with Colin and Penelope as the two of them naturally grow closer, making their “friends to lovers” romance that much sweeter in the future. As a massive fan of the word constant, it’s fascinating to see Colin use it because while in some cases he friend zones throughout this season, it’s this word that’s going to bite him in the a– hard when he realizes his constant has been his everything all along.

And there’s also much to say about Colin telling Portia that he’d blush if anyone else were to hear the things he said to Penelope. Which aren’t blush-worthy, but ultimately, it equates to the sense of ease he feels around Penelope, which is unmatched elsewhere, including with his family. (All of which will make learning the truth about Whistledown’s identity much more catastrophic, but we can bask in the friendship for now.) We can look into the fact that they’re each other’s constant.

To Breathe For

Part of loving Kate and Anthony with a fierce intensity means that you likely have their first time in The Viscount Who Loved Me memorized. The words “just love me” cut to your core and pierce your bones in a way that shouldn’t hurt as much as it does. And yet, here we are. It’s knowing, perhaps rather too closely, that Kate’s insecurities match what so many of us feel.

And though those insecurities are more pronounced in the novel, the series brings to the surface desires that are more heightened, allowing us to see that despite everything that’s happening, the two of them wanting each other takes precedence. Kate is all Anthony can think of at this moment—all he could breathe for. But before we dig into their collision, it’s imperative to discuss the circumstances that lead them to this moment.

The denial didn’t need to occur as it did. It’s where the “love triangle” takes screen time away because where one minute Lady Danbury was telling Kate to be honest about “whatever it is that she feels,” in this episode, they’re adamant about keeping them apart. If you look at it from a comedic lens, you could laugh at the inconsistencies, but it gets a bit frustrating if you take it seriously.

But there’s also much to be said about Anthony not even wanting to pursue anyone else anymore. Because there is no one else who could take him apart and piece him back together the way Kate could. There’s no one else whose scent could intoxicate him as deeply. No one else whose every puzzle piece fits perfectly with his. It’s not just lust for the two of them—it’s everything. It’s a magnetic need that Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley show so brilliantly that it’s overwhelming to even find words for.

There is also much to decode about how Kate Sharma still chooses Edwina’s happiness over her own in Bridgerton’s “Harmony.” I expected Kate to deny the kiss between her and Anthony, and I expected the sadness in her eyes as she does so. The disbelief, the heartbreak, and everything in between makes it clear that this was never her intention. She never wanted any of this. She would’ve given up everything to ensure that Edwina was happy even though she knew Anthony couldn’t give her that happiness.

One of the most riveting details about Kate and Anthony’s story is how blinded they both are by their duties, so much so, that they consistently bite off more than they can chew, believing with full conviction that they cannot possibly ask anyone for help because they rather carry the burdens alone. It’s how they shield others. It’s the area where they think they’re most selfless, and to a degree, they are, but it does more harm than good when it leads to control. It’s where they’re so kindred, and for both Kate and Anthony, it’s such a massive blind spot; neither can help until they both look outward.

They’ve both stepped up to be parents while their mothers grieved, and though that’s a change that works, I’m hoping, (begging even), to see more of it explored in Season 3, especially for Kate, whose trauma ultimately doesn’t get the same attention as Anthony’s. But the denial mountain they both stand strong on is worth looking into because it gives us insight into how the push and pull between them is so raw. It’s tantalizing because they’re working with such primal emotions that neither of them knows how to really dig into and release.

And as they finally collide to “How Deep Is Your Love,” as do our hearts, bursting into flames because the two of them allowing themselves a moment to merely choose for themselves is everything. It’s different (and I would’ve given anything to see the morning after in each other’s arms), but the two of them will never not be beautiful in how they love one another through every part of their beings before their lips even utter the words. When Kate states that it is souls that dance, this is what she means by it.

In a gazebo, under the night sky, beneath the flowers where nothing can touch the two of them. If all they have is this moment, they’ll make it worthwhile. If all they have is one moment not to stop, to keep going, and to ride the waves of all their adoration together, then they’ll do it. In the same way that Edmund was the air that Violet breathed, Kate Sharma is Anthony Bridgerton’s. The very reason for his staggering contentment that’s beyond anything he could ever comprehend.

The Accident

Anthony Bridgerton might be a Capital R Rake, but he’s also a Capital G Gentleman. As a man, Anthony has always valued consent above all things, and that’s largely what “I will stop” means. He doesn’t want any of this to be too much for Kate or to cross a line from which they cannot return. Except that’s exactly what happens, but he does the one thing he’s wanted to do this entire time and chooses to propose to her. Immediately, wasting zero time to make matters right.

Because we (or maybe I) could wax poetic for hours on end about how this is the first time we see Anthony Bridgerton awaken from a blissful sleep. We know that he doesn’t sleep properly because of the montage, and it’s something we could pick up on throughout Season 1 as he lies awake while others around him are out cold. He’s always the one rising from a woman’s bed before them. And yet, for a moment in this episode, we see him awaken with a smile on his face—contentment washed over his entire being. This is a first for Anthony, and he proposes because he knows, without a shadow of a doubt, he could only find it with Kate.

But then the accident happens, and Anthony’s roaring voice might haunt me to the end of time. Bridgerton’s “Harmony” is undoubtedly one of the best episodes of the season, leaving us with the kind of cliffhanger that works and moments throughout that are an utter joy to witness. And even through the mess, it’s still one we’ll keep coming back to.

Afternoon Tea and Further Thoughts

• It should not have taken us seven episodes to get confirmation of the lilies.
• Kate and Eloise eating together for a split second before everything went to shambles. Let my girls be friends!
• VIOLET HOLDING HER FIRST BABY AND HER LAST IN THAT PHOTO, LET ME BREATHE
• Why are we seven episodes in and still denying how Kate and Anthony feel about each other?
• Newton trying to get Anthony’s attention like the good little boy that he is.
• Anthony seeing how Benedict parties. Excellent. But also, Anthony shouldn’t shave, I dig it. Though the metaphor, I get it. Completely.
• We also should’ve gotten the roses scene in maybe episode 2 or 3.
• It’s a shame no one comes to this ball because the decor is lovely, but also thank God because this dance is everything to me.
• Seeing Anthony apologize to Mary is fantastic. Their whole scene is just perfect, especially as it further indicates how kindred he and Kate are.
• I still don’t care about cousin Jack. Oops.
• The roaring of Anthony’s voice as he yells for Kate. IT HURTS.

Bonus Content: Listen to the Lady Geeks’ Society Podcast Episode of “Harmony” for more Bridgerton

Now streaming on Netflix: What are your thoughts on Bridgerton’s “Harmony?” Let us know in the comments below.