Bridgerton Season 4: Episode 7 'The Beyond'

 The Beyond

Written by:  Tess Leibowitz

Episode 7 is an episode that presents a study in grief and how it can manifest in different ways as it focussed on the aftermath of John's death. While we don't see the stages of grief play out in linear form in all of the characters, we can recognise as some of the characters go through some (not all) of the stages as the show delves deeper into the idea of grief than we saw in season 2, though we do see some parallels from season 2. I am going to single out two of the characters specifically, Francesca and Hyacinth, and while Hyacinth seems an odd choice I hope it will become clearer why I chose to look at how she dealt with her grief.

Francesca, while not exactly in denial, did initially display a calmness that could have come about from shock. At John's funeral we see her keeping busy and seemingly not grieving, for Violet this causes concern, however her attempts to talk with - and empathise with - Francesca led to Francesca finally showing anger and grief as she faces the fact that she never had children unlike Violet who had 'eight pieces of her husband to remember him by'. Francesca's grief contrasts with how Violet dealt with her grief in season 2 flashbacks.

Image Credit:  Netflix

Hyacinth, in dealing with her first true loss, began by trying to understand, and expressing a curiousity almost about her own father's death and funeral. But the more interesting aspect of Hyacinth's grief, and where her reaction reflected what we saw from Anthony in season 2, was when Hyacinth decided she may not even debut. Like Anthony before her, Hyacinth declared there was no point in fallin gin love and getting married if her husband would just die. For Hyacinth not to have Anthony there for her at this time was very noticeable, and a failure of the writers, however, in Anthony's absence Eloise stepped up as an older sister to comfort Hyacinth the best she knew how.

We cannot forget Michaela who shows frustration at the English customs, wanting to celebrate John's life instead of mourn him. Francesca, despite first rejecting the idea of a celebration, eventually accepts John's death and goes to Michaela saying that she is ready to celebrate John's life with a small gathering.

In this episode Benedict stepped in for Anthony to deal with the House of Lords on behalf of Francesca and to settle John's estate, and we see the toll it takes on him. This episode does not just deal with the grief of John's passing, but it feels like an allegory for Benedict and Sophie's relationship - or rather the ending of the relationship. We have seen Benedict in stages of denial about a future with Sophie being impossible, and through this episode we see as he moves into anger, not too dissimilar to what we saw with Anthony briefly after Kate's accident, where he lashes out at those closest to him because the one he truly needs to be with is unavailable to him. As with the stages of grief we finally see Benedict move into a stage of acceptance, not of letting Sophie go, but an acceptance that marriage is the only option for him.

Image Credit:  Netflix

The main story does not proceed forward at the same pace in this episode, however, Sophie prepares to leave Bridgerton House, but finds out that Lady Penwood (Cressida) did not wait for her to be able to begin after John's death, but Sophie was able to secure a position with a family that was leaving for the Americas. As Sophie departs Bridgerton House for the last time, Araminta has finally caught up with her, and has her arrested.

Benedict, leaving John's wake, makes his way to Bridgerton House, and while there he finds Sophie's necklace she lost and finally realises that she is the Lady in Silver, going to her room and finding it empty with the exception of her glove. Benedict asks the servants if they know where Sophie is, as he finds out then that she is not going to Penwood House, but rather will be travelling to the Americas the next morning.

Image Credit:  Netflix

The episode ends with Benedict coming out of Bridgerton House just after Sophie has been taken away by the constable.

Highs:

• Hannah Dodd gave the standout performance in this episode, she portrayed Francesca's emotions so well, and I haven't cried in an episode like that since season 2.
• Florence Hunt's performance of Hyacinth's confusion and grief was so well done, she really nailed it.
• Overall this was (I think) the best episode of the season. In addition to the performances of Hannah and Florence, everyone was on their A game for this episode, it was emotional and just very well acted.
• The Benedict and Violet scenes were perfect, and I love how Ruth Gemmell and Luke Thompson were able to bring the best out in each other. Nothing beats an emotionally charged scene between Ruth and one of the Bridgerton children.

Lows:

• If ever there was an episode where the absence of Anthony, Daphne, and Kate was felt it was this one. Anthony's absence - especially for Hyacinth - was sorely missed, and Kate and Daphne could have provided much needed support for Francesca, not taking away from Eloise, but I do think that Francesca could have done with that slightly older/mature support from her older sisters, Eloise as well.

