The upstairs and downstairs worlds of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” collide quite literally in the final moments of Season 4’s first half when Benedict (Luke Thompson), the second-oldest and most bohemian brother in the esteemed Bridgerton family, passionately kisses Sophie Beck (Yerin Ha), an illegitimate maid, on the middle landing of the house’s back staircase.
After four episodes of uncharacteristic pining, it seems that Benedict is finally besotted. “The truth is I stay away because you consume me,” he pulls back to tell Sophie while the momentum of an orchestral rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s “bad idea right?” heightens the heat of the moment. The music fades just as Benedict asks a question that Sophie expects to be a romantic proposal, but proves to be a rakish request. “Sophie,” he whispers, “be my mistress.”
Immediately, the music fades, the heat cools, and Sophie leaves him on the dark staircase to return to her downstairs role. Benedict’s unanswered question and her obvious disappointment serve as the mid-season cliffhanger, and it is reminiscent of the post-carriage marriage proposal of his brother Colin (Luke Newton) midway through Season 3. While Benedict’s request is of a different nature altogether, it does seem to be the only realistic way forward for a cross-class couple during the Regency era. Chemistry and longing aside, a maid will never be a suitable match for a member of the ton.
