Nearly a year and a half after the release of season three, Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes has returned with perhaps the most eventful installment of “Bridgerton” yet. Creator of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and Private Practice, Rhimes has established a reputation for creating dramatic, promiscuous and captivating television shows — and “Bridgerton” is no exception.
Set in early 1800’s London, each season of “Bridgerton” focuses on a different member of the Bridgerton family — one of the most noble clans in London — and their unique love stories. Season four focuses on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, the second eldest son of the Bridgerton clan. Known among several members of the show as a “rake” — referring to someone who has a promiscuously free spirit — it is widely thought among high society that he would never marry. That is, until a mysterious woman in silver catches his eye at the first ball of the season. Eager to know her name, Benedict incessantly asks her, to which she refuses and leaves in haste. It is later discovered that she is not a woman of high status, but rather a maid for another noble family, the Penwoods. The Penwoods have not been mentioned or featured in previous “Bridgerton” seasons, with the family’s absence being attributed to Lady Penwoods’ grieving of her two husbands.
Benedict’s fascination with Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha — the maid of the Penwood family — introduces the theme of class and societal boundaries, something not yet explored in the “Bridgerton” series. Due to Benedict’s privilege and standing, he lacks understanding of the gap in status between himself and Sophie, and how his pursuit of her may ruin her ability to continue working as a maid. This naivety is frustrating for Sophie, as his privilege makes it impossible for him to understand the gravity of their situation. In prior seasons, all main romantic arcs occurred between two members of high society, making this perhaps the most controversial love story yet in the series.
After finding out that Sophie went to the Bridgerton ball, where she caught Benedict’s eye, she is fired by Lady Penwood, played by Katie Leung. Lady Penwood discovers this after Benedict visits the Penwood home, when she notices him eyeing a silver glove with the Penwood crest, the very glove Sophie lost at the ball. To confirm her suspicion, she forces Sophie to try on the matching shoes, and after discovering they fit, she fires her. This scene evokes a sort of twist on the classic “Cinderella” story, but instead of the perfect-fitting shoes being the catalyst for romance, it is the catalyst for the challenges Sophie faces in the continuation of the season.
Soon thereafter, Sophie begins working for the Bridgerton house. Violet Bridgerton — the matriarch of the house, portrayed by Ruth Gemmell — takes notice of Benedict and Sophie’s connection as she begins to see Benedict following her around the home, and says to Sophie in regard to their relationship “I wish the world were different.” Love between two different classes is recognized, yet, members of high society are unwilling to accept it due to the expectation that one must marry within their class, reflecting the rigidity of social boundaries. This is something not yet explored in the “Bridgerton” series — taking viewers out of the highly idealistic bubble that is high society 19th century London, and into the reality that the majority of Londoners during this time experienced.
The season continues to explore identity and conventionality through its intertwining characters and plot-driven structure. Season four continues Violet’s arc as a widow, with this season being her first time courting another nobleman after the death of her husband, Viscount Bridgerton. The story considers her identity as a wife and mother, and how these roles are all-consuming, independent of the roles of the men in her life. The romantic experiences of not only a mother of eight, but a 19th century widow, is a character arc that is illuminating and makes visible a group of women that are often deemed invisible — both then and now.
However, not all of the season’s themes and plotlines are completely effective. While fans of “Bridgerton” have come to expect a happy ending at the conclusion of each season, this season’s happy ending is highly unrealistic, and almost disregards all of the important topics and discussions about class developed throughout the rest of the season. The ending wraps up Benedict and Sophie’s storyline in somewhat of a hurried manner.
“Bridgerton” season four expands upon themes that have been consistent throughout the series, such as grief and exploring one’s identity, while introducing poignant ones that remain relevant in society today, namely the discussion of wealth and class differences. While viewers may perceive the show as purely romance, the topics explored often bring attention to the plights women often suffer. Though much of the issues they faced were relevant to the time, there are many ways in which women today may identify with the struggles 19th century women also faced.
Looking ahead, season five of “Bridgerton” will either focus on Eloise or Francesca, confirmed by showrunner Jess Brownell. According to Brownell, fans can expect that Benedict and Sophie’s relationship will still feature prominently, while giving the other Bridgerton siblings their turn in the spotlight.
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