‘The Gilded Age’ Star Defends Bertha’s Controversial Choice in Episode 4: “Freedom Comes With Power”
Fans were hoping for a much better resolution in The Gilded Age’s latest episode, but Taissa Farmiga is convinced there was no other way around — here’s why.
Nothing is fair in love when it comes to The Gilded Age’s strict societal rules, even though many fans kept hoping for something different until the most recent episode was released.
Led by The White Lotus’ Carrie Coon, HBO’s hit historical drama primarily follows Bertha Russell as she navigates through numerous hardships to help her and her family get into the 1880s New York City high society.
The ongoing third season saw a major change in Bertha’s position as well as in her relationships with daughter Gladys, portrayed by Taissa Farmiga.
Despite some fans speculating about Gladys potentially taking control over the situation, Farmiga herself doesn’t think her character ever had a choice.
What Happened in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 4?
In the episode released on July 13, Bertha’s decision to set up an arranged marriage between Gladys and Hector, the Duke of Buckingham, results in a devastating outcome for Gladys.
While remembering about her father George’s promise that she would be able to marry for love, Gladys doesn’t have enough power to go against her stubborn mother’s will, reassuring Bertha that now their family has secured a solid spot in the creme de la creme of the New York City society.
Initially determined to not leave her dressing room, eventually Gladys goes down the aisle in tears and marries the Duke in a lavish ceremony with all the right people in attendance.
As a result, she later realizes that she’s now trapped with a pretty toxic and abusive husband for whatever time they’re destined to spend together.
Bertha, despite seeing her daughter’s suffering, celebrates her biggest win so far.
Taissa Farmiga Says Bertha’s Decision Is Motivated by Her Love for Gladys
However controversial Bertha’s actions would seem in the modern day, she might have been doing the rightest thing in the 1880s.
As The Gilded Age’s many fans already noticed, there was nothing better for a woman at that time than just being accepted by the society, which is what Bertha is trying to give her child, even by forcing Gladys to marry a man she never wanted in the first place.
“I think it’s going to take time for Gladys to realize just how much Bertha loves her. But, at the end of the day, what is motivating her is, yes, status in society, but also comfort and freedom for her daughter. And freedom comes with having power. The only power women could have in that time period is having a position in society”, Farmiga revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter upon the episode’s release last week.
When Will ‘The Gilded Age’ Next Episode Be Released?
The show’s season 3 episode 5 will arrive on HBO Max on July 20.
