I Know Exactly What Bridgerton Season 4’s Benedict Story Should Be Like to Improve Upon the Book
The Bridgerton series has captured audiences worldwide with its blend of Regency romance, drama, and character-driven storylines. As Bridgerton season 4 approaches, one character who stands at the forefront of fan expectations is Benedict Bridgerton. The third eldest sibling in the Bridgerton family, Benedict has a journey that’s been captivating in the books, but there’s a lot of potential for the Bridgerton show to elevate his narrative further, especially when considering how season 4 will unfold.
In the books, Benedict’s love story has some very sweet moments, but it also leaves certain aspects of his emotional journey underexplored. While the book lays the foundation for his romance and personal growth, the Bridgerton show has a unique opportunity to dig deeper into his character and enhance his arc. Season 4 can take Benedict’s journey in new, exciting directions that not only stay true to his core personality but also enrich his story, offering fans something more than what was present on the page.
In this article, I’ll explain exactly what Benedict’s story in Bridgerton season 4 should look like to improve upon the book and provide a more well-rounded, impactful character arc for the fans to enjoy.
Benedict Bridgerton: The Character We Want to See More Of
Benedict in the Books: A Quick Recap
In Julia Quinn’s The Viscount Who Loved Me, Benedict is introduced as the charming and idealistic middle child of the Bridgerton family. He has a natural air of gentleness, combined with a rebellious desire to create his own path in life. Unlike his older brother Anthony, who is serious and dutiful, Benedict follows his artistic passions and often feels stifled by the expectations of the ton (society). His personality is one of introspection, creativity, and yearning for deeper meaning in his life.
While Benedict’s character is given depth in the books, particularly as he grapples with being more artistic than his socially-oriented siblings, his romantic journey remains a bit underwhelming. His attraction to Sophie Beckett, the female lead, is touching, but their romance, while sweet, is also quite straightforward and doesn’t delve too much into the psychological and emotional complexities that Bridgerton fans have come to expect from the series.
Sophie Beckett, the heroine, has a compelling backstory as the illegitimate daughter of an earl, but the story of their romance sometimes feels more like a traditional “rags to riches” tale than an exploration of the deeper emotional layers that the show could dive into. While their love story is filled with genuine tenderness, the narrative leaves more to be desired in terms of character growth, conflict, and emotional depth.
How Bridgerton Season 4 Can Improve Benedict’s Story
1. Dive Deeper Into Benedict’s Artistic Journey
One of the most fascinating aspects of Benedict’s character is his passion for art. Unlike his brothers, who are more focused on matters of duty, wealth, and family obligations, Benedict has always felt a sense of disconnection from the traditional values of the ton. His artistic desires and vision make him a unique figure within the Bridgerton family, and this could be explored in more depth in season 4.
In the book, Benedict’s art is mentioned, but the show can go further by delving into his creative struggles and the impact that art has on his identity. A more profound exploration of how Benedict uses art as a form of self-expression, therapy, and escape could provide emotional weight to his character. Additionally, it could help explain why he seems so detached from the rigid, structured world of high society.
Benedict’s artistic journey could also create compelling storylines, such as his exploration of the art world in London, the societal challenges he faces as an artist, and perhaps even an art rivalry or mentorship that drives his growth. His quest to find his true calling outside of the family’s expectations could resonate deeply with modern audiences and provide the series with a more emotionally complex and enriching storyline.
2. Give Benedict’s Romance More Emotional Weight
In the books, Benedict’s relationship with Sophie Beckett is sweet, but it sometimes lacks the emotional intensity and conflict that make a love story truly memorable. While Bridgerton season 4 will likely keep their romance central to Benedict’s arc, there’s an opportunity to add layers to their relationship that were missing from the book.
For example, the show can explore the emotional distance that Benedict often feels as he navigates society’s expectations and his own desire to follow his heart. His relationship with Sophie could mirror this inner conflict, adding richness to their connection. The show can deepen the tension between societal pressure and personal desire, highlighting Benedict’s journey as he grapples with choosing between his family’s expectations and the woman he truly loves.
