Bridgerton has returned, and part 1 of season 4 has everyone talking, but the real talk of the ton is Francesca’s “pinnacle” problem.

Netflix’s period drama became a smash hit and is adapted from Julia Quinn’s novels. Season 4 was adapted from Quinn’s novel titled An Offer From A Gentleman and focuses on the second-born son, Benedict Bridgerton (played by Luke Thompson), as he falls head over heels for a mystery girl who turns out to be Sophie Baek (played by Yerin Ha).

Hannah Dodd and Victor Alli as Lady and Lord Kilmartin in Bridgerton season 4
Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Bridgerton’s showrunner Jess Brownwell spoke with Variety about all things Benedict and Sophie, but also Francesca (played by Hannah Dodd) as she tries to navigate being a newlywed, but struggles to adapt and reach her pinnacle when she’s intimate with her husband, John (played by Victor Alli).

I think it’s probably a combination of the fact that it is a common problem and also a problem that feels really specific to who Francesca is as a character. I wouldn’t say it’s about John versus Michaela necessarily, but I think Fran is someone who is not in touch with herself, literally or metaphorically, and that may be part of the reason she’s unable to orgasm.

In season 4, part 1, we see Francesca attempt to get information from the women closest to her, including her mother, Violet Bridgerton, and her new sister-in-law, Penelope. However, Violet has tried and failed before with her daughter Daphne, who was the diamond of the season in season 1 of Bridgerton.

Francesca’s story has yet to fully begin in the book When He Was Wicked, and its plot has yet to develop. It’s unclear which season of Shonda Rhimes’ romance will be focused on Francesca, but it’s clear they are building to some kind of pinnacle for the audience, as they will see more of the character and her new husband, and what could happen with John’s cousin Michaela.

Bridgerton season 4, part 1, is available to stream on Netflix now, and part 2 will be released on February 26.

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Release Date

December 22, 2020

Network

Netflix

Directors

Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson

Headshot Of Luke Thompson

Luke Thompson

Lady Violet Bridgerton

Headshot oF Ruth Gemmell

Ruth Gemmell

Benedict Bridgerton


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