Another romance story is brewing, as season 4 of the Netflix series Bridgerton has begun. Season 3 focused on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, while their friendship faced hardships and Penelope juggled her alter ego— Lady Whistledown. This season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton’s love story with Sophie Baek. 

The episode begins with the Bridgertons preparing for their masquerade ball. The manor is in chaos as food is prepared and furniture and decorations are adjusted. Eloise and Francesca return home from a trip to Scotland, while Colin and Penelope come back with their baby boy. Lady Violet realizes that Benedict isn’t home and finds him at his bachelor pad with women in the bedroom. She forces him to get dressed and leave with her. 

Later on, he apologizes for his absence. She’s concerned that if he keeps up with the drinking, partying, and other habits, his reputation will be ruined. She’s ready for him to be focused on finding his wife. Benedict complains that he has yet to find the perfect woman. 

Penelope visits Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury. They still have a deal, with Penelope continuing as Lady Whistledown. 

It’s the next day, and everyone is getting ready for the ball. A new face, Sophie, has arrived at the Bridgerton’s home. She struggles to fit in, not used to these high-society events. Lady Danbury hugs her dear friend, Violet, as she compliments the scenery. Marcus Anderson comes over to speak with them and notices that he and his sister have both dressed as the same character, Zeus. 

Charlotte makes her entrance. She asks for Penelope straight away, and the two of them discuss who might be of interest for this year, not wanting to focus on any of the ladies this time, but rather a bachelor. She chooses Benedict. 

Violet is introduced to Lady Penwood’s daughters —Rosamund Li and Posy. The two girls have their eyes set on Benedict, with their mother wanting one of them to have the Bridgerton name. 

As soon as Benedict walks in, Violet finds him and makes him talk to the debutantes. 

While walking away from talking to a few ladies, Benedict watches Sophie as she admires the chandelier on the ceiling. He immediately chooses to dance with her. She tells him she cannot dance, so they leave the dancefloor to get to know each other more privately. 

Lady Danbury tells Charlotte she’s stepping down from her position, wanting to take time for herself. She is choosing to leave once the season is over. Charlotte tells her no, immediately shutting Danbury’s decision down. 

Benedict takes Sophie to the garden. Sophie realizes he’s a Bridgerton, and he’s shocked that she didn’t recognize him. He begins asking her multiple questions, and she gives him one-word answers. She asks him why he hasn’t told her about himself, and he’s honest with her— all of the debutantes are interested in him because of his name, not who he is. The two of them share a dance alone as he teaches her the steps of a slow dance. The midnight bells ring, and she rushes off with no explanation, but not without kissing him. 

Benedict runs off to look for her, but she’s nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, she comes back home and immediately takes her attire off, jumping back into her regular clothes. We find out that she’s Lady Penwood’s maid. 

Overall, this was a great way to start the new season. It seems as though Benedict has a lot to prove to himself and to his family before the season ends, which could come quickly for him. It was nice to see all of the familiar faces again. Luke Thompson’s role as Benedict has always been captivating, and the scene of him and Sophie in the garden was mysteriously romantic, making us eager to see more.  It’s exciting to now have Benedict’s season come to play, which everyone’s been waiting for. 

Rating: 10/10