Bridgerton gets its mojo back in season 4

Benedict meets his match with Sophie, whom he encounters as a mysterious woman in a radiant gown (shout-out to costume designer John Glaser) at a masquerade ball hosted by his mother. It takes only this meet-cute for the Bridgerton family’s free-spirited second son to fall for her luminous personality and wit, even if he doesn’t know her true identity yet and dubs her the “lady in silver.” The two escape his family’s party to waltz in the garden and share personal thoughts, forging a strong connection and a kiss that neither wants to forget. The catch? Benedict is a member of the upper echelons of London society, while Sophie works as a maid under the strict rule of her overbearing stepmother (played by Harry Potter‘s Katie Leung). So even though he searches all over for his lady, Sophie is afraid to reveal her true self, fearing rejection and retaliation. 

A Cinderella-esque love story (based on Julia Quinn’s An Offer From A Gentleman) allows Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell (Scandal) to expand this world beyond the posh promenades, lavish mansions, and glamorous outfits. Season four pulls the curtain back on the class system that divides Mayfair, exploring how the servants are treated in households and how their work impacts wealthy citizens. In trademark style, though, the commentary here is often goofy. Then again, in many ways, Bridgerton is pure escapism served with a side of coming-of-age stories that rely on sex. Sophie, who seeks a fantasy of her own, is rooted in reality for the most part. After years of being mistreated, she’s aware that she doesn’t have a standing but longs for a supportive family. Benedict represents that, but upon meeting him, she ends up finding her voice as well. Ha (Halo, Dune: Prophecy) delivers an impressive turn as a romantic lead, convincingly essaying Sophie’s dilemmas, morals, and emotional truths. She’s also just very funny and charming, going toe-to-toe with Thompson throughout. 

Along with their romance, season four has a few other arcs that are successful to varying degrees. Having been exposed as the gossip writer Lady Whistledown, Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) forms an intriguing friendship with Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel). But this raises questions about Whistledown’s purpose and whether Bridgerton might be better off without its signature author (unless the show wants to keep Julie Andrews on its roster for voiceovers until the end). Bridgerton matriarch Violet (Ruth Gemmell) deepens her own romantic relationship in a moving subplot, while Francesca’s (Hannah Dodd) marital life and strife get teed up for a spotlight later on. But volume one, with its staunch focus on Benedict and Sophie’s undeniable bond (complete with a steamy hookup that sets the stage for more drama when the show returns in February), is just what the doctor ordered.    

Saloni Gajjar is The A.V. Club‘s TV critic. Bridgerton season four, volume one premieres January 29 on Netflix.