WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Bridgerton Season 2, now streaming on Netflix.
Simon Basset's noticeable absence doesn't leave a gaping hole in the heart of Bridgerton, despite plenty assuming it should or would. Instead, Daphne carries their love throughout Season 2, and Benedict Bridgerton fills the role of his older brother's confidant. Benedict being a strong substitute for that role works better than anticipated because it highlights Benedict's emotional intelligence, tees up his story, and furthers — rather than hinders — Anthony's journey all at once. Plus, it strengthens the foundation of Anthony and Benedict's brotherhood along the way, through brief moments of vulnerability.
Bridgerton is a romance TV series, inspired by Julia Quinn's novels, that debuted on Netflix in 2019. It's a drama that resembles an anthology series, since each season focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling and their love story. Season 1 followed Daphne Bridgerton and her romance with the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, like Quinn's The Duke & I. Season 2 followed Anthony Bridgerton's enemies-to-lovers romance with Kate Sharma, like Quinn's The Viscount Who Loved Me. Benedict is the second oldest Bridgerton brother and aids his brother through his newfound approach to accepting his feelings and love.
From the first episode of Season 2, Benedict holds a mirror up to Anthony's acceptance of toxic masculinity. Benedict playfully comments on Anthony's emotionless approach to finding a wife on the way to the Queen's palace. But, in "Off to the Races," Benedict uses the setting of fencing to give his brother a more forceful push in the right direction when he corrects Anthony's perception of Edwina as a "what" rather than a "whom." Those differences are slight but equally important as they exemplify why Benedict is the perfect man to go head-to-head with Anthony in Season 2.
Daphne proves to be a worthy contender, too. But, Benedict fills an essential role that Simon may not have fallen into so easily. In Season 1, Anthony and Simon's friendship can be contentious and, in the process, upholds a lot of the societal norms that Anthony needs to shake off to be with Kate. In fairness, Simon goes on a journey of self-acceptance and discovery that bodes well for his relationship with Daphne. Still, Simon has a different dynamic with Anthony than Benedict does. Where Simon may have poked more fun than offered support, Benedict offers both in equal measure with a critical level of gentleness.
That gentleness always comes across in Benedict because of Bridgerton's creative team and Luke Thompson's performance. But, as Benedict leans into his passions more, that part of his sense of self shines through like a beacon. It's the perfect juxtaposition to Anthony, who suppresses any part of himself that could resemble that lightness that comes from being receptive to love — from and for others, from and for himself. Anthony even voices this to Benedict by the end of the season by telling him that he sees what others need even when they may not see that for themselves. It's then that Anthony holds a mirror up to Benedict.
It's a poetic bookend that wraps up this chapter of Anthony's story and starts the next chapter of Benedict's story. Benedict starts the season pointing Anthony's poor behavior out to him, hoping Anthony will change for the better. Then, when Anthony does change for the better, he tells his younger brother that it's (in part) because of him and the goodness that radiates from him like a beacon. Benedict is attentive, and it matters. It will make whenever Benedict is a romantic lead all the more rewarding. Furthermore, Benedict's attentiveness matters to his art, and it matters to Anthony when he needs it most and doesn't even know it.
There are two scenes in Season 2 when Benedict curiously and pointedly asks Anthony if he's okay. The first comes during the chaos of Anthony and Edwina's failed wedding in "The Choice." Benedict is willing to hear his brother out and do whatever he can to help, even if that's leaving the church immediately or drinking away their problems. So Benedict opens the door — that's usually shut — for vulnerability to his older brother. Anthony rejects his offer, but everything changes in "The Viscount Who Loved Me" when Benedict raises the question again after Kate's accident. Benedict catches him in a vulnerable moment then.
Benedict never shames Anthony for it. Instead, he recognizes it and checks in with Anthony because of it. Of course, the wonderfully strong-willed and opinionated women in Anthony's life challenge him throughout Season 2, and it's a sight to see. But, it's another thing entirely for another man to teach Anthony the merits of art, feelings, and passion — let alone a man he loves and respects as much as he does Benedict. It feels reminiscent of Edmund's lasting impression on his family, which cannot be a coincidence. Benedict being Anthony's confidant has a beautiful, emotional resonance that Simon could not have replicated, and that's okay.
Bridgerton Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.