Bridgerton season 4 can tell a new type of love story with Benedict and Sophie

Bridgerton season 4 can tell a new type of love story with Benedict and Sophie

As a devoted fan of Bridgerton since its inception, I can’t help but feel elated and excited at the prospect of Sophie’s arrival as Benedict’s long-awaited love interest in Season 4. Having read Julia Quinn’s novel “An Offer From a Gentleman,” I was immediately captivated by the soulmates-coded language used to describe their connection, which resonated deeply with my own suspension of disbelief.


*SPOILERS FOR BRIDGERTON SEASON 3*

In June mid-way through, the second set of four episodes for Season 3 of “Bridgerton” from Shondaland on Netflix was released, wrapping up the blossoming romance between Colin Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Newton, and Penelope Featherington, now a Bridgerton after marrying him, played by Nicola Coughlan. This Regency-era series on Netflix is inspired by Julia Quinn’s book collection, where every novel highlights the romantic journey of one of the eight Bridgerton siblings – Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth.

Before Colin and Penelope took center stage in Season 3, earlier seasons highlighted the romantic stories of Daphne (played by Phoebe Dynevor) from Season 1, her “sham courtship” with Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page), and Anthony’s (Jonathan Bailey) romance in Season 2 with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). Given the massive popularity of Bridgerton, it’s no wonder that fans soon began eagerly discussing which remaining sibling might be featured in Season 4.

Bridgerton season 4 can tell a new type of love story with Benedict and Sophie

Luckily, by July 23rd, approximately a month after Season 3 of “Bridgerton” ended on June 13th, the show put an end to the rumors and revealed that Benedict, the second son, will be the main character in the upcoming final season (which has been renewed up until now). Previously, fans had been discussing fiercely whether one of the Bridgerton daughters (Eloise or Francesca) would take over as the leading role for Season 4, or if Benedict, whose book comes before Colin’s in Anna Quindlen’s original publication order, would have his chance to shine first.

As an avid fan, I can’t help but be excited about Benedict, brilliantly brought to life by Luke Thompson, being named the next leading man. The anticipation is palpable as we all wonder who will have the honor of portraying his love interest in the upcoming season. In Benedict’s captivating story, there’s a remarkable woman named Sophie Beckett. She’s the daughter of a nobleman, but due to her unfair circumstances, she’s been reduced to serving her cruel stepfamily. It’s an intriguing twist on the classic Cinderella tale that I can hardly wait to see unfold!

If the name doesn’t ring a bell for you, given that you’re a Bridgerton viewer, don’t worry – she hasn’t made an appearance among us or Benedict yet!

WARNING: SOME BOOK SPOILERS FOR AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN BELOW

1. In the novel, Benedict and Sophie encounter each other for the first time at a masquerade ball hosted by Benedict’s mother Violet. It’s love at first sight, however, there’s a twist: Sophie has secretly infiltrated this gathering for a single night of liberation and isn’t part of high society. She flees the event before Benedict can catch a glimpse of her true face or learn her real identity. The narrative then skips ahead an impressive two years, during which Benedict and Sophie cross paths again under entirely different conditions. Here comes another plot twist: Benedict fails to recognize Sophie as the “lady in silver” from the masquerade, resulting in a comical love triangle involving Benedict, Sophie, and her masquerade persona. The story concludes happily, as expected in any romance, but not without a good dose of mischief, drama, and simmering attraction throughout the journey.

Bridgerton season 4 can tell a new type of love story with Benedict and Sophie

1. The masquerade ball has not taken place yet in the series, which is why we haven’t encountered Sophie yet. In the second-to-last scene of Season 3, Episode 8, Benedict talks with his sister Eloise about her upcoming trip to Scotland (accompanied by Francesca, John Stirling, and Michaela). He expresses his sadness by saying, “I’ll miss you.” To this, Eloise replies, “I won’t be gone for long. Do you think Mama would ever let me skip her masquerade ball?” Benedict acknowledges her point, assuring Eloise that he will attend and hide behind a mask to steer clear of eligible women. The scene concludes with Eloise vowing to meet him in his hiding spot.

1. For avid book readers, the climax of Season 3’s finale was a strong suggestion that Benedict would be the central character for the following season (the showrunner, Jess Brownell, appeared to emphasize the importance of this scene on the official Bridgerton podcast on July 4th, three weeks before it was announced that Benedict would headline Season 4). Given that we now know Season 4 will focus on Benedict and Sophie’s love story (nicknamed “Benophie” by fans), many believe this masquerade ball will play a significant role in the premiere of Season 4.