Bridgerton Season 4: Episode 6 'The Passing Winter'

 The Passing Winter

Written by Annabelle Hood

This episode picks up the morning after the night before.  Benedict believes that as a result of them sleeping together – and his confession – that Sophie will agree to be his Mistress, but Sophie continues to refuse, telling Benedict that is not the life she wants for herself, but she may have no choice if she is pregnant.  We are shown Sophie tracking her cycle, giving more emphasis to the possibility of her being with child.  Sophie’s position in Bridgerton House is complicated further when Araminta, accompanied by Rosamund and Posy, call on Violet, Eloise and Hyacinth and she is seen by Posy who covers for her.  Meanwhile Araminta brings up Sophie’s name with Violet, saying that she stole shoe clips, obviously waiting for a reaction that Violet refuses to give.  After the Tea Violet goes to see Sophie in her room, giving her a letter of recommendation and telling Sophie that for her own protection it would be best she finds somewhere else to work away from Mayfair now that Araminta lives next door and is wanting to prosecute her. 

Image Credit: Netflix

Meanwhile the Queen is still eager for gossip on Benedict and the Lady in Silver, and after Lady Danbury informs her that Miss Hollis was in fact not the lady that Benedict sought, and he has now given up the hunt for the Lady in Silver, the Queen asks Alice if she thinks there is someone else, Alice lies and says no.  

Anthony and Kate have returned from India and are currently at Aubrey Hall with their son Edmund, however, Anthony has been summoned to Bridgerton House by Violet, and he is loathed to leave Kate and Edmund.  In London Anthony goes to their club with Colin and Benedict, where he gets the opportunity to talk to Benedict about Sophie.  Benedict compares Sophie to Siena, but as Anthony points out it is not the same as he is in their home and around their family, and as Benedict tells Anthony it is not a dalliance, Anthony responds that they will not be able to live their life in the open.  Benedict leaves with a parting shot at Anthony implying Anthony does not care for the family like Benedict does.

At tea with the Bridgerton ladies, Edmund is brought in to join them, and Benedict arrives in time to witness Violet with Edmund.  Benedict expresses his conflicting emotions about Edmund to Lady Danbury, and he further expresses envy at Edmund and how he has brought the family together, knowing that any children he has with Sophie will not be able to be a unifying presence.  

Image Credit: Netflix

The new Lady Penwood, who has been revealed to be Cressida, is hosting a ball, and at Alice's suggestion the Queen has convinced Cressida to hold it in her honour with no intention of turning up.  At the ball as guests begin to realise the Queen is not going to attend we see Penelope signal for the footmen to distribute her Lady Whistledown column, in this column she announces her retirement from writing it, thus overshadowing Cressida's ball.  During the ball Francesca and John spend some quiet time together reminiscent of their first meeting, they express their love for each other in a poignant moment.  

Image Credit: Netflix

As they return home from the ball Anthony calls for Benedict to join him in his study.  Anthony confronts Benedict about planning a life with Sophie.  Anthony tries again to tell Benedict what their life would be, how any children will not be accepted in society, or be able to be part of the family. Benedict insists that he has thought it all through but he cannot walk aways from her, not telling Anthony that he is in love with her and continuing with the plan for Sophie to be  his mistress.  The conversation is overheard by Sophie, and the reality hits her, she returns to her room throwing a drawing of My Cottage into the fire, throwing away the fantasy she had of a life with Benedict.  Sophie meets with Benedict and tells him that love isn't enough and that she has accepted another position.  

The episode ends with Francesca going to wake John after he went to lie down with a headache to find he had died.  

Highs: 

• The return of Kate and Anthony, and meeting Edmund
• Hyacinth sneaking into Cressida's ball with Eloise's help
• Again, the Li girls being criminally under utilised
• Francesca and John's moment in the garden at Cressida's ball

Lows: 

• The power dynamics of the Benedict and Sophie relationship, it is feeling a bit like workplace harassment.  This is solely down to a lot of choices made by Jess Brownell that have backed them into a corner with the storytelling. 
• Benedict calling Edmund a small creature.  The optics of this line are not great in my opinion.  Would it have been so hard for Benedict to call him by name?  

Bridgerton Season 4: Episode 5 'Yes or No'

 Yes or No

Written by Lauren Gamble

This episode opens directly after the end of episode 4 as Sophie joins the other servants for the night out, however, she is clearly distracted.  Sophie remains silent on Benedict's 'offer' frustrating Benedict, who finally enlisted the assistance of Eloise through deception, that allowed him to speak to Sophie who told Benedict that she does not want to be a mistress.  

Sophie enlists Alfie's help to find a new position, and Alfie tells her that there is a position under the new Lady Penwood, but that Araminta spread rumours to prevent Sophie from being hired, however, Sophie is confident that Violet will give her a letter of recommendation.  Whilst Sophie talks to Alfie about Benedict's offer, Benedict has gone to Will Mondrich for advice, who tells Benedict that no woman likes to be hidden.

