Editor’s note: The following recap contains significant spoilers for The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3.
The Gilded Age Season 3 places Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) in a tumultuous predicament as Bertha (Carrie Coon) strives to dictate her future, a narrative thread that has been woven throughout the series. Episode 3 intensifies this situation. The episode continues right after the return of Hector, the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), with the title “Love Is Never Easy.” This episode indicates that Bertha’s ambitions for Gladys may be advancing too rapidly for anyone to intervene. Meanwhile, other characters also shine; Peggy (Denée Benton), now fully recovered from her illness, embarks on a voyage to Newport, while Marian (Louisa Jacobson) confronts pivotal choices in her relationship with Larry (Harry Richardson), propelling everyone forward as the season nears its midpoint.
‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Involves George in the Marriage Negotiations
From the moment Gladys became aware of Bertha’s intentions for her future, she viewed George (Morgan Spector) as her potential savior, due to his assurance that she would have the opportunity to marry for love. However, George’s reappearance in Episode 2 does not halt Bertha’s plans. When the Duke arrives at their residence, George’s approach to resolving the situation, which he had promised Gladys he would manage, involves negotiating with Hector and his lawyer, Dobbs (Stephen Carlile). George has a defined limit on how much he is willing to contribute to Gladys’ dowry, which Hector misinterprets as an opportunity to extract more from the arrangement. Initially, George and the Duke reach a stalemate in their discussions. Yet, George later returns, informing Hector that he will elevate his offer to the requested amount, but the extra funds will be allocated specifically for Gladys, a proposition that Hector finds unhelpful. Frustrated by his inability to negotiate a better marriage deal, Hector storms out, ignoring Bertha’s protests.
Gladys, elated and believing she has escaped the match, remains unaware of Bertha’s rising concern over potential public disgrace, especially after witnessing Hector at the opera with the De Lancey heiress. The gossip surrounding the Duke’s apparent move on incites fear. The perception of Gladys’ so-called failure sparks a heated argument between George and Bertha, who continue to disagree about Gladys’ future. Meanwhile, George’s business is thrown into turmoil as Clay (Patrick Page) returns from Morenci, requiring funds to finalize the deal. With the engagement off, George reappropriates the money he had earmarked for Gladys’ dowry, disregarding Clay’s counsel. On the other hand, Bertha does not relent; she invites the father of Gladys’ supposed rival over to ascertain his intentions. Discovering he wishes for his daughter to remain in New York and has little regard for social advancement, Bertha’s confidence is restored.
Marian and Larry’s Relationship Is Now Public in ‘The Gilded Age’
Amidst the turmoil caused by the Duke’s arrival, Larry and Marian find themselves alone until Bertha’s maid, Miss André (Rachel Pickup), unexpectedly walks in and catches them sharing a kiss. Marian is immediately concerned about her social standing, particularly in relation to Bertha, and hastily departs. When she recounts the incident to her aunt Ada (Cynthia Nixon), Ada reassures her that the situation is not as dire as it seems, especially if she plans to marry Larry. She encourages Marian to decide what she truly wants from her relationship with Larry, but Marian harbors concerns regarding rumors surrounding Larry’s past involvement with an older woman, presumably Mrs. Blane (Laura Benanti), who was introduced in Season 2. Miss André ultimately reveals Larry’s secret to Bertha, who appears troubled as she observes their interactions at the opera, yet Marian’s reputation remains largely intact.
Ada and Agnes Navigate Sobriety and Social Downfall in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3
Reputations are not only a concern for young women in this society. Agnes (Christine Baranski) finds herself experiencing a decline in her societal standing as her wealth diminishes, leading to a loss of the recognition she once commanded. In contrast, Ada receives the accolades that Agnes longs for. While Agnes feels invisible, Ada is tenaciously advocating for their household to sign the temperance pledge, discovering that only Armstrong (Debra Monk) has committed to this cause. Disheartened, Ada believes she cannot compete with Agnes, who she assumes would have gained the support of all the household staff. Ironically, this situation breeds jealousy between the two sisters.
Feeling a sense of failure in her efforts to honor Luke (Robert Sean Leonard), Ada engages in discussions with the household staff, where she encounters the cook, Mrs. Bauer (Kristine Nielsen), who advises her not to take the lack of support personally. Mrs. Bauer reassures Ada that her initiative has sparked important conversations, which would make Luke proud. What comforts Ada most is Bauer’s assertion that she knows a way for Ada to communicate with Luke again, hinting at a fascinating twist in Ada’s poignant narrative.
