'The Gilded Age' Season 3 Episode 4 Wedding Drama, Explained: Bertha Has Fans Divided
Carrie Coon’s character is as controversial as ever in The Gilded Age’s new season 3, and it’s all due to the shocking decision that might have just become the point of no return for Bertha — here’s why.
It’s been a couple of weeks since HBO’s posh historical drama The Gilded Age was brought back to the screens with a third season, swirling things even more in the 1880s New York City society.
Led by The White Lotus’ star Carrie Coon, the show primarily follows Bertha Russell’s attempts to get into high society using all of her money and position privileges, even though newcomers are quite a rare occasion there.
Her ultimate goal, however, comes to its peak in The Gilded Age’s latest episode 4 that, despite many fans’ hope for a much better resolution, has brought a major shocker anyway.
What Happens in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 4?
In the episode, Bertha’s daughter Gladys goes through one of the toughest moments of her life as she’s forced to walk down the aisle and marry the Duke of Buckingham just for the sake of her family’s wealth.
Even though earlier Gladys was promised by her father George that she could marry whoever she would want to, Bertha ruthlessly rules such a possibility out, sacrificing her daughter’s happiness and seeing her walk down the aisle in tears.
In the end, Gladys is sent off to England alongside her husband, with the episode’s finale making it clear that the arranged marriage will remain so for whatever time Gladys and the Duke of Buckingham would get to spend together.
‘The Gilded Age’ Fans Have Mixed Feelings About Bertha’s Decision
Even though it was hard watching Gladys sacrificing her entire life for her mother’s ambitions, some fans still acknowledged that the era’s rules demanded something similar just to stay afloat.
“Back then, women weren't meant to be independent and love doesnt buy you happiness or respect or freedom. The only way for them to even get a taste of freedom is to be born middle class or to be the most respectable woman in the society if they're noble”, Redditor gooseyxox reflected on the matter in a thread.
However, there was another side of the coin to consider, with the fan also agreeing that the Duke is far from being the best life companion, especially for an innocent child like Gladys.
“Gladys surely doesn't understand that she could say no if she doesn't want to. She's like an innocent lamb. And I absolutely hate the Duke. But God being a rich noble woman back those days is a fuckinh nightmare tbh”, they added.
When Will ‘The Gilded Age’ Next Episode Be Released?
The show’s season 3 episode 5 will arrive on HBO Max on July 20.
