Thus far, Julian Fellowes’ The Gilded Age does an exceptional job with the romantic relationships, with Larry Russell and Marian Brook finally joining the ranks in the Season 2 finale, “In Terms of Winning and Losing.” Now, while there are a myriad ways the series can take them when the show resumes for Season 3, Larry and Marian’s first kiss is a big deal nonetheless.
There’s no substantial dialogue following the kiss or an overt declaration of their feelings, but we can decipher plenty with their infectious smiles, understanding that this is a big deal, even if we haven’t been following the development for seasons now. People are often opposed to shorter episode series because the argument is that there’s no way to get the same kind of development that the slow burn achieves on network television. But I’d argue against that sentiment because when the writing is thorough, and the performances are meticulously thoughtful, we get far more in a single season than we could get with many scattered moments. This is a significant reason why British television is often far more used to contained storytelling that easily achieves narrative heights.
Larry and Marian’s First Kiss in the Season 2 Finale Is Earned
Individually, Season 2 puts both Larry and Marian through a riveting rollercoaster in relationships they shouldn’t be in. For different reasons, they find themselves in places where their best attributes don’t come to the forefront as effortlessly as they do with one another. With this, their friendship takes a slight parting as they engage with other people, occupying their time in isolated activities. However, from the moment Marian publicly agrees to marry Mr. Dashiell, Harry Richardson’s performance and the deliberate blocking show us that the proposal devastates Larry. It’s there where it becomes clear as day that he realizes his feelings for Marian aren’t solely platonic, but they’re far deeper than he thought possible.
And while he likely sits with his emotions more, it makes complete sense that he’d go in for the kiss at the realization that she might move away from him. It doesn’t matter that just mere moments ago, Marian made it clear that they’ll always be friends because he already knows what it’s like to lose her, even for a brief period. We mentioned in our end-of-the-year reviews, but as different as Larry is from his father, he is still a Russell at the end of the day, and the two men are nothing if not persistent in their desires. Like his father, it’s unmistakable that Larry would seize what he wants and later become the kind of husband who’d do anything and everything for his wife while remaining steadfastly and passionately loyal to her. And only her.
Interestingly, whether the kiss thrusts them toward an exclusive relationship or not, it’s hard to tell because more than one scenario would make sense in how they deal with it. Yet the kiss matters because it’s the type of first kiss that boldly shows that both characters are completely besotted with each other. This relationship is the one they’re meant to be in because these smiles are reserved solely for one another.
There’s something so sincere and innocent about Marian’s “Oh” that results in another glowing smile from Larry to showcase his own feelings right back. It’s an excellent first kiss because it indicates that they’re both not only on the same page, but it’s something that brings out sheer happiness without an ounce of constraint in any of their expressions. It’s also important to note that even while Larry thought he wanted Susan, the ever-present glint in his eyes that’s only present around Marian was missing from his expressions. He was happy, yes, but he wasn’t entirely content or his best self. The same can undoubtedly be said about Marian, whose apprehensions were almost always present with others. There’s a light they both bring out of each other that’s so obvious it’s downright as adorable as it is significant.
There’s also something lovely about the detail that it occurs on her doorstep, a pivotal place for both of them, as the many conversations they’ve had here have fortified their friendship gorgeously. It’s proof of what a gentleman Larry is as he continues to show up for and protect her in ways no other suitor has. She could walk back alone; it’s certainly not far, but Larry wouldn’t have any of that because he cares about her too much.
The Gilded Age Season 2 is now streaming in its entirety on Max. What are your thoughts on Larry and Marian’s first kiss? Let us know in the comments below.