Furthermore, the courtship between Benedict and Sophie is a blatant fraud Cinderella (or perhaps more accurately: the 2004 film A Cinderella story). The creative shift toward a generic fairy tale feels like a low blow for a series that was once at the forefront of modern period dramas.
But don’t worry too much, we won’t be completely fooled by seductive dramas. Over the course of our four episodes, the chemistry between our love interests is undeniable, even if Benedict often acts like a complete man-child. However, I don’t think Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) should have named him the catch of the season, as that title clearly goes to Violet (Ruth Gemmell).
Benedict isn’t the beating heart of Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1, and he’s already messing things up with Sophie
I don’t need to explain too much history here if you know your Disney Princesses. Violet is absolutely fed up with Benedict’s lack of effort to find a wife and is determined to make this his plan for the social season.
Across the street, servant Sophie works for newcomer Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), who immediately inserts herself into the story as a scheming new villain. Araminta plays our evil stepmother, seething when Sophie sneaks out to the first masquerade ball of the season. There she steals Benedict’s heart, sparking a city-wide search for the mysterious masked woman with no gloves.
Although it’s pretty obvious to anyone with eyes that Sophie was that girl, Benedict and Sophie’s initial quest to reunite is extremely arduous. It’s a tale we’ve seen thousands of times, and nothing about this version is remarkable or authentic. However, the reward when they confess their feelings to each other is worth it.
Benedict and Sophie come from two completely different worlds, but outside of society they have unparalleled potential. They really bring out the best in each other, but as soon as someone else gets wind of it, the cracks begin to show. It’s amazing how Benedict can pace up and down in the same breath, and if I were Sophie I’d stay away from him.
But if all our girls chose to stay single, there wouldn’t be a show, right? Eloise (Claudia Jessie) has isolated herself on the metaphorical shelf, and I wish she could peacefully live the single life she so desperately clings to. Francesca (Hannah Dodd) is sexually dissatisfied, while Lady Agatha (Adjoa Andoh) is embroiled in a seemingly pointless feud with Queen Charlotte.
The misfortune is being a woman The Bridgerton ChroniclesIf you ask me… except for my new heroine, Violet.
Violet is the real star of Bridgerton Season 4 – Part 2, we should treat her incredibly well
Too often the older woman is overlooked when it comes to being romantically viable. I’m not talking about Samantha Jones,Sex and the cityTypical older woman, but the quiet, loving mother who has been boxed into her identity by her circumstances, not by who she is. Lady Violet Bridgerton falls into the latter category, but Season 4, Part 1 is her chance to shine.
Already before The Bridgerton Chronicles began, Violet was a distant woman. As the faithful widow of the husband she lost a few years ago, her children were her life, even when it came to her social status. She throws lavish parties in the sole hope of marrying off her children without ever giving up on existing as an individual.
But Lord Anderson (Daniel Francis) is determined to get into Violet’s heart and pants. He’s still a gentleman who takes things as slowly as Violet needs as she begins to realize that life is actually worth living. Their hidden love story is not the subject of an elaborate joke, but rather a coveted prize that becomes increasingly important as the episodes progress.
We can talk about Benoît, Sophie or any other young person until the cows come home, but that’s where the real magic happens. A dynamic that includes an effortless performance you didn’t know you needed is what creator Shonda Rhimes does so well.
These are women writing for women, in a space where women feel seen, safe and content. That, my friends, is priceless, even if the whole situation has become mundane.
It’s Violet alone that gets me hooked The Bridgerton Chronicles Season 4 Part 2, will be released in a month. I hope Netflix treats her the way she should be treated, not to mention Lord Anderson.
As for Sophie, she’s still threatened by Benedict’s lewd behavior and Araminta’s devious plans floating around in her head… but surely a girl’s going to catch a break sooner or later, right?
