This spoiler-free review of Bridgerton season 4 part 2 covers episodes five to eight.
Bridgerton just made me cry for the first time.
I’ve been a big fan of the fantastical period drama ever since it began, and the emotionally-charged moments always have me in a chokehold.
From Daphne and Simon confessing their love to one another in the rain, to George telling Charlotte that he can’t breathe when she’s not near, this Netflix series has the ability to make me gasp and swoon in equal measure.
But season 4 part 2 delivers an earth-shattering gut punch that makes the show feel more grounded than ever before.
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I won’t go into specific spoilers, given viewers need time to binge the four new episodes, but those who’ve read the books will know which heartbreaking twist I’m alluding to.
In general, the world of Bridgerton exists in a bubble of pomp and privilege. We know that at the end of each season, the couple at the centre of the story will end up married and in love, having overcome the obstacles that they wrongly believed could keep them apart forever.
Season four already marked a refreshing change in part one, giving audiences a greater insight into the upstairs-downstairs dynamic of the Ton by shining a spotlight on the lives of working-class people who serve in the homes of the wealthy.
Fans were in a state of disbelief when, at the end of part one, Benedict (Luke Thompson) asked Sophie (Yerin Ha) to be his mistress. How could a character who’s regarded as being so kind-hearted be that ignorant and insulting in one fell swoop?
Key details for Bridgerton season 4 part 2
When is Bridgerton season 4 part 2 coming out?
The final four instalments of the season – episodes five to eight – are available to stream from Thursday February 26.
What time are the new episodes coming out?
Netflix typically releases new TV episodes at 8.01am in the UK.
Who will the lead star be in Bridgerton season 5?
This is yet to be confirmed, but fans have heavily speculated that Eloise (Claudia Jessie) could be the new lead of the show for season five.
What is the order of the Bridgerton books?
Should you wish to follow along according to Julia Quinn’s novels, the order goes as follows:
- The Duke and I (Daphne’s story)
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (Anthony’s story)
- An Offer from a Gentleman (Benedict’s story)
- Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Colin’s story)
- To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise’s story)
- When He Was Wicked (Francesca’s story)
- It’s In His Kiss (Hyacinth’s story)
- On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory’s story)
But thinking about the society in which the show is set with a realistic mindset, one can understand (while still not accepting) why Benedict would have thought he was making an appealing offer to a woman who works as a maid.
This cliffhanger in the part one finale brought their romance to an excruciating halt. Benedict, Sophie and the audience were reminded of the real world on which Bridgerton is based.
And that reminder will hit viewers like a tidal wave when they watch part two. Again, I won’t say why, but just make sure you have tissues to hand.
Benedict and Sophie’s story is shaping up to be one of, if not my favourite, of them all. I am biased, given I admitted to Luke in person that the second-eldest Bridgerton brother has always been my favourite. But even so, their love feels incredibly organic, their connection beautifully sincere.
Luke and Yerin were destined to be romantic leads, and as a TV nerd, I’m so grateful that the universe saw fit to bring them together.
There are moments this season that were a bit slow for my liking, including the efforts of Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi) to crack the Queen’s inner circle, and Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) grappling with her new purpose now that her identity as Lady Whistledown has been uncovered.
Verdict on Bridgerton season 4 part 2
If the aim of this season was to make my heart shatter into a million pieces while also renewing my faith in fairytale romance, it succeeded.
Some fans were deeply upset after watching season four part one, as they felt as though it was being implied that Francesca (Hannah Dodd) never truly loved her husband John (Victor Alli), especially as future romantic interest Michaela (Masali Baduza) is in the picture.
In my opinion, if anyone makes the same complaint after part two, then we haven’t been watching the same show.
Benophie aficionados, you’ll be feeling a wave of emotions by the time you reach the episode eight finale – but make sure you stay tuned for a delightful post-credits surprise.
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Bridgerton season 4 part 2 premieres on Thursday February 26.
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