New Developments in the Russell Family
As Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga) begins to adjust to her life in a new home after her arranged marriage to the Duke of Buckingham, the fifth episode of HBO’s The Gilded Age highlights a significant shift in the dynamics of her family. While Gladys is settling into her new role, her brother Larry (Harry Richardson) takes steps toward forging his own path. This marks a pivotal moment for the Russell family, as Larry announces his intention to spend the rest of his life with Ms. Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson).
Larry’s decision to propose to Marian comes as a surprise to many, especially his mother, Bertha (Carrie Coon), who is not immediately supportive of the match. The conversation between Larry and their father, George (Morgan Spector), centers on this proposal, but Bertha is notably absent from the discussion. She is out attending social events, which adds to the tension surrounding the situation.
George, portrayed by Morgan Spector, reveals a complex emotional state during this exchange. According to Spector, George is driven by a mix of bitterness and a desire for control. “At that point, George is just hopped up on bitterness and rage, and so he’s ready to stick the needle in wherever he possibly can,” Spector explains. He notes that while George’s actions may seem unfair, they are rooted in a desire to prevent repeating past mistakes. “He’s determined not to repeat the same mistake and try to fight for his son’s autonomy and freedom.”
Bertha only learns about Larry’s engagement after Marian has accepted his proposal, and she is clearly upset. Carrie Coon, who plays Bertha, reflects on how the writers might handle Bertha’s relationship with Marian. “I wasn’t sure how the writers would deal with Bertha’s relationship with Marian, because I think she does respect Marian. I think she admires her,” Coon says. She adds that Bertha sees more of herself in Marian than in Gladys, which raises questions about whether she will eventually accept Marian as a potential partner for Larry.
Despite her reservations, Bertha does ask Marian to be a substitute bridesmaid at Gladys’ wedding. This arrangement was made at the last minute when one of the other women fell ill. Larry insisted on Marian’s inclusion, noting that she was the same size as the original bridesmaid. This small gesture highlights the growing connection between Larry and Marian, even if it is met with resistance from Bertha.
The question remains whether Bertha will come to accept Larry’s choice. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how the family navigates these changes and whether Bertha’s views on societal expectations evolve. With three more episodes to go, the future of the Russell family—and their relationships—remains uncertain.
Key Relationships and Tensions
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George and Larry: George’s reaction to Larry’s engagement is shaped by his own feelings of powerlessness regarding Gladys’ marriage. His support for Larry’s choice reflects a shift in his approach to parenting.
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Bertha and Marian: Bertha’s initial reluctance to accept Marian is influenced by societal norms and her desire for a higher status match for her son. However, her admiration for Marian suggests there may be room for change.
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Larry and Marian: Their relationship is built on mutual affection and shared values. Larry’s insistence on including Marian in the wedding shows his commitment to their bond.
As the story unfolds, the Russell family will face more challenges, and the dynamics between its members will continue to evolve. The coming episodes promise to reveal more about their struggles and the paths they choose to take.
