As the first half of season 4 of Bridgerton sweeps to the top of the Netflix chart, we give our initial reaction to events in the Ton
Unsurprising, the latest instalment of Netflix’s flagship Regency romance has topped the Top 10 chart on the week of release. As they say in their assessment:
The new season took No 1 last week on the English TV list with 39.7 million views and appeared in the Top 10 in 91 countries. Those eager to catch up on Benedict’s story ahead of his grand romance returned to Season 1, which took the No 10 spot with 2.7 million views, as well as Season 3, which landed at No 8, also with 2.7 million views.
While it’s only half the season, and the first few days, things bode well for the show, and we have to say so far we feel this is a strong season.
Bridgerton sweeps its way back into our hearts as it tops the chart
Our main concern as we approach the half way stage in the nuptial quests of the Bridgerton siblings (eight children, each alphabetically names from Anthony to Hyacinth), was repetition and how well Lady Whistledown would work now her identity was revealed. So far, fears are groundless and Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) still shapes narrative, even without secrecy. In one episode she even uses the Butterfly Effect for reference — impressive as it’s 150 years before most people had heard of it!
As to the various romances, while Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) have plenty of time to explore their Cinderella / Pride and Prejudice storyline, but while it may be predictable, it’s also very well done. Violet Bridgerton Ruth Gemmell) is not to be left out as she explores love (or at least lust) in widowhood and recently married daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd) has her own concerns over her sexual fulfilment. There’s even time for Eloise (Claudia Jessie) to insist she’s staying on the shelf and reading books, none of which seems to be the one season 5 will be adapted from!
And yes, Queen Charlotte is as commanding a presence as ever. Overall we find little to criticise in the first few episode, and look forward to the rest of the season on February 26.