Warning: SPOILERS for The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3 - “Love Is Never Easy.”
The Gilded Ageseason 3 has already more than fulfilled HBO’s tease that the series would center on relationship troubles, as there is yet another couple who could draw Bertha Russell’s ire.The Gilded Ageseason 3 received outstanding ratings, topping those of both seasons 1 and 2. The third season of Julian Fellowes' historical series has introduced even more dramatic stakes and big new relationship problems.
The Gilded Age’s season 3 premiereended with Gladys Russell running away from home after fighting with her mother over her future. At the same time, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Forte quarreled over control of their house, with Ada ultimately coming out victorious inThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 2’s ending. The drama so far this season has not disappointed, and episode 3 introduced more big questions for episode 4, including those about both Gladys' future with the Duke and theRussell offsprings' other big relationship.
Larry Russell & Marian Brook’s Romance Has To Get Past Bertha
Bertha’s New Maid Told Bertha What She Saw
Gladys and Hector, Duke of Buckingham’s relationship has gotten more attention so far inThe Gilded Ageseason 3, butMarian Brook and Larry Russell are now set to have their own Bertha Russell problem after episode 3. In each episode of the new season, the pair has found time to hide away and share kisses, but episode 3 sees them becoming a little less cautious in their displays of affection.
During Marian’s visit to the Russell house,Marian and Larry share a passionate kiss while they are alone, but Bertha Russell’s new lady’s maid walks in on them. Marian immediately panics, knowing that news of their kiss will quickly spread to Bertha and could potentially impact Larry and Marian’s relationship going forward. Sure enough, Bertha’s maid does tell her employer, and the Russell family matriarch has her own thoughts about Larry’s choice for a partner.
Bertha Russell does not necessarily seem too happy about learning of her son’s actions. This means thatMarian and Larry may face an uphill battle with Bertha in the coming episodesif they want to stay together. Bertha may be far less strict with Larry than she is with Gladys, but she will certainly still want to ensure that her son marries someone with a greater status in society than Marian Brook.
Marian Doesn’t Know Everything About Larry’s The Gilded Age Season 2 Romance
Larry’s Former Love Interest May Cause Problems For Marian
In addition to Bertha Russell potentially causing problems for Larry and Marian, Larry’s past could come back to haunt him even without his mother becoming involved. In the first half ofThe Gilded Ageseason 2, Larry was hired to renovate the house of the widow, Susan Blane, but while working together, the two began an affair. Since neither of them were married, there was nothing technically wrong with their actions, but, of course,society’s rules forced them to keep their relationship a secret.
Bertha ultimately intervened and told Ms. Blane to leave Larry alone out of fear that the rumors of an affair with an older widow would ruin his reputation. However, now that Marian and Larry are together, Marian herself is questioning whether she should be wary of Larry’s past. She even goes so far as to ask Ada about the rumors, but Marian does not learn the full extent of Larry’s past relationship, meaningshe may lose her trust in him if she finds out later through another source.
Larry May Not Care About Marian’s Failed Engagements, But Society Will
Marian’s Past Could Raise Questions About Her Decisions With Larry
Larry’s affair with Susan Blane may have been much more socially transgressive than Marian’s failed engagements, but because she is a woman,Marian Brook faces much stricter societal standards than Larry Russell. Her past relationships with Tom Raikes and Dashiell Montgomery are two marks against Marian, as Agnes was all too willing to point out to her. Though Larry himself may not care about her failed romances, and indeed already knows about them, society more generally will care.
Marian has already made it clear inThe Gilded Ageseason 3, thus far, that she is planning to play things safe with Larry and make absolutely sure that marriage is what she wants before jumping into a new relationship. With Bertha’s maid already having seen them kissing, it seems like a matter of time before news of their involvement becomes common knowledge within high society.Bertha herself would likely take issue with Marian’s failed relationships, wanting the best for her son.
Marian & Larry Are Still The Gilded Age’s Best New Couple
They Are Pretty Unproblematic Compared To The Show’s Other Pairings
Bertha Russell may have a few tricks up her sleeve in the coming episodes ofThe Gilded Ageseason 3, but for now, Marian Brook and Larry Russell are the best new couple that the series has introduced this season.They will likely face some trouble thanks to both of their pasts and society gossip, but if they can remain strong, it will be exciting to see how their connection grows throughout the season.
Larry and Marian have evolved their friendship into a palpable romantic chemistry.
Marian and Larry’s connection stands out especially compared toThe Gilded Ageseason 3’s other new couples. Larry and Marian have evolved their friendship into a palpable romantic chemistry since season 1.Marian and Larry’s connection feels more passionate and happy, like they are running toward something instead of away from it, compared to Gladys' disappointment with her would-be fiancé, Billy Carlton, who she hoped would prevent her from marrying the Duke of Buckingham.
The Gilded Ageseason 3 has also now introduced Peggy Scott’s potential new love interest, her doctor, William Kirkland. Peggy and William have the potential to give Larry and Marian a run for their money as The Gilded Age season 3’s best new couple. Although like Marian, Peggy may have to contend with William’s disapproving mother. If Marian and Larry can make it through Bertha Russell’s trials, they can cement themselves as the best couple inThe Gilded Ageseason 3.
