Then, suddenly, in episode eight…
Before we get there, dear reader, let’s return to Bridgerton House for the second half of Benedict and Sophie‘s happily ever after. That ending isn’t a spoiler, because this is a romance and the fairytale is part of the promise.
At the end of episode 404, “An Offer From a Gentleman,“ Benedict (Luke Thompson) asked Sophie (Yerin Ha) the infamous question: “Be my mistress?” The Internet was mad. Everyone wondered how he could do such a thing, demeaning his love for her. However, we must remember Benedict had no idea about Sophie’s past pain. She hadn’t shared it with him yet, and he was brought up to fall in line with the demands of The Ton. The boundaries of class and station leave the pair at an impasse. How they get around the obstacle is why we watch the show, and when lines like “…and brother to the Duke of Hastings” land, it’s so satisfying.
As Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) welcomes us back, she reveals a scandal that’s a parallel for Benedict and Sophie’s predicament. Meanwhile, Benedict is waiting for an answer in an episode titled “Yes or No.” For a man who dates so frequently and so widely, Benedict knows very little about the nature of the heart. I suppose we can be glad he’s about to find out.
At this point in the season, the yearning is dealt with hurriedly, and we don’t see enough of the Benophie couple getting to know each other without the masks between them—whether they’re fooling themselves or one another. The tone of the first part of the second half also feels soapy at times, focusing on the ensemble cast’s daily sensations. Balance comes from character development, something we missed in S3. This is especially true for Eloise (Claudia Jessie). For the first time, she feels more multifaceted than foil. Yet Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Violet (Ruth Gemmell) are more fully rendered in Part 2, as well.
Even the Queen (Golda Rosheuvel) unveils greater depth than we’ve seen since the “Queen Charlotte” series. It’s equally lovely to see Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi) come into her own, creating her own place among The Ton. The Mondrich Family (with Martins Imhangbe as Will) finds greater purpose in this season as they integrate with the “Bridgerton” inner circle. It’s good to see them develop as they navigate their changed circumstances.
Of course, we cannot forget our dear Lady Whistledown, whose nearly omniscient tongue-in-cheek narration is beloved by fans. A change is coming, dearest gentle reader, as Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) begins to understand herself and her goals in a new way. There are also surprises, but I’ll leave those for you to discover.
One thing to look forward to is the return of Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), the “Bridgerton” couple with the best (and hottest) chemistry. Debate with the cobblestones if you must—I shall accept no arguments. Seeing them with their baby son, Edmond, is a delight. However, in some ways, we wish Anthony would keep his opinions to himself. Luckily, Benedict is beginning to realize what he wants and what he’s willing to sacrifice to get it.
As I mentioned, episodes 5–6.5 lose some of the plot among the Romance. Instead, it focuses on an almost “Women’s Fiction” approach. Several of the male romantic partners are barely a blip on camera, as though they aren’t really the focus. That’s probably true.
Speaking of strange camera angles, the most egregious example comes in episode 406, “The Passing Winter,” during an emotional scene that defines much of the second half of Season 4 and shapes how several characters move forward. At this pivotal turning point, we’re deprived of seeing the male character’s face. That’s odd since he and his romantic partner are dealing with heartbreak. Seeing the expressions on both faces would have devastated viewers—as it should be. “Bridgerton” fans want to be immersed because they’re invested. The confusing blocking for this scene is a missed opportunity. You’ll understand why when you get there.
Happily, a series of confessions and soul-bearing between Benedict and Sophie progresses with tangible yet tender realness. That is appreciated, and it allows us to believe they’ll have a happy life together. My favorite scene is one where Benedict says, “Sophie. It is clear that woman despises you…” It’s swoony to watch him recognize the things she can’t see for herself. The pairing also gets the spicy scenes the fandom has been waiting for. Some of which readers of the book are anticipating. Friendships are another major theme. We have the pleasure of watching several of them deepen. One of them is the turnabout for Francesca and Michaela. Very cute.
Speaking of greater emotion, I must say, Parts 1 and 2 don’t seem entirely acquainted with one another. I’m being glib, but some story beats from the first are walked back or seem to swerve in the second. Perhaps to give the story and the upcoming romances more space to bloom. No complaints there. Story-wise, those swerves are good for the development of the relationships—even if they’re a bit discombobulating for continuity.
Then suddenly, in Episode 8, it happens. When I say all’s well that ends well, I’m saying the final episode is a sudden return to the “Bridgerton” that made hearts flutter—the one many fans have been missing. It’s clever again, emotional again, and surprising again. Even the costuming goes back to being sumptuous.
The hijinks along the road to this ‘happily ever after’ will get you high. Just be warned, if you examine the logic behind the joint machinations of the Bridgertons, Lady Danbury, and the Mondrichs, it might fall apart. Still, the way their plans and schemes enhance the story is well worth the wink and whimsy. There’s even a surprise or two at the end. One of which delivers on something the fandom has awaited since Kate and Anthony’s season. Be sure to keep watching after the credits roll on the last episode.
In the end, the hopes for “Bridgerton”‘s return to its greatest romantic glory are supported by the complete whirlwind of Episode 8.
Ahh, but we cannot close out without a prediction of who’ll take the lead next season. Can we? I’d wager season 5 will belong to Eloise, but with an unexpected twist. After the turn of events this time around, Francesca may have to wait.
Thus, we’ve saved the biggest season 5 teaser for last: Who is our new narrator? And dearest reader, I’m totally here for it.
Currently streaming on Netflix.