The initial segment of Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 4 aimed for a lighthearted, almost magical tale, centered around a young woman from the fringes of society who falls for an aristocrat. It was a classic Cinderella narrative, highlighting the unexpected connection between two very different individuals. In contrast, the latter part of the season explores the stark realities of societal obligations and how, sometimes, life—along with death—can shatter a fairy tale.
Bridgerton (Season 4, Part 2): Stream or Skip?
Opening scene: “Dear gentle readers,” Lady Whistledown begins, “Of all the sweet nothings a gentleman might utter, the author believes the three most frequent in Mayfair might just be ‘Please be my mistress.’” The scene then shifts to Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), sitting in a pub, reflecting gloomily on Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) proposition to be his mistress.
Key points: The first half of Season 4 revolves around the forbidden romance between Benedict, the second son of an aristocratic household, and Sophie, a maid. After a chance encounter with Sophie at a masquerade ball, Benedict is drawn to her. Yet, when he later discovers her injured and nurses her back to health, he unwittingly falls for her, unaware that she’s the same woman. In the context of Regency London, where class barriers are stringent, they struggle to suppress their feelings. In a desperate attempt to navigate this reality, Benedict asks Sophie to be his mistress—his only apparent solution to their dilemma. As Part 2 kicks off, communication between them has ceased. Sophie is offended by the idea and struggles to even respond. Although Benedict comes to terms with the weight of his request, he remains infatuated and confesses his love, longing to be with her, societal norms be damned.
Meanwhile, Sophie’s manipulative stepmother, Araminta Gunn (Katie Leung), moves in next to the Bridgertons. Discovering Sophie’s connection to the family, she takes it upon herself to sabotage Sophie’s chance at happiness with Benedict. Additional plots this season include Violet Bridgerton’s romance with Sir Marcus Anderson, brief appearances by Anthony and Kate Bridgerton, Penelope’s wish to step back from her Whistledown persona, and a storyline about Francesca’s marriage that I won’t spoil.
Our take: The first part of Season 4 sets the stage for a unique romantic evolution for Benedict. Part 2 offers not just closure to the storyline but also presents enjoyable cameos that fans will appreciate. Characters like Anthony and Kate are back, along with Cressida Cowper making a notable return. Although the on-and-off dynamic between Benedict and Sophie can feel a bit repetitive (just when they seem close, doubts arise), the chemistry between Thompson and Ha is undeniably captivating. Their connection draws the viewers in, making it hard to look away.
Overall, Season 4 feels like a thoughtful exploration of womanhood. Much of the season examines expectations on women regarding friendship, romance, grief, and life’s purpose. Characters like Violet, Lady Danbury, Queen Charlotte, Penelope, and Francesca each undergo significant transformations, prompting them to rethink societal norms. Men like Benedict must grapple with the implications of societal rules and recognize that the burden of reputation often falls disproportionately on women. It’s impressive to see a show tackle heavy themes with nuance, yet it’s also clear that viewers want a little romance and intimacy sprinkled in, right?
Standout performance: This half of the season highlights Hannah Dodd as Francesca. Her character arc and emotional depth make for a remarkable performance.
Sex and skin: Things are definitely heating up in Bridgerton House this season.
Final scene: Benedict and Sophie finally give in to their emotions and share a moment together. Cue a lush orchestral rendition of Teddy Swims’ “Loose Control.”
Surprising standout: Katie Leung shines as Araminta Gunn. Her relentless pursuit to undermine Sophie’s happiness presents a compellingly wicked character that audiences love to hate.
Most memorable line: Benedict, aware that their love defies societal conventions, confesses, “I wish we could be together in some other way.” He adds, “My soul suffers at the thought of a day without you.”
Our verdict: The first part of Bridgerton Season 4 serves as an enjoyable prelude, but Part 2 is where the real excitement lies. It’s nothing short of engaging, brimming with unspoken desires and emotions that finally come to the surface. Definitely worth streaming!