 

 

 Image Credit: Netflix

 

During preparations for Hyacinth's ball Sophie slips into the study where she finds Benedict's drawings of the Lady in Silver as Benedict enters.  They have a conversation where Sophie confronts him as to why he finds it suitable to kiss her, to ask her to be his mistress, when he wouldn't have a lady he met at the ball.  This echoes Anthony's conversation with Siena in season 1, where he told her not every woman is a lady, only from Sophie's perspective with her making Benedict realise that she does not think he sees her as a lady.  

 

 Image Credit: Netflix

 

Sophie is distracted for much of Hyacinth's rehearsal ball, and she overhears John the Footman telling maids Hazel and Celia that Araminta is the new neighbour, causing Sophie to suddenly feel unwell and leave the ball.  Benedict follows her and faces her, finally telling Sophie he loves her leading to Benedict and Sophie consumating their relationship, ending the episode.  

 

Image Credit: Netflix

  

Alice Mondrich overhears the conversation between Benedict and Sophie, she has been under pressure from the Queen to find more information on Benedict and the Lady in Silver, however, Alice is reluctant to find information as she does not want to betray the Bridgertons in that way.  

Earlier Mrs Wilson had discovered that a Miss Baek once worked for the late Earl of Penwood, her and Violet surmise that Sophie must be her illegitimate daughter, which makes Violet sad as she is not suitable as a match for benedict.  

 

Elsewhere, Penelope is confronted by Virginia, the mistress of Mr Hiscox, who was tossed out by Mr Hiscox after a column by Penelope about Mistresses.  Virginia gives Penelope a reality check about what it means for her.  Penelope insists she did nothing wrong, and that everyone knew, but Virginia responds that it was suspicions before but Penelope's column made it real and now she is on the street because of Penelope, unable to save money to set herself up independently. As a result of the confrontation Penelope decides to request permission from the Queen to stop writing Lady Whistledown, the Queen refuses, forcing Penelope to continue with the column. 

Highs: 

• Francesca and Michaela's scenes were well done, and it is easy to see the chemistry between them
• Hyacinth in her element with organising her ball 
• Alice Mondrich showing her integrity and loyalty by refusing to spy on the Bridgertons and report back to the Queen
• Seeing Penelope confronted with the real consequences of her column, Penelope lives in a bubble and has little understanding of how the world works for many women who do not have the same privileges as her and those of her class 
• Again, as with most of this season, the focus on the main love story has been very good, and we see Benedict and Sophie's story move forward during the episode
• The exchange with Rosamund and Posy was a highlight, Posy is definitely a character that I love in this season, and I wish we got a lot more of her
• The friendships of the downstairs staff continues to charm, and I like how their stories are connecting into the main stories 

Lows: 

• I really hate to say it, but Benedict was a low in this episode, he pestered Sophie a bit, and while I understand the reasons for it, I just was not overly impressed with the way the writers depicted Benedict in this episode
• Some of the costumes again were not great, and if the best we can say is they were better than S3 then it is not great, one in particular that stood out was Hyacinth's dress at her rehearsal ball with the pompoms all over it. 

Bridgerton Season 4: Part 2 First Thoughts

Having finished part 2, and suitably recovered from the heart wrenching episode 7, here are my first thoughts on season 4, part 2. 

Image Credit: Netflix

The Good: 

• While the leads were not as together in part 2 as they were in part 1, there was still mostly a feel of them being centred in the story
• Ben coming out to Sophie, I think this was handled well, no huge drama attached to it, and it felt very natural
• Limited as they were, the family scenes were again a highlight, at the heart of this show should be the family, they are no shown enough, but when they are the Bridgertons never fail to deliver.  
• Speaking of family, Eloise showed her empathy and understanding with her younger sisters, she was their rock when they needed her the most, and it was so lovely to see as it calls back to her being the support for Daphne in season 1 (who can forget that scene when Eloise refused to leave the drawing room so she was there for Daphne?)
• Ruth again excelled, her best scenes (as always) were with the family, in this part specifically with Luke Thompson and Hannah Dodd
• Speaking of Hannah, her and Florence Hunt hit is out of the park in episode 7.  Francesca's shock finally giving way to her anger and grief, and Hyacinth's anger as she dealt with true grief for the first time was both a joy, and heartbreaking, to watch, and Hyacinth truly missing Edmund for the first time showed a young girl that has some resentment that her siblings got something she never did - time with their father
• On a more joyous note, the Li sisters returning.  I just love the dynamic for Rosamund and Posy, they truly were wonderful to watch.  
• Alice being a woman of integrity in her refusal to betray the Bridgerton's she showed a loyalty that others have not always shown. 
• Penelope finally giving up Whistledown, this should have happened in season 3
• Finally, I cannot have a good without mentioning the return of Kate and Anthony with Edmund.  Their scene with Edmund at Aubrey Hall was delightful in all aspects.  

