‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 trades cottages and flirting for emotional depth

In a post-racial high-society world, can love rise above one’s station? 

Where the first half of Bridgerton season four delivers mystery, flirtation, fun and a cottage that would rival Shane Hollander’s, the second half trades cottages and flirting for emotional depth, something the show has previously lacked.

In previous seasons, Bridgerton has been at its strongest when the show tackles darker themes. Viewers last glimpsed the high stakes of this regency world in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. This prequel explored themes of mental illness and racism, topics the show had not addressed in prior seasons. In this season, the show dared to finally tackle themes that would result in dire consequences for the characters. 

Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, is the illegitimate daughter of Lord Penwood. Despite her noble upbringing, society refuses to see her as a proper member of society because she is the daughter of a maid. In the latter half of the season, Sophie and Benedict must leave their bubble in the countryside and confront the realities of society. 

Courtesy of Netflix

The true emotional depth of this season lies in the character of Francesca, who is grappling with the loss of her husband.

For a show well known for its grand confessions of love, Benedict’s certainly stands out, including the line “But the thought of spending a single day without you torments my soul.” Yet, the show knows not to make it too easy. Love is far from enough to keep these two together. It takes a scandal, a dramatic arrest, blackmail and a deception that makes even the Queen laugh. For the first time, it feels like a Bridgerton couple actually has real expectations pulling them apart. With these two characters, there is more than just personal drama, making the payoff that much more rewarding.

Sophie and Benedict are far from the only characters facing difficult trials this season. Bridgerton is often criticized for the modern TV trope of a large cast with too many competing storylines. This ensemble case ultimately takes the focus away from the main characters (see Bridgerton Season 3). And while the latest season did suffer from this same problem, one storyline stood out far above the rest: the tragedy of John and Francesca. 

Hannah Dodd’s Francesca Bridgerton and Victor Alli’s John Stirling steal every moment they’re on screen. The two have arguably the most impactful and engaging storyline of the season. The two introverted lovebirds were finally coming into their own when John unexpectedly dies in the sixth episode. This event leads to what may be the best episode of Bridgerton so far.

The seventh episode of the season is centered around the grieving family.  Francesca exemplifies the tragic reality of losing a husband in this era. Along with showcasing the internal pressures society has placed on her. Audiences watch her grapple with the desire to uphold her late husband’s estate and the emotional toll of not being pregnant. 

In true Bridgerton fashion, every dark moment is eventually counteracted with the joy of the central family. The female characters especially take a front seat this season. Examples of this include Eloise’s growth in understanding her sister, Violet turning down a marriage proposal, Penelope giving up her title as Lady Whistledown and the friendship between Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury. 

Courtesy of Netflix

Against all odds, Sophie and Benedict receive their happily ever after.

As per usual, the show ends with a gloriously happy ending and just a bit of a cliffhanger. Season four takes what could’ve been a beautiful but shallow message about love overcoming class, and turns it into an opportunity to flesh out some very complex female characters. Giving them agency that this time period realistically wouldn’t have allowed. 

This season of Bridgerton returns to its classic form yet still brings audiences something new. It’s a show that allows the audience fun and sexy escapism, while still focusing on the deep and intriguing stories. 

As a whole, the season is defined by goodbyes, including that of John, Lady Danbury and Lady Whistledown. Luckily for audiences, they don’t have to say goodbye to this show just yet.