Bridgerton Season 4 Premiere Ends with Controversial Cliffhanger
Netflix has released the first four episodes of the highly anticipated Bridgerton Season 4, culminating in a dramatic cliffhanger that has left both viewers and cast members in a state of shock and frustration. The regency romance series, which follows the aristocratic Bridgerton family's pursuit of love, stars Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton and Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek in this latest installment.
A Proposal That Backfires Spectacularly
In the final moments of episode four, Benedict Bridgerton confesses his deep feelings for Sophie Baek, only to immediately sabotage the romantic moment by asking her to become his mistress. Sophie, portrayed by Yerin Ha, flees the scene in hurt and disbelief, leaving Benedict standing alone and visibly confused by her reaction.
This jarring contrast between Benedict's professed emotions and his unconventional proposal has sparked widespread disbelief among the show's dedicated fanbase. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions ranging from outrage to humorous disbelief.
Fan Reactions Range from Fury to Humorous Defence
One fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, demanded: "'Sophie be my mistress.' Are you ready to die, Benedict Bridgerton?" Another offered a more humorous take, writing: "Your honour my client Benedict Bridgerton may be a dumbass, but his intentions were pure."
The passionate response from viewers highlights the emotional investment audiences have in these characters and their evolving relationships throughout the series.
Cast Members Offer Contrasting Perspectives
Luke Thompson, who portrays Benedict Bridgerton, provided insight into his character's controversial decision during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "Benedict is aware he's doing not necessarily the right thing," Thompson explained, "but it is the only solution for the time period they are in."
Thompson elaborated further: "It's the only solution that he can come up with that allows him and Sophie to be together. I think he believes it could work... and then it doesn't. I don't think he considers it necessarily the most romantic approach, but it represents him being realistic while attempting to be with her."
In stark contrast, Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie Baek, shared the fans' more critical sentiments about the controversial proposal. "Yeah, I was fuming," she admitted to Entertainment Weekly. However, Ha acknowledged some understanding of Benedict's perspective, noting: "And Benedict thinks that it's going to help Sophie's life and make it easier."
Critical Reception and Series Structure
The Independent's television critic Nick Hilton awarded the fourth season three stars in his review, describing the new installment as "for all its predictability, reliably pleasant to watch." Hilton praised the lead performances, writing: "Luke Thompson – having played triangle at the back of the Bridgerton family orchestra – makes for a surprisingly effective lead. And Yerin Ha, stepping into the saga for the first time, is an engaging heroine."
The critic also noted the show's understanding of its audience's desires, highlighting the delivery of "a dashing aristocrat, a (seemingly) impossible love story, three-piece suits and floaty dresses and finger food and cups of tea."
Release Schedule and Availability
Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 is currently available for streaming on Netflix. The streaming platform has confirmed that Part 2 will be released on 26 February, giving viewers approximately one month to process the dramatic cliffhanger before discovering how the story continues to unfold.
