This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3.
Summary
A romantic period drama likeBridgertonis almost always bound to have a happy ending, but one Bridgerton sibling ends up worse off than when they started. Based onJulia Quinn’sBridgertonbook,Romancing Mister Bridgerton,Bridgertonseason 3 follows the love story between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. After harboring a crush on Colin for years, Penelope decides to quit her wallflower ways and try to find a husband. In the process, she enchants Colin, and the two quickly fall in love. However,secrets and lies cause trouble as Penelope attempts to hold onto her love and herself.
Though Colin and Penelope are at the center ofBridgertonseason 3, the otherBridgerton family membersenjoy plenty of time in the spotlight as well. Francesca forms a bond with the introverted John Stirling. Eloise becomes the unlikely best friend of Cressida Cowper. Anthony and Kate become pregnant and travel to India. Even Violet Bridgerton finds herself in a budding romance with Lady Danbury’s brother, Marcus Anderson. All these storylines end on a positive note duringBridgertonseason 3’s finale, whileone Bridgerton sibling has a rather disappointing conclusion.
Bridgerton Season 3 Soundtrack: Every Modern Song Cover & When They Play
Bridgerton is known for its iconic soundtracks, filled with Regency remixes of popular songs, so it’s time to see what season 3 has cooked up now.
Bridgerton Season 3 Traps Benedict
Benedict Has New Responsibilities
Theend ofBridgertonseason 3puts Benedict in a very tough spot. With Anthony and Kate in India until their baby is born, Benedict has at least nine months where he is the head of the Bridgerton household. ThoughBridgertondoesn’t typically delve into the responsibilities of running a Regency Era household, it is clear from Anthony’s story that it isn’t stress-free. More importantly, it isn’t very fun. Considering how much Benedict likes to kick back and enjoy life,it is disappointing that all his siblings are off traveling while he has to maintain order in Mayfair.
Lady Tilley Arnold is a character created by Netflix’sBridgerton,and does not appear in Julia Quinn’s novels.
On top of that, the end ofBridgertonseason 3 sees Benedict go through big changes and discoveries. After spending the entire season bonding with the charismatic widow, Lady Tilley Arnold, the two break things off after Tilley develops feelings for Benedict which he does not return. This also comes after Benedict allows himself to embrace his sexuality via an intimate relationship with Tilley’s friend Paul. In this way,Benedict loses a number of relationshipsat the end ofBridgertonseason 3, and now, must return to doing boring work with no siblings to support him.
Benedict’s Ending Line Reveals His Real Tragedy
Benedict Cannot Be His True Self
Benedict suffers from another big problem, which is revealed in his last line of the season. As Benedict says goodbye to Eloise before her trip to Scotland, she promises that she will return for their mother’s masquerade ball. Benedict replies, “I will be there with a mask on.” While this may seem like a playful line typical of Benedict’s personality, it actually reflects a sad, deeper meaning. In season 3, Benedict learns to embrace his bisexuality, yetRegency society will never let him openly live this truth. Therefore, he will always have a mask on in some way.
He can never be his true self among the greater ton.
It is admirable that Netflixhas diversifiedBridgerton’scast and characters, including Benedict’s sexuality, but it does raise questions about the character’s future.Benedict is openly bisexual, but it will be hard to translate thisinto the rules and regulations ofBridgerton’stime period. As shown byBridgertonseason 3, Benedict can have a casual affair with a man, but he must keep that part of him a secret. It is possible that Benedict could reveal his feelings to his family members, who are sure to support him, but he can never be his true self among the greater ton.
Benedict’s Love Story Can Still Give Him A Happy Ending
Benedict Will Be Accepted For Who He Is
This section contains spoilers about Julia Quinn’s book,An Offer From a GentlemanDespite how Benedict’s story ends in season 3, there is still hope for him. In the coming seasons, Benedict will meet his future partner, Sophie. For the first time, he will be ready to pursue a more serious relationship. Seeing Benedict settle down will benefit him for a multitude of reasons. First,Sophie will likely be ready to accept Benedictexactly how he is, regardless of his sexuality. Furthermore, his relationship with Sophie will not erase his bisexuality, but will support it. Benedict may be interested in exploring relationships with men, but that does negate his attraction to women.
Overall, Benedict’s luck will hopefully turn around soon. It is unclear which siblingBridgertonwill hone in on next, but Benedict will likely play a significant part regardless. The second-eldest Bridgerton may not have the most pivotal plot points, but his laidback, happy energy certainly makes the show better. It will be satisfying to finally see hisBridgertonhappily ever after.
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on July 18, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
