The Gilded Age provides plenty of drama, ambition, and romance even as it explores the lavish lives of the elite members of New York society in the 1880s. There is much to get into with these high-class individuals as they scheme and plot to gain advantages where applicable. The show is headed towards a third season which is set to premiere this summer and there will be lots of relationships that need sorting out. From the budding romance between Marian (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry (Harry Richardson), the heartwarming dynamic established between Mrs. Bruce (Celia Keenan-Bolger) and Mr. Borden (Douglas Sills), and the beautiful and tragic marriage of Ada (Cynthia Nixon) and Luke Forte (Robert Sean Leonard), romance is certainly going to be on the burner when the series returns for Season 3.
Despite all these other intriguing and complex romances, none quite lit things up in The Gilded Age scene, like George (Morgan Spector) and Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon). The Russells are a perfect match for one another, complementing one another in both ruthless business practices and the ambitions of high society. Speaking to TV Insider, writer and executive producer Sonja Warfield gave the outlet the scoop on the season’s upcoming romantic drama. Love has the power to upset balance, and the blooming buds between Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) and Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) look set to do that. So does what lies between the niece of Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Forte. So what do the families feel about all that? Warfield responds:
“There will be hurdles. Agnes believes Marian should be married by now, but she is not a fan of the new money Russell family. Ada is supportive of Marian but in a raw, honest way. George wants what his son wants, but we’ll see if that’s who Bertha, who pulls all the strings, would choose for Larry.”
Sonja Warfield Explains Bertha Russell’s Opposition to Gladys’ Relationship
In The Gilded Age, it is typical to see George and Bertha arguing when they have differing views on matters. Season 2’s ending hinted at yet another brewing conflict between them with regard to Gladys (Taissa Farmiga). While Bertha would like to see her daughter enter into a marriage of social standing to the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), George had promised Gladys that she would be allowed to marry for love. Warfield reveals what the intentions are behind Bertha’s choice for Gladys, saying:
“Bertha is playing the long game and looking out for her daughter. I’m not mad at her. Having George Russell as a father would be intimidating to any suitors, whether they’re old or new money, because he is a titan of industry. Bertha is thinking about, would that man come to resent the fact that, he will always sort of be in the shadow of the business of George Russell?”
While we look ahead to how much trouble Bertha will cause this season, The Gilded Age Season 3 looks poised to add more characters who’ll most likely have run-ins with Mrs. Russell. Season 3 had previously announced the addition of four stars. They include Phylicia Rashad as Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland and Jordan Donica as her son, Dr. Kirkland, in recurring roles alongside guest stars Brian Stokes Mitchell as Frederick Kirkland with Victoria Clark as Joan Carlton.
The Gilded Age is streaming on Max in the U.S.
Source: TV Insider