I know exactly how Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) story in Bridgerton season 4 could improve upon his book, An Offer From A Gentleman. Benedict has been one of my favorite characters in Bridgerton since season 1. His sensitivity, humor, and love for his family endeared me to him almost immediately, with his journey and many swoon-worthy moments in seasons 2 and 3 only making his arc better. Therefore, when I saw the updates for Bridgerton season 4, I got so excited about his story and the elements it could bring to the series.
Bridgerton season 4 being Benedict and Sophie’s season would bring a lot more humor to the series, as Benedict has often been the comedic relief. It would also showcase yet another amazing female lead in the form of Sophie, whom fans (myself included) have been eagerly awaiting. But one particular element of Benedict’s book should get more attention during the show’s fourth season, as it would add a unique spin: the fairytale elements, specifically the elements featured in the classic story Cinderella.
Bridgerton Season 4 Should Add In Some Classic Fairytale Elements
Benedict’s Story Is Already Based On A Fairytale
Bridgerton season 4 should add some classic fairytale elements to Benedict’s love story, as the core of it was already inspired by them. Benedict’s story with Sophie shares several elements with the classic fairytale Cinderella, as Benedict meets her during a masquerade ball that she is not allowed to attend by her wicked stepmother. Sophie leaves the ball abruptly, giving Benedict no clues as to her whereabouts. Despite this, the two reunite, with Benedict not realizing she is his mysterious Lady in Silver until the last third of the book.
The book has a few other nods to the classic tale. One example is Mrs. Gibbons, the housekeeper of Sophie’s stepmother’s estate, acting as a sort of fairy godmother, giving Sophie the dress she needs to get to the ball. These elements continue to pop up, but as the story goes on, they begin to fade out, tilting the story back toward the status quo of the book series. To me, adding more of these elements to the Bridgerton show would enhance Benedict’s story, as it would add a unique feel to his season.
How Fairytale Elements Would Enhance Benedict’s Story In Bridgerton Season 4
Fairytale Elements Would Fit With Benedict’s Artistic Mindset
Adding these elements to Benedict’s story in Bridgerton season 4 would give the show a fresh feel and work with Benedict’s established characterization. Bridgerton‘s romances have always found ways to incorporate and play with established romance tropes, such as enemies-to-lovers. Incorporating these elements, then, could give the series more to play with, as the Cinderella fairytale has been adapted and recontextualized several times over. It would give the season a unique feel and ensure the series does not become formulaic by adding new obstacles.
Fairytales are meant to be stories that teach a lesson, so adding in these elements could help drive home these themes of discovery and identity.
Fairytales are meant to be stories that teach a lesson, so adding in these elements could help drive home these themes of discovery and identity.
Bridgerton Leaning Into Benedict’s “Cinderella” Story Would Improve Upon The Books
Benedict’s Book Characterization Is Vastly Different From The Series
Having these elements present in Bridgerton season 4 would be able to improve upon Benedict’s book characterization and include some more fun moments in the series. A harsh reality of the Bridgerton books is that many of their male main characters are not exactly Prince Charming. Using these elements, the show can continue its improvement of Benedict’s character overall, as he is much kinder and more good-natured than his book counterpart. Using the Prince Charming template could add to his character and give him moments of passionate expression, which we have not really seen from him in the series.
Bridgerton season 4 could also use these elements to add to other stories, giving us some fun moments that the book did not include. Violet could step in as a fairy godmother-type to Sophie, giving her a way to stay connected to the main story as she pursues Marcus (Daniel Francis). If Sophie’s stepsisters are both mean to her (as is the case in many Cinderella retellings) Benedict’s sisters could step in. These elements would give Bridgerton season 4 a sense of unity as the family tries to help their brother find love before the clock strikes midnight.
