Bridgerton Season 4: Benedict Finding his Purpose

A few days ago I did a post on the difference between the Heir Presumptive and the Heir Apparent, and how that relates to Bridgerton.  In that post I explained how Benedict was the Heir Presumptive, but he has since been displaced due to the birth of Kate and Anthony's son, (whom I will call Edmund). I believe that this is something that should be playing a part in season 4 as Benedict regains his purpose in life, and navigates no longer being Anthony's heir. 

Image Credit: Netflix

Over season 1 and season 2 Benedict developed his art and explanded his social circles to include more artists. In the background of Benedict discovering himself was always the knowledge he was Anthony's heir, this was very much a part of season 1 when Benedict realised he might have to take over if Anthony was killed in the duel against Simon. By season 2 Benedict was exploring his art more, and looking at taking it further by applying to the Royal Academy, this sense of moving forward and away from responsibilities could have been prompted by Anthony's decision to marry, which could lead to him gaining an heir and releasing Benedict from the responsibility. However, by the end of season 2 Benedict had become disillusioned due to Anthony's intervention, and he felt that his place in the Royal Academy was bought and not earned, leading Benedict to give up his art. Ideally this should have been the shift into Benedict's season, but the production had a different idea, and come season 3 we saw Benedict straddling two senses of self, the first as he filled in for Anthony finding some purpose in running the estate, but also we saw him experimenting in his personal life, setting him up for how he starts season 4. 

Image Credit: Netflix

In the advanced screening of episode 1 (which will be released in an hour or so as of writing this), we see Benedict moving further from duty and purpose towards a lifestyle of reckless behaviour and self indulgence. This change for Benedict is something that could have been prompted by the birth of Edmund, who is now Anthony's heir. Benedict has been displaced as the heir to the Viscountcy by the birth of Edmund, and while he may not have wanted to be the next Viscount, his displacement will have impacted him as he has lost his place in the world. Violet makes a comment about Benedict's behaviour over the previous month, this is a timeframe that likely coincided with when the family received word of Edmund's birth, confirming to Benedict that he was no longer Anthony's heir, this is reinforced by Benedict reminding his mother he is the second son. Benedict reminding Violet he is the second son is said with frustration, and perhaps a little bitterness, because for him it is a reminder that his place in the world for the last 10+ years, as Anthony's heir - no matter how unwelcome it was - is now lost, but I think this could also be a catalyst that helps him to return to his art.  

Image Credit: Netflix

From stills released it is shown that Benedict starts to sketch again after he has met Sophie, as the Lady in Silver, and while she is the one that inspires him, and becomes his muse, it is possible that he becomes more open to looking at art again for his path in life due to the birth of Edmund. 

We can only speculate on how much, or little, Benedict's sense of self and purpose in life is tied to his position as the second son, the heir until the birth of Edmund, as this is not something I feel the show will explore too deeply. It is possible that Benedict, has felt a sense of duty while acting on behalf of Anthony, but has confused this with a sense of purpose, leading to him losing sight of who he is.  The birth of Edmund, and then meeting Sophie has given him the freedom, and the inspiration, to return to discovering what his true purpose in life is, and allowing him to become his true self.  

Heir Presumptive vs Heir Apparent and how it applies to the Bridgertons

This was originally a much longer post, however, I have made the decision to split the original post and make it two posts, turning this one into a much shorter post. I will post the second part of this prior to the release of season 4.   

Note: For the Purpose of this post I am making the assumption that the show has kept Edmund as the name for Kate and Anthony's son.  

About a month ago I saw a comment on Reddit referring to Benedict as Anthony's Heir Apparent, but this isn't quite right, and I realised there are some in the Bridgerton fandom that don't understand what these terms mean.  Benedict was Anthony's Heir Presumptive, not his Heir Apparent, so ahead of season 4 let's look at the difference between an Heir Presumptive (Benedict) versus an Heir Apparent (Edmund) using Benedict and Edmund as examples.  

Image Credit: Netflix

An Heir Presumptive is someone who is an heir, but can be displaced with the birth of a closer eligible (usually male) relative. In the world of Bridgerton when Anthony became the Viscount, on the death of Edmund, Benedict's role in the family changed as well as he became the heir presumptive to the Viscountcy. As Benedict would be displaced when Anthony married and had a son, he would only be known as an Heir Presumptive, even if he eventually inherited and became the Viscount. If Anthony never married, Benedict would remain the Heir, but he would always be the Heir Presumptive as there would always be the possibility of Anthony marrying and having a son.  

Image Credit: Netflix

This leads us to the term Heir Apparent that was mistakenly applied to Benedict. An Heir Apparent is someone who is an heir with an absolute claim, meaning there is no way that a closer eligible relative could be born and displace the Heir.  In the Bridgerton world Anthony was the Heir Apparent to Edmund as his eldest son, and likewise Edmund (Anthony's son) is now the Heir Apparent to Anthony, because even with the birth of more sons to Anthony and Kate Edmund can not be displaced as the Heir.  

