Tis Me Michelle

Happy Season 4, Part 2 Bridgerton day! Here’s a recap review of the show over the years. First off, I have the same complaint as my Stranger Things rant about the time between seasons. I had to look it up, and it’s been 1.5 years between Season 3 and this first drop of Season 4. Far too long. Plus, the breakup of the season. I was thinking about it, and, back in the day, because I’m an old fart, we did have mid-season breaks. BUT, a season would have more like 18-22 episodes a pop and would come back on a regular cadence. This is like half the amount of episodes, and yet taking the sweetest amount of time. Rant kind of over.

I haven’t reviewed Seasons 1-3, so I’ll give a brief recap of each season. We all clearly fell in love in Season 1 with Daphne and Simon. As much as I’m disappointed Regé-Jean Page didn’t come back to the show, he is gorgeous and brought that vulnerable bad boy effect, which I very much fell for. Their fake relationship to real love was a slow burn I couldn’t wait to set full flame, and it delivered. No surprise why the show skyrocketed. They really did a great job creating a world that, in reality, was probably not super inclusive, but made us feel like we all wanted to be there. It also made us fall in love with the Bridgerton family. Even though they are part of the higher society, they were grounded.

The second season was my personal favorite. Of course, changing the main love interests to Indian women was so fantastic. The diversity this show brings is really amazing. I loved the sister dynamic almost as much as the super-tense, dynamic, enemies-to-lovers story with Anthony and Kate. Their chemistry was undeniable. I was rooting for Edwina, but not with Anthony. It was conflicting and engaging. Spoiler: this remains my favorite season; it’ll take a lot to top them.

Season 3 is at the bottom for me so far. But that could also be because Colin was never one of my favs. Both Regé-Jean Page and Jonathan Bailey were so up my boy candy alley, and not that Luke Newton isn’t attractive, he just isn’t what I’m drawn to. And I felt like they hadn’t really built up his character in a way that I was super invested in either. Meanwhile, I love Lady Whistledown. To me, this relationship felt a bit too rushed and forced. I wish there were more time for Colin to realize his love for Penelope. It was annoyingly quick how he was interested as soon as it appeared she could be with someone else. I would have appreciated a slow burn with them. I was happy to see Pen happy, but sad to see the rift between her and Eloise.

And finally, this current season. I loved Benedict in the first couple of seasons. I love his relationship with Eloise. Safe to say Eloise is my favorite Bridgerton, and I’m excited for her season. She’s been so funny this season when it comes to her partaking in the Social Season, but she’s been so rude to sweet Hyacinth. As much as that sibling relationship has been rocky, I continue to enjoy her and Benedict’s.

The way Benedict’s story has developed is so confusing. I get that they need to really push his Rake-ness, and there is no doubt there. But last season, he was essentially in a full-on relationship, and it wasn’t even mentioned this season. Like what happened? Honestly, maybe it ended, but it’s been over a year, and I don’t remember! It feels like that was so pointless unless it happens to come up in the second part of the season.

Having him be hesitant to join the Social Season is very on brand. The Cinderella story is a bit tired, imo. Yet of all the siblings, it works with Benedict the best. Being the free spirit, it seems fitting that he would ultimately see past social standings. I’ve also really enjoyed Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). I appreciate that, like Kate in Season 2, she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She both knows her place in society and speaks honestly and confidently. I find her to be a great match for Benedict.

As much as I like them together and do think they have good chemistry, I’ve found this season incredibly frustrating. The internet and I are on the same page that Benedict and his parallel universe version, Austin Ames of A Cinderella Story, are such dumb dumbs. After staring at the person time and time again, that mask was not a good enough decoy to not figure out who was behind it.

Yes, I think he is the most progressive of the bunch. But he reminds me of one of those guys who thinks they are so progressive, but doesn’t realize how integrated society and patriarchy are etched in the fabric of his being. The excruciating ending of the season was the perfect example of that. “Be my mistress”?! Fuck off, Benedict. I don’t know how he is going to recover from that. I would be done with a man if he said such nonsense to me. He will need to grovel.

On the flip side, I think Mama Bridgerton’s blossoming love story with Agatha’s brother is super cute. I wouldn’t mind a season just for them. I’m curious about the development of Francesca’s story. But I’m reaching the end of my Bridgerton patience. I just want to see Eloise’s storyline, and if it isn’t stellar, I think this series will be ruined for me.

I am sure I’ll tune into the second part of this season at some point. What are your thoughts on the latest Bridgerton love story?

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