Since the high of that season, however, the inevitable has happened: The law of diminishing returns has come for Bridgerton, as it comes for us all. There are high points to this season, which is the fifth Bridgerton installment if you count Queen Charlotte. Bridgerton will allow us some critique of the ruling class’s abuse of servants, but an actual Bridgerton will always be a “good” rich person. I can see why Heated Rivalry is running rampant among the uninoculated. And this is what producers looking for “the next Heated Rivalry” in stacks of un-optioned romance novels are seeking: engagement, that most precious of currencies.