The ending of Maxton Hall’s second season has left many viewers feeling conflicted. While the main story follows the popular romance between *Ruby Bell* and James Beaufort, a secondary plot has sparked a major conversation online. Fans are pushing back against the show’s presentation of the relationship between student Lydia Beaufort and her teacher, Graham Sutton.
The issue centers on a specific story change from the original books by author Mona Kasten. The show appears to frame the teacher-student dynamic as a passionate, forbidden romance. However, a large portion of the audience sees it as romanticizing a dangerous power imbalance and potentially harmful behavior, especially for the show’s younger viewers. This debate has become a central talking point as fans process the finale and look ahead to the confirmed third season.
Understanding the Backlash: Fan Concerns Over the Sutton-Lydia Storyline
The release of Maxton Hall Season 2 on Prime Video has led to extensive discussion on social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok. While the season continues the dramatic story of Ruby and James, the subplot involving Lydia and Mr. Sutton has drawn significant criticism.
Fans point to several specific elements in the show that make them uncomfortable. The core complaint is about the significant age and power imbalance between the characters. Lydia is a student at the elite Maxton Hall school, and Sutton holds a position of authority over her, first as a teacher and later as vice principal. Viewers argue the show glosses over this dynamic, instead presenting their relationship as a mutual love story worth rooting for.
“This show is romanticizing Sutton,” argued one fan on the Maxton Hall subreddit, capturing the sentiment of many. They stated the character is being framed as a “good romantic hero,” a choice they find “problematic”.
The casting and visual presentation have also been points of contention. Some viewers note that the actors’ appearances amplify the uncomfortable feeling. Comments online suggest the actor playing Sutton looks significantly older than Lydia, making their on-screen romance lack chemistry and feel more predatory. The storyline reaches a critical point when it is revealed Lydia is pregnant with twins. For many fans, this development was a tipping point, moving the plot from uncomfortable to concerning.
A key moment in the finale has drawn particular ire. To protect Lydia, Mr. Sutton allows school authorities to believe he was involved with Ruby Bell instead. This false accusation leads to Ruby’s suspension, threatening her future at Oxford. Critics say this plot point frames Lydia more as a co-conspirator in a secret affair rather than highlighting her potential vulnerability in the situation.
How the Show Differs from the Original Books
To understand the fan reaction, it helps to know the source material. Maxton Hall is based on a bestselling book trilogy by German author Mona Kasten. The TV series has generally followed the books but has made some notable changes, particularly in how it handles the Lydia-Sutton relationship.
Readers of the books say the original text handles the dynamic between Lydia and her teacher with more nuance and complexity. The show, however, is accused of using classic romance tropes to frame their relationship, which can unintentionally excuse or minimize the problematic nature of a student-teacher relationship. This change in tone from page to screen is at the heart of the criticism.
The story in Season 3 will be based on the final book in the series, titled Save Us. According to book summaries, the story picks up with Ruby suspended and returning home, while Lydia grapples with guilt over Sutton losing his job and Ruby taking the blame. Their father, Mortimer Beaufort, discovers the truth about the pregnancy and, concerned for the family’s reputation, orders Lydia to leave the house.
The books ultimately provide a resolution where Ruby’s name is cleared, her Oxford dreams come true, and Lydia gives birth to her twins. It remains to be seen how the TV adaptation will navigate this storyline in the upcoming season and whether it will address the audience’s concerns about how the relationship has been portrayed so far.
A Look at Season 2’s Emotional Ending and What’s Next
The controversial Lydia-Sutton plot was central to the Season 2 finale, which aired on November 27, 2025. The season ended on a dramatic cliffhanger with Ruby suspended, Mr. Sutton arrested, and the futures of all characters in jeopardy.
Interestingly, the finale was not always planned to be so bleak. Damian Hardung, the actor who plays James Beaufort, revealed that the original plan was for a happier ending. “Originally, season 2 was going to end on a happy note,” Hardung said. The initial idea was to end with James and Ruby together, walking across the school yard, with only a hint of future troubles.
However, the cast and creators decided to change course to create a stronger emotional impact and a cliffhanger similar to the end of Season 1. They wanted to highlight the low point for both main couples—James and Ruby, as well as Lydia and Sutton—before setting up their journeys in the next season.
Maxton Hall has already been renewed for a third season. Leaked photos from the set have sparked speculation among fans, showing Ruby looking happy at Oxford University with James by her side, suggesting their story will continue. Filming is underway, and the new season will adapt the events of Mona Kasten’s final novel, Save Us.
As the show moves forward, the discussion around the Lydia and Sutton storyline highlights a broader conversation about how entertainment portrays complex and potentially harmful relationships. The fan pushback shows that audiences are increasingly critical of stories that may romanticize unhealthy dynamics without sufficient context or critique.
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