Closing The Chapter: Bridgerton season four

Dearest gentle reader, with the end of February we saw not only progressively sunnier weather, but inevitably, the second half of Bridgerton season four. After a dramatic question in the fourth episode, I’m sure we were all eager to watch how Sophie and Benedict’s story would continue.

But be warned! If you wish to avoid spoilers for the final half of this season, I entreat you to read no further.

From a classical rendition of Charli XCX’s ‘360’ to the introduction of a new Lady Whistledown, these final four episodes provided much entertainment for Bridgerton viewers. With the success of the first four episodes of season four, could we argue the release of this second half has further boosted Bridgerton’s ratings? As Collider writer Marisa Williams describes, with the release of these final four episodes on the 26^th of February, Bridgerton “shot up to the number one spot on Netflix’s Top 10 for television shows” – the numerous twists and turns of these final episodes have undoubtedly attracted viewers’ attentions.

From the dramatic chase of Sophie supposedly leaving to take a job in the Americas, to being apprehended and put to trial, Sophie’s character faced many tribulations in the latter half of this season. Culminating in the retrieval of her father’s will, it is revealed that Lord Penwood left Sophie a significant dowry, meaning not only does she have a connection to nobility – but that she is eligible to be married.

Our Lady in Silver was eventually unmasked with Benedict discovering the necklace Sophie wore at his mother’s masquerade ball, which only the most attentive viewers may have predicted. This season presents a strong emotional depth in the romance between Benedict and Sophie, as Variety writer Aramide Tinubu describes “[Benedict] comes into his own, boldly stepping up for the woman he loves and even being vulnerable enough to share his fluid sexuality with Sophie”.

In a mid-credits scene after the final episode, Benedict and Sophie are married, during a beautiful outdoor ceremony which gathers the entire Bridgerton family together. It also shows that the romance is still brewing between Footman John and Sophie’s friend Hazel, with the two sharing glances during the ceremony.

Violet Bridgerton’s refusal of Lord Anderson’s proposal during the second half of this season also leaves an uncertain conclusion to her story, although the focus on her self-discovery is arguably a welcome development to her character.

Despite his illness in the first half of season four, I’m sure John Stirling’s death in episode six came as a shock to Bridgerton viewers, casting a melancholy tone over this supposedly light-hearted season. With Francesca left widowed, many viewers are already speculating upon what will happen next with her character.

So what’s next? Following Bridgerton’s previous release schedule, season five of Bridgerton is likely to be released in 2028 – two years from now. It has been confirmed by Netflix and by Bridgerton’s showrunner Jess Brownell that filming for Bridgerton season five has begun, and Francesca and Eloise’s stories will develop in seasons five and six of Bridgerton, although we are yet uncertain which Bridgerton sister will take centre stage first.

This writer can only wish that season five will focus on bookworm Eloise Bridgerton, although sadly not with the love interest many viewers hoped she would fall for, a certain Theo Sharpe. Brownell also confirmed to Swooon writer Morgan Pryor that Eloise is “not ending up with Theo. She’s ending up with the love interest from her book”. Season four saw a progression in Eloise’s attitude towards marriage: she has a touching conversation on love with her sister Hyacinth, and as Harper’s Bazaar writer Amy Mackelden describes, “the staunchly independent Eloise appears to have softened on marriage” towards the idea at the end of this season. It would be a surprise for Eloise to so readily enter into the world of marriage, given her behaviour and attitudes this season, but I’m sure the Bridgerton writers will preserve the independence of her character in future seasons.

Today writer Maddie Ellis explains: “Season four leaves potential for both stories”, and that given the events of season four, “Francesca is being set up for a queer spin [on Quinn’s novel ‘When He Was Wicked’], with Michaela replacing Michael in the story”. Given that this would be the first queer relationship in Bridgerton, many viewers are eager to watch this part of Francesca’s story develop.

The next two seasons of Bridgerton are already in the works, and ever keen to leave viewers wanting more, the introduction of a ‘very different’ Lady Whistledown in the final episode has surely heightened viewers’ anticipation of the next season. However, there is a long time to wait until they are unmasked. Dearest gentle reader, for now, one can only speculate.