The Gilded Age Season 3 Takes a Bold Turn With Love, Power, and Parental Revenge
So, let’s talk about what went down in Episode 5 of The Gilded Age Season 3—because honestly, it’s one of the most emotionally tangled and socially explosive chapters we’ve seen so far.
Just as Gladys Russell begins her new life abroad after marrying the Duke of Buckingham—a marriage clearly more about alliance than love—her brother Larry is stepping out of the shadow of his aristocratic family. Larry finally makes the move to propose to Marian Brook. It’s bold, it’s unexpected, and it’s the kind of romantic leap this era rarely allows without backlash. Naturally, he tells his father, George Russell, first. Surprisingly, George supports him. But Bertha? She’s out at another high-society function, completely unaware that her son is taking his future into his own hands.
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When Bertha does find out—after Marian accepts the proposal—she’s not pleased. And let’s be clear: this isn’t just about love. For Bertha, marriage is a tool for building legacy, reputation, and social dominance. Marian, while admirable and respectable, simply doesn’t check off the boxes of status and influence that Bertha had envisioned for her son. What’s interesting here is that Bertha does admire Marian in a way. Carrie Coon, who plays Bertha, pointed out in a recent interview that Bertha sees a bit of herself in Marian. But admiration doesn't equal acceptance, not in a world ruled by status.
Morgan Spector, who plays George, described this whole scenario as a bit of a revenge plot. George is still bitter about being sidelined during Gladys’ marriage arrangements. So now, when it’s Larry’s turn, George is all about supporting his son's autonomy—possibly as a way of reclaiming some sense of control. It’s almost like he’s trying to make things right by doing the exact opposite of what happened with Gladys.
There’s a poetic messiness to all of this. Larry wants love. Marian just wants to be accepted. Bertha wants power. George wants redemption. And everyone’s motives are clashing in ways that feel deeply personal, but still incredibly political.
It’s also worth mentioning that Marian’s inclusion in Gladys’ wedding as a substitute bridesmaid—literally only because she fit the same dress size—felt like a tiny crack in the social façade. Larry pushed for it, yes, but it was clear Bertha wasn’t thrilled even then. This dynamic between Bertha and Marian has been simmering for a while, and now it's finally at a boiling point.
We’ve got three episodes left this season, and if this episode is any sign, the fireworks are only just beginning. Whether Bertha eventually comes around or goes full social tactician to break them apart—well, we’re in for a deliciously tense ride.
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