Connect with us

Entertainment

Abused Fans Lash Out Over Review Bombing Accusations, Hit The Wrong Target

Published

on

Abused Fans Lash Out Over Review Bombing Accusations, Hit The Wrong Target

By Jennifer Asencio
| Published

An article about Starfleet Academy has faced backlash from fans who were misled by its headline. The drama caused by the headline is almost worthy of its own Star Trek show, especially with Alex Kurtzman at the helm. The piece was a response to recent statements made by a Star Trek insider about the state of the show and its fandom.

Last week, franchise veteran Christopher Cushman made a post on X in which he implied that negative reviews of Starfleet Academy were made by a coordinated effort to sabotage the show. He also threatened that “negative review bombing of Academy likely to end the possibility of shows like Legacy as well put Star Trek into 10-15 years hiatus [sic].” By thus indicating that criticisms of the show are being made in bad faith, his claim is that all fans will be punished with no Star Trek at all.

In a That Park Place article by Marvin Montanaro, titled “Star Trek Artist Warns Fans That ‘Review Bombing’ Starfleet Academy Could End the Franchise,” the site called Cushman’s bluff, making the counterclaim that maybe a hiatus wouldn’t be so bad. He pointed to the long break between the original series and The Next Generation as evidence that a hiatus can give a franchise time to refresh while avoiding the fatigue of too much content from a single universe. He also highlighted that the show’s viewership reflects these negative reviews, despite its acclaim from critics.

Advertisement

The backlash stemmed from the use of the term “review bombing” in the title. Although it is in “scare quotes,” suggesting that the article is skeptical of this claim, many Star Trek fans dissatisfied with Alex Kurtzman’s guidance of the franchise and this show in particular thought the article agreed that the show was being review-bombed.

Creators Declare War On Their Own Viewers, Fans Revolt

This couldn’t be further from the truth, but the reaction is understandable. Starfleet Academy is not the only property to have accused dissatisfied fans of artificially inflating a show’s bad reviews, rather than acknowledging that maybe viewers don’t like the show.

After taunting Star Wars fans that The Acolyte would “make them cry,” show creator Leslye Headland blamed sexism and homophobia for the show failing to draw audiences. This ignored criticisms of significant changes to franchise lore that diminished the struggles of established characters. The show was also criticized for what viewers felt was forced inclusivity and overpowered female characters.

Legitimate Examples Of Review Bombing

In 2019, a review-bombing war broke out between fans of Battle Angel: Alita and Captain Marvel. Fans who liked the anime movie better were accused of sexism and attempting to artificially deflate the Marvel movie.

Advertisement

There is even a current review bombing war taking place between fans of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Breaking Bad. When Breaking Bad fans left bad reviews of an episode of the Game of Thrones spinoff, so many Westeros fans review-bombed the older show that its IMDB rating for its pinnacle episode, “Ozymandias,” was reduced from a perfect 10 to a 9.5. The episode had held that rating for over a decade.

Review Bombing Accusations Are Used To Shield Creators From The Consequences Of Their Actions

It’s not that fans can’t be petty and leave bad reviews, but the idea that modern shows that perform badly are not being watched because of bad-faith reviews is a way of dismissing criticism rather than admitting a property isn’t connecting with fans. It’s a lazy way of handwaving what fans want, becoming increasingly common as more shows become about “the message” and “representation” than about story or characters. Many video games, books, and even music albums have also used the tactic of blaming negative reviews on bigotry rather than on fan dissatisfaction.

Cushman himself stated that he’d rather ignore dissatisfied fans. He finished his two-post tweet on X with, “…if you don’t like it, don’t watch!” Apparently, fans are supposed to simply stay silent about what they don’t like about a show rather than offer feedback about franchises and properties they love.

Fans Misunderstood That Park Place

However, the knee-jerk reaction of long-abused fans got it wrong when it comes to That Park Place. The site was not supporting Cushman’s notions about review bombing and listed several other reasons the show hasn’t succeeded. The backlash they received was from people who believed otherwise and criticized the site’s X account for allegedly claiming that the negative reviews were made in bad faith. It was clear these naysayers hadn’t read the article and only judged it by its title.

