Why Benedict Doesn’t Have To Follow The Same Rules As Anthony
Warning! This post contains mild spoilers for Bridgerton season 2.
Netflix's Bridgerton is about Regency-era British nobility and that peerage system explains exactly why second-eldest Bridgerton son Benedict doesn't have to follow the same strict rules as the eldest son, Anthony. Based on the Bridgerton book series by Julia Quinn, the series was adapted for Netflix by Shonda Rhimes, who also created such television hits as Grey's Anatomy and Scandal. Bridgerton was a smash hit for Netflix when it premiered in December of 2020, largely due to the steamy romance between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). The second season, which was released on March 25, 2022, puts Anthony at the forefront as he searches for a wife out of duty. Bridgerton season 2 also shows how stark the difference in responsibility is between Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Benedict (Luke Thompson).
The Bridgerton family, headed by Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, are part of the British peerage system in a fictionalized 1800s London. Anthony inherited his title from his father, Edmund Bridgerton, who passed away after having an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Having to become the head of the family at about 16 years old, Anthony was forced to become a responsible leader at a young age, which caused him to have to grow up quickly. Benedict is the second-born son and would have been second in line to inherit the title, behind Anthony. The difference in how they were socialized growing up is evident in the way that Benedict is able to pursue his passions by going to the Royal Academy to study art. Anthony, in contrast, is mostly focused on duty.
Anthony's rules are different from Benedict's because, as a viscount, Anthony Bridgerton is considered a peer of the realm, one who would be a member of the House of Lords. Inheriting the title of viscount from their father meant that Anthony would have all the rights and responsibilities that his father did as a member of the peerage. As a viscount, his role is similar to that of a judge and a tax collector. He is expected to administer justice in his specific territory as well as collect revenue and taxes from subjects. What's more, Anthony is also responsible for the well-being of his family, which means providing for his brothers and finding his sisters suitable husbands. While Benedict is currently first in line because Anthony doesn't have a child yet, he reasonably isn't expected to ever actually hold the title. It's expected that Anthony will have children, which will quickly move Benedict down the line and further diminish the possibility that he will himself become a member of the peerage. Thus, he's far freer to do what he wants than Anthony.
In the Bridgerton books, Anthony and his wife, Kate, end up having four children, which means that Benedict will never inherit the position barring a tragedy. Benedict reasonably doesn't expect to ever become the next Viscount Bridgerton and openly enjoys the freedom that comes with being nobility but not a part of the peerage. However, in Bridgerton season 2, Anthony does warn Benedict that, as his current heir, he should be concerned with his duty, as well. While Anthony supports Benedict's art and believes that he is a good artist, he also feels that he indulges too much in frivolous things like the wild, debaucherous parties that Benedict attends with his artist friends. Even being able to study art is a freedom that Anthony will never be afforded.
In Bridgerton season 2, the concerns of the two eldest siblings couldn't be more different. Anthony worries about finding a suitable wife to become his viscountess and bear his children, while Benedict follows his passions as an artist. While all of the Bridgertons are considered nobility, Anthony has a level of responsibility that the rest of them have never had to concern themselves with. While unlikely, it remains to be seen if Bridgerton season 3 will find Benedict growing up a bit.