Bertha Russell’s Empire Crumbles: Inside The Gilded Age Season 3 Finale Fallout

The glittering ballrooms of Fifth Avenue turned to ash for Bertha Russell in The Gilded Age season 3 finale. After engineering her daughter Gladys’ triumphant marriage to a duke—securing unimaginable social power—Bertha (Carrie Coon) watched her world fracture. Her husband George (Morgan Spector), having survived an assassination attempt, delivered a devastating blow: “I don’t know if I want to be with you.” As he departed for convalescence, unaware Gladys carried his grandchild, Bertha stood alone—a queen dethroned by her own ambition. This seismic shift for television’s premier power couple exposes the fragile foundations of Gilded Age glory.

Why Did Bertha Russell Force Gladys Into Marriage?

Bertha’s manipulation of Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) into wedding the Duke sparked outrage among fans, but Coon defends her character’s motives through a historical lens. “Women couldn’t even get their own credit card until the 1970s,” Coon told The Hollywood Reporter. With societal influence restricted to marriage and philanthropy, Bertha viewed Gladys’ union as empowerment: “She wants to give her daughter the possibility of having a life that is meaningful and purposeful.” Though Bertha married for love, she believed Gladys needed status to access real power. Coon acknowledges the hypocrisy but emphasizes maternal intent: “Bertha’s really confident in what she’s doing for Gladys. She is doing it out of love.” Historical precedent exists—Alva Vanderbilt famously coerced her daughter Consuelo into a similarly strategic marriage in 1895, per Smithsonian Archives.

How Bertha’s Compromise Backfired

Bertha’s acceptance of Larry’s (Harry Richardson) romance with Marian (Louisa Jacobson) revealed her strategic calculus. Coon notes Bertha respected Marian’s ambition but conceded primarily to appease George after the Gladys fallout: “She’s going to have to give this one up if she wants George on her side again.” This tactical retreat failed spectacularly. George’s near-death experience—surviving a shooting thanks to Dr. Kirkland (Jordan Donica)—fundamentally altered him. “He cannot accomplish things in business without that social piece,” argues Coon. “To have him disregard her sphere is very dismissive.” The finale’s heartbreaking carriage departure underscores Bertha’s miscalculation: victory in society meant defeat at home.

The Cliffhanger’s Emotional Toll

George’s physical and emotional withdrawal left Bertha reeling. Coon describes filming the rift as “heartbreaking,” noting Bertha underestimated the trauma George endured: “This near-death experience created a shift she can’t access.” Yet true to form, Bertha won’t surrender. “Her wheels are already turning about how she’s going to fix it,” Coon revealed. The finale’s cruel irony? George departed ignorant of Gladys’ pregnancy—a revelation that might have bridged the chasm. Historical parallels resonate; divorce rates surged among Gilded Age elites as women gained financial autonomy, per Journal of American History (2019).

Bertha Russell’s journey epitomizes the era’s paradox: monumental ambition with devastating personal costs. As The Gilded Age prepares for season 4, her fight to reclaim both empire and marriage promises high-stakes drama. For now, all three seasons stream on HBO Max—a masterclass in power, love, and the price of victory.

Must Know

What happened to George Russell in the finale?
George survived being shot thanks to Dr. Kirkland’s intervention. However, the trauma caused an emotional rupture with Bertha, leading him to question their marriage before leaving for recovery.

Why was Gladys crying at her wedding?
Gladys wept because Bertha pressured her into marrying the Duke for social advancement rather than love. Though initially resistant, Gladys later acknowledged her mother’s guidance during their trip to England.

Will Bertha and George reconcile?
Carrie Coon hints Bertha will “get to work on some kind of plan” to save the marriage. Historical context suggests elite couples often prioritized public unity over private happiness.

How does Bertha feel about Marian now?
Bertha respects Marian’s ambition and fashion sense but accepted the relationship primarily to appease George. She considers Marian a safer choice than Larry’s previous romantic interest.

Is Gladys pregnant in the finale?
Yes, Gladys is expecting George and Bertha’s grandchild—a fact George doesn’t know when he departs. This revelation could impact season 4’s dynamics.