This review contains spoilers for season four of “Bridgerton.”
‘“Bridgerton” is one of those shows that I fought off for so long. I tried so hard to stay away from the hype, the intrigue, the raunchy romance of it — until I couldn’t.
The pull became too strong when the second season came out, and boy, was that the perfect time to begin watching.
Since watching that season, I feel as if I have been chasing the high of Anthony’s romance and Queen Charlotte’s backstory, especially after the horror that was season three. I was honestly very, very nervous for this new season. I was worried about the famous “iPhone face” and the much too dramatized clothing that wasn’t typical of the Regency era.
After bingeing the most recent season, I can say I was glad to see the creators had listened to the aforementioned fans’ criticisms, even if not completely.
I always love a good fairytale trope, and Cinderella is no exception. The basis for the trope was clear from the beginning, but I do enjoy Bridgerton’s own spin on it. Season 4 quickly sets the stage for the big conflicts: Sophie sneaking out to a masquerade ball for a chance at elite life, and Benedict realizing he has his eyes set on just one person for once.
The two kiss at the ball, Sophie runs away at midnight and her silver glove miraculously gets left behind. All Benedict had to remember her by was the look of her lips.
I found it hilarious that Benedict examined every woman in the Ton’s lips, even though Sophie’s traits were so obvious despite the mask. He saw her black hair, her pale skin, her brown eyes — and yet he searched every single woman, despite their hair color, skin color, or eye color. You gotta give it to the Bridgertons — they’re so inclusive they believe everyone to be a possibility.
Jokes aside, I liked this season. I thought it was enjoyable, but nothing terribly stood out to me — except for the wardrobe.
The over-dramatic makeup from last season went away, but the over-dramatic dresses — which I would rather call costumes due to their ridiculousness — remained. While it improved amongst the Bridgertons and their surrounding families, there were still outfits I found to be too much.
I especially didn’t enjoy Sophie’s styling. The final dresses she was put in were not her color, and the sleeves sat way too low on her shoulders. I understand the desire to put Sophie in blue, as it draws parallels to the Cinderella story, but she just looks better with a darker palette.
Aside from the two main characters, I did enjoy everything that occurred in the background.
The conflict between the Queen and Lady Danbury truly heightened the Queen’s fear of being left behind. The romance between Violet and Marcus bloomed wonderfully and then fizzled out, allowing Violet to really live as herself.
John’s sudden and tragic death brought Francesca and Michaela closer, although the latter left. The gay undertones between Francesca and Michaela add so much to the two’s relationship, and I truly don’t know how their story will unfold, especially now that Michaela left.
Eloise and Hyacinth’s contrasting beliefs on marriage gave both characters more purpose, but I wish it weren’t so clear that Eloise will eventually end up with someone.
What Bridgerton always does well is make you feel each situation. There wasn’t ever a boring moment in this season, and I look forward to seeing which of the Bridgerton children’s stories will be next.
