WARNING: Spoilers for Bridgerton season 1.
In Bridgerton season 1, why does Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) approve of the relationship between his brother Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Genevieve Delacroix (Kathryn Drysdale)? As the viscount of a well-to-do family, the character has high standards for his seven siblings and disapproves of numerous suitors for his younger sister, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor). Given that Madame Delacroix's working-class profession as a "modiste" (dressmaker) doesn't fit Anthony's criteria for a future sister-in-law, it's surprising he still allows Benedict to pursue the relationship and does so without being snarky or arrogant.
Anthony suffers from an identity crisis throughout Bridgerton season 1. After his father's death, he's under immense pressure to not only protect his mother, Violet (Ruth Gemmell), and his siblings, but also must find an ideal partner of his own. And therein lies the narrative wrinkle, as the Netflix series begins with the viscount engaging in a sexual relationship with an Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), when Siena shows up at a salon to flirt with Simon.
By the Madame Delacroix and makes the romance known to Daphne. During a group hang at the Bridgerton headquarters - not long after sister sca (Ruby Stokes) returns home - Benedict nervously informs Anthony about his new "friendship," and, after a pause, the viscount surprisingly offers , stating "Good for you, brother. You deserve contentment. We all do. If the lady contributes to that, then I'm happy for you."
Anthony approves of Benedict's romance with Madame Delacroix because - in the moment - he's feeling optimistic about a future with Siena, as he enjoyed a spontaneous hook-up with her not long before. So, in Bridgerton season 1, it's no accident that the modiste and opera singer are friends, which allows for the subtext to fully emerge in of the viscount's flimsy morals and obvious hypocrisy. Anthony and Siena have a second encounter in the season finale, but this time, the latter ultimately walks away from the co-dependent relationship and asks the viscount to let her go.
Bridgerton season 1 establishes Anthony as a tragic figure who is doomed to live an unhappy life. On the bright side, however, there's plenty of evidence (certainly in the books) to suggest that the viscount can turn his life around, presumably when he resolves his identity crisis, and the season finale gave the first indication he may find self-awareness yet. As for the Benedict storyline, Bridgerton season 1 has been criticized (via Digital Spy) for not fully exploring a subplot involving his closeted friend, Henry Granville (Julian Ovenden). Whereas Benedict's intentions seemingly come from a good place, Anthony only approves of the relationship with Madame Delacroix because it validates his feelings for Siena.