This reaction is an example of how sensitive viewers have become since their criticisms of unpopular properties are dismissed by producers and showrunners. Slop eaters will always enthusiastically promote their favorite bad shows, and plenty of entertainment is being served to them by creators who want their easy money. But viewers who are tired of slop are being decried, so studios can continue developing the content they want, not what audiences want.

Advertisement

It’s no wonder people reacted badly to a headline that sounded like it supports this callous view. Most fans are not reviewing these shows in bad faith, as their viewing numbers demonstrate. It’s condescending to be told that if we don’t like something, it’s because of our moral character and not a lack of quality in the product.


Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Vote in our poll: Which type of “Survivor” day 1 marooning is best?

Published

on


The battle for day 1 dominance is officially on!

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Fans React After He Apparently Changes Tattoo

Published

on

New Ink! The Net Notices NBA YoungBoy’s “Jania” Tattoo Now Says “Jazlyn” Amid His Recent PSA About His Wife (VIDEO +PICS)

NBA YoungBoy has made it clear time and time again that he doesn’t play about his wife, Jazlyn Mychelle. The rapper recently returned to the internet with a warning for anyone mentioning her. While he was addressing that, fans on the other side of the net noticed that one of the tattoos on his head appears to have changed.

RELATED: Congrats! NBA YoungBoy & Jazlyn Mychelle Confirm Arrival Of Their Third Child With Sweet Delivery Room Footage (WATCH)

NBA YoungBoy Releases A PSA For Anyone Mentioning His Wife 

On the heels of welcoming his 13th child, his third with his wife, NBA YoungBoy returned to the internet with a message. On Monday, the rapper took to Instagram with a warning for the haters while also showing love to his partner. He even shared a little relationship advice, letting the world know how married life has been treating him. He stated, “Stop that b**** a** s***! Stop hating on me. Keep Jazlyn’s name out your mouth.” He went on to say, “Why you think I’m so lit? Why you think I’m so motivated?”

YoungBoy made it clear that it all comes down to the partner you choose, telling people they better choose wisely.

Fans Notice That NBA YoungBoy’s “Jania” Tattoo Now Says “Jazlyn”

While some fans reacted to his message, others tuned in to his latest music video, ‘Another Episode.’ After its release, photos began circulating online, including a zoomed-in image of his face. Many noticed that one of his “Jania” tattoos, referencing his ex and the mother of one of his sons, now appears to say “Jazlyn.”

Advertisement

That left many on X in a frenzy, as some couldn’t believe their eyes. One person tweeted, “YB done replaced Jania’s name on his face, now I gotta really let my ex go. We  in this together.” Another wrote, “This can’t be the end of Kentrell n Jania broooo.”

Some fans even referenced his lyric from his 2018 song “Changes,” where he raps, “No, I won’t never take her name off my face,” while reminiscing on the past. Still, others were happy to see him moving on. One user tweeted, “I’m so happy YB finally letting Jania go for 4life!!! Ik Jania happy tooo!! They both happy,” while another added, “Some people just have to get over YB and Jania.”

Jania previously addressed the chatter, urging fans to stop linking them romantically. She clarified that they’ve both moved on and only co-parent their son.

Social Media Reacts 

Fans flooded the comments as they caught up on what NBA YoungBoy has been up to under The Shade Room Teens. Many loved his message about Jazlyn and said they’re happy to see him happy. As for the tattoo change, some didn’t know how to feel about it. A few admitted it’s hard to let go of him and Jania, while others said it’s time to move on since he’s married. Still, some fans aren’t ready to let it go just yet.

Advertisement

Instagram user @_queennnn_ wrote, “He defending her in public. I love it!”

