A romantic period drama like Bridgerton is almost always bound to have a happy ending, but one Bridgerton sibling ends up worse off than when they started. Based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, Bridgerton season 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 of Bridgerton season 3, the other Bridgerton family members enjoy 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 during Bridgerton season 3’s finale, while one Bridgerton sibling has a rather disappointing conclusion. 

Bridgerton Season 3 Traps Benedict

Benedict Has New Responsibilities

The end of Bridgerton season 3 puts 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. Though Bridgerton doesn’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.

On top of that, the end of Bridgerton season 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 of Bridgerton season 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, yet Regency 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 Netflix has diversified Bridgerton’s cast 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 this into the rules and regulations of Bridgerton’s time period. As shown by Bridgerton season 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 Benedict exactly 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 sibling Bridgerton will 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 his Bridgerton happily ever after.