The popular series is back for a fourth season, and this time the focus is on Benedict, the second oldest sibling. He unexpectedly falls for Sophie Baek, a maid, after meeting her at a masked ball. While viewers were hoping for a romance between them, Benedict’s proposal at the end of the first part of Season 4 surprised many.
Fans of the Bridgerton books weren’t surprised, but many viewers were shocked and upset when Benedict proposed an affair to Sophie instead of a marriage. Interestingly, a new season of another historical drama recently came out and also deals with the theme of forbidden love, even including a conversation about mistresses. Many who’ve seen the second season are calling it a better romance, and they’re right!
Benedict’s Infamous Proposal Instantly Kills the Mood in Bridgerton
In Bridgerton, Benedict’s suggestion stems from a caring place. The episode highlights him talking with his brothers and friends – one of whom is happily involved with a mistress – about love across social classes. Knowing a marriage to Sophie wouldn’t be accepted given his position, he views this alternative as the closest he can get to a meaningful connection.
Okay, so while I really wanted to like this, I have to admit I was a bit let down by this particular scene. After everything that happens, Benedict asking that question just felt… jarring. It really brought Sophie crashing back down to earth and made their dynamic feel unbalanced. He seems to know Sophie deserves more than what he’s offering, which is frustrating. Honestly, for a guy who fancies himself creative and open-minded, he’s remarkably uninspired when it comes to actually building a future with Sophie. It’s a real missed opportunity.
Even though Benedict is likely to eventually marry Sophie in the second part of Bridgerton Season 4, the story could be much simpler if he just ignored what society expected and married her right away. His family is very understanding and wouldn’t reject him, and he wouldn’t be the first to defy convention. They could also avoid gossip by moving to the country, which is easier than what the couple in The Artful Dodger goes through.
The Artful Dodger Effortlessly Outdoes Bridgerton’s Unromantic Proposal
The story centers on Jack Dawson, a former thief and skilled surgeon, and Lady Belle Fox, the governor’s daughter. Belle blackmails Jack into teaching her medicine, and though they start off distrusting each other, they unexpectedly fall in love. However, the strict rules of their society threaten to keep them separated.
Jack is facing execution for a crime he didn’t commit, and Belle’s mother intervenes to save him, but only if Belle agrees to a deal: they can’t see each other for two years. Despite the agreement, they meet the same day to talk about it. Jack asks if they can continue seeing each other secretly, but Belle firmly refuses to be his secret lover. Jack quickly clarifies he doesn’t want a secret affair – he wants to be with her openly, as his beloved.
Compared to the typical roles of a mistress or wife, Jack and Belle’s relationship is more complex. However, viewers familiar with both Bridgerton and The Artful Dodger generally preferred Jack’s proposal. Like Benedict, Jack understands society won’t accept their relationship. But instead of placing Belle in a questionable position as a mistress with the understanding he’ll eventually marry someone of equal status, Jack assures Belle that she is his only priority.
It’s true that Jack has been pursuing Belle much longer than Benedict has known Sophie – only half a season of Bridgerton, in fact. However, the way both men react to the same challenge really highlights how much more passionate and devoted Jack’s proposal is. Both are in love with women from different social classes, but Benedict lets societal expectations control his relationship with Sophie, while Jack is willing to defy those rules and even put himself in danger to be with Belle.
The Artful Dodger Dives Deeper Into the Forbidden Romance Trope
Season 4 of Bridgerton centers on a forbidden love story between people from different social classes, but the show doesn’t fully delve into the complexities of that dynamic. As the season progresses, it becomes evident that the main issue isn’t societal barriers, but rather Benedict’s lack of awareness about his own advantages. He fails to see the difficulties he’s creating for Sophie or how easily he could help, which becomes increasingly frustrating.
However, this situation intensifies the emotional risk for Jack and Belle, as they both understand the serious repercussions of their relationship. Belle, who comes from a more comfortable background, actually faces greater opposition than Benedict, particularly from her mother, who threatens both her career and Jack’s life. Despite having so much at stake, Belle is resolute in her desire to build a life with Jack, regardless of societal judgment, and Jack shares her determination.
While it hasn’t gotten as much attention as Bridgerton, The Artful Dodger explores the forbidden love story in a bolder and more unique way. Viewers are hoping for a second season to continue Jack and Belle’s journey, but even if the show ends after season one, it still offers a captivating and deserving romance.
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2026-02-15 02:08