Image Credit: Netflix

The Bad: 

• Kate and Anthony missing when their family needed them the most.  They should have been there during Francesca's time of grief, as should Daphne. It is the moments like these that this show could benefit from the family scenes.  
• Anthony not being there for Hyacinth.  Not for her first ball, but more importantly not being there for her when John died.  Anthony would have been the right person to talk to Hyacinth about her not wanting to marry, not wanting love, that was him not so long ago.  I am not saying the Eloise did a terrible job, she didn't, and Eloise has her own fears, but the idea of having your spouse taken away by death and the fear is something that Hyacinth shares with Anthony, and it would have been so great to see a scene of Anthony talking to Hyacinth about it.  A very missed opportunity. 
• The characterisation of Queen Charlotte as a caricature almost, it is not cute or funny, and does a disservice to the character and the actor. 
• The return of Whistledown at the end.  We do not need another Whistledown mystery in this show, it has run its course and just signals a lack of ideas from the showrunner and within the writers room
• The overuse of expository dialogue, I realise that Netflix wants everything dumbed down, but it gets tedious having everything explained when we are watching the show.  
• The criminal underuse of Michelle Mao, Isabella Wei, Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey

Image Credit: Netflix

Mixed Bag:

• Makeup, whilst not as garish as season 3, some of the makeup was awful, whilst there was some that worked well.  
• Costumes. Again overall not as bad as season 3, there were some great costumes, some truly awful ones and some monstrosities.  There were also one or two that were a lovely style, but the material didn't suit. 

Image Credit: Netflix

Bridgerton Season 4: Episode 4 'An Offer From a Gentleman'

As with episode 3 this episode picks up at the point that the previous episode left off, with Benedict and Sophie returning to London after their time at My Cottage.  Benedict secured employment for Sophie at Bridgerton House because his friend's wives were told not to employ her, linking back to episode 2 where Araminta told Sophie she would make sure Sophie wouldn't be able to work in Mayfair again.  When Benedict brings her to Bridgerton House Violet is initially reluctant until she discovers that Sophie saved Benedict's life, and so decides Sophie can be the ladies maid for Eloise and Hyacinth.  

Image Credit: Netflix

Benedict returns to searching for the Lady in Silver, despite his memory of her fading. Violet assists him in his search, however, this proves to be a failure.  Also assisting in the search is Alice Mondrich, who is enlisted by Lady Danbury as a ruse to ingratiate Alice with the Queen in order to try and set Alice up as the new Lady in Waiting. When Alice realises she is angry, and upset, however, Lady Danbury talked her around to accepting.    

Image Credit: Netflix

Sophie fits in with the Bridgertons and the servants of the house, and she proves popular with both Eloise and Hyacinth, whose relationship is strained at times.  Though Sophie is thriving in the house, the tension between her and Benedict continues as they work to deny their attraction.  One evening, as Sophie is stargazing out the window she is interrupted by Benedict, and they share more about themselves, with Sophie revealing she had always wanted to be part of a family like the Bridgertons and working for them was a dream come true, she begged Benedict not to ruin it for her. Benedict moved out of Bridgerton House and back into his bachelor quarters that evening. 

Image Credit: Netflix

Benedict eventually gives up his search for the Lady in Silver as he realises that Sophie is his reality and the Lady he met at the Masquerade is nothing more than a fantasy. This realisation leads Benedict to go to Bridgerton House to look for Sophie. They meet on the stairs to the servant's rooms and after a moment of passion and heartfelt words from Benedict he asks Sophie to be his Mistress, prompting Sophie to leave without a word.

Benedict is not the only Bridgerton with intimate matters on their mind. Francesca has been hoping to reach her pinnacle, and after one very bad attempt at trying to convince John that she reached her pinnacle, they have an honest, if awkward, discussion eir on own intimacy and what they mean to each other. Meanwhile Violet has decided to take her relationship with Marcus to the next step, and with the help of Mrs Wilson she arranges to have Marcus over while the family are at Francesca and John's for dinner.

The episode ends revealing araminta, and her daughters Rosamund and Posy are the new neighbours of the bridgertons, and they have acquired the services of Varley as the housekeeper.

