Bridgerton Season 4: What to Expect
It’s been a long two years since the last season of Bridgerton left us captivated. In the meantime, shows like Gilded Age and Downton Abbey have made their mark as popular period dramas in America, changing the landscape for steamy romance on mainstream television. Week after week, audiences found themselves rooting for the Korean-American protagonist, Berry (Laura Tung), and her quest for happiness with Conrad Fisher (Christopher Blainey). Now, as Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 arrives on Netflix, the luxurious balls, passionate love scenes, and diverse cast might not feel as groundbreaking as they did back in December 2020. Yet, there’s still a fresh angle on love in this new season—showing that everyone, even ordinary people, deserves a shot at lasting happiness.
This season centers on the Cinderella-like narrative of Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). We’ve known Benedict as the free-spirited second son of an aristocrat, more drawn to the bohemian art world than to the constraints of marriage. Sophie, on the other hand, is a new addition to the cast. As the first Asian lead, she emerges from a lower-class background, working as a maid. Their fateful encounter occurs when she sneaks into a masquerade ball hosted by Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell), her identity concealed. This leads Benedict on a quest for the mysterious “Silver in Silver,” unaware that he is flirting with the woman of his dreams.
Based on Julia Quinn’s novel Offer from a Gentleman, Bridgerton Season 4 initially presents Sophie as the enigmatic dream girl of Benedict, before unveiling her struggles with class. She stands out not just for her beauty, but for her joyful spirit. Unaware of societal cynicism, she revels in the fantasy of being a legitimate woman for just one night, falling for one of London’s most eligible bachelors. However, she knows this dream won’t last forever.
Interestingly, this season shifts its focus from the fantasies of the upper crust to reveal the stark realities faced by those working “downstairs,” reminiscent of classic British dramas like Upstairs, Downstairs. The show underlines that the enchanting world of Bridgerton relies on hard work, and many aristocratic characters barely embody the ideals of nobility. Of course, the Bridgerton family stands out as a contrast; they treat their staff with kindness, unlike many others.
Things take a darker turn when Sophie’s cruel stepmother, Lady Araminta Gunn (Katie Leung), discovers her attendance at the ball and cruelly banishes her. Soon after, Sophie finds herself shielding another maid from her new employer’s advances, only to be rescued by Benedict Bridgerton. Despite their connection, Benedict fails to recognize her as the woman he is drawn to, pointing to how overlooked those in lower classes can be, even by the Bridgerton family. Still, as they retreat to a secluded country villa, their bond deepens.
Season 4 Part 1 of Bridgerton maintains the charm of earlier seasons, though it sometimes feels like it’s juggling multiple storylines. When Thompson and Ha share the screen, the buzz of balls and gossip seems to fade. Instead of the intense longing seen in previous pairings, Sophie and Benedict enjoy light-hearted banter that’s endearing yet lacking in passion. The romance unfolds alongside updates on other familiar characters like the Featheringtons and the Danbury family, making the narrative feel a tad too stretched at times.
While I appreciate the exploration of Violet Bridgerton’s social life and the quest for the Queen’s new lady-in-waiting, the subplots of Season 4 seem better suited for a historical drama than a sweeping romance. Ironically, this subplot derives from Bridgerton’s own spin-off, Queen Charlotte: The Bridgerton Story. (By the way, a little nudge for Season 2, please!)
All in all, Bridgerton continues to entertain. Luke Thompson brings charm to Benedict with a quirky humor and an impressive physique. The eagerly awaited “Lake Scene” remains true to Quinn’s writing. Yerin Ha shines as Sophie, showcasing her talents complete with past roles in Halo and Dune: Prophecy. Together, they exude a palpable on-screen chemistry, and I can’t help but hope for a more passionate development in Part 2. So far, their romance feels more sweet than steamy.
As Part 1 concludes, it leaves intriguing cliffhangers that hint at more drama ahead. My hope is that when Part 2 premieres on February 26th, the narrative will feel tighter, more passionate, and that the focus will return to the budding romance between Sophie and Benedict.
