Bridgerton’s Controversial Mistress Story Line Explained After Book Changes and Backlash

Season 4 of Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton introduced a mistress story line that has some outraged.

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

Those who read Julia Quinn‘s book An Offer From a Gentleman knew that Benedict’s interest in the Lady in Silver created an obstacle for him and Sophie. What made it even harder was Sophie’s social class preventing Benedict from properly courting her.

Instead Benedict chose to get creative by making a different suggestion — that Sophie be his mistress. That led to offscreen backlash from some audience members while others were thankful for how the scene was a departure from the version in Quinn’s book.

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

What Is Bridgerton’s Infamous Mistress Scene?

The first part of season 4 ends with Benedict and Sophie hooking up in his mother’s home on a staircase (to Olivia Rodrigo‘s “Bad Idea Right?”). He then told Sophie she deserves better … only to then ask her to be his mistress.

“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 period, it was not unreasonable for Benedict to think that this was the right ask,” showrunner Jess Brownell told TVLine in January while admitting it was “a huge mistake for Benedict to make.”

Brownell acknowledged that viewers rooting for the fictional romance may not be thrilled, adding, “He should be seeing Sophie as more than her class. For him to make that ask in that moment, outrage is absolutely the right reaction.”

While reflecting on Benedict’s outdated view of marriage, Brownell explained why the character reverts back to traditional values when it comes to finding a wife.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,” she noted. “He is incredibly privileged and hasn’t really reckoned with that privilege. He has enjoyed life to the fullest, but has never done anything really scary.”

Brownell also pointed out there would be consequences if Benedict were to pursue 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.

“Deep down, Benedict is not as brave as he would like to be because he’s never really stepped out in a way where he’s had to be brave,” Brownell added.

How Has the Mistress Scene Changed From Julia Quinn’s Book?

On the page, Benedict didn’t get Sophie a job his family home until after the offer. He blackmailed her to become his mistress or move into his family’s house as a servant, which is a far departure from the show. It remains to be seen how Benedict will react once Sophie seemingly shuts down his suggestion.

What Is Next?

Brownell teased what viewers can expect from the rest of season 4.

“It felt like a really meaningful place for the two of them to have their first real encounter; in this liminal space between the upstairs and the downstairs,” Brownwell told Variety. “I really love the way it came out. I think it is a really sexy moment — until, of course, that record scratch moment when Benedict asked Sophie to be his mistress. In part, we are trying to illustrate just how big the class divide was then. And I think truly, what Benedict asks would have been considered the only way for a man — a gentleman — and a housemaid to be together during that era.”

She concluded: “So it’s not that unusual for him to think that that’s romantic. However, in the larger context of this being the love of his life and us watching their love story, I think it’s absolutely the right reaction to be outraged and to be mad at him. So I think that reaction is correct and his lack of understanding about how it will come out is something we’re going to bring him up on in the back half.”