‘Bridgerton’ Season 4’s Shocking Death Changes Everything

by

Be warned: this article reveals major plot points from Bridgerton Season 4. The latest season of the popular Netflix romance features a heartbreaking death that significantly impacts the story. While there are plenty of joyful scenes – like Queen Charlotte indulging in treats and Hyacinth’s clumsy dancing – the season also explores themes of loss. Sophie Baek is still struggling with the death of Lord Penwood, and the show continues to depict Violet Bridgerton’s journey as she copes with the death of her husband, Edmund.

The first part of Bridgerton season ended with viewers wondering what would happen between Sophie and Benedict, so everyone was eager to see episodes 5 through 8. While their love story continues, a recent death is also a major part of the plot, and it will have a lasting impact on all the characters.

What John Stirling’s Death In ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 2 Really Means


Netflix

In Season 4, Episode 6 of Bridgerton, titled “The Passing Winter,” John Stirling (played by Victor Alli) tragically dies, leaving Francesca (Hannah Dodd) devastated when she discovers his body. Viewers familiar with Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels—the source material for the Netflix series—had anticipated this heartbreaking event, as John’s death occurs in the sixth book, When He Was Wicked. He dies in his sleep from a brain aneurysm after experiencing a headache. While readers expected this plot point, they weren’t certain the show would follow the books so closely, given that the Bridgerton TV series sometimes deviates from the original stories.

John’s death in the series paves the way for Season 5, which is likely to center around Francesca and her journey through grief. Many viewers are wondering if this season will explore a romance between Francesca and Michael, John’s cousin, as their love story is a key part of the book When He Was Wicked. Fans are eager to see if Masali Baduza, who plays Michaela, will become Francesca’s new love interest.

Jess Bronwell, the showrunner, told Variety when Season 3 was over in June 2024:

We’re committed to showcasing positive queer experiences, and if we’re telling a story about the LGBTQ+ community, we want to offer a hopeful and satisfying conclusion. We’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes to make that happen within the established rules of our show’s universe. I’ll be able to share more details about how we’ve achieved this after the next few seasons air.

According to Brownwell, seasons five and six of Bridgerton will focus on Francesca and Eloise (played by Claudia Jessie), though it’s unclear whose story will be told first. However, considering the events surrounding John’s death, it appears Francesca’s romantic journey may be featured next. Having witnessed their mother navigate loss and find new love, Violet’s children have learned the value of courage and faith during difficult times, and now it’s Francesca’s turn to apply those lessons to her own life.

Francesca is a strong fit for this difficult and emotional story. Her relationship with John wasn’t always easy, and she’s deeply affected by their inability to have children – a sadly common struggle that can really damage someone’s self-esteem and well-being. While it would be devastating if Penelope’s husband, Colin, were to die, and their child lost his father, Penelope’s experience wouldn’t be the same as Francesca’s. Francesca will now have to come to terms with the hardships she faced with John, and grieve for the future she imagined that will never be.

While it’s entertaining to see the glamorous world of Bridgerton – the beautiful homes, the dances, and the romantic scenes (especially Violet and Francesca’s frank conversation about sex in Season 4) – the show truly shines when it explores deeper questions about its characters’ lives and what truly makes them happy. The series thoughtfully considers different possibilities for its characters; for example, if John had lived, he and Francesca could have had a child, or they might have found fulfillment without one – a compelling storyline given the social norms of the time. Alternatively, their struggles with fertility could have led them down different paths and even to separation.

Season 5 of Bridgerton promises to be especially interesting as Francesca begins to navigate her future. She’s a confident and intelligent woman, but also feels uncertain and sensitive, and she’ll likely want to avoid being seen as someone who needs pity. It would be wonderful to see her find the same contentment as her mother, Violet – perhaps through a new passion, a close friend, or a fulfilling romance.

It’s enjoyable to watch characters fall in love, but sometimes the story feels less exciting once they become a couple – we’re left wondering what happens next. Hopefully, Francesca will get her own engaging storyline, similar to Penelope’s with the Lady Whistledown scandal. Although John’s death is tragic, it hints that the next season could be incredibly captivating.




5 Questions

Bridgerton’s Heartbreaking Twists: Test Your Season 4 Knowledge
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it info@movieweb.com so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-02-27 04:18