Bridgerton's Bathtub Scene Sparks Frenzy as New Trailer Drops
Bridgerton enthusiasts are in a state of feverish anticipation following the release of a brand new trailer for the second part of season four, which premieres on Netflix on 26 February. The teaser has sent fans into a frenzy, particularly by hinting at one of the most awaited moments from Julia Quinn's original novels: the now-iconic bathtub scene.
From Page to Screen: A Steamy Adaptation
The first half of season four established a Cinderella-esque narrative for Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson, and Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha. By the conclusion of part one, Benedict had begun to acknowledge his genuine feelings for Sophie, the housemaid, all while remaining oblivious that she was, in fact, the mysterious woman in silver he had been searching for since the masquerade ball.
He made a controversial proposition, suggesting she become his mistress, which Sophie found insulting and rejected. However, the undeniable chemistry between them appears impossible to resist, as teased in the newly unveiled trailer for part two.
The Anticipated Bathtub Moment
In Julia Quinn's novel An Offer from a Gentleman, Sophie and Benedict share a particularly intimate and steamy encounter in a bathtub. The new trailer offers glimpses of this scene, showing the couple gazing at each other from either end of the bath, illuminated by firelight, before they begin kissing.
Posting the teaser on X, Bridgerton's official Netflix profile stated: "It has been said, the most anticipated moments are often times worth the wait." Fans immediately recognised the reference, with social media erupting in excitement.
One fan, @cassahcassou, exclaimed: "THE BATHTUB SCENE!!!!! I CAN'T BREATHE AAAAAAAH." Another, @elenawinslow2717, shared: "The second I saw that bathtub..... 'I KNOW THAT SCENE!! I KNOW THAT SCENE!!! OMFG they're doing that scene' and then I proceed to get lightheaded."
Showrunner Teases What's to Come
Showrunner Jess Brownell has already offered a preview of part two during Shondaland's 12 Days of Bridgerton series, explicitly teasing the bathtub scene. When asked about hints or Easter eggs fans should watch for, she responded: "Can I say bathtub?"
She elaborated: "This season is tantalising in so many ways. We've got upstairs-downstairs, we've got fantasy meets reality, we've got forbidden romance, so take your pick. It's a real platter of tantalising options."
Adaptation Changes and Character Development
While the bathtub scene is a pivotal moment in the novel, occurring in the second half of the story after a significant development for Sophie, the Netflix adaptation has already introduced several alterations. In the original book, Benedict coerces Sophie into servitude and manipulates her into becoming his mistress, exploiting their social differences.
However, the television series presents Benedict's advances with far more compassion and gentleness. Gone is the overt coercion; instead, viewers witness his spontaneous desire driving his actions, making his character more sympathetic and nuanced.
Fans have flocked to platforms like YouTube to dissect the trailer, with @hienn68 noting: "The bath tub scene... book readers iykyk." This scene is expected to be the season's primary love scene, though exact details remain under wraps to avoid spoilers.
Audiences will have to wait until 26 February to see if the bathtub sequence unfolds as depicted in the novels or if further creative liberties are taken. One thing is certain: the anticipation is building to a boiling point.
