Key Highlights
- New Bridgerton series tackles the sexual experience gap between men and women.
- Francesca Bridgerton seeks advice from her female counterparts about female pleasure.
- Neurodivergent representation discussed among cast members.
- Benedict’s love life takes a Cinderella twist with newcomer Sophie.
- Lady Danbury faces challenges to her friendship with Queen Charlotte.
The Reality of the Regency Romance
Why can’t women have experience? The fourth season of Bridgerton, hitting Netflix on January 29 and February 26, 2024, tackles this age-old question. Emma Saunders, a culture reporter, delves into the complex dynamics of sexual experiences in Regency England.
Francesca’s Bedroom Dilemma
Francesca Bridgerton, now Lady Kilmartin, returns from her Highland honeymoon to find herself at a loss. She and John Stirling are struggling with their intimate connection due to the knowledge gap between men and women of their time. “It was really nice to see Francesca leaning on her female counterparts,” says Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca. “Men were allowed to have experience, but not women.”
Francesca’s quest for information highlights a crucial conversation that needs to happen: “Unless you can have those conversations, I don’t understand how women were meant to get this information.“
Bridgerton and Neurodivergent Representation
Julia Quinn, the writer of Bridgerton, discussed neurodivergent representation in a previous interview. While Francesca was not initially written as such, some autistic fans see themselves in her character. “It’s really important that everybody sees themselves represented on that screen,” says Dodd.
Benedict’s Love Story
Meanwhile, the main focus of this season is Benedict Bridgerton and his new love interest, Sophie. The series takes us into a Cinderella-style narrative in the servants’ quarters. “We’ve never seen the downstairs world of Bridgerton before… and the real problems that those characters have to face,” says Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie.
Queen Charlotte’s Struggle
The Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury relationship is put to the test when Charlotte refuses to let Lady Danbury go on holiday. “I do think that women do a lot of facilitating,” adds Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury. “But taking the time to go, ‘hello, what do I like? What do I think?’ It’s not a habit that we’re generally used to exercising.”
Bridgerton continues its mission to bring fresh talent and new stories to its loyal audience.
