February Part 1 - Bridgerton season 4

 

Part 1 was released in late January and I binged all 4 episodes the same day, but didn't have time to write about it until now.

I've watched the series since it began in 2020, but have only read 2 books so far - Romancing Mr. Bridgerton ( Colin and Penelope's story ), and An Offer From A Gentleman ( Benedict and Sophie's story ).

Benedict quickly became my favourite early in season 1, even though I had no background information about the character.

Wonderfully portrayed by Luke Thompson, he radiates warmth and playfulness, in contrast to the intense Anthony and introspective Colin, and was the main reason I read An Offer From A Gentleman.

While it's true that Julia Quinn models it after Cinderella, there're enough additional elements to make it unique. Her skill as a writer made me swoon from beginning to end. 😊

A few features make Benedict and Sophie's story stand out from the rest:

He falls in love with someone whose identity he doesn't know.

The bulk of their romance takes place away from the glare of society, allowing it to develop much more naturally.

There's a significant class disparity, which makes the offer of marriage ( initially ) impossible.

Of course, we know there will be a happy ending, and I can attest that it is also a very satisfying one.

Moving on to the series adaptation - how faithful is it to the source material?

I would say that it follows the book quite closely, with a few tweaks here and there.

I recall that Benedict rescued Sophie from being almost raped by a group of drunken noblemen, but the sexual assault part was absent from the show.

Benedict also developed a fever due to influenza, but this was changed to an infected wound which was inflicted when he went to Sophie's aid.

The countryside portion is substantial and, in my opinion, the most enjoyable part of the story, because it offers the couple complete privacy and time to have meaningful interactions without external interference.

The novel is also especially revealing about Benedict's immense kindness and chivalry, which is much better appreciated on the page ( more descriptive ) compared to the screen.

I read it 2 years ago so my memory's a bit hazy. But I'm planning to read it again soon.

Next, the lead actors.

I was so pleased when Korean-Australian Yerin Ha was announced for Sophie's role, and she has proven to be an excellent choice.

She has incredible on-screen chemistry with Luke, and I've been rewatching key moments multiple times because they're really quite magical.

Right now, the lake scene is my favourite. 

To be honest, I don't recall reading this in the novel ( my brain isn't what it used to be ) so I can't comment on its accuracy. But it's a lovely, cheeky ( pun intended ) interlude, and that kiss is spec-ta-cu-lar. 😍

There's currently a lot of heated online debate over Benedict's "Be my mistress" offer, which to me, is ludicrous since it was in the book and isn't unreasonable considering societal expectations at the time.

However, as I said, rest assured that things will end well. 

Yes, Benedict will marry Sophie. Everyone, please relax!

For the first time, the season is being released in 2 parts, and fan anticipation has hit fever pitch.

The latest teaser shows a famous bathtub scene, which I also don't remember haha. What's going on with my brain cells... 😅

Anyway, I will post about Part 2 in early March. Stay tuned!