Dearest gentle reader, the highly anticipated second part of “Bridgerton” season four has finally graced our television screens, and it is a triumph all around.
With a month between the releases of part one and part two, fans wondered if the show would be able to stick the landing and make this installment a memorable one. This author is happy to report that such an outcome is indeed the case. The season has become the highest-rated installment of the show. All eight episodes scored an 8.0 or higher on IMDB, and debuted at 39.7 million views in their first four days of streaming.
Part one of the season ended with the shocking moment when leading man Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) asked leading lady Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a maid, to be his mistress. Fans took to social media to express their frustration at the uncharacteristic moment from Benedict, and their anticipation for what might occur between them next.
Season two, starring Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), was previously the highest-ranked. He and his love interest, Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), made marked appearances in seasons three and four largely due to how immensely loved they are by fans. But now, Sophie and Benedict may have done what was thought impossible and usurped the title as the best “Bridgerton” couple so far.
I say so far, as this season marks the halfway point of the “Bridgerton” adaptations, and the show is based on eight books in total, written by Julia Quinn. The show has been greenlit for seasons five and six, with Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) most likely to be centered next, as her book is the fifth in the series. She was introduced at the start of the show, and the audience has gotten to know her through subplots of her own, making it high time for her turn in the spotlight.
Alongside Eloise, more attention falls on the youngest Bridgerton sibling, Hyacinth (Florence Hunt), as she grows into a more distinct character. In this most recent reason, she notably holds a small recital, as she cannot contain her desire to be part of society, which she has not yet been allowed to do as she is too young. Dancing to an orchestral version of “360” by Charli XCX, she and the other young teens delight audiences with their play acting, all while Benedict gazes hopelessly at Sophie from across the room.
While part one was full of backstory and flirtatious development across several relationships, the second part of season four dealt with much more serious themes.
Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) loses her husband, John Stirling (Victor Alli), unexpectedly to what is thought to be a brain aneurysm. Dodd’s performance of grief and loss is multifaceted and specific to her character, as Francesca is an introvert and displays some traits of neurodivergency. She shows how Francesca becomes overstimulated by the funeral proceedings and other obligations she has as a widow. Dodd’s character development had been on the weaker side up until this point, but this event allowed Dodd to show more of her talents, giving one of the best performances the show has seen thus far.
The shadow of grief that is cast over the family and society brings out a new side to the performances across the board. The characters, especially Eloise, must adapt to helping Francesca overcome such a tragedy. John’s death and Francesca’s mourning alter Eloise’s cynical perception of love and marriage, allowing her a fuller picture of the emotional fulfillment married life can truly offer.
More serious themes could also be found in the changing friendship between show stalwarts Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel). Lady Danbury desires to trave back to her ancestral home of Sierra Leone, and altogether take a step back from high society, upsetting the delicate, gilded cage reality Queen Charlotte lives in.
By the end, in a touching, wordless moment between the two, Queen Charlotte gives Lady Danbury permission to leave, strengthening their friendship despite the bittersweetness of the moment. It is unclear to what extent Lady Danbury will be appearing in upcoming seasons, but the final episode contained a perfect send-off.
There were more shocking revelations midway through part two, mainly the return of Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen), a former malicious debutante who was absent throughout all of part one. After ending season three banished to Wales, she reenters society as the well-off Lady Penwood, gaining a title and an estate. Such a twist was a smart move, as she is a fan favorite and former anti-hero. Last season, she pretended to be the author of the Lady Whistledown gossip column. In this season, it is at her ball that Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), the true author, ends that column in a dramatic reveal that upstages her hosts.
Then, to end the season with a source of endless intrigue, a new Lady Whistledown has swiftly emerged, the identity of whom is, for now, a secret. With fan guesses ranging from the youngest Bridgerton sibling, Hyacinth, to the Featheringtons’ housekeeper, Mrs. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne), the speculation is sure to tide over fan excitement until season five is out.
Now, we’re back to waiting almost two years for the next season.
