The whirlwind romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette hits a serious speed bump in the fourth episode of the Disney+ series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. Titled “I Love You,” the episode that dropped on February 20, 2026, shows the couple navigating the tricky early stages of their relationship, only to have their trust shaken by a piece of paper slipped into John’s bag.
The episode captures both the intense passion and the sudden doubt that defined the real-life couple’s on-and-off again courtship. Viewers watching on Disney+ in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and India get to see how the pressures of dating America’s most famous son created complications from the very beginning.
The Anonymous Letter That Changed Everything
Things start well enough in Episode 4. Paul Anthony Kelly’s John and Sarah Pidgeon’s Carolyn are clearly falling for each other. The chemistry is strong, and the episode takes time to show them enjoying those early moments when a new relationship feels electric and full of possibility .
But the mood shifts completely when John finds a letter slipped into his bag after a casual soccer game in Central Park. The anonymous note casts serious doubt on Carolyn’s character, suggesting she is a user who is only interested in John for his fame and money .
The accusations hit John hard. Without confronting Carolyn directly, he lets the poison of the anonymous letter take root. He suddenly becomes suspicious and questions whether Carolyn is different from the other people he feels are always trying to take advantage of him.
The breakup happens fast. John ends things abruptly, and Carolyn, confused and hurt, does not beg or plead. She matches his energy and shuts the door just as quickly . It is a moment that feels painfully realistic—two people who clearly care for each other letting outside interference destroy what they are building.
The Real Story Behind the Breakup
According to Elizabeth Beller’s book “Once Upon a Time,” which serves as the basis for the show, the real breakup was actually more dramatic than what Episode 4 shows . The letter John received came about two months into their real-life love affair, and the fallout lasted much longer than it does in the episode.
In reality, John presented Carolyn with the letter at a Tribeca restaurant called El Teddy’s, just a week after they had spent a blissful weekend away together. The letter came from a friend of John’s who moved in the same circles of boarding schools, Ivy League universities, and old money New York families. The writer claimed Carolyn was a user, a partier, and someone only interested in fame and fortune .
The book describes the scene as painful. John tossed the paper at her, stood up, and walked out without looking back. Carolyn was left sitting alone in the restaurant, humiliated and confused.
The real separation lasted an entire year. John tried to win her back within a week, calling repeatedly, but Carolyn did not answer. She moved on and dated model Michael Bergin during that time. It was not until 1993, under circumstances that remain unclear, that the couple reunited and gave their relationship another real chance .
Caroline Kennedy’s Awkward First Impression
Episode 4 also tackles another major challenge in the couple’s early relationship: meeting the family. John brings Carolyn to what she thinks is a casual gathering, only to discover it is actually his sister Caroline Kennedy’s birthday party .
The scene captures the awkwardness of the moment perfectly. Caroline, played with cool reserve in the series, is clearly not prepared to meet her brother’s new girlfriend at her own birthday celebration. John failed to tell his sister he was bringing someone, and he also failed to tell Carolyn the true nature of the event .
The tension between the two women is noticeable throughout the episode. Carolyn senses she is not entirely welcome, and Caroline seems unsure what to make of her brother’s latest romantic interest. Given that John had many relationships over the years, Caroline had no reason to think this one was any different.
By the end of the episode, Caroline offers John some sisterly advice. She tells him to trust the right people and make sure he is not being taken advantage of. It is not a ringing endorsement of Carolyn, but it is also not a complete warning to stay away .
The real Caroline Kennedy has never spoken publicly about Carolyn Bessette, maintaining the fierce privacy the series correctly portrays. According to “JFK Jr: An Intimate Oral Biography,” one of John’s friends claimed that Caroline did not fully accept Carolyn until they were standing at the altar with no doubt left that she was officially part of the family. This apparent hesitation was reportedly due to Carolyn’s background not matching the traditional Kennedy mold .
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Episode 4
Despite the breakup, Episode 4 ends on a hopeful note. John apologizes, and the couple has a difficult but necessary conversation. For the first time, they exchange those three important words: “I love you” . The episode closes with them back together, having survived their first major test, though viewers who know the real story understand more challenges lie ahead.
Online reactions to the episode capture the emotional whiplash viewers experienced. One fan reacting to the episode noted how quickly things fell apart, writing that they could not understand why John would listen to some anonymous letter when Carolyn was so clearly beautiful and nice . Another viewer appreciated Carolyn’s strong response, saying she was right to walk away and call John out for his weakness in believing the letter instead of trusting her .
The episode uses music effectively to heighten the emotional moments. A Cranberries needle drop during a key scene had viewers admitting they were crying, proving that the show’s creative team knows exactly how to pull at heartstrings .
How the Show Handles Fashion and Details
Viewers with sharp eyes noticed the attention to detail in Episode 4. The costume design shows improvement after early criticism of the series. FX brought in costume designer Rudy Mance following backlash over styling in the first episodes. Mance studied archives and vintage pieces to more accurately recreate Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic wardrobe .
The episode also includes small period details that transport viewers back to the 1990s. From mentions of “The Rules” dating book to the appearance of designer Narciso Rodriguez, the show works hard to create an authentic atmosphere. One viewer joked about whether men really wore suspenders in the 90s, while another appreciated the inclusion of Sade’s music on the soundtrack, commenting that no animal could possibly dislike Sade .
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The Show’s Growing Audience
Episode 4 arrived as part of a weekly rollout following a three-episode premiere on February 12. The series has proven popular with viewers, climbing to the number one spot on Disney+ after its launch according to industry reports .
Not everyone in the Kennedy family appreciates the series. Jack Schlossberg, the only grandson of President John F. Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy’s son, previously criticized the project on social media. However, the producers and cast have consistently emphasized their sincere and respectful approach to telling this American story .
Each episode opens with a disclaimer noting that the story is inspired by real events and includes fictionalized elements for dramatic purposes. Episode 4 shows how the creative team balances factual events with dramatic storytelling, compressing timelines and combining characters to create a watchable narrative.
The casting continues to draw praise, with many noting the close resemblance between the actors and the real people they portray. Sarah Pidgeon captures Carolyn’s style and presence, while Paul Anthony Kelly brings John’s charm and vulnerability to the screen in equal measure .
Episode 4 of Love Story proves that even fairy tale romances have their dark moments. For John and Carolyn, surviving the anonymous letter was just the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead to marriage, but also to tragedy. The episode captures both the joy of falling in love and the pain of letting outside voices destroy trust, reminding viewers why this couple continues to fascinate decades after their story ended.
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