The drama on 61st Street in Old New York continues in The Gilded Age. The question of Gladys Russell’s (Taissa Farmiga) marriage comes to a head but that is just one of many intrigues in an eventful episode. The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3 offers one resolution but begins other conflicts. And all the while, the characters’ motivations stay believable and in character.
“Love I Never Easy” picks up shortly after the previous episode left off. George Russell is not happy about being blindsided by the fact that Bertha (Carrie Coon) has basically arranged Gladys’ marriage behind his back. The Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb) has brought a lawyer on his visit. That’s a pretty clear sign he believes there is a nuptial settlement to negotiate. Even though Billy Carlton (Matt Walker) didn’t fight for her and broke her heart, Gladys doesn’t want to marry the Duke. Especially because George promised his daughter that she could marry for love. However, the viewer knows not to underestimate Bertha’s ability to get what she wants. Meanwhile, Peggy (Denee Benton) is visiting family in Newport, Rhode Island, with her parents after recovering from her illness, and Ada (Cynthia Nixon) is struggling to project authority now that she’s paying the bills in the Van Rhijn/Brook household.
The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3 invests in many relationships, both new and established and the result is another outstanding installment of this HBO and Max period drama.
MORE: If you need a refresher on the last episode of The Gilded Age, just read our review of Season 3, Episode 2!
“I am certainly not the fool here.”
The Duke asks for more money than George wants to part with. He tries to compromise, at least a little, but it doesn’t work. So the Duke moves on. Or so it seems. While Gladys foolishly harbors the hope of being with Billy again, Bertha is petrified when the Duke pays attention to another heiress. But she does something about it. She convinces the Duke to accept George’s terms. Call Bertha ruthless if you want (and you’d be right), but you can’t deny she is an active character.
Gladys proves that she has matured throughout the episode when she listens to the Duke’s argument for their marriage. This moment is so well executed because the writers had to convince the audience that compatibility between these two is possible. And they accomplish that. The Duke, Hector, is honest with Gladys and genuinely intends to try to make her happy. I give Gladys a lot of credit for recognizing that. She has more growing to do, but Gladys is evolving past the girl who wanted Billy Carlton.
Of course, Gladys and the Duke’s engagement is the realization of Bertha’s dreams for her daughter. She may have gotten what she wanted but Bertha’s plans came close to falling apart. The writers draw parallels between her and George here, as his finances become increasingly precarious as well. This couple has always been similar in their ruthlessness. But George is now reaching his limit with Bertha’s scheming. He has always admired her determination, but this situation could be the breaking point for their marriage. This is believable angst for this established pair.
MORE: Read our review of The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 1 so you don’t forget any of the drama of this season!
“Never let your standards slip.”
Viewers shouldn’t use up all their energy on the Russells, though, because plenty is happening elsewhere. Peggy (Denee Benton) is enjoying her time at her cousin’s house in Newport. Especially when Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica) comes calling. Julian Fellowes and the rest of the writing staff are putting in the time for this pairing. Kirkland asks Peggy to a party so she can meet his parents and brother, which allows for representation of the Black elite at this time in history. It also ratchets up the drama because Peggy’s parents attend the party too. This means the entire group gets to know each other, which goes badly because William’s mother, Elizabeth (played by Phylicia Rashad), turns out to be a snob. She looks down on Peggy’s father because he used to be a slave and she is overbearing towards her other son’s wife. Yikes.
This is an authentic conflict for Peggy and William. And though their connection is developing well, this is something they will have to confront if they want to be together long-term. Peggy is calm about the situation. It’s early days after all. But her parents recognize the scope of this problem a bit better, and they are anxious about their daughter’s future happiness. So are we. At least we get to see some great actors while we watch it all play out. After all, aside from McDonald and Rashad, William’s father is played by Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell.
MORE: We can tell you all about the gorgeous filming locations for The Gilded Age!
“When you set your mind on a thing, no one will stop you.”
As for the other characters, Agnes (Christine Baranski) can usually be counted on for laughs thanks to her cantankerous one-liners, and this episode is no exception. Her latest snit is about the temperance pledge that Ada (Cynthia Nixon) wants the servants to sign. For Agnes, it is too much that her sister gives the orders in the house now, but to be asked to give up her wine on top of that? No way! When her maid, Armstrong (Debra Monk), signs the pledge, she takes it as a betrayal. Agnes’ son Oscar (Blake Ritson) inherited her dry wit. Add him to these scenes and they are wonderful moments of levity amid the drama.
Another element that helps balance the angst is something to cheer for. This season, that comes in the form of Jack (Ben Ahlers). He has the chance to embody the American dream if someone purchases the clock he invented. He could go from footman to businessman. Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) takes him one step closer to that by bringing Jack to the meetings about the clock, and Jack takes full advantage of it. He demonstrates his technical ability by explaining the clock to an investor. And he does it in a charming, confident way. Rooting for him is just one of the many satisfying experiences of watching The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3.
The Gilded Age airs Sundays at 9 PM on HBO and is streaming on Max.