Additionally, Sophie’s backstory as the illegitimate daughter of an earl could be more fleshed out, allowing her to wrestle with issues of class, identity, and belonging. The show can make Sophie a more dynamic character, exploring her own emotional complexities and struggles with society’s rigid hierarchies. This would create a more nuanced and compelling relationship between her and Benedict, as they both fight against the expectations of their world.
Rather than just focusing on a traditional love story, Bridgerton season 4 could emphasize the idea of choosing love over societal duty and the emotional courage it takes for both Benedict and Sophie to follow their hearts in a world that values status and family reputation above all else.
3. Explore Benedict’s Relationship with His Family
One of the key dynamics in Benedict’s character development is his relationship with his family. Although Benedict is close to his siblings, he often feels somewhat distant from them because of his different priorities and interests. Season 4 of Bridgerton should explore this dynamic more deeply, especially in relation to his older brother Anthony and his younger brother Colin.
Anthony, who was the central character in season 2, has often felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He has taken on the mantle of head of the Bridgerton family, which can make him quite serious and somewhat emotionally distant. Benedict, on the other hand, is more introspective and values individual freedom. The tension between these two brothers could be used to explore how Benedict’s emotional journey diverges from Anthony’s, offering a deeper exploration of sibling rivalry, loyalty, and support.
Additionally, as Colin’s romantic story also unfolds in season 4, Benedict’s relationship with him could be tested, especially as both brothers navigate love, family, and societal expectations in their own ways. A storyline that delves into their sibling dynamics would enrich the show and provide additional layers to Benedict’s character.
4. Explore Benedict’s Inner Conflicts and Growth
One of the most compelling aspects of Benedict’s character is his internal conflict. He has always felt torn between following his passions and conforming to society’s expectations. While he is rebellious and artistic, he is also a product of the ton, and the tension between those two identities forms a rich foundation for character growth.
In the book, Benedict’s character arc focuses mostly on his romance with Sophie, but Bridgerton season 4 should take a broader approach by addressing Benedict’s internal struggles. The show could explore his complex feelings about family duty, societal constraints, and his desire for artistic freedom. Benedict could be shown grappling with questions about his future—should he follow the path of his family and eventually take on responsibilities that come with being a Bridgerton, or should he reject these expectations and forge his own way?
This inner conflict would add emotional depth to Benedict’s character and make his eventual decision to pursue his artistic dreams—and his love for Sophie—more impactful. Rather than just focusing on his relationship, season 4 should highlight Benedict’s personal growth and his gradual realization that he must define his own life on his terms, regardless of what society or his family expects.
5. Bring a Stronger Sense of Conflict to Benedict’s Love Story
In Bridgerton, conflict is one of the driving forces behind compelling love stories. While the book offers a straightforward romance between Benedict and Sophie, the show has the opportunity to inject more tension and drama into their relationship. The external pressures they face, particularly Sophie’s lower social standing, could create deeper emotional stakes for the couple.
Additionally, the show could introduce more obstacles to their relationship, such as societal pressure, familial opposition, or even personal insecurities that Benedict and Sophie must both overcome. The tension between their desires and the social structures around them could add richness to their romance, turning it into a more complex and satisfying narrative.
Benedict’s Season 4 Story Should Be One of Growth, Romance, and Self-Discovery
Bridgerton season 4 has a golden opportunity to take Benedict’s story to new heights, improving upon the book’s narrative by deepening his emotional journey, exploring his internal conflicts, and adding more depth to his romance with Sophie. By focusing on Benedict’s artistic path, the complexities of his relationship with his family, and the emotional layers of his love story, the show can transform his character into one of the most compelling and nuanced arcs of the series.
With the right balance of conflict, growth, and romance, Benedict’s journey in season 4 can become more than just a retelling of a love story—it can become a testament to following one’s passions, breaking free from societal constraints, and choosing love against all odds. Fans are ready for a Benedict story that’s as rich, complex, and memorable as the character himself.
