From generating imitation of “Hyacinth’s dance” to the orchestral rendition of 360° by Charli xcx, to complaints that Sophie’s hair remained in a bun for too long, Bridgerton fans have had a wide array of reactions to the show’s fourth season. Some raved that this season was more passionate than previous, but others found the romance lacking. While one can always appreciate the gorgeous costuming and sets that are bound to come with a show like Bridgerton, I have three main critiques of this season.
To start, the subplots largely overshadowed the main romance plotline, and yet none of them were tied up happily. Violet and Lord Anderson’s romance got almost as much attention as Benedict’s and Sophie’s, and yet it was suddenly ended by a character’s simple epiphany that she would rather remain free than commit to her love interest. Why go through all of the trouble of creating a weighty romance just to cut it off abruptly? The showrunners also had to reap the consequences of revealing Lady Whistledown too soon in season three, which created the main conflict of the season, but it bled heavily into this season as well. While the fans have been excitedly speculating who the new Whistledown could be, Penelope’s avoidance of her title took up too much time given that her Whistledown storyline could have easily been ended with season three. And of course there’s Francesca—let’s just say I’m glad Netflix is planning her season next so her subplots can stop stealing the spotlight of her sibling’s seasons.
My second complaint is a small one, but it’s important to the season’s arc. The wedding scene should not have been buried within the end credits. The weddings have been important for all other Bridgerton siblings, and by imbedding the scene where it is easily missed, the fear featured in the plot that Benedict and Sophie’s romance is lesser due to her station is reinforced.
Most importantly, Bridgerton overcommitted to making the main plotline a Cinderella retelling. While some fans, including myself, appreciated that the world of maids and lower classes was opened up, driving home the Cinderella plot caused issues. For example, characters such as the evil stepmother, Aramintha and the cruel stepsister, Rosamund—and even Sophie at times—fell flat because they were so strictly confined to their roles within the Cinderella story.
All in all, while you may catch me “Hyacinth dancing” around the dorm, I assert that this season was lackluster for a show known for its gleam.
