Dearest gentle readers, “Bridgerton” season four has officially come to a close and it certainly did not disappoint.
The first part of the season was released on Jan. 29, and had a slow-paced start, with viewers waiting to watch the long anticipated romance between star-crossed lovers Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek. The second part of season four showcased their fiery and societally complicated desire for one another, along with their heated passion displayed on screen.
“Bridgerton” tells a gossip-filled story set during the Regency era in London. It follows the highly respectable Bridgerton family, who also happen to spark trends that challenge societal norms in search of a love match. Each season follows one of eight children who are named in alphabetical order from oldest to youngest.
This season focused on the second eldest child, Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, who has constantly rejected societal expectations, especially when it comes to shooing away the mothers of the ton who seek to introduce him to their daughters for marriage. Society wants Benedict to commit, provide an heir and uphold their familiar traditions. He seems content with the life he chose for himself, until he met an unexpecting maid by the name of Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha.
As always, Bridgerton’s track list does not disappoint, with familiar tracks by Billie Eilish, Charli XCX and Teddy Swims. Such songs immediately put the audience into a trance, as they listen to instrumental versions of these well-known hits.
Similar to previous chapters, this season explores the thematic question: “What is love?”
Viewers watch as the protagonists struggle to encapsulate their feelings into a seamlessly perfect love declaration. Paired with vibrant pops of colors and a diverse cast, one can almost envision themselves walking through modern day society taking in all the gossip.
Following the classic Cinderella trope, viewers watch Sophie struggle to make a living yet simultaneously juggle obstacles thrown at her by her cruel employer and stepmother Lady Araminta, along with her two children, Posy and Rosamund Li.
Sophie’s magnetic charisma, paired with her wit and banter with Benedict sparked an interest, sending the male protagonist on a journey to find his masked “Lady in Silver.” But when they meet again, under much different circumstances, Benedict can’t piece together that the maid now in front of him is actually the person he had been desperately searching for.
Benedict and Sophie’s relationship further developed in the last four episodes, proving to the audience that opposites can and will attract. With societal expectations banging on the door, it becomes a question of if their relationship withstands the pressure.
Is love enough to withstand the social death that will plague the Bridgerton family if their son continues a relationship with a maid? The fact that they come from two completely different worlds inevitably blinds Benedict to even consider that Sophie could be the prospective young lady he so craves.
A day after part two was released, the show reached number one on streaming charts worldwide. “Bridgerton” has already been confirmed to renew for seasons five and six. Viewers can certainly expect a lengthier filming process, considering it took producers almost 13 months to finish wrapping up season three. Season five is expected to release in spring 2027, where viewers will tune in for another touching yet dramatic love story.