Season 3 of HBO's "The Gilded Age" is delivering the drama! Episode 3 is packed with high-society intrigue, financial maneuvering, and romantic entanglements. Let's dive into what's happening with the Russells, the Van Rhijns, and everyone in between.
Bertha's Relentless Ambition
Bertha Russell, played with formidable intensity, remains the driving force. Her daughter Gladys's engagement to the Duke of Buckingham hangs in the balance. Despite initial setbacks in negotiations between George and the Duke, Bertha refuses to let the deal fall through. She's determined to elevate her family to unimaginable heights, and a ducal marriage for Gladys is key to her plan.
Gladys, however, isn't thrilled with the prospect of marrying a man she barely knows. But as Larry points out, their father is "no match for mother." Bertha's persistence is legendary, and she's not about to let a little thing like Gladys's happiness stand in the way of her ambitions.
Financial Gambles and Railroad Revolution
While Bertha focuses on social climbing, George Russell is taking significant risks in the railroad industry. He's on the verge of a revolution, but his gambit could also lead to his ruin. The stakes are high, and the potential rewards are immense.
Love and Temperance in Newport
Away from the Russell's social machinations, other characters are navigating their own challenges. Ada continues her temperance quest, while Larry and Jack seek investors for their clock venture. In Newport, Peggy gets closer to Dr. Kirkland, but his mother, played by Phylicia Rashad, may prove to be an obstacle to their happiness.
Marian's Risky Romance
Marian finds herself in a precarious situation when her romance with Larry is discovered by Bertha's lady's maid. This revelation sends Marian into a panic, highlighting the strict social rules and the potential consequences of breaking them.
Tune in to HBO and Max on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT for new episodes of "The Gilded Age" Season 3. The next episode arrives on July 6th!