Netflix's 'Bridgerton' Season 4 is a wild ride that's equal parts Regency romp and trashy soap opera. The show's writers have decided to take the traditional period drama on a merry chase, trading in the stodgy propriety of yesteryear for a world of over-the-top scandals, scandalous affairs, and enough steam to keep the most dedicated fan of bodice-ripping novels satisfied.
Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) is back, and as before, he's more rake than gentleman. However, this time around, his antics are tempered by a glimmer of self-awareness as he tries to rein in his philandering ways for the sake of his family's reputation. Meanwhile, Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) is living her best life as the newest darling of Queen Charlotte, who's determined to turn up the heat on this season's love scene.
The show's commitment to its absurd premise is admirable if not always successful. The costumes and sets are exquisite, but at times they feel like they're trying too hard to outdo their own melodrama. The dialogue can be clunky, and exposition often blocks our view of the action – but then comes a beautifully rendered scene where Sophie (Yerin Ha) confronts her evil stepmother Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), and for one sublime moment, we're transported to a world that's both utterly bonkers and strangely compelling.
Make no mistake: this show is all about the sex. It's raunchy, it's racy, and it's unapologetic. If you were put off by last season's more tamer approach, rest assured that your wildest fantasies have been indulged. Francesca (Hannah Dodd) returns with her muscular husband Lord John, while Michaela (Masali Baduza) brings some much-needed Sapphic heat to the mix.
Overall, 'Bridgerton' Season 4 is a deliciously trashy ride that will leave you gasping for air and begging for more. With its commitment to its absurd premise and its willingness to go all in on its steamy love scenes, this show has become an unlikely guilty pleasure. If you haven't already succumbed to its charms, then fetch another carafe of laudanum, mother – we shall go to the ball!
Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) is back, and as before, he's more rake than gentleman. However, this time around, his antics are tempered by a glimmer of self-awareness as he tries to rein in his philandering ways for the sake of his family's reputation. Meanwhile, Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) is living her best life as the newest darling of Queen Charlotte, who's determined to turn up the heat on this season's love scene.
The show's commitment to its absurd premise is admirable if not always successful. The costumes and sets are exquisite, but at times they feel like they're trying too hard to outdo their own melodrama. The dialogue can be clunky, and exposition often blocks our view of the action – but then comes a beautifully rendered scene where Sophie (Yerin Ha) confronts her evil stepmother Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), and for one sublime moment, we're transported to a world that's both utterly bonkers and strangely compelling.
Make no mistake: this show is all about the sex. It's raunchy, it's racy, and it's unapologetic. If you were put off by last season's more tamer approach, rest assured that your wildest fantasies have been indulged. Francesca (Hannah Dodd) returns with her muscular husband Lord John, while Michaela (Masali Baduza) brings some much-needed Sapphic heat to the mix.
Overall, 'Bridgerton' Season 4 is a deliciously trashy ride that will leave you gasping for air and begging for more. With its commitment to its absurd premise and its willingness to go all in on its steamy love scenes, this show has become an unlikely guilty pleasure. If you haven't already succumbed to its charms, then fetch another carafe of laudanum, mother – we shall go to the ball!