Just when we thought we had “Bridgerton” all figured out - the grand balls, the stolen glances, the longing looks across crowded rooms - Season 3 threw us a delicious curveball: Benedict Bridgerton, resident artist and heartthrob, dabbling in a steamy threesome with Lady Tilley and her oh-so-suave companion, Paul.

“Finally!” exclaimed every LGBTQ+ viewer who'd ever yearned for a taste of representation in the ton’s otherwise heteronormative world.

Season 4: Will Benedict's "Fluidity" Flow Freely?

But with Season 4 looming and whispers of Benedict’s “Cinderella” storyline (borrowed from Julia Quinn’s “An Offer From a Gentleman”) swirling, fans are torn.

Will Benedict’s exploration of his sexuality continue, or will he be relegated to the sidelines of heteronormative romance once Sophie, the mysterious Lady in Silver, makes her grand entrance?

Showrunner Jess Brownell has offered some tantalizing hints, stating that Benedict's Season 3 dalliance is “not the end” of his journey. She even went so far as to use the word “fluidity,” music to the ears of viewers who crave a more nuanced and inclusive portrayal of sexuality.

The "Sophie Dilemma": Can a Queer Character Find Love with a Woman?

Here’s the rub: Benedict’s book-based romance with Sophie is a cornerstone of his character arc in the novels. But must embracing this storyline mean sacrificing his exploration of his queer identity?

Many fans argue that it doesn’t have to be an either/or situation.

“Why can’t Benedict continue to explore his sexuality before settling down with Sophie?” questioned one fan on Twitter, echoing the sentiments of many. “Or, better yet, why can’t we see him in a loving, committed relationship with someone of any gender?”

The Stakes Are High: Representation Matters

The pressure is on for "Bridgerton" to deliver. The show has been criticized in the past for its lack of LGBTQ+ representation, and Benedict’s storyline presents a golden opportunity to rectify that.

“Bridgerton has a chance to do something truly groundbreaking here,” wrote one commentator in a widely shared article. “Imagine the impact of a mainstream show like this portraying a queer character finding love and acceptance in a historical setting.”

A Love Story (or Two) for the Ages?

As we eagerly await Season 4, one thing is clear: the desire for a more inclusive "Bridgerton" is palpable.

Fans aren't just asking for scraps of representation; they’re demanding storylines that reflect the beautiful complexity of human connection in all its forms.

With Francesca Bridgerton’s own queer storyline teased at the end of Season 3, there's hope yet that "Bridgerton" might just deliver two love stories for the ages – proof that even in the ton, hearts don't always conform to society's rulebook.