The highly anticipated return of Netflix's period drama Bridgerton has sparked mixed reactions, with the first four episodes of season four being branded unusually tame by dedicated fans. The show, often celebrated as a 'bonkbuster' for its racy and frequent intimate scenes, finally dropped on Thursday after a two-year hiatus, but the initial instalment has left some viewers and critics feeling underwhelmed.
A Noticeable Shift in Tone and Pace
Critics have described the opening episodes as 'lacklustre', noting a distinct departure from the show's traditionally steamy formula. The central romance this season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Thompson, and his slow-burning relationship with Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha. This narrative choice has resulted in a more measured pace, with the couple only meeting on the maid's staircase in the final episode of part one. Viewers must now wait until February 26th for the release of part two to see their relationship fully unfold.
Instead, the primary focus for intimate scenes has shifted to the newly-married couple, Penelope and Colin Bridgerton. This change has led to a different dynamic, with fans particularly amused by a subplot involving sex education within the Bridgerton household.
Humour in Household Awkwardness
A standout comedic moment has emerged around the character of Violet Bridgerton, the family matriarch. Despite having raised eight children, Violet proves hopelessly inept at explaining matters of intimacy to her daughter Francesca. This awkwardness has become a major talking point on social media platform X, where fans have shared their amusement.
Viewers joked online, with one stating, 'For someone who had eight children, Violet Bridgerton sucks at sex ed'. Another quipped, 'Violet Bridgerton when she has to talk about sex with her female children', highlighting the character's flustered responses. The baton of sexual wisdom is instead picked up by Penelope, with fans dubbing her a 'sex guru' after she provides Francesca with a vivid description of female pleasure.
One fan shared Penelope's explanation: 'It is a sensation that occurs between your legs and spreads throughout your entire body. Your heart will begin to race. You may gasp for air or shout into the night. It'd feel like the height of pleasure!' This moment has solidified Penelope's new role within the family dynamic, much to the delight of the audience.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
The critical response to season four's first part has been decidedly mixed, with several publications offering tempered praise alongside pointed criticism.
Hello! magazine noted, 'Ha is a brilliant heroine, and while there's notably less steam compared to Penelope and Colin's season three romance, the chemistry between the two leads is palpable and a joy to watch.'
Looper observed that the season 'benefits from a little bit of time away from London and the ton', allowing the leads to shine, and suggested it leans 'more rom-com than raunch'.
However, other reviews have been less forgiving. The Independent delivered a scathing assessment, describing the show as 'the closest a human could come to creating an AI slop Regency romance', criticising its over-saturated visuals and derivative plotlines.
The Guardian acknowledged the series' unique, over-the-top nature, calling it 'quite, quite bananas', while Variety directly labelled Benedict and Sophie's romance as 'lackluster', arguing it 'lacks the tantalizing heat and erotic chemistry' of previous seasons.
The Telegraph offered a similarly critical view, stating that aside from the leads' chemistry, 'the rest of this series is cheesier than fondue', and took aim at the dialogue and some performances.
A Familiar Formula Showing Wear?
Some critics suggest the show's successful formula may be losing its novelty. TIME magazine commented that 'the Bridgerton template is showing signs of wear', and that Benedict's story, while 'bingeable', ultimately plays it 'disappointingly safe'.
Conversely, ScreenRant found merit in the season's fairy-tale inspiration, noting its 'Cinderella' homage feels like a natural fit for the show's romanticised setting, even if it clashes with Benedict's established character as a norm-defying fan favourite.
The overarching sentiment from both fans and critics indicates a season that is pivoting, perhaps intentionally, towards a different kind of storytelling—one with less immediate scandal and more slow-building romance, interspersed with familial comedy. Whether this shift will satisfy the audience's appetite will become clearer when the second part arrives later this month.