As in my note at the top of the page this was originally going to lead into a longer post, that was going to look at how Benedict's journey could be seen through this idea of the Heir Presumptive vs the Heir Apparent and what the birth of Edmund could mean for him, but I have separated that original post into two.  

Bridgerton Season 4: Episode 1 'The Waltz'

Spoiler warning:  Please note that this review will contain spoilers from the first episode of Bridgerton Season 4 which releases on 29 January 2026.  

The Waltz

Written by:  Jess Brownell

Fans were given a preview of the first episode of season 4 during the first premiere held in Paris almost 2 weeks ago.  Again the feel of the show is very different under Jess Brownell as showrunner compared to the first two seasons, and even more so for this episode as it is the first episode not to begin with the presentation of a Bridgerton.  

The episode begins in a Downton Abbeyesque way by following the servants as they prepare for the return of Francesca & John, and Eloise, from Scotland.  However, the beginning also gave us a quick check in with the main Bridgertons we will be seeing this season, as well as a quick update to let us know that Kate gave birth to a boy, (whom I will refer to as Edmund as we have not officially been told his name), whilst setting up the story for Benedict.  

We learn that Benedict has been partying a little too hard, and has seemed aimless - particularly over the month prior to the beginning of this season, as with previous male leads we see him in casual liaisons near the beginning, it will be interesting if that continues after he meets Sophie.  There is one point where Benedict appears to resent being the 'second son', whether this is connected to the birth of Baby Edmund as Anthony's heir, and thus displacing Benedict as the heir, it is hard to know, but is definitely a possibility.  As with Anthony in season 2, and Daphne in season 1, Violet's focus for this season is on ensuring Benedict and, (as we later learn), Eloise get married.  Whilst the beginning of the season is about setting up Benedict for the season, unlike in season 2 with Kate, we don't get an early introduction to Sophie as the main female protagonist.  For those that are unaware of Sophie being the main love interest, and her story, I think the way she was introduced will be a surprising reveal, as long as the set up is expanded upon for her storyline and Jess Brownell doesn't fall into the trap of seaosn 2 in failing to provide a well executed story arc for her.  

For this season the main set piece is the Masquerade Ball, which takes up most of this first episode.  This is Violet's ball, and we learn that Violet has taken over the hosting of the first ball of the season from Lady Danbury, something that I find problematic for a couple of reasons, not least of which is that the ball is hosted in Bridgerton House, which is Kate and Anthony's house, which lends to the perception that this production does not view Kate as the Viscountess Bridgerton and rightful Lady of the House for Bridgerton House. This is reinforced by having the writers refer to Kate and Anthony as 'Anthony and his bride' during the ball when talking with Araminta, this is immediately followed up with her saying 'Penelope and Colin'. 

Image Credit: Netflix

The ball acts as a way for many characters to provide information of future intent, or set up potential future storylines, mostly circling Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Penelope, in addition to setting up the love story. Lady Danbury informs the Queen of her intent to leave and visit her ancestral lands, thus setting up the possibility of Lady Danbury being written out this season, and perhaps have her place at the side of the Queen to be taken over by Penelope, who has provided the Queen with information on members of the Ton. 

Image Credit: Netflix

The main part of the ball is the meeting of Sophie and Benedict. Sophie is not introduced properly, we see her putting on her mask prior to the ball at the end of a monatage showing the main characters getting ready for the ball, and then we see her briefly arriving in a carriage and being addressed as My Lady. At this point, like Benedict, the viewers don't know who she is, but unlike Benedict the viewers are aware she does not belong, and that she sneaked into the ball. After the ball, as Sophie arrives home we learn that she is a maid to Araminta and her household. However, very little is known about her. I found this way of introducing her as interesting, and for someone who was unaware of the story, it would have been a surprising reveal. 

Image Credit: Netflix

The season is starting well with this episode, it showed a good dynamic and good chemistry between the leading pair, and the potential for interesting storylines, if the writers wish to make it so. The only black mark for this episode was the erasure of Kate as Viscountess, that the writer (who is also the showrunner) was unable to have any character say her name was, in my opinion, very telling about how much this showrunner cares for the Bridgerton family. The worst line relates to this, where Mrs Wilson says she was glad The Viscountess gave birth in India, which says a lot without saying much about how this production appears to view the Viscountess. 