Instagram user @igobywest added, “He’s really saying that he has a strong woman behind him and that’s the reason why he’s on top the way that he is and he feels amazing by the way 🔥

While Instagram user @prettysituation_ wrote, “We really want yaya to understand he’s talkin about her”

Instagram user @noiglexus wrote, “they weird dab 😂 nih is married nb worried about Jania & yb nm ts so overrrr with 😂”

Advertisement

Instagram user @dazannanco_  added, “Welp they both did move on but what a timeeee tho”

While Instagram user @beautynlashed.bychas wrote, “’turning a bihh name into another one’ is sooo funny 😂😂😂

Instagram user @2buckzdgaf wrote, “Please be so fr, he’s not done with her. He just covering it to ‘respect’ his wife”

Instagram user @missingkyra added, “remove the other 4 tattoos so we can know you over her free”

Advertisement

While Instagram user @diana_twin534 wrote, “Say wat yall want, he Love his wife. Behind closed doors we don’t know wat the discussion is bout other Females. This is a message bout having a PARTNER.”

RELATED: The Girlies Are Fighting! Yaya Mayweather & Mellow Rackz Trade SHOTS After NBA YoungBoy’s Wife Shows Off Massive Ring Upgrade

What Do You Think Roomies?

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Aaron Carter’s Mom Claims His Ex Made ‘Illegal’ Withdrawals From Accounts, Ex Denies

Published

on

aaron carter melanie martin  Jane Schneck getty comp

Aaron Carter’s Mom
Claims Pop Star’s Ex Took Money From His Accounts
Melanie Martin Denies Allegation

Published

Advertisement


Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Natalie Nunn Clocks Claressa’s Shields Boxing Moves (WATCH)

Published

on

Clip Of Natalie Nunn Clocking Claressa Shields' Boxing Moves During Match Against Franchón Crews-Dezurn Has Internet Users Crackin' UP

A clip of Natalie Nunn clocking Claressa Shields‘ boxing moves during her match against Franchón Crews-Dezurn has internet users crackin’ UP.

RELATED: Claressa Shields Explains Heated Weigh-In With Franchón Crews-Dezurn As The Internet Reacts To Papoose Poppin’ Off (VIDEOS)

More On The Clip Of Natalie Nunn Clocking Claressa Shields’ Boxing Moves During Match Against Franchón Crews-Dezurn

On Monday, February 23, a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, took to the platform to share a clip from the stands at Shields’ match against Crews-Dezurn. Furthermore, the clip was captioned, Natalie Nunn was taking notes at the Claressa shields fight…”

Additionally, it showed Nunn intently watching Shields while recording her jabs against Franchón Crews-Dezurn. The clip ultimately gained 1.7 million views and even caught a reaction from Shields, who appeared amused by Nunn.

Peep the clip and Claressa Shields’ reaction below.

Advertisement

Internet Users Are Crackin’ Up As Natalie Nunn Reacts

Internet users were crackin’ UP in reaction to the clip in TSR’s comment section.

Instagram user @okaynadj wrote, She’s so unintentionally funny”

While Instagram user @josephhamir added,THE LITTLE SMIRK YO I’M FRIED 😂 She’s plotting on somebody”

Instagram user @themeganbaca wrote, 😂 Me after saying ‘It ain’t really our business.’”

Advertisement

While Instagram user @__nosila added,She gon show that to the baddies and tell them to act it out 😂”

Instagram user @bryce.x.o wrote, Nat be so funny without even trying sometimes 😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @iamshabba_ added, Not playing no games 🤣 nobody about to come for her at no more reunions 🤏🏾 lol”

Instagram user @thatboyflossy wrote, She knows how to become a meme without even trying💀💀”

Advertisement

While Instagram user @stephonchristopher added, Nat was locked tf in she must’ve put a bet in 😂😂”

Instagram user @thereallexi3_ wrote, 😂😂😂😂😂she put money on shields that’s all !!”

While Instagram user @_amberiaaaa added, who tfuck recorded her 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭”

Instagram user @msvictoriacherie wrote, That takes 20+ years of training Natalie 😅”

Advertisement

Additionally, even Natalie Nunn stepped in to provide more context:

“😂😂😂😂 🤦🏽‍♀️ I had money on the fight”

Furthermore, Chrisean Rock even dropped a reaction to the clip:

“😂😂😂😂😂”

More On Claressa Shields’ Boxing Match Against Franchón Crews-Dezurn Match

As The Shade Room previously reported, Claressa Shields and Franchón Crews-Dezurn faced off at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday, February 22. Ultimately, Shields defended her heavyweight champion title and won the match at a reported 100-90 score.