Highs:

• Green Flag John. He was so understanding with Francesca, it was one of the sweetest scenes in the show
• Benedict moving out because Sophie was uncomfortable with him in the house 
• Unerrated potential couple Footman John and Hazel, they became closer and definitely have the look of a potential couple.  
• Michaela turning up during John and Francesca's dinner.  It will be interesting to see how this dynamic goes in part 2
• Araminta and the Li Girls turning up at the end of the episode

Cringe: 

• Violet's 'I am the tea you are having', the dialogue was just so cringe.  
• 'Be my Mistress' Definitely a moment.  Despite understanding the whys of this, it was still a little cringe after his beautiful speech about how Sophie is everything and how she consumes him.  

Bridgerton Season 4: Perception and Optics in the Tale of two Babies

Bridgerton's previous problems with perception and optics in relation to the character of Kathani 'Kate' Bridgerton, continue even before she has had any official promotional still released of her for season 4. In this case it relates to the production's treatment of Edmund Bridgerton, the baby of Kate and Anthony, and Elliot Bridgerton, the son of Penelope and Colin, specifically in how they have chosen to present these babies in promotion - or not. Whilst Elliot was seen in season 3 we did not have a name for him, in contrast Kate was roughly 5-6 months pregnant when the showrunner decided it was a good idea to send Kate and Anthony on a 6 month journey to India to have their baby (realistically he would have been born on the ship). Noting this fans of both couples had been highly anticipating season 4 in the hopes of seeing Edmund and Eliot, the introduction of the babies for the season has been vastly different. Both of these babies should be treated equally, however, the reality is that this has not happened in the lead in to the two parts of season 4, in fact the show has resolutely ignored Edmund whilst giving more attention than some feel warranted to Elliot, something that again raises questions around the show's treatment of the character Kate, and the show's commitment to diversity. 

Image Credit: Netflix

When looking at the official Instagram accounts there is an obvious disparity in how this show perceives and views the two offspring of these couples. Almost 40 days out from the release of part 1 an official announcement of Elliot's name was made on official social media sites, including a behind the scenes photo of Nicola with the baby, since there there have been multiple posts about Elliot which included behind the scenes photos or video, in addition the Netflix UK & Ireland official account, and the Netflix Australia & New Zealand official account have also posted multiple posts dedicated to Elliot. As I write this we are just over four days out from the release of part 2 and the official sites have not posted a still of Kate from the season, let alone any formal announcement introducing Edmund like they did for Elliot over a month out from release. The claim of some fans that it is to prevent spoilers is null and void when Kate was pregnant at the end of season 3 (so we know she had a baby), the 'heir' is mentioned in episode 1 of the new season (so we know it is a boy), and we have seen the baby in the trailer for part 2. The canon name for Kate and Anthony's first born is Edmund, and there is no reason for the show to change that (and leaks for part 2 confirm his name is Edmund in the show), so nothing would be a spoiler for the marketing team to provide an announcement and some photos like they did for Elliot. 

Image Credit: Netflix

Further adding to this uneven portrayal and validating the negative perception of the show are allegations from leaks that in part 2 Kate is not seen holding Edmund, in fact the leaks allege that only Violet (the grandmother) and Penelope are seen holding Edmund, this is especially insidious of the showrunner and production, because the symbolism of a mother holding her baby is significant. A mother holding a child in terms of visual storytelling is an often used signifier of nurturing and selfless love, key themes surrounding Kate in her season, and by having Penelope hold Edmund instead of Kate the production have reassigned these values to her. Whilst I am sure some will not view this as a big deal (often some fans say to 'chill it is just a TV show), this actually is a very important factor in how the audience interpret the characters, and by reassigning this visual cue of maternal love to Penelope over Kate for Edmund the audiences perception could shift in the way that they view these characters, and instead not see Kate as fully inhabiting th erole of a selfless, nurturing mother instead seeing that in Penelope only, feeding into a pattern of media representation where white characters are allowed to embody traditionally positive traits while women of colour cannot. Assuming these leaks are true, this is a deliberate choice by the showrunner, the writers and the director to strip an important visual signal of motherhood from Kate and give it to Penelope, further sidelining her character and framing Kate as an outsider in the Bridgerton family. 

In anticipation of some potential comments, it is important to note that as a Grandmother Violet is also a key carer for Edmund, and her holding Edmund is not as diminishing to Kate's role as the mother as it is having Penelope step in as if she is a replacement for Kate. 

