The Season of Love has begun! Bridgerton season 4, volume 1 finally dropped on Netflix, and fans from around the world are ready to binge the love story of Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek. We’re also ready to check in on how things are going for the other siblings and members of the ton.
CAUTION: This post contains SPOILERS about Bridgerton season 4 volume 1.
Though it’s been a long wait, it’s worthwhile to see how the characters have grown, both in real-life and on screen. The first four episodes have not disappointed! Let’s take a look at some moments that brought warmth to our hearts in all the ways we hoped this season would.
1. Benedict and Sophie meet at the masquerade ball
This moment is on the list for obvious reasons — after all, it’s the romance of the season. As you may know, each season of Bridgerton is inspired by one of the eight Bridgerton siblings and their quest for marriage. For season four, the lucky suitor is Benedict, the second oldest by birth order, but the fifth sibling to marry in the show.
Benedict has spent several seasons on the dating market but has a tough time finding someone who is genuine enough for him. While most of the ‘ton has given up on his willingness to settle down, his mother, Violet, has not backed down! She insists that he hasn’t found the right person. Judging by the way Benedict reacts to his first glimpse of Sophie at the Bridgerton masquerade, his mom is absolutely right.
Benedict is caught quite off guard by Sophie’s humble demeanor, mysterious appearance, and lack of general social experience. Though she is beautiful as well, it’s a special moment for Benedict because her beauty is not what draws him in. Their first meeting is just as magical as in the book, and fans are eager to see how the "Cinderella story" will unfold throughout the season. We can tell that Benedict doesn’t plan on mucking up his chance to get to know the “woman in silver”.
2. Violet has 'evening tea' with Lord Marcus Anderson
In the first batch of episodes of Bridgerton season 4, we get an update on Violet Bridgerton and Lord Marcus’s slow-burning romance. Violet still very much misses her late husband, Edmund, and isn’t shy about communicating this to Lord Marcus. However, she is coming to the realization that she is ready for intimate companionship again. With some encouragement from her maid, Violet is able to set up a special, private ‘evening tea’ with Lord Marcus.
Everything goes according to plan with the tea, and the romantic sparks are just as Violet had been hoping for (spicy and sweet)! Fans everywhere are cheering Violet on! She has always hoped for love matches for her children, and it’s only fair that she gets to experience the same too.
Before she knows it, all eight of her children will be married with responsibilities and lives of their own. There is no time like the present to test out a courtship with Lord Marcus, without the pressure of the public eye.
3. Hyacinth prepares for her debutante years on Bridgerton
In season 4, we finally get to engage more with the youngest daughter, Hyacinth. She hasn’t made her debut yet, but she is preparing most enthusiastically. She looks up to her older sister, Francesca, and desires to have a house and husband of her own. She takes her dance lessons with pride, even going so far as to sneak into the masquerade ball.
Hyacinth tries to open up to Eloise — the last of her sisters to leave home — but Eloise is dismissive and bitter about the idea of marriage. Violet believes that Eloise hasn’t met the right person yet, just like Benedict, though Eloise is determined to stay "on the shelf." Hyacinth’s appearance leads me to wonder if any young suitor will catch her eye before the season ends.
4. Gregory has his first shave
In the last episode of volume 1, the Bridgerton family welcomes Gregory home from Eton College, where he has been engaging in his studies. The focus momentarily shifts from Benedict to Gregory when the family takes notice of his growing facial hair.
Colin and Benedict lovingly join Gregory for his first shave, signaling his preparedness to be a husband someday. One theme in the show that stays true to the books is the strong sibling bond that the Bridgerton children have, despite losing their father while most of them were still very young. Though they are wealthy, they are humble, respectful, and very well-rounded young adults.
5. Eloise and Benedict bond over singleness on Bridgerton
Eloise has jokingly referred to Benedict as her favorite brother, but we do see a special connection between the two of them this season. Benedict is tasked by his mother with making Eloise meet suitors, but he is too consumed with his own affairs to take the matter too seriously. He shows a gentle support for Eloise in taking her time to find the right person, or even not marrying at all.
Still, Eloise is a little heartbroken when she realizes that Benedict is serious about finding the "woman in silver," with the intention of pursuing marriage with her. She thought the two of them would bond forever in choosing to stay unmarried. Add that to the stinging fact that Penelope, Eloise’s best friend, is also enjoying married life, and Eloise feels alone in her decision. Benedict encourages her by saying that he’s probably not getting married anytime soon. Eloise's season is next, so we are very much invested in how her journey will shift!
While there are still quite a few loose ends to tie this season, sadly, we must wait almost another month to see how these stories play out. For now, we wait in suspense and hope that true love will continue to prevail for the Bridgerton family.
Bridgerton season 4 volume 1 is now streaming on Netflix, and volume 2 will release on Thursday, Feb. 26.