Sanditon season 2 episode 2 explained: What does *SPOILER*'s return mean?

Season 2 episode 2 is set to air tonight (Friday 29th July at 9pm) but, with the episode ending on a major cliffhanger following the return of a big character from the first season, fans may be left with more questions than answers after watching the instalment.

So, read on for everything you need to know about the ending of Sanditon season 2 episode 2. Be warned: there are significant spoilers ahead.

Sanditon season 2 episode 2 recap

At the end of episode 2, an unexpected visitor rocks up at Lady Denham's (Anne Reid in the Sanditon cast) stately home, Sanditon House.

It's none other than Clara Brereton (Lily Sacofsky), Lady Denham's scheming former ward who was chucked out of Sanditon House at the end of last season.

But here she is begging to return, claiming to be destitute and pregnant – with Edward Denham's child.

What happened to Clara in Sanditon season 1?

While Clara might have carefully cultivated a butter-wouldn't-melt persona, the poor relation of Lady Denham's was soon revealed to be a fortune-hunter.

A survivor of child abuse, she was portrayed as a complex character in the first season, and her desperation to secure some of Lady Denham's wealth led her down a dark path, scheming behind her relation's back

She joined forces with the loathsome Edward Denham (Jack Fox), even conspiring to cut Edward's step-sister Esther out of her inheritance. As she says in the series: “I had nothing to lose.”

However, she made a false move when she revealed the plan to Esther at Lady Denham's supposed deathbed – only for the latter to recover from her illness and banish both Clara and Edward from Sanditon House.

What does Clara's return mean for Sanditon season 2?

Throughout the past two episodes, Edward Denham – now disinherited and in the military – has been trying to convince his skeptical aunt and step-sister that he has changed his ways.

Clara's return and her revelation about her unborn child's parentage could throw a huge spanner in the works for Edward's plans to win over Lady Denham (and her money).

On the other hand, it could be that Clara and Edward are still conspiring together, and that her pregnancy is in fact a joint ploy to win Lady Denham's sympathy.

Finally, it seems too much of a coincidence that Clara arrives, pregnant, just when Esther is struggling to conceive. If Clara is pregnant, is there a scenario where Esther and her husband Lord Babington adopt the child?

Sanditon season 2 arrived on BritBox on Monday 21st March 2022, and began airing on ITV from 22nd July 2022 – you can sign up for a 7-day free BritBox trial here.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide or visit our dedicated Drama hub for the latest news.

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