The Bridgerton Chronicles showrunner Jess Brownell has broken his silence on the backlash Benedict received for his shocking mistress offer in Season 4.
During the first part of the new season, which premiered on Thursday January 29, Benoît (Luke Thompson) finds himself in love with two different women: a mysterious guest at his mother’s ball and a servant named Sophie (Yerin Ha). Viewers – and those who read Julia Quinnthe book An offer from a gentleman — know that the two women are the same person, but Benoît struggles with his feelings, particularly because Sophie’s social class would prevent them from marrying in the Regency era.
Benoît ends up having an idea which he proposes to Sophie after they meet in his mother’s house on a staircase (to Olivia Rodrigos “Bad idea, isn’t it? “). He tells Sophie that she deserves better… and then asks her to be his mistress.
“At the time, it wasn’t unreasonable for Benedict to think it was the right request,” Brownell said. TV line while admitting that it was “a huge mistake on Benoît’s part”.
Bridgerton season 4 took inspiration from Julia Quinn’s book, An Offer From a Gentleman – but there were also some major changes. The final season of Bridgerton follows Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) love story with Sophie (Yerin Ha) from the third novel in Quinn’s series. As some fans know, Benedict’s world is turned upside down […]
Brownell acknowledged that viewers were rooting for fictional romance may not be thrilled, adding: “He should view Sophie as more than his class. For him to make this request at this time, outrage is absolutely the right reaction.”
While reflecting on Benedict’s outdated view of marriage, Brownell explained why the character returns to traditional values when it comes to finding a wife.
“A lot of his progressiveness, not in his sexuality, but in other ways, has been performative,” she noted. “He’s incredibly privileged and hasn’t really taken that privilege into account. He’s enjoyed life to the fullest, but has never done anything really scary.”
Brownell also pointed out that there would be consequences if Benedict had a real relationship with a maid. Despite the Bridgertons’ social status, they would be punished by society, which would affect Benedict’s sisters, who would no longer be considered as viable options for marriage.
“Deep down, Benedict isn’t as brave as he wants to be because he’s never really dared to be brave,” Brownell added.
Brownell previously said she was excited to finally explore Benedict as the show’s romantic protagonist. After his season was delayed because of Colin (Luke Newton) With the love story being moved forward despite the book’s original order, Brownell teased his vision for Benedict.
“It seemed important for him to explore the fullness of himself before settling down. He’s someone who has big appetites, and we wanted to see him live a big life before he went into settling down mode,” she told Netflix’s Tudum in June 2024 about Benedict exploring his sexuality. “I’m excited about where we go with him in Season 4. There’s a lot I want to say about it, but I should probably wait.”
More recently Thompson, 37, and Ha, 28, discussed the support like the next one The Bridgerton Chronicles led.
“We came to an agreement, and it’s kind of a strange thing because it’s not a prerequisite,” Thompson told Town & Country earlier this month. “Chemistry in life does not necessarily translate into chemistry [on screen]. The actors are much more comfortable in this fantasy world – I was probably much more embarrassed meeting her in real life than doing the scenes.
Thompson thought about what would motivate Benedict. “He likes the romance and the fairytale nature of things, but he’s not very good with reality and what that actually requires – maybe negotiating a real relationship with someone,” he explained. “He’s a bit stuck in fairyland.”
He added: “Her problem is that maybe she doesn’t dare to dream too much, so they complement each other that way. There’s something very modern about that.”
Part 2 of The Bridgerton Chronicles Season 4 releases on Netflix on Thursday, February 26.
