On Thursday, Feb. 26, Netflix released the second part of the fourth season of Bridgerton. The show, originally premiering in 2020, is based off of the popular romance novel series written by Julia Quinn.
Following the eight Bridgerton siblings during Regency Era England, each season follows the love story of a different sibling. This season, the show shined the spotlight on the second son, Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson. Known for his rebellious spirit and disdain for the rules and regulations of high-society, his love story follows that similar to a Cinderella story.
Falling in love with a maid named Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, the two leads navigate the challenges of romance with someone from another social class. For Sophie, it poses a greater risk, as if she is revealed to be the mistress of a high-society gentleman, her reputation and livelihood could be ruined. For Benedict, he poses the risk of tarnishing the honor of the Bridgerton household.
In comparison to its previous season, Season 4 challenges the critiques previously expressed by fans. For example, major concern for Season 3 was in regards to costume and makeup choices given to the season’s female lead, Penelope Featherington. Fans felt that false lashes and sequinned gloves did not accurately fit into the fashions of the show’s time period. This season, however, the show opted for lighter makeup looks that better fit the style of the era.
As the season explored the relationship dynamic between a high-society gentleman and a maid, it allowed the audience to take a deeper look into the lives of the working-class within the Bridgerton world. We got to explore the lives of the staff of the Bridgerton, Featherington, and Penwood households. This allowed characters such as John the Footman to have more depth added to their stories, making the watching experience more interesting for long time viewers.
Although the season allowed for depth for longtime side characters, questionable choices made by Benedict Bridgerton conflict with the character we’ve known him to be in the past. Typically the more sensitive Bridgerton sibling, the male lead has been presented as being not only in touch with his emotions, but the emotions of those around him. However, decisions made by the second son throughout the course of the season, such as asking Baek to be his mistress during an intimate scene, contradict this idea. It felt as though the show attempted to make Bridgerton out to be the complete opposite of the character we’ve grown to love over the years in the midst of his confusion relating to his feelings toward Baek. However, once he realized his wrongdoings, he was able to act with compassion and intention.
This season offered viewers intense romance, lovable characters, and further depth into ensemble storytelling. Bridgerton has again given fans a memorable experience, leaving them wanting more and creating intrigue for its fifth season. Set to star Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton and Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling, production has begun and is expected to release sometime between late 2027 and early 2028.
