Bridgerton Season 4, Part 2 Sticks the Landing & Sets Up Something Even Better (Review)

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Okay, so I was completely hooked by the first three seasons of Bridgerton, and while Part 1 of Season 4 didn’t quite reach those heights, I’m glad I came back for more. It’s got everything you want – steamy romance, a bit of heartbreak, a hero finally stepping up, and, thankfully, a proper mystery now that Penelope’s secret is out. It’s not flawless – there’s a plot point that honestly felt like a major misstep – but even with that, Shondaland has delivered another win with these four episodes. Definitely still worth watching!

Okay, so Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 really kicked things up a notch with Benedict and Sophie, and hinted at something sweet between Violet and Lord Anderson. Part 2? It’s all about seeing those relationships develop – at least for Benedict and Sophie. Honestly, the way the show handled Violet’s budding romance was such a letdown, it actually cost the season a star in my book. I’m still pretty frustrated about it! On top of that, they decided to tackle one of the most heartbreaking storylines from the books, and they managed to weave that in with all the other plots surprisingly well. It felt a little crowded at times, but overall, they pulled it off.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
Benedict and Sophie’s storyline ends better than it began The Violet decision is unforgivable
Real emotional weight across the entire spectrum Anthony and Kate’s fleeting appearance repeats Bridgerton’s cast issue
The balance of lots of story elements is very impressive
The ending sets up a great Season 5

Benedict and Sophie’s Storyline Ends Very Well

The romance between Benedict and Sophie in Bridgerton Season 4 follows a familiar storyline – it’s essentially a retelling of Cinderella, and that’s perfectly enjoyable. While their connection felt a bit slow to develop in the first half – possibly due to the limited number of episodes released initially – the second half truly shines. They face more challenges as a couple, although their eventual happy ending seems pretty predictable. However, even when you know what’s coming, the show still manages to feel fresh and engaging.

While I’m not the biggest fan of Benedict and Sophie as a couple, it’s clear that settling down changed Benedict, and perhaps not for the better. However, his more open-minded views on love wouldn’t have fit well within a traditional marriage. Their relationship – and the way they resolve their issues through a clever plot involving a theft – feels relatable, reflecting what many of us experience when we compromise in relationships. Plus, their intimate scene, which Netflix hinted at beforehand, is well-done and arguably an improvement over the book version – it’s comparable to the iconic carriage scene with Penelope and Colin.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 Nails a Near Impossible Balance

Wow, Season 4 Part 2 of Bridgerton really packs a punch! The big focus is definitely on Benedict and Sophie’s romance, which is complicated by Sophie’s history and a really awful stepmother – honestly, that storyline alone could have carried the whole season. But it doesn’t stop there! We’ve also got Violet and Lord Anderson’s connection, Francesca finding love, Eloise struggling with her debut, Hyacinth wanting to rush into society, the Queen and Lady Danbury butting heads over retirement, and even the lingering drama of Penelope and Lady Whistledown. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but somehow the show manages to balance everything beautifully. It’s impressive how well they pull it all off!

Don’t expect a major impact from Anthony and Kate’s return. While it’s good to see them, even for a short time, it’s obvious they had limited availability, and you might find their brief appearance a little frustrating. It’s especially noticeable since Anthony, as the head of the household, isn’t fully able to fulfill that role. It feels a bit unfair to wish for more from a couple whose popularity could overshadow other storylines, but Anthony and Kate are still enjoyable characters, and their presence will likely remain a point of discussion.

Bridgerton Season 4’s Ending Sets Up A Great Future

If you haven’t finished watching Bridgerton yet, don’t stop when the credits start! There’s an extra scene after the credits that wraps up some loose ends, though it surprisingly glosses over the biggest event right before the credits roll. That ending scene gives us a preview of the main plot for Season 5 – and it’s not about which Bridgerton sibling will be the focus of the next season’s romance. I think Eloise and Francesca will be the central couple, based on the direction the story is taking them. The post-credits scene offers clues about both their storylines, and also hints at what’s to come for Violet as well.

I can’t say much about Francesca’s storyline without revealing too much, but hints of a potential romance with John’s sister, Michaela Stirling, are definitely growing. We’ll need to see a full season dedicated to Francesca, even if it means deviating from the original book. As for Eloise, she felt underused in Season 4, which ultimately diminished the overall story. There’s no indication she’ll be involved in any romantic plots, and building that would take time. I think Bridgerton could develop that storyline subtly while focusing on Francesca’s season.

The last few minutes of Bridgerton Season 4 (before the credits roll) will completely overshadow everything that happened earlier, because of what they hint at for the future. Let’s just say we’re getting back to the classic Bridgerton feel, where the mystery of Lady Whistledown’s identity was central to the drama – and that’s a positive. I am a little puzzled by the choice of what to show during and after the credits, though. You can’t always get exactly what you want!

Okay, fellow movie and TV lovers, the entire fourth season of Bridgerton is finally here on Netflix! I’ve already started watching, and I’m dying to hear what everyone else thinks. Let’s chat about it – head over to the ComicBook Forum and share your thoughts with me and the rest of the community!

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2026-02-26 11:11