Afterwards, Shields continued to make headlines as she and Papoose stepped out to celebrate her big win.

Advertisement
RELATED: Victory Night! Claressa Shields & Papoose Hit The Club After She Defeated Franchón Crews-Dezurn & Retained Heavyweight Title

What Do You Think Roomies?

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

“Wicked” star Kristin Chenoweth stunned by freaky “Wizard of Oz” connection in family tree: 'That's nuts'

Published

on


“That makes you believe in fate,” said “Finding Your Roots” host Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Ray J Sparks Concern W/ Messages About Being Targeted (Video)

Published

on

Ray J Sparks Concern After Sharing Now-Deleted Messages About Allegedly Being Targeted: "Now You Trying To Kill Me" (VIDEO)

Ray J has sparked concern after sharing now-deleted messages about allegedly being targeted, accusing someone of “trying to kill” him.

RELATED: REPORT: Police Called To Ray J’s Los Angeles Home For Domestic Violence Incident Allegedly Involving Female Suspect

Ray J Shares Now-Deleted Messages About Allegedly Being Targeted, Accusing Someone Of “Trying To Kill Him”

On Tuesday, February 24, Ray J took to his Instagram account to share a now-deleted reel with his more than 2.9 million followers. Furthermore, Ray J shared a clip of his face close-up in the camera’s view. Over the clip were various text captions, which read:

“I DONT EVEN TALK ABOUT YOU!! – until you try to illegally bribe and bully me!! — now you trying to kill me! , drugging me and setting up traps!! – I have kids too.!! — SMH — my family from MISSISSIPPI! – YOU CAN NEVER TEAR DOWN THE BLACK CULTURE!! Or me!! Or my mom or my sister or GOD!!! … JAYZ LAWYER CANT HELP YOU H@E… I ready to WALK YOU DOWN H0E… YOUR LAWYER IS SCUM! —HE DON’T KNOW ME BUT I KNOW HE REPRESENTS LYERS AND CON ARTISTS LIKE YOU AND YOUR WHOLE GIG!!!”

Furthermore, the post also featured a message where Ray accused his target of stealing from him and his family.

Peep the concerning post and the caption he included alongside it below.

Advertisement

Ray J’s Messages Sparked Concern

Social media users shared concern for the singer in TSR’s comment section.

Instagram user @twoshotsofadri wrote, We have a mental health crisis in this country…”

While Instagram user @phenixrisin added, The sad part is something is really going on and everybody making jokes.”

Instagram user @itskitsovain wrote, I think we need Cam Newton to decode this.”

Advertisement

While Instagram user @igobyp.harris added, He done gave me a headache trying to decipher that message”

Instagram user @jazz_didit_ wrote,Kardashians? 🧐”

While Instagram user @impressive__t added, He been around Ye or something???”

Instagram user @vvsyoni wrote,lordt I knew this was about Kim K, even before I saw ‘canye’ 😭”

Advertisement

While Instagram user @body_n_building added, @herxaurax all I can see is ‘truth can’t be altered. Alex Spel is a p*sy sucker __ is a thief…I got _____… ye won’t even support me … my momma and b got my back tho”

Instagram user @phillysmostwnted wrote, I believe him !! But yall quick to call ppl crazy”

While Instagram user @greeneyedgyrl added, Why is he so obsessed with KimK & her family? It’s been OVER 20 years since they dated!!!”

Instagram user @kennethmangalindan wrote, He speaking hieroglyphics.”

Advertisement

While Instagram user @king.barbero added, If he’s in trouble, he’s the cause.. I can almost promise you that.. sad.”

Instagram user @pusha.dee wrote, Crazy because it actually makes sense. It’s a reason he prob wrote it like this….”

