Dearest Gentle Reader,
The season for empire gowns, gossip and whirlwind romances is here once more — the long awaited season 4 of “Bridgerton” is finally here. There is only one question: Does it follow in the footsteps of the fantastic Season 2 and “Queen Charlotte” series, or does it fall flat like season 1 and 3?
Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek are the focus this go around, with an interesting twist that hasn’t been played before in the core storylines. With Benedict’s story, we get a “Cinderella” retelling as well. Sophie, the illegitimate daughter of a lord who is forced to be a maid, dresses up and attends the Bridgerton’s masquerade ball.
Sparks fly immediately when the two lovers meet, and yet Benedict does not know the identity of the girl he wishes to marry. As he speeds around the ton searching for his Lady in Silver, he misses her right underneath his nose and slowly begins to fall for someone else — a maid no less.
The dilemma of love across social standing is the core of the story this season, and in so many ways, it is well done, with the same head-over-heels idiocy for the male love interest. For those who have seen the season, they know what I am talking about. If I were to place season 4 in a ranked list with all the other entries of this series, it would go third, right after “Queen Charlotte” and Season 2.
In all respects, I can safely say that season 4 was everything I hoped it would be. I don’t return to “Bridgerton” every year or so for an accurate and grounded depiction of regency times; I come for the characters and the personal genre they’ve created. I like to call the “Bridgerton” genre historical fantasy, with the diverse casting, beautiful yet completely inaccurate costuming and the fantastical plots that always keep us on the edge of our seats.
Once again, the main story was formulated incredibly well, but part of what makes “Bridgerton” so wonderful and compelling is the cast of characters surrounding the plot. The antics of the Bridgerton sons, the gossiping Featheringtons and the extravagant Queen Charlotte are all the shining stars in the universe that is “Bridgerton.” This season, we get to see much more of the youngest daughter, Hyacinth, and we also get to see Eloise begin to soften to the ways of high society.
It is never a bore watching the “Bridgerton” families and all that goes on in their homes. One of the stand-out features of this season is the character arc of the Queen. As Lady Danbury wishes to step back and have Alice Mondrich take her place, Queen Charlotte has to contend with the change, and we see their great friendship tested.
Part of the charm of “Bridgerton” is the somewhat goofy decisions that go into it, such as the show’s well-known trope of using instrumental covers as the soundtrack. There were some very memorable songs this season, including “365” by Charli XCX, “All I Wanted” by Paramore and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Usher featuring Pitbull. It is always amusing to hear club classics and emo bops in our favorite regency series.
The true tell if a season of “Bridgerton” has been a success is if the love confession hits the mark. In season 2, Anthony delivers his famous line, “Do you think there is a corner of this earth you could travel to far enough to free me from this torment… You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desire.” Everything about that scene — the enemies to lovers, the pining, the tension — all lead to the best confession the main series has seen.
“Queen Charlotte,” the “Bridgerton” spin-off series, also has one of the landmark confessions when young Charlotte tells George, “I will stand with you between the heavens and the earth. I will tell you where you are. Do you love me?” The entire romance of that season encapsulates the best parts of this series.
Did some of Benedict’s behaviors irritate me this season? Yes, but that is what you get with “Bridgerton” men. He did succeed in winning me over with a confession so beautiful and heartfelt, you can’t help but forgive his idiocy. I do wish to share quotes from the scene, yet I find it best if one takes the time to watch the season to get the full effect.
With a series as beloved as “Bridgerton,” there is always the nagging fear that the charm and magic of previous seasons may be lost. The quality of both the story and the production is a great fear to have, especially with the lackluster season 3, and yet we will still come back. “Bridgerton” is such a memorable comfort, and season 4 follows the series’ legacy with a strong stride that anyone can fall in love with.
