After the first half of season four of “Bridgerton” surpassed my expectations, I was very excited to see how the show would conclude its return to form, and I’m happy to report that the second half was just as incredible as the first.
“Yes and No”
This second part picks up almost instantly where the last one left off. Despite their status and all the reasons they should not, Sophie Beak (Yerin Ha) and Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Tomson) fall into bed with each other before the episode ends.
Meanwhile, Benedict’s younger sister, Francesca Stirling, nee Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd), is busy making friends with her new houseguest, Michela Striling (Masali Baduzaher) the husband’s cousin, though by the end of the episode, they seem to have resolved all of their issues with each other. I felt like this plot point was a bit rushed, very roundabout and should have probably been stretched out a tad longer.
“The Passing Winter”
One of the subplots I hated last season was the one where Benedict realized he was bisexual, but I thought it was handled much better here. I am glad he told Sophie and it wasn’t tossed aside the way other plotlines were at the end of last season.
Some of the costumes this season have been truly horrible. The production seems to forget that the appeal of much Regency fashion is its simplicity and adds far too much to each gown, trying to make it look interesting, which makes the costumes look cheaper.
This episode also saw the return of Anthony and Kate Bridgerton, nee Sharma, (Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley) and the new heir to the viscount title, Edmund Bridgerton. Their children are so adorable, I can almost forgive the fact that they have not been in much of this season.
“The Beyond”
Having read the books and knowing that John was going to die did not make it any easier to watch the inevitable on screen. I think his death was handled well, and I did get a bit teary eyed during the funeral scene. However, it was odd that Anthony and Kate were not there.
Dodd provided an incredible performance this episode from avoiding the fact that her husband died to her eventual breakdown. It makes me excited to see her flex her acting muscles more in the seasons to come.
“Dance in the Country”
Episode eight wraps up all the subplots in a way that feels satisfying enough while leaving room for new ones that will likely show up next season. The leads get plenty of time to be with each other this episode; however, I don’t understand why their wedding was reduced to a mid-credit scene when it would fit perfectly into the end of the episode. But I do appreciate that we at least got a wedding with them.
Season four of “Bridgerton” returns the show to its Regency-era roots, and though it’s a bit less steamy than previous seasons, it delivers in all the ways that matter. From the several incredible performances not only from its leads but also from the supporting cast, it leaves me incredibly excited for what the next two seasons will bring.
