TechRadar Verdict
If you loved Hilary Duff’s version of A Cinderella Story, Bridgerton season 4 part 1 is a carbon copy, just without ‘Come Clean’. While Yerin Ha leads an exceptional new cast, a desire for something more Violet, so to speak, remains.
Pros
- The Benedict and Sophie chemistry chimes exactly as it needs to
- Brilliant new cast additions
- Violet is the unsung hero of new episodes
- More modern music turned classical bangers
- More Nicola Coughlan than expected
Cons
- More of the same as always, just much less steamy
- A little too on the nose with its Cinderella fairytale retelling
- Lady Agatha and Queen Charlotte’s b-plot feels unnecessary
Sometimes, being a young and wild bohemian lothario, loitering in seedy bars and waking up with more than one woman, seems preferable. Bridgerton season 4 part 1 abruptly halts Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) foolhardy days, leading one to wonder if things were best left as they were.
The first four episodes of the new season exhibit a ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach, not solely due to Netflix’s decision to split season 4. While Benedict and new character Sophie (Yerin Ha) charmingly navigate a tentative romance, much of the surrounding narrative feels like more of the same.
Depending on one’s affection for Bridgerton, this consistency is either a benefit or a drawback. The rigid adherence to its established format means little new is offered – those familiar with past seasons will find this one similar.
Furthermore, Benedict and Sophie’s courtship is a clear homage to Cinderella (or perhaps more accurately, the 2004 movie A Cinderella Story). This creative choice towards a generic fairy tale feels like a step back for a show once at the forefront of modern period dramas.
However, seductive drama is not entirely absent. As the four episodes unfold, the chemistry between the love interests is undeniable, even if Benedict often behaves immaturely. Yet, Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) perhaps misjudged in naming him the catch of the season, as that title clearly belongs to Violet (Ruth Gemmell).
Benedict is not the beating heart of Bridgerton season 4 part 1, and he’s messing things up with Sophie already
Bridgerton Season 4 | Official Trailer | Netflix – YouTube
The story is quite straightforward for those familiar with Disney princesses. Violet is frustrated by Benedict’s lack of effort in finding a wife, and she resolves to make him her project for the social season.
Meanwhile, maid Sophie works for the new arrival Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), who quickly establishes herself as a scheming villain. Araminta acts as the wicked stepmother, fuming when Sophie secretly attends the season’s first masquerade ball. There, Sophie captures Benedict’s heart, initiating a town-wide search for the mysterious masked woman without a glove.
Despite the obvious clues pointing to Sophie, the initial quest to unite Benedict and Sophie is laboriously drawn out. This narrative has been seen countless times, and this rendition offers little remarkable or authentic. Nevertheless, the resolution is satisfying once they acknowledge their feelings.
Benedict and Sophie originate from vastly different worlds, but away from societal constraints, their potential is immense. They genuinely bring out the best in each other, but as soon as others become aware, vulnerabilities appear. Benedict’s ability to uplift and then undermine himself in the same breath is striking; Sophie would be wise to proceed with caution.
If all women chose to remain single, there would be no show. Eloise (Claudia Jessie) has seemingly resigned herself to spinsterhood, and one might wish she could peacefully embrace the single life she so desperately desires. Francesca (Hannah Dodd) appears sexually unfulfilled, while Lady Agatha (Adjoa Andoh) is entangled in a seemingly irrelevant dispute with Queen Charlotte.
Being a woman in Bridgerton can be challenging, except for the standout character, Violet.
Violet is the real star of Bridgerton season 4 – part 2 better treat her amazingly well
A character to champion. (Image credit: Netflix)
Often, older women are overlooked in terms of romantic viability. This refers not to the Samantha Jones, Sex and the City type, but the devoted mother whose identity has been shaped by circumstances rather than personal choice. Lady Violet Bridgerton fits this description, and season 4 part 1 presents her opportunity to shine.
Even before Bridgerton started, Violet was a woman on the sidelines. A loyal widow to the husband she lost some years before, her life has been her children, even when it comes to her social standing. She throws lavish parties purely in the hope that she can marry her kids off, never stopping to exist as an individual.
But along comes Lord Anderson (Daniel Francis), intent on getting into Violet’s heart and knickers. He’s ever the gentleman, taking things as slowly as Violet needs while she comes to the gradual realization that life is indeed for living. Their hidden romance isn’t the butt of an elaborate joke but a prize to be sought after, growing in importance as the episodes continue.
Discussions may focus on Benedict, Sophie, or other younger characters, but the true magic unfolds elsewhere. Dynamics that seamlessly incorporate needed representation are a hallmark of creator Shonda Rhimes’ work. This portrayal, crafted by women for women, offers a space where women feel seen, safe, and fulfilled. That, truly, is invaluable, regardless of how ordinary the broader narrative has become.
It is Violet alone who generates anticipation for Bridgerton season 4 part 2, set to release in a month. Hopefully, Netflix will give her the storyline she deserves, as will Lord Anderson.
As for Sophie, she still faces the challenges of Benedict’s questionable behavior and Araminta’s schemes… but surely she will eventually find a reprieve, right?
