Finally, the wait is over! After nearly two years of pining, Thursday, Jan. 29, officially marks our return to the Ton as Bridgerton Season 4 makes its grand debut on Netflix.
While the previous season gave us the “Polin” romance we all craved, this new chapter shifts the spotlight to the bohemian second son, Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson).
Step aside, wallflowers, this season is leaning into a sweeping, Cinderella-inspired fairy tale. The premiere introduces us to the captivating Sophie Baek (played by the talented Yerin Ha), the mysterious “Lady in Silver” who is about to turn Benedict’s world upside down. Between a high-stakes masquerade ball, the return of our favorites from Scotland, and Queen Charlotte’s thirst for fresh gossip, Episode 1, titled “The Waltz,” delivers everything we love about this series and more.
If you missed a single lingering look or a sharp-tongued remark from Lady Whistledown, don’t worry, we’ve broken down every major moment of the premiere below.
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains a detailed play-by-play of the Bridgerton Season 4 premiere, ‘The Waltz.’ Proceed with caution if you haven’t watched yet!
Inside This Episode: Every Scandal from ‘The Waltz’
A Family Reunited
The season begins with an intimate look at the Bridgerton household. While Violet Bridgerton meticulously prepares for her children’s return, the camera pulls back to reveal the bustling “downstairs” staff, a nod to the show’s evolving social dynamics. The house fills with life as Eloise, Francesca, and John Stirling return from their time in Scotland.
The gathering also features Penelope and Colin showing off their new baby, alongside a proud Lady Featherington. We learn in a brief exposition that Kate and Anthony have welcomed their own child in India, confirming that the couple will be absent for the start of the season.
Benedict’s Bohemian Habits
The festive mood is dampened slightly by Benedict’s absence. Violet tracks him down to find him in the middle of a scandalous morning-after following a ménage à trois. Fed up with his “rake” reputation, Violet reminds him that his behavior reflects on his unmarried sisters. She insists he attend her upcoming masquerade ball, making it clear that his days of avoiding the marriage mart are numbered.
The Queen’s New Game
Across town, Queen Charlotte is restless. Frustrated that Lady Danbury isn’t hosting the season opener, she turns her attention to Penelope (Lady Whistledown). Rather than waiting for the printed column, the Queen demands a private, “live” performance of the gossip, signaling a new, high-stakes relationship between the monarch and the writer.
The Lady in Silver
As the masquerade begins, a mysterious newcomer named Sophie Baek arrives via carriage. Her driver warns her to remain inconspicuous and vanish before the clock strikes midnight. Once inside, Sophie is overwhelmed by the opulence and briefly spooked by a familiar trio in the crowd.
A Hunt for a Suitor
Queen Charlotte decides to flip the script this year. Instead of crowning a “Diamond” among the debutantes, she decides to hunt for a “Suitor of the Season.” Her eyes land on Benedict, who is currently failing at his mother’s request to mingle with the eligible ladies, including the daughters of the ambitious Lady Penwood, who already have Benedict in their sights.
The Midnight Encounter
Benedict’s night changes when he spots Sophie. To save her from an unwanted dance partner, he pretends he’s been holding her dance card. Though Sophie claims she cannot dance, Benedict leads her to a secluded terrace.
In the moonlight, they share a deep connection. Sophie challenges his “shallow water” existence, noting that she feels like an outsider despite her stunning appearance. Benedict is charmed to find someone who doesn’t immediately treat him like a prize to be won. After a brief, impromptu dance lesson and a passionate midnight kiss, the clock tolls. Sophie flees, leaving behind a single silver glove.
After the Ball
- The Reveal: Sophie returns to her reality, swapping her gown for a maid’s uniform. It’s revealed she works for Lady Penwood, whose daughter, Rosamund, is delusional enough to believe she was the one who captured Benedict’s heart.
- The Wager: Queen Charlotte makes a literal bet with Penelope: the Queen wagers she can get Benedict married off this year, while Penelope, knowing Benedict’s stubborn nature, is skeptical.
- The Fallout: Lady Danbury shocks the Queen by announcing her intention to retire from society to travel, a move the Queen flatly refuses to permit.
The episode ends with Sophie hiding her glove beneath her bed, while Benedict remains haunted by the memory of the woman in silver, unaware that the Queen is about to make him the most hunted man in London.
