The fourth season of Netflix's lavish period drama Bridgerton has triumphantly recaptured the enchanting spark that made its initial run a global phenomenon. After several seasons that began to feel somewhat formulaic, the series delivers its most compelling and emotionally resonant romance since the iconic pairing of Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton captivated audiences back in 2020.
A Fresh Narrative That Reinvigorates the Ton
For its latest outing, Bridgerton shifts focus to the second-eldest Bridgerton son, the charismatic yet roguish bachelor Benedict, portrayed by Luke Thompson. The season introduces a classic Cinderella narrative through newcomer Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek, a maid harbouring a secret aristocratic lineage as the illegitimate child of Lord Penwood. This storyline injects a vital dose of freshness and narrative tension that the series had been lacking.
Why This Romance Stands Out
The central romance begins with a magical, fleeting encounter at a masked ball, where Sophie, wearing her stepmother's old gown, shares a moment with Benedict before disappearing into the night, leaving behind only a single glove. What follows is a masterfully paced tale of yearning and mistaken identity, as a besotted Benedict searches for his mysterious lady in silver, unaware she is the maid working within his own household.
This narrative does more than just provide romantic escapism; it actively challenges the rigid social fabric of the show's Regency-era fantasy. For the first time, Bridgerton meaningfully explores the world 'downstairs', viewing the glittering ton through the eyes of the servants who sustain it. This creates a richer, more textured world and introduces genuine stakes to the central relationship.
Class Conflict and Character Development
The season cleverly weaves the personal romance with broader social commentary. The burgeoning 'maid wars', where workers across Mayfair demand better pay, mirror the central conflict keeping Sophie and Benedict apart. Subplots involving characters like the Featheringtons' housekeeper Varley and Queen Charlotte's lady-in-waiting further highlight the simmering class tensions.
Furthermore, Benedict's established character as a libertine known for orgies and a rotation of mistresses adds a compelling layer of doubt. The central question becomes not just whether society will accept their union, but whether Benedict himself is capable of shedding his old habits for true love. The season's cliffhangers expertly play on this uncertainty, keeping viewers thoroughly invested.
A Return to Form for the Hit Series
This Cinderella storyline succeeds where recent seasons have faltered. It moves beyond the now-exhausted threads of Penelope Featherington's secret identity and her drawn-out romance with Colin Bridgerton. Instead, it offers a wholesome, suspenseful, and genuinely root-worthy love story that had this reviewer cheering aloud at the screen.
The chemistry between Thompson and Ha is palpable, and their journey—spanning four episodes of beautifully crafted tension before their first kiss—feels earned and emotionally satisfying. It is a testament to the writing and performances that audiences are once again fully invested in a Bridgerton couple's fate.
In the fantastical world of Bridgerton, where anachronistic string quartets cover pop songs and anything seems possible, the hope remains that Benedict and Sophie's love will conquer all. If this season culminates in marriage and the promise of 'Benopie' babies, it will solidify this chapter as the show's best in years. The ball is now in Netflix's court to deliver a worthy conclusion to this delightful return to form.
