Netflix's hit drama Bridgerton made a subtle change to one of its main characters in the climactic season four finale – but did you notice it?
The latest season of the popular period piece ended on a major cliffhanger when it was revealed that Penelope Bridgerton would retire as the Ton's gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown.
© InstagramHowever, just when viewers thought that season four marked the final time Lady Whistledown's Society Papers would be distributed throughout London, it was revealed that a mystery member of the Ton had taken up the author's mantle, reviving the scandal-filled gossip column.
In the final moments of the season four finale, the new Whistledown, still voiced by Julie Andrews, asks, "Are you perhaps feeling a little shock?"
"You thought I was gone for good, but far too much transpires for this author to remain silent. It is assuredly a reunion rooted in care and love. Though this time with a very different author."
© Variety via Getty ImagesWhile acting icon Julie is still the voice of Lady Whistledown, some viewers have noticed a subtle change to her narration. Her voice at the end of episode eight sounds less aristocratic than her usual narration, and perhaps more colloquial and a little less polished.
Is this a reflection of Lady Whistledown's new identity? Could it be someone with a different accent? Could it be a servant?
What are viewers saying about the change in accent?
It didn't take long for viewers to share their theories on the internet after a small number of fans began noticing the subtle change. One person wrote on Reddit: "I don't quite have the vocabulary to describe this but Julie Andrews' narration sounds completely different at the end of Season 4. I guess the idea is to show that there is a new Lady Whistledown but it sounds so strange to me," while another agreed, adding: "I thought the same too! I think you are right that it's to play on the fact that a new whistledown is taking over."
What has Bridgerton's showrunner said about season five?
Ahead of the release of Part 2, showrunner Jess Brownell appeared at a Q&A at London's BFI, which Best Quality Designer Handbag attended, and revealed how the end of season four sets up the upcoming seasons.
When asked how the writers balance the main storylines with the extensive subplots, Jess said: "The way that I have been approaching side plots this season and going into season five is really starting with the theme. What is the theme for the main couple, and how can we use the side plots to support that?
© LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX"It's about setting up future seasons," she continued.
Perhaps referencing the Lady Whistledown twist, Jess added: "I'm excited about this back half because by episode eight, everything does come together in a way that people might not be expecting."
All four seasons of Bridgerton are available to stream on Netflix now.
