Film & TV Writer Simran Sidhu reviews Season 4 of Bridgerton, finding it to be an emotional rollercoaster, but ultimately satisfying for fans of the romance show
Spoilers for Bridgerton Season 4
Dearest gentle reader, as colour and calamity begin to bloom in our approach to Spring, it is with great pleasure that I, Lady Whistledown, present to you the conundrums that the Bridgertons have endured once again. Season four has finally been released to binge, unveiling new secrets for the family we have grown to love. Although we had to wait an entire month for part two, it never failed to capture the rising tension between this season’s love interests. However, Bridgerton begins to explore new territory by capturing the truth of the class system in the 19th century. So, does our new diamond of the season earn a happily ever after or instead suffer the fate of conforming to society?
The season begins with a classic Cinderella story between our diamond of the season Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). Sophie is an intriguing character for both fans and Benedict as we are both encapsulated by her charm and intellect. Their chemistry is beautifully presented on screen, demonstrating their forbidden love perfectly. Both Luke and Yerin yearn so effortlessly and have become such lovable characters. Although their love story is cliche, it does not become tiring; the idea of Benedict falling in love with her twice is endearing. His constant longing only made him more lovable since it is refreshing to see a man who is not afraid to express his undying love. Benedict has been a fan favourite from the beginning and thankfully his season did not disappoint, however he was not the only interesting character within this season. Their chemistry is beautifully presented on screen, demonstrating their forbidden love perfectly.
Sophie’s introduction unlocked a new area within the Bridgerton series, enhancing the class differences of the time. Having an insight into the working-class world as well as a fond knowledge of the upper-class world demonstrates how poorly the working-class were treated, especially during the maid wars. Working women being reduced to maids belonging to the wealthy is almost dystopian. Another interesting example is the ‘be my mistress’ conundrum that caused a wave of frustration amongst fans. Benedict asking Sophie to be his mistress arguably made complete sense; he is a man of an upper-class background meaning it is very clear that he could not ask for her hand in marriage. Even though Sophie reacted appropriately, fans seem to forget that when this show is set.
Although part two was released a month after part one, it absolutely did not disappoint. It gained much more popularity than the first part since it was so eventful, especially though the unfortunate death of beloved John (Victor Alli). Watching Francesca’s (Hannah Dodd) world turn upside down was heartbreaking as we felt her loss alongside her. Her acting performance excelled when Violet (Ruth Gemmell) witnessed her breakdown after losing both John and their unborn child. Not only did we have to endure her emotional turmoil, we also had to watch the only person keeping Francesca sane completely abandon her. Michaela (Masali Baduza) and Francasca have a heavily implied romantic relationship, which was hinted at the end of season three. Many fans have complained about Francesca’s queer storyline, but is this due to book inaccuracy or just homophobia? It is very ironic how Benedict’s queer storyline was praised while Francesca’s is destroyed before even starting. It is very ironic how Benedict’s queer storyline was praised while Francesca’s is destroyed before even starting.
While the debate about Michaela and Francesca continues, fans agreed that Benedict and Sophie had a satisfying conclusion. Benedict finally realising the connection between his Lady in Silver and Sophie through the necklace was full of tension, especially with Sophie getting arrested at the same time. The plot execution tied with Luke and Yerin’s acting evoked so much intensity that fans found it difficult to peel their eyes away from the screen. It was frustrating to watch how close Sophie and Benedict kept getting to finally being with each other, causing their marriage to be the epitome of a happily ever after.
Romance concluded but questions began for the next season; where did Michaela go? Is Eloise on the marriage market? Who is the new Whistledown? This reveal had many mixed opinions but I believe it was a great choice. Whistledown is a brilliant narrator but Penelope’s loss of anonymity called for a new author. Fans have begun the guessing game, coming up with a debate between Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi), Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne), and potentially Credessa Cowper (Jessica Madsen). Mrs. Varley sounds the most promising, but we remain guessing until the next season.
The reign of Lady Whistledown continues over society, watching every entitled move that the upper-class make. This season has been an emotional rollercoaster, especially since Netflix keeps taunting us by releasing seasons in two parts. Benedict and Sophie have become a lovable couple, leading to their season becoming a favourite amongst fans. Francesca expressing her grieving emotions after being portrayed as such a quiet character was heartbreaking yet brilliant to watch. Although her queer journey is collectively disliked amongst fans, she is a well written character that brings a great deal to the show. Much gossip is yet to be revealed, but for now stay cautious as this writer will continue to expose the secrets and discrepancies that hide between the silk and the satin.
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