Image Credit: Netflix Screenshot

The promotion clearly favours Penelope and Colin, and their white family, over Kate and Anthony's mixed race family as Kate and Edmund are not being prioritised in the same way that Penelope and Elliot are. Whilst this may seem like a minor issue to some it raises larger questions for viewers about what this show prioritises, and just how strong their commitment to being truly diverse and representative is, they are sending the message that whiteness is the priority, and (in this instance) South Asian representation is peripheral and unimportant to them. This also raises questions as to how the production may treat its current East Asian lead in future seasons, will she also be pushed to the periphery and will it be a situation where Sophie will also not be considered a true Bridgerton as Kate is not? Or will she gain better treatment and representation in future seasons? 

Bridgerton Production: More Spin Off Speculation

Last year I wrote about a possible second spin off after a post on Tom Verica's instagram re-ignited talk of a second spin off from Bridgerton.  Again Tom Verica has waded into the discussions around spin offs, this time at the Part 1 premiere for Season 4 where he confirmed that they were in discussions about some more spin offs, this time about characters the viewers already know.  This has again brought about the talk of possible spin offs into the fandom, I will not go over all of my previous speculations, you can read them here, however, I will look at one other possibility, and re-visit another popular choice for a spin off, and look at recent comments regarding it.  

Image Credit:  Netflix

Will and Alice Mondrich: 

Is it possible that one idea in discussion is a spin off that focusses on Will and Alice Mondrich? This could be a more popular choice than first appears as many fans are frustrated with how little they bring to the main show, but do like them as characters.  A spin off focussed on the Mondriches has the potential for rich storytelling depending on how it is approached. Will's career as a boxer, how he became friends with Simon, their struggles in the early part of their life, all contain opportunities for a spin off limited series.  The problem with Shondaland is that this story requires nuance and it is doubtful if the current creative team are up to the task. 

Image Credit: Netflix

Lady Danbury: 

With hints in part 1 of the latest season that Lady Danbury could be leaving the main show it has been suggested that there could be a spin off of Lady Danbury.  This could be told in two timelines with Lady Danbury returning to her homeland while having flashbacks to her childhood and early years in her abusive marriage.  While this sounds good in theory it is hard to know if it would resonate with the viewers who generally were not happy with the darker themes in the Queen Charlotte spin off (out of the main show and this it has the lowest viewership numbers).  From all accounts Lady Danbury's story would be darker than that of Queen Charlotte, however it has been suggested that it coud also lead into Hyacinth's season if Lady Danbury were to return to London with her daughter and grandson, Gareth.  But for a brand that began as a romance would the darker themes of Lady Danbury's story play well to the viewers?  

Image Credit: Netflix

Kate and Anthony: 

This is a spin off that has been discussed widely since season 2 aired, it is a popular choice for a spin off in the fandom, and with Anthony and Kate having been sent to India in season 3 it leaves open a wide range of potential for storylines that could explore Kate's past, and maybe show us a wedding that many fans have been craving to see. Despite this being one of the ideas with the most potential, it is also the most unlikely as it does seem that the production has some issue with Kate and Anthony, also it is the one spin off idea that Shonda Rhimes has ruled out definitively. Adding into the mix is a recent interview with US Weekly where Julia Quinn said that neither Jonathan Bailey or Simone Ashley would make themselves available for a TV show, though whether Julia was speaking on behalf of the actors or trying to make an excuse that would put the blame on them instead of production is not absolutely clear, though I suspect the latter. 

It should be noted that being 'in talks' about a spin off is not the same as a spin off happening, so it is a case of wait and see what Netflix does with regards to this. In the meantime fans will continue to hope for a spin off that is about their faves, but with the limited success of the Queen Charlotte spin off will Netflix see any of the current characters a viable option for one? 

Bridgerton Season 4: Episode 3 'The Field Next to the Other Road'

This episode starts where the previous episode left off with Sophie and Benedict on their way to London after departing Cavender's place. As it begins to rain Benedict diverts to My Cottage.  Despite Benedict having caretakers, the Crabtrees, there is no-one at the cottage, and as Benedict doesn't have a key Sophie breaks in via a window and they are able to enter the cottage, which - as Sophie states - is a little misleading since it is more of a country mansion than a cottage.  

Image Credit: Netflix

After getting a fire started, Benedict shows Sophie to a guest room telling her that she can wear any of the clothes, which are old clothes of his sister's that are inexplicably left at his place.  During the night Sophie is woken by Benedict crying out, and it turns out he is injured worse than he said, and it seems to have gotten infected causing Benedict to have a fever.  While Sophie is tending to Benedict's wound he hallucinates that she is the Lady in Silver - his subconscious showing him the truth in his delirium. The night passes with Sophie spending it in a chair beside Benedict's bed, and in the morning they are woken by the return of the Crabtrees.  