To note, about an hour after Ray shared the post, he wrote in his comment section:

“My momma said chill – I ain’t even started yet”

His Now-Deleted Messages About Allegedly Being Targeted & Accusing Someone Of “Trying To Kill Him” Arrived Amid Reports Regarding Kris Jenner

It remains unclear who Ray J’s message was intended for. However, it arrived amid new reports regarding Kris Jenner. As The Shade Room previously reported, in October 2025, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner hit the singer with a lawsuit. This was for his appearance on TMZ in May of that year, where he said he would believe it if the Kardashians were “being charged for racketeering.”

Advertisement

The following month, Ray J reportedly hit Kim Kardashian and her mother with his own lawsuit, per The Shade Room. He reportedly accused them of violating a previous order forbidding them from speaking about his and Kardashian’s 2003 NSFW tape. Ray reportedly argued that he’s owed $1 million in damages and seemingly wanted to reiterate that the tape was not leaked against Kardashian’s will.

Earlier this week, TMZ reported that Jenner updated her and Kardashian’s defamation suit against Ray with a declaration page accusing Ray of harassment.

“To say that my daughter and I are being pursued for doing something worse than Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, is a horrific lie,” Jenner reportedly wrote in the declaration. “… [o]ver the past two decades, I have had to watch [Ray J] publicly terrorize my daughter by continually talking, and lying, about her in the press to try and keep himself relevant.”

Jenner reportedly argued that Ray’s actions have caused Kardashian emotional distress.

“My family is of the utmost importance to me. It is deeply painful to watch my daughter experience the stress brought upon her by [Ray J], and her feelings of hopelessness and his harassment will never end,” she reportedly added.

As for herself, Jenner reportedly wrote that she is “deeply angered, insulted, and shaken by the accusations,” and fears Ray’s statements will harm her businesses.

Advertisement

“I took this step because I could no longer bear [Ray J’s] campaign of harassment against my daughter and my family or to watch my daughter cry again over the lies he’s painted about us,” she noted.

TMZ reports that earlier this month, Kardashian also filed her own declaration, stating that she fears her dream of becoming a lawyer will be ruined by the singer.

RELATED: Whew, Chile! Ray J Fires Back In New Lawsuit Against Kim Kardashian & Kris Jenner Over NSFW Tape

What Do You Think Roomies?

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Cheek of the Week — Paige VanZant Plows Through IG With Her Assets

Published

on

Cheek of the Week -- Paige VanZant Plows Through IG With Her Assets

TMZ locked in this week’s “Cheek of the Week” at first glance — these Paige VanZant hot bum shots will make you dance! Paige busted onto the scene fighting in the UFC over a decade ago … She’s definitely known for her fighting style and…

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Jimmy Kimmel slams Donald Trump's 'angry' State of the Union address: 'We have a nut job, wannabe king'

Published

on


The comedian compared Trump’s speech to a “Christmas message from the Grinch.”

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Everything You Need to Survive Mercury in Retrograde

Published

on

Amazon-Mercury-Retrograde-Survival-Kit-PRIMARY

Mercury In Retrograde
SURVIVAL KIT

Published

Advertisement

Advertisement


Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

The Netflix Romance’s Most Game-Changing Moves Can’t Overcome the Show’s Worst Habit

Published

on

Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson in Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2

Dearest gentle readers, it’s no surprise that in the roughly month-long hiatus between Parts 1 and 2 of Bridgerton Season 4, anticipation has only continued to grow. Netflix’s hit Regency romance series may have said goodbye to a few faces since its initial premiere almost six years ago(!), but as the show’s newly released episodes confirm, even actors who have since gone on to star in increasingly big projects (looking at you, Jonathan Bailey) are still willing to come back right when the show’s titular family is in their greatest hour of need. There’s not much that can be said about Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 without venturing into serious spoiler territory, but plenty of eagle-eyed fans have already pieced together some clues from the steady trickle of trailers and images released in the gap between episodes. Suffice it to say, Bridgerton‘s return this week brings with it one of the series’ darkest turns yet, but it’s accompanied by the show embracing one of its worst narrative habits — effectively sidelining the main romance in favor of laying the foundation of what’s to come.

What Is ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 2 About?

