Bridgerton‘s source material has allowed the show to tease future storylines — sometimes years in advance. For Benedict, the second-eldest Bridgerton, Season 1 carefully lays the foundation for his love for the arts and future romance with Sophie Beckett through his relationships. In doing so, it effectively strays from the books. Whether it be his romance with Genevieve Delacroix, his mentorship with Henry Granville, or his dynamic with his sister Eloise, Bridgerton knows what it’s doing when it comes to setting up Benedict’s story.
Bridgerton debuted on Netflix in 2019. Naturally, fans flocked to the show and Julia Quinn’s novels. Season 1 follows Quinn’s The Duke & I as Daphne falls for Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. The anticipated second season will follow The Viscount Who Loved Me — Anthony Bridgerton’s enemies-to-lovers romance with Kate Sheffield (now Sharma). Finally, the already confirmed Season 3 will likely see Benedict meet his match in Sophie Beckett but with a Cinderella twist, like in An Offer from a Gentleman.
In falling for Benedict’s storybook romance with Sophie, some may lose sight of his other great love in his book — art. Before he meets Sophie, he’s a creative spirit looking for fulfillment. His aimlessness can be frustrating at times, but it represents how tiresome searching for something more in a creative field can be — especially in the Regency era. Season 1 expertly weaves Benedict’s passion for art into the narrative. Subsequently, Benedict introduces Bridgerton to Regency’s bohemian lifestyle, expanding his character alongside the world.
Benedict struggles to believe in himself when Bridgerton begins, like his book counterpart. Alternatively, the show’s version is far less removed from an environment that can foster his ambition. Benedict finds a space to practice art thanks to his budding mentorship with Henry Granville. That space also could have fostered more LGBTQIA+ representation than it did on Bridgerton. Still, Granville’s guidance gives Benedict’s passion more purpose in expanding the show’s scope, and it plants the seeds for the art he’ll one day show Sophie.
Even before Sophie arrives, Bridgerton introduces Benedict’s interests and values through a light-hearted relationship with Genevieve Delacroix. Their relationship is far less dramatic on the surface than the other relationships in Season 1. That said, Genevieve is a self-made woman with a paid occupation in a time when women aren’t meant to have either. She reinforces Benedict’s words about valuing people who work for a living. Moreover, his relationship with Genevieve doubles down on Benedict’s growing inclinations to break societal rules.
That foundation is crucial as Bridgerton develops Benedict’s artistic passions. It’s equally as relevant when considering his relationship with Sophie, with who he will have to break all the rules to be with in the end. So, Benedict’s dynamics with Henry and Genevieve are steps in the right direction for An Offer from a Gentleman‘s adaptation. Still, neither of them holds a candle to Benedict’s on-screen dynamic with his sister Eloise. Their scenes together are always brief, but pack in the appropriate information to know their bond is as unique as any other.
Benedict and Eloise have similar pursuits since they want more than society has waiting for them. Eloise urges her brother to “be bold” because he can in the Season 1 episode “Art of the Swoon.” Benedict doesn’t repeat those exact words to his sister, but he does vow his “full support and admiration” if she were Lady Whistledown — a role that would position Eloise outside of societal rules. The majority of Eloise’s family doesn’t put as much meaning in Eloise’s “scribbling.” No one is as acutely aware of Benedict’s sketchbook, either.
Ultimately, Benedict’s time at Henry’s studio may become less prominent as his artistic practice evolves. Plus, Benedict’s romantic relationship with Genevieve could be on a permanent pause depending on the amount of time she spends in France. So, Season 2 has the opportunity to take Benedict somewhere new as his interests and values become more defined in the leadup to his own season. And though there are many ways to set his own romance up, the most effective might just be through even more scenes between him and Eloise.
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