<<<SPOILERS INCOMING>>>
If you’re looking for my seasonal Bridgerton reviews, you can find them on RogerEbert: Part 1 | Part 2. These are my notes in real-time. Basically, my episode-by-episode first reactions, raw and unfiltered. Are you ready, dearest gentle readers? It’s time to ball.
Yes or No – Episode 405
A mysterious—let’s call her wicked—new neighbor rattles the Bridgerton House. Upstairs and downstairs. Hyacinth and Gregory take their first real steps into society (prepare for ridiculous cuteness). While Penelope grapples with what it means to lose her anonymity.
Violet and Lord Anderson:
Ooh, Violet, I love this for you. There is nothing in this world like a well-attended garden, or a gardener who knows how to make the most of his tools.
Alfie:
That’s it. Just Alfie.
That Extreme Close-up
I’m trying not to think things, things like, “Why would they do this?” or “An old-fashioned razor shave and a dewy finish, please.” Luke is an attractive and charming man, but this is not a sexy zoom and pan. Perhaps her gaze could have lingered on his strong but artistic hands, or the dashing sweep of his shoulders, the devil-may-care sauciness of his tie, the rise and fall of his chest—letting her know he yearns for her. Perhaps a bit of lip balm.
Will‘s words of wisdom:
“But, no matter her rank, no woman, no man, no person truly desires to be hidden.“
“How can a woman trust you to navigate a complicated life with her, when she cannot trust you even to navigate her feelings?”
Mrs. Wilson’s facial expressions. All of them.
Lady Penwood:
Realizing that all this buildup for the unseen Lady Penwood could only be leading to one person.
Benedict says, “not just yet,” to a drunken bender, when he’s really talking about not giving up on Sophie.
John and Hazel. Oh my feelings.
Sophie, discovering Luke’s, I mean, Benedict’s drawings.
Sophie asks, “Why do you find it suitable to kiss me?” She’s not wrong; this woman wants her man’s respect.
The Recital:
Hyacinth is so happy, and they’re all so cute. Pass the lemonade, please. Gregory tries so hard with Baby Quinta Brunson (Miss Rochelle).
Francesca x Michaela:
They finally get honest with each other, fight it out, and the foundation of their friendship begins.
Benedict and Hyacinth dance together.
“I’m here for you.”
“You hurt me.”
“Every moment of every day, there is not a single moment you do not fill my mind… the thought of spending a single day without you, torments my soul.”
“You have taken possession of me.”
“You’re the person I’ve been searching for all my life.“
Lose Control
In the unbearable heat of all those confessions, Benedict and Sophie get into some back cracking over a Vitamin C version of “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims. Ooh, girl.
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