In the aftermath of Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) proposal — to be his mistress, not his wife — Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) finds herself wrestling with what accepting the gentleman’s offer would mean for her future, not just as a maid, but within society at large. Meanwhile, she’s still working for the family under Violet’s (Ruth Gemmill) roof, and the Bridgerton matriarch is starting to pick up on the vibes between her second son and her newest employee. Despite the two doing their best to embrace propriety, they still find themselves hopelessly drawn to each other, stealing forbidden touches behind closed doors. Although Sophie’s potential future as a mistress might be the best she could hope for, given her own station, the possibility of setting society’s tongues wagging isn’t the only thing she might have to worry about; her stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), has gotten word of where she’s been working, and won’t rest until she’s forced Sophie to face the consequences for absconding with those (admittedly paste) shoe clips of hers.

As for the rest of the Bridgerton family, Violet’s liaison with Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) continues to develop, although she, too, remains torn about whether she’s actually ready to become more than just a mother. With the support of her husband, Colin (Luke Newton), Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) considers whether it might be time for her to move on from writing her Lady Whistledown column for good. Eloise (Claudia Jessie) continues to clash with Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) over her little sister’s obsession with entering society, just as the last character anyone would ever expect steps back onto the scene with a new title and a desire to restore her disgraced reputation among the ton. Francesca (Hannah Dodd) is struggling to properly host the newest guest in her and John’s (Victor Alli) home: his vivacious, outgoing cousin Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). Oh, and Anthony (Bailey), Viscount Bridgerton, has a lot more on his plate to address than he planned upon his return home — like why his desk is littered with drawings of a mysterious woman in silver, and why Benedict is willing to put the family name at risk by taking a maid as his mistress. And that’s not even getting into the ongoing drama between the Queen (Golda Rosheuvel) and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) as the two longtime friends are forced to reckon with Agatha’s upcoming leave of absence.

Advertisement

‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 2 Deepens the Romance Between Sophie and Benedict

Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson in Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2
Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson in Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2
Image via Netflix

Whenever Bridgerton does deign to check in on Sophie and Benedict’s ongoing romance, the moments viewers are treated to are definitely worthwhile. Their more intimate scenes in the back half of Season 4 simmer with a different kind of tension; ever since their steamy stairwell rendezvous, it’s not a question of if they’ll find the perfect opportunity to sneak off together, but when. The somewhat forbidden nature of their relationship, courtesy of Sophie’s current position in Benedict’s family home, constantly hovers over their interactions, making even the smallest shared glance between Ha and Thompson feel loaded with meaning. On a more intimate level, their love scenes in Part 2 skillfully walk a fine line between unapologetically steamy and deeply romantic. One only wishes there were more of them (but more on that later)!

What proves most compelling about Sophie and Benedict’s narrative in Season 4’s latter four episodes is that their push-and-pull isn’t rooted in whether their love exists — because it’s very clear how deeply these two have come to care about each other, despite Benedict not knowing that Sophie is his Lady in Silver — but rather in what the right decision for their future is. If Sophie agrees to become Benedict’s mistress, is she consigning herself to a future that’s lesser than what she’s truly worth? If Benedict actually makes Sophie his wife, will they be shunned and forced to live outside of society, risking his family’s name and the success of Hyacinth’s upcoming debut in the process?

Advertisement

Of course, any viewer familiar with Julia Quinn‘s An Offer From a Gentleman, the book that Bridgerton Season 4 adapts, already knows that the perfect legal solution will present itself, thereby paving the way for Sophie and Benedict to have their happily ever after. Before that happens, though, it’s lovely to see the Bridgertons defending Sophie against anyone who would threaten her livelihood or her reputation, ultimately serving as the family she never truly had. Along those same lines, the return of characters like Bailey’s Anthony Bridgerton (now sporting some handsomely rakish facial hair) allows for welcome reunion scenes that double as a reminder of the show’s strongest themes — and the fact that this family will always show up to support each other, no matter what.

‘Bridgerton’ Devotes Too Much Time to Setting Up Season 5’s Romance at the Cost of Season 4’s Love Story

While Sophie and Benedict’s romance in the last four episodes of Bridgerton Season 4 earns a handful of swoonworthy moments, it’s not the primary focus, and it points to a larger problem with the show’s overall narrative structure. In my review for Part 1, I mentioned that the show’s ever-expanding ensemble was threatening to push Bridgerton into overstuffed territory, with some characters earning little to no development compared to others, but what remained to be seen was whether the series would repeat Season 2’s biggest misstep — spending so much time establishing future romances that the present season’s love story pulls the short straw.

