Bridgerton - Season 4

Bridgerton is a classic fairy tale in a Regency setting, but with less bite than I had hoped. The fourth season of Bridgerton shifts the focus to Benedict Bridgerton and his unexpected encounter with Sophie Baek. While previous seasons centered on outspoken desires and societal pressures, this chapter feels more intimate and fairy tale-like. The clear Cinderella parallel gives the story a romantic foundation that is immediately recognizable. At the same time, I expected that familiar setup to have sharper edges.

Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) is portrayed as the illegitimate daughter who, after her father’s death, is pushed back into a lower position within her own household. The Cinderella element is strongly developed and forms the emotional core of the season. Her struggle with identity and dignity feels genuine and layered. The series takes the time to show her background, making her choices understandable. That's precisely why I had hoped the threat from her stepmother would feel more intense. However, it remains notably mild, whereas more manipulation and underlying threat could have added extra tension to the story.

True love requires courage, not just desire.

Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) remains the dreamy Bridgerton brother we already know. This suits his character, but as the central romantic hero, he sometimes lacks decisiveness. His fascination with Sophie is intense and sincere, and the chemistry between them is palpable. The scenes where their worlds intersect have a soft but clear charge. Yet, I occasionally longed for more fire. More conflict could have strengthened their relationship.

One of the moments that could have had more impact is the death of John Stirling (Victor Alli). This plot point feels rushed and lacks emotional elaboration, limiting its dramatic power. The finale also misses the big confrontation I was hoping for. Especially concerning the will, I expected more revelations and sharper tensions. Instead, the ending remains relatively restrained, while there was potential for an emotional release.

Visually, Bridgerton remains true to its distinctive style. The costumes, ballrooms, and musical adaptations give the season a familiar elegance once again. The romance is central, and that largely works well. However, I ultimately found season three to be stronger than this season because the emotional peaks were higher and the conflict was more sharply developed.

With a final score of seven, this is a solid and atmospheric season. The Cinderella storyline is well-executed, and the chemistry between the main characters is convincing. However, those expecting more manipulation, threat, and an all-consuming confrontation will find this season a bit too cautious.