Following the latest success of Netflix’s Bridgerton season 2, there is already a buzz for season 3 and what can be expected of Benedict’s story. As the recent series follows the eldest Bridgerton son, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), as he struggles with his patriarch duties before finally accepting the romance between himself and the beautiful Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), it may finally be time for the story of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson). The second Bridgerton son became a fan favorite in season 1 for his quick-wit and sweet relationship with his younger rebellious sister, Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie), as the pair bond over the struggles of fitting into their society. Though Benedict’s story has not been central, there is excitement in the possibility of uncovering the real Benedict Bridgerton in season 3.
In Bridgerton season 1, Benedict is seen testing the waters with his love of art, befriending Sir Henry Granville and attending an underground artists club which seems to be a clandestine club mixing art with debauchery. It is within this club that the writers hint at the possibility of Benedict’s bisexual orientation but seem to explore this topic no further as the season comes to an end with Benedict engaging in an affair with Madame Delacroix. In season 2, Benedict gets a confidence boost after he’s accepted to the Royal School’s Art Academy but drops out following the revelation of his brother’s donation to sway his acceptance. He seems to put aside his dreams of becoming an artist, which sets up the book-version of Benedict quite nicely. If it is believed season 3 will follow the third book installment of An Offer from a Gentleman, featuring a re-telling of Cinderella in the regency era.
Bridgerton season 2 sets up the beginning of Benedict’s venture to find himself. Throughout seasons 1 and 2, Benedict portrays the second son or ‘number two’ as phrased by Anthony Bridgerton, but season 3 will allow him to take center stage. With a different kind of responsibility as the second son, Benedict has more freedom to enjoy his lavish lifestyle, spending his time sketching and painting. However, in the season 2 finale, he describes himself as an imposter and “not good enough” and is seen in an empty art room as he closes his box of art supplies. As the camera focuses on the shutting of the box, it may symbolize his step away from art as he begins his journey to find himself and potentially fall in love along the way. Though showrunner Chris Van Dusen has claimed season 3 won’t necessarily follow the book’s plot entirely, it is hopeful that Benedict will find love and have his Prince Charming moment in this Cinderella story. As Anthony received his Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy moment during his fall into the lake in Bridgerton season 2, episode 5, “An Unthinkable Fate,” there are hopes that Benedict may also experience a cliché scene from one of the most famous love stories there is, perhaps one that includes a lost shoe, or even a glass slipper.
Fans can expect many Cinderella tropes in Bridgerton season 3, including a masquerade ball, an evil stepmother, and a difference in societal classes if the story centers on Benedict. Though fans of the show will not know much of Benedict’s future, readers of the books will know his story begins with a new love interest, a Miss Sophie Beckett, whom he meets at the Bridgerton’s masquerade ball and mistakes as a lady of the ton. With Benedict as season 3’s main character, the relationship between the pair is bound to cause scandal. However, this relationship allows Benedict to truly find himself, and with Miss Beckett as his muse, he finally rekindles his passion for art.
Of course, Benedict’s story will be intertwined with his siblings’ storylines and season 2 ended with a disturbance to quite a few important relationships surrounding the family at the center of Bridgerton. Following Eloise’s revelation of Lady Whistledown’s identity, a tense relationship between best friends and a potential act of revenge from Eloise for her friend’s betrayal could be expected. If season 2 was filled with scandal, the show writers are bound to make season 3 even more scandalous.
