Sanditon Season 2 Recap: What You Need to Know
Catch up on some key plot points of Sanditon Season 2, and find out what questions remain before watching the show’s final season on MASTERPIECE on PBS. From Charlotte’s major life decision, to Alexander Colbourne’s endlessly mysterious ways, Georgiana’s fortitude in the face of incredible challenges, and Arthur’s dramatic growth, there’s so much drama from Season 2 to remember and savor!
Haven’t yet seen the fan-favorite period drama Sanditon? You can binge Seasons 1, 2 and 3 right now with PBS Passport, an added member benefit from participating PBS stations.
- 1.
Sidney Died in Antigua
What to Know: Season 2 opened by letting viewers know Sidney Parker was gone for good. We saw a funeral procession in a Caribbean location and a grave marked with his name. When Sidney’s belongings were finally returned to the Parker family, we learned he’d been in Antigua on business for Miss Lambe—specifically, to block a lawsuit brought by a white relative of hers; a relative who claimed Georgiana was unfit to receive her inheritance.
What Questions Remain: Will there be more news to come from Antigua? Are there further impediments to Georgiana’s receiving her due?
- 2.
“Banished” Edward Denham Returned
What to Know: While Edward had been cast from Sanditon by Lady Denham for bad behavior, he marched back in as part of an Army regiment. Claiming to be a changed man, the scoundrel continued in vain to charm his wealthy aunt. In a desperate scheme, he also drugged stepsister Esther, making her appear insane. Lady Denham learned of Edward’s wickedness and delivered an ultimatum: She would (minimally) support her nephew only if he followed her “rigorous program of hard physical labor, religious instruction, and whatever daily humiliations [she] can devise.”
What Questions Remain: What tortures does Lady Denham have in mind for Edward? Is the cad even capable of reform?
- 3.
Georgiana Trusted the Wrong Guy … Again
What to Know: Bohemian artist Charles Lockhart made quite a splash in Season 2 and seemed the only man uninterested in Miss Lambe’s fortune. As outsiders, both Lockhart and Georgiana had a connection that grew to attraction. But on the eve of their skipping off to Europe together, Georgiana learned that Sidney had fingered Lockhart as the relative after her inheritance. Like Otis Molyneaux in Season 1, Charles Lockhart turned out to be just another lying man who cared more about her riches than her heart.
What Questions Remain: Will Georgiana ever trust a suitor again? If she gets another opportunity to leave Sanditon, will she take it?
- 4.
Arthur is a Changed Man
What to Know: Arthur Parker emerged as a more grounded and emotionally in touch man. He proved quite capable of filling dead brother Sidney’s shoes as the counterbalance to Tom Parker’s foibles. However, Arthur’s big heart got stomped by Charles Lockhart’s duplicity. He himself fell for the artist’s flattery and individualized attentions. Then Arthur encouraged Georgiana to trust the man. Deeply shaken when Lockhart was exposed, Arthur Parker won’t be so quick to trust someone new again.
What Questions Remain: What more will become of Arthur in Season 3? Can we count on him to do right by Georgiana?
- 5.
Georgiana Learned her Mother’s Still Alive
What to Know: Contrary to what Georgiana Lambe was told as a child in Antigua, her enslaved Black mother had not died. (The very mother whom Lockhart argued disqualifies Georgiana from an inheritance!) Turns out that during Sidney’s trip to Antigua, he discovered the woman was alive as recently as five years ago and hoped to reunite with her daughter. We saw Georgiana shed tears of both confusion and joy at the stunning news that she has real family in the world.
What Questions Remain: What does it mean that Georgiana’s mother may still be living? Can the woman be found? How might this fresh revelation shape Georgiana’s identity?
- 6.
Colbourne Got Cold Feet
What to Know: Wealthy widower Alexander Colbourne got to know Charlotte when she became governess to his daughter and niece. After some rocky starts, the pair’s chemistry kindled and as Season 2 progressed, we were treated to furtive handholding, a swoon-worthy waltz, and two serious kisses. Just as things were progressing nicely, Colbourne was suddenly reminded of how he’d utterly failed his first wife. He decided Charlotte was better off without him and abruptly dismissed her. Reeling with confusion and anger, Charlotte packed her bags for home. Colbourne, too proud or scared to clear the air, closed his estate and left town with the girls.
What Questions Remain? Will Colbourne ever be able to make himself emotionally available? His niece Augusta said it best: “What is it you are frightened of uncle, that we might finally be happy?”
- 7.
Charlotte Got Engaged!
What to Know: Season 2’s finale delivered a bombshell when Willingdon farmer Ralph Starling introduced himself as Charlotte’s fiancé! We went from watching Charlotte happily celebrating her sister’s wedding to seeing her somewhat embarrassed to have Sanditon friends learn this astonishing news. Our heroine giving up her dreams to become a farmer’s wife? She has some explaining to do!
What Questions Remain: Is Charlotte admitting defeat by saying yes to Ralph? Will she break it off with him—and how?