Image Credit: Netflix

During the episode Benedict and Sophie are isolated, and spend it in their own bubble at My Cottage as Benedict recovers from his injury and the resulting infection and fever. This is the first time since season 1 episode 6 that the main couple have been isolated away from the Ton. From a storytelling point of view this isolation works to develop their relationship without the distraction of the class divide, though we get moments of Mrs Crabtree playing the role of the wise mentor to both Sophie and Benedict reminding them each of their place in society and bringing them back to reality from the fantasy world they are inhabiting. These conversations with Mrs Crabtree emphasise the theme of this season of power imbalances, and the opposing sides of a fantasy versus reality.

At My Cottage we get snippets of information about both Benedict and Sophie as they grow closer, we learn Sophie is well educated in languages and art, meanwhile Benedict no longer considers himself an artist saying it is soething he dabbles in, calling back to season 2 when he felt like a fraud after finding out Anthony paid for his place at the Royal Academy.  Even though we saw some of Benedict's sketches of the Lady in Silver last episode, in this episode we see Benedict at his easel sketching the outline for a painting, implying that he is feeling inspired to paint again after talking about his art to Sophie. This idyll doesn't last long and soon Benedict is recovered enough to return to London, we see Sophie get changed back into her maid's outfit, and Benedict and Sophie depart My Cottage for London, ending the episode.

Image Credit: Netflix

While Benedict and Sophie are at My Cottage, life continues back in London for the Ton. We learn via Lady Whistledown that Sophie's departure was months prior, and her departure began the maid wars, as Lady Whistledown tells us that Araminta required four maids to replace her.  To get the additional staff she requires Araminta is poaching servants from other households by offering them more money, causing a domino effect of other households poaching servants from their friends and neighbours and so on.  In the Featherington Household Varley tells Portia that she has been offered another position for more money, which Portia believes she has declined. Varley requests an increase in her wages, however, Portia says that financial constraints means she is unable to as she would have to increase the wages of the other staff as well. Portia does give Varley her old gowns before replacing them with new gowns, something that Varley does not appreciate.  

Image Credit: Netflix

Elsewhere in the Ton we learn that Hyacinth is taking finishing lessons, and Violet has enlisted Eloise to chaperone her, giving Eloise the choice to either join society and talk to suitors or chaperone Hyacinth.  During the lessons Eloise shows that perhaps she isn't so keen on the spinster lifestyle after all, something that is highlighted when she is excluded from an outing with Penelope & Colin and Francesca & John because she is not married.  Eloise's isolation and sense of being an outsider is compounded when she walks in on Francesca and Penelope talking, and they immediately quieten on her arrival.  

Francesca spends much of the episode seeking to understand what the pinnacle is. After asking John why he thinks they aren't with child yet, and if he thinks she should be doing something, John tells her that he had heard that women are more likely to conceive if they reach their pinnacle.  This sets Francesca on her journey to discover what the pinnacle is as she does not know (despite lying to John that she was reaching her pinnacle). In this quest Francesca has a number of awkward conversations, first with her mother, then with Penelope to try and find out what the pinnacle is. 

Highs: 

• The My Cottage scenes, these were a breath of fresh air being out of London and in the country with time that allowed us to see and get to know Benedict and Sophie. This was reminiscent of Simon and Daphne at Clyvedon in season 1. 

• Sophie's gowns. Much has been said of the costuming choices in season 3, and some of the costuming choices for season 4, however, seeing Sophie in gowns that are more in line with season 1 and season 2 costumes was a real boost of seratonin

• Stockings! I don't mean generally either, it was so great to see Penelope wearing stockings in the Carriage Scene 2.0. I was not impressed with the fact she never wore stockings in season 3, so I am glad they remembered she is meant to be a lady. 

• The Lake Scene. Do I need to say more? We had a definite throwback to Anthony getting dunked, if a little more on display for Sophie than what Kate had.

Lows: 

• The caricature of Queen Charlotte that now exists in the space of her character from S1 and S2. This is hinting at a problem that Jess Brownell is facing with wanting (or having) to keep the character in the show but not actually knowing how to use her, and now she has become some caricature of what she was. 

• Violet and Marcus. I am just not feeling this storyline, and I am not sure what it is that isn't quite hitting with me, but I just feel that it is missing the mark a bit. 

• Having so few family scenes is starting to be missed a lot, this is no longer feeling like a show with a family at its heart. 

Bridgerton Season 4: Episode 2 'Time Transfixed'

Time Transfixed

Written by: Azia Squire

Similar to Episode 5 of season 2 this episode opens with memories, this season it is Benedict remembering his time with the Lady in Silver which is a call back to Kate remembering her time with Anthony in season 2. As we see Benedict sketching the Lady in Silver and remembering the Masquerade the shot morphs into a rewind of Sophie, taking her back to Penwood House just before the Ball.  

