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.