For me personally, I’m excitedly anticipating Benopphe’s season of “Bridgerton” as it offers an unique opportunity for these two characters to explore and portray a fresh kind of love story on the show.

1. In my explanation, I pointed out that Benedict and Sophie seemed to embody the “love at first sight” scenario when they met at the masquerade for the first time. Additionally, I noted some parallels between Sophie’s predicament and Cinderella’s story from the classic fairy tale. However, I expressed my opinion that neither of these familiar tropes fully convey the unique charm and depth that defines this couple’s extraordinary tale.

I believe Benophie in “Bridgieton” represents the classic “soulmates” dynamic, even though we haven’t been introduced to Sophie yet. Based on existing hints and clues from the series, it seems likely that their relationship will follow this romantic theme.

Bridgerton season 4 can tell a new type of love story with Benedict and Sophie

In the third season episode 8 of “Bridgerton,” a pivotal moment occurs between Benedict and Eloise. As they sit on swings in their family garden after dark, connecting over their mutual sense of perplexity (a recurring theme across three seasons), Benedict shares with his sister, “I have a feeling that the next discovery I make could dramatically alter who I am.”

1. When I first heard this phrase during the show, it’s safe to say I couldn’t hide my excitement. Being a huge fan of “An Offer from a Gentleman” and having waited for the Benophie season since I finished reading the book more than two years ago, I recognized instantly that Benedict’s words were a nod towards their future love story – and more precisely, hinting at them being soulmates. (To add, when I re-watched this season with my friend who hasn’t read the books yet, she also immediately picked up on this line as significant.)

1. In this particular instant, with Luke Thompson’s skillful portrayal of Benedict’s emotions, it seems as if Benedict is just realizing Sophie exists, even though they haven’t met yet (which is deeply indicative of soulmates). As soon as I saw that scene, I knew for certain that Sophie was indeed coming. The long-anticipated Bridgerton love interest is now making her entrance, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Bridgerton season 4 can tell a new type of love story with Benedict and Sophie

The book’s text is rich with hints, reinforcing my theory that “soulmates” will be a major theme in Season 4. When Benedict encounters Sophie for the first time, just before her perspective shifts to her thoughts, the passage states: “She advanced a step, and he sensed his life would never be the same.” In the following segment, Sophie recounts feeling enchanted by the atmosphere around her prior to meeting Benedict, and believing that “he” was the one who had drawn her to the ball. (Wasn’t it just mentioned that Benedict felt Sophie’s presence during the Season 3 finale’s swing scene?)

1. The instances persist, sometimes growing quite apparent. Just before they (spoiler!) lock lips at the masquerade, Sophie answers Benedict’s question about what she perceives when gazing at him: “My soul. That’s all I see – my very soul,” she reveals to him. Subsequently, once Benedict and Sophie reunite in the present, though he remains unaware they had met two years ago, Benedict silently concedes how he had always been vigilant for the one woman who stirred his soul. He expresses that if he were to ever pledge himself to another woman besides her, it “would be sufficient to fracture his soul.”

In the initial part of their book, Benedict and Sophie spend numerous chapters at a countryside home in Wiltshire named “My Cottage”. A heartwarming scene at this cottage by a beloved lake further strengthens their bond as soulmates. From Benedict’s perspective, during a soak in the lake, he realizes that she was the cause of his presence there that particular night, living in England, and even his existence itself.

Subsequently, the narrative continues to delve into Benedict’s emotions as he remains submerged in the lake, and it portrays a sense of déjà vu, as if when he met her before. There seems to be an impending event or someone nearby, indicating a life-altering moment is on the horizon. Unbeknownst to Benedict, Sophie is secretly observing him during this scene, which accounts for the familiar feeling he’s experiencing at present (I believe I mentioned earlier that Benedict could sense Sophie’s presence…).

In the concluding part of the book, Benedict declares his deep love for Sophie, to which she responds, “I believe I cared for you long before we met.” Moreover, she shares with him, “You’re the cause of my being. The very reason why I came into existence.” Her words mirror his earlier thoughts about her, making their connection profound and indicative of a deep soulful bond.

No matter which way the show goes in adapting Benedict and Sophie’s love story for Season 4, I am confident I’ll enjoy it. However, if they opt for the “soulmates” theme, that could potentially be my most beloved season.

All episodes of Bridgerton Seasons 1, 2, and 3 are currently streaming on Netflix.

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2024-07-30 19:15