Image Credit: Netflix

This episode begins with introducing Sophie and allowing the viewers into her life, we learn about how she ended up at the Masquerade Ball, but also what her life is like with the Penwoods.  The flashbacks of Sophie give some context to her life, and hints at her past, telling the viewers that she is the illegitimate daughter of Lord Penwood and a Maid.  What is also established is Sophie's relationship with other servants in the Penwood House, those that know who she is, they are her cheer team and the ones that support her.  

Image Credit: Netflix

But this episode is not just about getting to know Sophie, Benedict is still obsessed with the Lady in Silver as he is sketching her while he is attending to business with Hatch, which leads to him beginning his search for the Lady in Silver, enlisting Eloise and Penelope's assistance.  The search has Benedict crossing paths with Rosamund Li, and showing us her determination on the marriage mart, and her determination to marry Benedict for the connection to the Bridgerton Family. 

Image Credit: Netflix

It is not until Violet gets involved that Benedict crosses paths with the Penwood ladies again, showing a patience and kindness to Posy that she doesn't seem to get from her mother and sister.  It is here that Sophie, witnessing Benedict's call on Posy, seems to begin falling in love, as she notes his kindness to her step sister.  It is at this call that Benedict inadvertantly, and unknowingly, gives away Sophie's secret to Araminta, leading to Sophie being removed from the household, not before the viewers learn that Sophie has been working as a maid without being paid  

Image Credit: Netflix

The episode ends with Benedict and Sophie crossing paths again at the home of Philip Cavender, the son of Sophie's new employer. This is Benedict's hero moment, but Sophie is not some damsel in distress, as we see Sophie save another maid from attack and becomes the target of the men, which is where Benedict steps in to save Sophie, but again inadvertantly getting her fired again.  The episode ends as Sophie leaves with Benedict, who has promised to find her a new job. 

One of the themes for this season that is emerging is that of power dynamics in relationships.  Not only do we see this played out with Sophie, but also between the Queen and Lady Danbury.  The Queen forbids Lady Danbury from leaving, reminding her that Lady Danbury is a subject, while Lady Danbury had thought of them as friends.  I have mixed views on this storyline however.  Despite the storyline being a parallel to that of the main storyline with the imbalances of power in relationships I feel that it could have been executed better, or perhaps utilised other characters, such as Violet and Mrs Wilson. 

Highs: 

• Sophie's relationships with the other servants in Penwood House, and her interactions with Posy
• Araminta.  I have to say she is a wonderful villain, and I hope their is no redemption for her.  Katie Leung is embracing the role wonderfully.  
• Posy and Rosamund.  These two are so different, and played so well by Isabella Weir and Michelle Mao, I am really liking their scenes.  Despite Rosamund being a bully and mean girl, the portrayal of Rosamund is done so wonderfully that you can't help but like her despite her meanness.  Posy is a delight, and so wonderfully innocent, I can't wait to see scenes with Posy and Hyacinth, I think they can be great friends, if Bridgerton will keep Posy in the show.  
• Seeing Sophie wear a shift under her stays.  
• The flashbacks for Sophie.  This is something that should have been done for Kate in season 2, and the fact it was missing left a lot of unanswered questions and lack of context for a lot of Kate's motivations.  Doing this for Sophie gives context to her storyline, her past, and her character development.  

Lows: 

• There was a lack of scenes that included the whole family, we got some one on one scenes with Benedict and Eloise, and Eloise and Hyacinth, but not to have the whole family in one scene gives the feeling that this season (as with seaosn 3) is losing the heart of the show and what made it good. 
• The need of the writers to bash us over the head with the 'Penelope Bridgerton' lines.  We know that Penelope is a Bridgerton, but I must question why they feel the need to make sure the viewers know this, it doesn't give great optics when they have done everything to remove Kate from the family and make it clear that Kate is an outsider and not in the inner circle.  
• The writers have let down the show a bit with the characterisation of Eloise.  There is so much to explore of the character from season 1 and season 2 that they have just abandoned, instead turning Eloise into some caricature of the spoiled rich girl.  

Mixed: 

• Makeup. After criticism of the heavy makeup from last season the team was changed, however, it isn't all for the better.  While some of the characters have good, and appropriate, makeup (Sophie), some is still looks heavy (Penelope), and others is just bad.  Eloise looks washed out in a lot of scenes and I am not sure if this is the makeup or the lighting, but it just does not do anything for the character or the actress.