Dearest Gentle Reader,
‘A small amount of make-believe often has the power to remake reality…’
This season was for the Benedicts.
Season four of Bridgerton was a remarkable release. From satisfying character arcs and great chemistry between actors, the showrunners have achieved a masterfully executed narrative about Regency era class dynamics.
I will divide my discussion into different sections for respective plotlines.
Eloise & Hyacinth
Hyacinth’s character, alongside her relationship with Eloise, have evolved. Hyacinth is on the cusp of adolescence; she is excited to learn about society, but struggles with the difficulties that come with the ‘growing up’ of it all. Whether it be relationships, grief, to the cost of love. She poses a striking question; why is love worth the risk of loss? Is it better to shut yourself away from love, when it has the potential to cause you pain?
We then see this question mirrored through Eloise, who recognises her isolation from any opportunity to love. She eventually realises that love is worth the risk because the gain is simply greater. It seemingly poses her in the limelight as the focus of the next season. Unfortunately, this is not the case. It makes more sense personally for Eloise’s season to be next as Francesca has already had a love story. However, I also see the merit in leaving Eloise more opportunity to explore her own sexuality and interest in marriage.
Francesca, John & Micheala
Addressing popular criticisms surrounding the choice to gender swap Micheal, to Micheala, I personally have no issues with this. Bridgerton has always been about people finding love despite opposition, and Julia Quinn has always had these dynamics in play in order to challenge traditional Regency Britain as conveyed through race, class, and sexuality. Quinn’s choice is significant because it forces us to consider what life could have been like in a more accepting version of Regency society.
The point is not to accurately represent, but to teach audiences about inclusion. It places characters into the spotlight that would not be there had it been an ‘accurate’ period drama. This is the show’s appeal; everyone can see themselves in a character. Different groups were always here and are just as worthy of attention in mainstream media in modern society.
However, I acknowledge the criticism surrounding Francesca’s arc. In the books, she desperately wants to have a child, unlike here. Rather than taking a side on the online debate, I am excited to see what narrative changes the showrunners make. How they address her insecurities regarding her inability to conceive with John is key. There is no one right way to do this. But to all those saying that this would have never happened in the Regency period, I say that this is not the point of Bridgerton.
Benedict & Sophie
These two are simply adorable. Earlier scenes between them in ‘My Cottage’ build up their friendship and romance. I appreciated how Sophie makes Benedict acknowledge that he needs to give up chasing the idea of the perfect woman (‘The Lady in Silver’) and instead focus on the authentic connection they have, as Benedict has the tendency to pursue the ideal instead of reality.
Benedict’s infamous ‘be my mistress’ does not personally ruin their relationship for me. To me, he is a man who feels trapped inside society’s rules. This scene is rather integral to his growth and understanding of Sophie. It is more of a lustful declaration rather than a love confession, akin to an ‘I burn for you’, ‘my heart calls your name’ or other powerful confessions in the Bridgerton universe.
I appreciate how Sophie holds her ground, as to her, this question is even more hurtful given her birth as an illegitimate child. Sophie refusing the life of a mistress despite its potential stability is rooted from a very real source of trauma. This once again exposes the reality of mistresses; being promised love and security only to be left behind.
This leads to a much greater and significant love confession scene, where Benedict remains firm on making her his mistress, but states that she deserves more: “We will be bound in every way that counts”. Even though some people hate this part of their story, I find it necessary. Their decision to love and bind themselves together is the real act of union. Benedict acknowledges Sophie’s past trauma and claims he will make her his wife in every way possible.
This thus echoes the reality of many relationships in the Regency period between people of different classes. In reality, Benedict and Sophie would have never married, and are only able to do so because of Sophie’s posing as legitimate in a very specific (and unlikely) set of circumstances. Quinn provides us with the happy ending that we never would have received, had Bridgerton been an accurate period drama. The season’s conclusion is a fantasy, but again, is what the very essence of Bridgerton is about.
Conclusion
Overall, Bridgerton continues to employ love stories as vessels for societal issues. We have now had love stories ranging from the very top of society (Queen Charlotte and King George), to between a wealthy family and servant. I am excited to see what Julia Quinn will do next to defy expectations, further constructing her own fantastical Regency period.
