Bridgerton Season 4 Review: Cinderella Energy, Missing Bridgertons, and a Whole Lot of Meh
- Je-Ree
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve been counting down the days for Bridgerton Season 4 on Netflix, grab your teacup and brace yourself. The latest installment of Shondaland’s Regency drama universe has officially arrived and while the series continues to deliver lush costumes, jaw-dropping sets and simmering social intrigue, this season at least so far feels like a lukewarm cup of tea compared to previous highs.
Season 4 pivots squarely onto Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson and his budding romance with Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha. The setup? A Cinderella-style romance unfolding amidst masquerade balls, secret identities and the predictable complications of the Ton. It’s visually stunning, sure, Regency London has never looked more polished but the story itself struggles to capture the spark of seasons past.
Cinderella All Over Again
Benedict and Sophie’s romance hits all the beats of a classic Cinderella tale. He’s the charming aristocrat, she’s the mysterious underdog and their chemistry, while serviceable, doesn’t exactly set the screen on fire. Watching them navigate the social pitfalls of the Ton is like seeing a well-worn fairy tale dressed up in couture. For longtime fans hoping for plot twists or the kind of social commentary Bridgerton excels at, the season feels overly familiar. It’s hard not to wish the show had veered away from the "Cinderella" blueprint, especially when past seasons have thrived on the unexpected.
What We Didn’t Get
Absences loom large this season. Anthony and Kate’s dynamic, arguably one of the most compelling arcs from Season 2, is entirely missing. Jonathan Bailey’s absence, he’s busy with film work and presumably keeping the Wicked Witch company is keenly felt, leaving a hole in the ensemble. Colin Bridgerton, another fan favorite, also gets less screen time than expected. Even the younger Bridgertons, typically lively and fun, are overshadowed by a romance that feels like it’s running on autopilot.
Meanwhile, secondary storylines try to fill the gaps but only partially succeed. Violet Bridgerton’s storyline, showing her navigating love and independence with Marcus, is far more engaging than Benedict and Sophie’s predictable courtship. Francesca Bridgerton’s subplot mirrors Daphne’s journey in Season 1, but without the same charm or stakes, making it feel recycled rather than fresh.
Plus Danbury and the Queen going thru it was meat on the bone. Give me more of that as that storyline held my interest. You fight with your BFF sometimes.
The Awkward Turns
Things take a sharp left when Benedict and Sophie’s "passion moment" culminates in him asking her to be his mistress. Yikes. It’s a tonal misstep that highlights the season’s struggle to balance romantic tension with the refined, snarky wit Bridgerton fans expect. Scenes like this make you long for the witty repartee of Penelope and Colin or the delightfully meddling mother-of-the-Bridgertons moments that used to steal the show.
Still Worth Watching (With Reservations)
Even with its flaws, Season 4 is a feast for the eyes. The costumes, cinematography and production design maintain the luxurious standards Netflix viewers expect. For casual watchers or those new to the series, Benedict and Sophie’s story might still hit the right notes. And with Part 2 set to drop at the end of February, there’s hope that the remaining episodes inject more drama, humor and character depth.
Verdict
So, is Season 4 a disaster? Not entirely. Is it my least favorite Bridgerton season so far? YES. It’s like watching a well-marketed Cinderella story that’s missing some of the franchise’s signature sparkle. With key characters absent and the main romance falling flat, it leaves longtime fans hoping the next batch of episodes brings the clever plotting, scandal and wit that originally made the Bridgertons irresistible.
Whether you’re team Benedict or just here for the Regency glamour, Bridgerton Season 4 delivers style over substance but let’s hope Part 2 brings the fire back.
What did you think?
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