Image Credit: Netflix

Highs: 

• The main couple, they were funny, sexy and had a great dynamic. 
• Our first look at the Li Family / Penwoods. The short amount we saw them onscreen was magical, they bring a different vibe to the show, and I am certainly looking forward to seeing them going forward 
• Seeing the glimpse into the servant's world. Controversial, but I think that the Bridgerton servants presented a better option for side stories than characters who don't connect into the Bridgerton family, or main story, or those that are forced into the stories in an unnatural way

Lows: 

• The lack of Kate and Anthony in the first episode was noticeable
• Not having any Bridgerton family moments, it is feeling less and less like they are a family, and more like they are characters existing in a workplace - perhaps this is what Shonda means when she calls Bridgerton a workplace drama? This is no longer about a family, but rather she sees the Bridgertons as nothing more than colleagues co-existing. 
• The erasure of Kate as a character by Jess Brownell 

On the Fence: 

• The Mondriches. I am still unclear what storytelling importance these characters have, and I do feel that Jess Brownell is not using them in the best way possible. She was so keen to make them part of the ton that she missed on how they could be incorporated into the show in the best possible way. I will see how their story progresses in the rest of the season. 

Bridgerton Season 4: Is Early Promotion Missing the Mark?

Early promotion for season 4 began just before Christmas with a 12 days of Bridgerton promotion that promised exclusive videos, never before seen photos and even giveaways.  The takeaway from many fans was that there would be something new from season 4 each day, however, what they got was definitely less than the expectation.  This promotion started promisingly with an in-character promotion video of Benedict and Sophie, the new stills on day 2 were soured a little with a still of Penelope forced in ahead of the still of Sophie. By day 3 expectation was high for new stills or character promo to introduce the new characters, however, the merchandising collaboration fell short of expectations, and hopes, of the fans.  With more stills and a short video of Jess talking about S4 with vague references to the main story was again a little disappointing for the fans.  

Video Credit: Netflix

Day 7 delivered the expected in-character promotion video of Penelope and Colin Shondaland and Netflix reinforced negative perceptions on their commitment to diversity and representation when that was followed by an announcement of the name of Penelope and Colin's baby, and a behind the scenes picture of Nicola Coughlan with the baby. This had some questioning why a white baby gets an announcement when the mixed babies have not, and this is not helped by the fact that we still have yet to see Kate and Anthony's baby on screen - or any evidence that we will see him onscreen.  Most fans believe that we could have waited until the release of the season to find out the name of the baby, just as we did with Daphne and Simon's baby in season 2, but for whatever reason Shondaland and Netflix decided a self important 'baby announcement' was required, reinforcing the view that for them only the white characters matter.  

The Netflix tie in promotional spots with the NFL during the 12 days of Bridgerton promotion also was a bit of a miss for the Bridgerton team, this was cringe to a lot of people, and made very little sense as a cross promotion considering Bridgerton is a show set in Regency England, not modern day United States.    

Image Credit: Netflix

As mentioned above there were stills released during this 12 Days promotion, including long awaited solo stills of the leads, but the aforementioned positioning of a still of Penelope in the middle of stills of the leads, and ahead of the leading lady, was not received as well as they may have expected outside of the Polin fandom.  This positioning showed that they either lacked awareness in their efforts to promote Penelope, or were uncaring of the optics of positioning a white woman whose season is over ahead of a woman of colour who is the season's leading lady.  This looks bad for a show that is claiming to be diverse and representative, as the message they were sending was that the white season 3 lead was of higher importance than the Korean lead for the season they are promoting.  

Image Credit: Netflix

However, there were some positives with the announcement of the season 4 world premiere in Paris, and the trailer being released.  

But the issues with the early season 4 marketing do not stop there.  On New Year's Day they released a 'family' promotion showing the Bridgerton family cast members giving their character's New Year Resolutions.  The issues that many saw with this promotion was about who wasn't included, as opposed to who was.  

First it was noted that neither Wil Tilston nor Jonathan Bailey were there to round out the Bridgerton siblings, suggesting that they don't value those they have given smaller storylines too.  But additionall it was noted that Nicola Coughlan was included in the promotion, and while Penelope is a Bridgerton, her inclusion led to questions why she was the only 'spouse' to be included.  Hannah Dodd was in the promotion, but Victor Alli, who plays her husband John, was not.  As mentioned there was no Jonathan Bailey, which means Simone Ashley was also missing.  If this promotion was meant to be 'family only' then why include Nicola and not Wil at the very least, but preferably Wil and Jonathan?  But if this promotion was meant to include spouses then why wasn't Victor at the very least included, or (again preferably) Victor and Simone?  If the promotion was not meant to be the siblings and spouses, or the siblings only, then why not include Yerin who is the season's leading lady?  Essentially this promotion on New Year's Day was a 'terribly white' promotion (to steal a phrase from Adjoa Andoh), and has done nothing to alter the negative perceptions held about Shondaland and Netflix.  

It should also be noted that there still has yet to be a 'passing of the baton' from the Season 3 couple, and most likely will not be, something that was one of the first promotional clips done for season 3.  This again raises questions as to why did the gay man and dark skinned South Asian woman have to 'pass the baton' while the straight white couple do not have to?  Of course promotion is just beginning, maybe this is still coming, but considering they have begun the character introductions this week I highly doubt it.