Finale Spoilers on The Gilded Age
In a dramatic turn during the season three finale of The Gilded Age, Bertha Russell, portrayed by Carrie Coon, faces heartbreaking turmoil. Her husband, George Russell, survives an assassination attempt, thanks to the quick actions of Dr. Kirkland, portrayed by Jordan Donica. However, the fallout leaves Team Russell reeling and their future uncertain.
Bertha’s Aspirations and Challenges
Since its debut in 2022, The Gilded Age has depicted the Russells as a symbol of aspirational partnership. Fans have praised their teamwork, especially in a time when women had limited agency. George thrived in business, while Bertha navigated high society, making them a seemingly invincible power couple.
Despite the couple’s united front, season three emphasizes marriage themes, notably Bertha’s push for her daughter Gladys, played by Taissa Farmiga, to marry for status rather than love. The show also unpacks the consequences of divorce, placing Bertha in a unique position regarding her children’s futures.
Coon’s Insight on Bertha’s Journey
Coon recently shared her thoughts on the finale, reflecting on Bertha’s moment of realization as George is taken away. In this pivotal scene, he expresses uncertainty about their relationship, prompting Bertha to reflect on her achievements and losses. “Yes, I think she has… It has come at a tremendous cost,” Coon stated, highlighting the emotional toll of Bertha’s relentless ambition.
On Marriage and Power
The interview also explored Bertha’s mindset regarding women’s power during the era. Coon remarked, “Well, let’s remember that women couldn’t even get their own credit card in the United States until the 1970s.” While Bertha holds wealth, her influence remains largely confined to social spheres, emphasizing her determination to ensure Gladys’s advantageous marriage.
Mother-Daughter Dynamics
As Bertha navigates the complexities around Gladys’s marriage, Coon noted, “Bertha wants to give her daughter the possibility of having a life that is meaningful.” Despite having married for love herself, Bertha prioritizes her daughter’s social standing, believing it will provide her with greater opportunities. Coon connected this to the historical context by referencing the lengths mothers would go to secure advantageous marriages for their daughters.
Bertha’s Relationships and Realizations
Following a tense season, Coon discussed Bertha’s evolving relationship with her son Larry and Marian, portrayed by Louisa Jacobson. Despite her initial reservations about Larry’s choice, Bertha concedes, realizing it may be her only route to mending her relationship with George.
The Aftermath of George’s Shooting
When George is shot, the emotional stakes rise dramatically for Bertha. Coon expressed that Bertha’s close call with losing George alters her perspective. “She starts to understand that there are some priorities maybe more important to her than she thought,” she explained, suggesting this traumatic event might lead to a reevaluation of their relationship dynamics.
Future Possibilities for Bertha
As the season closes, Bertha is left reflecting on her family’s future while harboring the bittersweet burden of unshared news about her daughter’s impending motherhood. Coon suggested that while the moment is heartrending, Bertha’s resilience will drive her to contemplate a proactive approach in the upcoming season: “She’s not going to give up on it. She’s indefatigable.”
Streaming Now
All three seasons of The Gilded Age are available for streaming on HBO Max, allowing fans to revisit this richly layered tale of ambition, love, and societal expectations.