Unfortunately, Season 4 does fall into the very same trap. To a degree, some of this preparation is necessary, given that one of Bridgerton‘s upcoming romances begins in a very emotionally fraught place, and the show needs to afford that storyline the time and sensitivity it deserves. The issue arises when one episode is almost completely devoted to putting certain characters in place for a fifth season that may not even air for two more years, given Bridgerton‘s current release schedule. Perhaps if Season 4 had premiered in one batch of eight episodes, this choice wouldn’t have felt so flagrant, but combined with Netflix’s recent split-season release strategy, it’s hard not to weigh how much screentime is being subtracted from Sophie and Benedict’s romance. The story itself is handled as gently as one would hope, and it does result in a stunningly brilliant performance from Hannah Dodd, as Francesca is forced to navigate an unimaginable future for herself. Still, even a 10-episode order for Season 4, rather than eight, might have helped Bridgerton strike a balance between sowing enough seeds for future seasons and properly devoting attention to one of its boldest romances in the present.

Advertisement
Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson in 'Bridgerton' Season 4 Part 1.


Every Major ‘Bridgerton’ Couple, Ranked

How does Benophie compare to the other iconic ‘Bridgerton’ pairings?

There’s also a sense that, as much as Bridgerton aims to push new boundaries and redefine what romance can look like within the strict rules of Regency-era society, it still frustratingly insists on maintaining the status quo for certain characters. In Season 4 Part 1, Violet’s arc as a widow and mother rediscovering her sexuality leads to an irresistible love-after-loss romance, but Part 2 results in a disappointing about-face for that storyline, especially when so much time was spent building up to it — and over multiple shows, to boot. The drama between the Queen and Lady Danbury is stretched to the thinnest and most repetitive version of itself right up to the finale, and others like Eloise or, frankly, either of the Mondriches (Martins Imhangbe and Emma Naomi) have very little to do within the overall scope of Season 4, given the show’s already overloaded cast.

Advertisement

There’s no question that the future of Bridgerton is assured; it’s already been confirmed to return for a fifth and sixth season, and any Bridgerton romances beyond that are likely still being plotted out. Season 4 also drops plenty of intriguing breadcrumbs that could breathe new energy into the series’ ongoing drama, including a late-stage twist for Lady Whistledown that has even Penelope reeling in shock and the surprise reemergence of a society pariah that genuinely prompted a gasp from this reviewer. Four seasons in, however, Bridgerton still hasn’t really figured out how to solve its worst habit, which the biggest constraints of streaming television render even more glaring. Sophie and Benedict’s romance is sprinkled with just enough steam and swoon to satisfy, but it should’ve been given ample room to utterly sparkle.


bridgerton-poster.jpg
Advertisement


Release Date
Advertisement

December 22, 2020

Network

Netflix

Advertisement

Directors

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

Writers
Advertisement

Abby McDonald, Sarah L. Thompson, Daniel Robinson, Oliver Goldstick, Leila Cohan-Miccio, Azia Squire, Sarah Dollard, Eli Wilson Pelton, Janet Lin

Advertisement

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Luke Thompson

    Lady Violet Bridgerton

    Advertisement
  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Ruth Gemmell

    Benedict Bridgerton

    Advertisement

Advertisement


Pros & Cons
Advertisement
  • Yerin Ha remains an absolute gift to this series as Sophie’s Cinderella story reaches a satisfying ending.
  • Familiar faces return, both to add stability and potentially shake up the narrative.
  • Hannah Dodd delivers her best performance yet as Francesca navigates an unimaginable tragedy.
  • An interesting twist surrounding Lady Whistledown infuses new energy into Penelope’s storyline.
  • The last four episodes devote so much time to setting up Season 5’s love story at the cost of Season 4’s romance.
  • Violet’s most promising storyline comes to a disappointing conclusion.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025