Bridgerton’s controversial Mistress Twist is told after changes to the Benedict book

Season 4 of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton presented a mistress story that has outraged.

The show returned on Thursday, January 29 with Benet (Luke Thompson) as a leader after three seasons waiting Very quickly, he found himself falling in love with two different women: a mysterious guest at his mother’s dance and a maid named Sophie (Yerin Ha).

Those who read Julia Quinnthe book of A gentleman’s offer he knew that Benedict’s interest in the Silver Lady created an obstacle for him and Sophie. what did it even more difficult was Sophie’s social class preventing Benedict from courting her properly.

Instead, Benedict chose to get creative by making a different suggestion: that Sophie be his lover. This led to an off-screen reaction from some audience members, while others appreciated how the scene was version output in Quinn’s book.

Related: Biggest Differences Between ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 and Julia Quinn’s Book

Season 4 of Bridgerton is inspired by Julia Quinn’s book An Offer From a Gentleman, but there were also some major changes. The final season of Bridgerton follows Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) love story with Sophie (Yerin Ha) from the third novel in Quinn’s series. As some fans know, Benedict’s world is turned upside down (…)

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the divisive scene and what comes next:

What is the infamous Mistress of Bridgerton scene?

The first part of season 4 ends with Benedict and Sophie sticking to his mother’s house on a scale (a Olivia Rodrigo“Bad idea, right?”). He then tells Sophie that she deserves better…only to ask her to be his lover.

“I stay away because you consume me. I meant it when you said you deserved better,” he said. “And I am determined to give it to you and more. Sophie, be my mistress.”

What did the ‘Bridgerton’ cast and crew say about the controversial moment?

“In the time frame, it was not reasonable for Benedict to think that was the right question,” the showrunner said. Jess Brownell he told TVLine in January while admitting it was “a big mistake on Benedict’s part.”

Brownell acknowledged that viewers who support the fictional romance may not be thrilled, adding: “I would have to see Sophie as more than her class. For him to ask that question at that moment, outrage is absolutely the right reaction.”

While reflecting on Benedict’s outdated view of marriageBrownell explained why the character reverts to traditional values ​​when it comes to finding a wife.

“A lot of his progressiveness, not with his sexuality but in other ways, has been performative,” he noted. “He’s incredibly privileged and he hasn’t really taken that privilege into account. He’s enjoyed life to the fullest, but he’s never done anything really scary.”

Brownell also noted that there would be consequences if Benedict had an actual relationship with a maid. Despite the Bridgertons’ social status, they would be punished by society, and this would affect Benedict’s sisters, who would no longer be considered viable options for marriage.

“Benedict’s deep down he’s not as brave as he’d like to be because he’s never gone out in a way where he’s had to be brave,” Brownell added.

Related: Which ‘Bridgerton’ couples ended up together in the books?

As soon as Netflix premiered Bridgerton, fans became invested in the stories that had yet to be told. Based on the novels of the same name by Julia Quinn, the series began with the love story of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). The second season of Bridgerton told the story of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) (…)

How has the mistress scene changed in Julia Quinn’s book?

On the page, Benedict didn’t get Sophie a job at her family’s house until after the offer. he he blackmailed her into becoming his lover or moving into his family’s house as a servant, which is a far cry from the show. It remains to be seen how Benedict will react once Sophie seemingly shuts down his suggestion.

what’s next

Brownell teased what viewers can wait for the rest of season 4.

“It felt like a really significant place for the two of them to have their first real encounter; in that liminal space between upstairs and downstairs,” Brownwell told Variety. “I really love how it came out. I think it’s a really sexy moment, until of course that record-breaking moment when Benedict asks Sophie to be his lover. Partly we’re trying to illustrate how class-divided it was back then. And I think, really, what Benedict asks would have been considered the only way for a man, a gentleman, to be together during that time.”

She concluded, “So it’s not that unusual that he thinks that’s romantic. However, in the larger context of being the love of his life and us seeing his love story, I think it’s absolutely the right reaction to be outraged and angry with him. So I think that reaction is right, and her lack of understanding about how it’s going to turn out is something that we’re half-assing.”