Peggy’s Journey to Newport in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 3
After enduring two seasons filled with personal struggles and familial tensions, Peggy (Denée Benton) finally gets a well-deserved vacation this week, accompanied by her mother, Dorothy (Audra McDonald), as they visit their relative, Athena (Jessica Frances Dukes), in Newport. While there, Peggy receives a letter from Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica), who treated her during the previous episode. William expresses a desire to visit her, leading Athena and Dorothy to speculate that he might be interested in courting Peggy, although Peggy remains somewhat doubtful. During a walk along the cliffs with William, she ultimately accepts an invitation to his family’s gathering for her and her mother.
Arthur (John Douglas Thompson) joins them, and the trio encounters William’s parents. They quickly realize that Mrs. Kirkland (Phylicia Rashad) is a proud woman who values formal education and looks down on those who have not had the same opportunities. This creates tension, particularly as she expresses prejudice against Arthur after learning about his past as someone who was enslaved, raising concerns for both him and Dorothy regarding the implications of Peggy and William’s potential relationship. While Peggy is cautious not to draw hasty conclusions, Dorothy reflects on her own family’s prejudices that complicated her marriage to Arthur, and she hopes to spare Peggy from similar challenges.
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‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Review: HBO’s Most Consistent Period Drama Is No Longer Playing It Safe
‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 premieres June 22.
Jack and Larry’s Entrepreneurial Venture Progresses in ‘The Gilded Age’
Although the van Rhijn family is entrenched in old money, various business ventures are unfolding within their household. Oscar (Blake Ritson) has successfully acquired two new clients thanks to the assistance of John Adam (Claybourne Elder). However, the most pivotal business endeavor is that of the family’s footman, Jack (Ben Ahlers), who aspires to achieve the American Dream despite Agnes’s skepticism.
Larry has orchestrated several meetings with investors for Jack’s clock design, but the outcomes have not met expectations. The final meeting is scheduled with Weston (John Ellison Conlee), a professional in the field of clocks. He poses intricate questions regarding Jack’s design. In a bid to demonstrate his invention’s functionality, Jack offers to lend prototypes to Weston and his colleague. However, despite their efforts, Jack and Larry fail to close a deal with Weston, who remains unconvinced. Returning home feeling dejected, Jack is reminded by the typically cynical Armstrong that investors must carefully evaluate their options and that he has already made significant strides in his journey as an entrepreneur. This unexpected encouragement from Armstrong suggests that Jack may not be ready to abandon his dreams just yet.
Gladys’ Future Takes Shape in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 3
As Gladys’ parents engage in heated discussions about her future, she has her own ambitions. With the Duke no longer a factor in her life, Gladys enlists Larry to speak with Billy Carlton (Matt Walker) on her behalf, hopeful that he might return. However, Larry discovers that Bertha’s intimidation has scared him off for good, leaving Gladys feeling like she knows nothing about love, just as Bertha had warned. Meanwhile, Hector revisits the Russells, unable to secure a better offer. Bertha resumes her manipulative tactics, trying to persuade Hector to marry Gladys by insisting that in a successful marriage, any wealth Gladys possesses must be shared. Although George is not impressed by Bertha’s interference, he and Hector ultimately reach an agreement.
This unexpected development distresses Gladys, who needs reassurance from both her parents. She accuses George of failing to keep his promise to her, but George encourages Gladys to give Hector a chance. After some hesitation, she agrees to meet him, and Hector assures her that his intention is to make her happy, acknowledging the peculiar circumstances they find themselves in. Under considerable pressure and appreciating his candor, Gladys consents to finalize their engagement. Bertha orchestrates George to announce the upcoming marriage during the unveiling of Sargent’s (Bobby Steggert) portrait of Gladys. While Episode 3 seems to indicate that Bertha has emerged victorious, Gladys’ visible anxiety during the announcement raises questions about her future.
The Gilded Age is available for streaming on Max in the U.S.
The Gilded Age
“Love Is Never Easy” propels every storyline forward, setting the stage for significant developments in fan-favorite characters’ arcs on The Gilded Age.
- Release Date
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January 24, 2022
- Network
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HBO
- Directors
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Deborah Kampmeier, Salli Richardson-Whitfield
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Morgan Spector
George Russell
- Episode 3 introduces a love interest for Peggy, providing her with a much-needed uplifting storyline.
- Although Agnes is not prominently featured, she delivers some impactful and dramatic one-liners.
- Armstrong showcases a softer side through her support of Jack’s clock project.
- George disappoints Gladys by negotiating her marriage to the Duke.
