The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 1, “Who Is in Charge Here?” Spoilers Ahead
The Gilded Age returns with a solid premiere episode that impressively sets up a compelling season. “Who Is in Charge Here” is the kind of ride that signals how these showrunners not only care about the time period we’re in but also about honoring the character journeys in a way that feels right.
Season 3 is the show’s strongest narrative arc yet, and as we dive deeper into exploring these character journeys, it’s going to be an absolute blast to watch.
The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 1 Effectively Explores Who’s in Charge
The episode’s title isn’t just about the van Rhijn/Forte home, but it’s about the Russells, too. It’s about understanding who has the last word, why, and how that’ll impact not just the characters within that specific household but those outside of it. Aurora Fane has the best line this week when she states, “Society is not known for its logic, especially where women are concerned.” This sentiment not only encompasses how men perceive us, but also, in many ways, how we perceive ourselves and our female peers. How mothers view their daughters, how sisters judge each other, and even how we react to our female friends. Logic, unfortunately, isn’t in the room with us during this episode, but that’s exactly what makes these character interactions so human.
There are bigger problems with how society as a whole views women, and the idea serves as the episode’s strongest theme. Sometimes, neither Agnes nor Bertha is right, even when they have good intentions, which is also why it continues to be so riveting that the women are foils of one another.
The van Rhijn Control
We knew that it’d be hard for Christine Baranski’s Agnes van Rhijn to let go of the fact that she’s no longer head of the household because it’s Ada’s money that’s now keeping them afloat. Yet, it’s still so engrossing to see her continue to put up a fight, especially in the face of Ada being excited for something such as the Temperance Movement. Even more interesting is the fact that every person working for them is also wondering what’s happening, and no one in the house fully knows who to listen to. It adds a bit of levity to the tension that’s clearly brewing underneath the table, so when we have some sort of a resolution, it’ll be interesting to see exactly how we get there.
Yet, more than anything, what sticks out is that The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 1, “Who Is in Charge Here?” immediately tests Agnes’ journey through the knowledge that her doctor won’t be treating Peggy because she’s a Black woman. Twice in the entire episode, Baranski shows the viewers that Agnes feels the heartache of what’s in front of her. The first time is when Ada opens up about the fact that she feels she needs a purpose to work through her grief, and the second time is when Agnes realizes how ill Peggy actually is. There, in those brief few moments, we’re reminded of the fact that Agnes van Rhijn isn’t entirely heartless and a product of what society wants domineering women to be, but she’s someone who cares. And it’s quiet beats like this that exhibit how strong the show’s character development is.
In addition, while things are relatively tense in the van Rhijn household, the bond between the women is at least somewhat solid here. The tides will certainly begin to turn, but there’s some agency as they see-saw around whose voice should govern.
The Russell Control
Now, unlike the relatively calm-ish waters at the van Rhijn household, things are on the brink of collapse at the Russell’s. Since last season we’ve known that Carrie Coon’s Bertha Russell will stop at nothing to ensure that Gladys marries well, even if that means she doesn’t marry for love. Having her eyes set on the duke since their initial meeting, Bertha has absolutely no regard for what George, Gladys, or Larry have to say.
Society is indeed run by men, but in the Russell household, Bertha calls the shots, and as we continue exploring what that looks like, this episode effectively signals how gripping it’ll be to see how she shows her love and admiration. She isn’t doing any of this with malice in her, which is exactly why it’s both thoroughly frustrating and entertaining that she refuses to compromise.
More than anything, the familiarity within the Russell household between the kids is what’s gorgeously standing out this season. I adored watching Larry accompany Gladys during her secret date, and I also love the fact that he’s trying to convince his mother that Gladys’ choice matters. It continues to be so riveting to see how two literal angels like Larry and Gladys were born from parents like George and Bertha, but it also isn’t shocking. It’s part of what makes The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 1, “Who Is in Charge Here?” such a great opener because seeing these stark differences is what sets up the season’s tone.
In many ways, few people on the show actually have agency in what they’re doing. Most people are adapting to a society that’s already decided they aren’t worthy. Here, women are pawns. The era is known for substantial economic wealth, but where women are concerned, many are still tethered heavily to their husbands. Thus, it’s understandable why Bertha would want Gladys to have more wealth than she did, given whose daughter she is, and it’s simultaneously so frustrating that she isn’t willing to challenge the status quo. Few women can afford to marry for love at this time, and the fact that the show touches on it with such nuance is where it shines. As we move forward, these narrative beats are going to be the most interesting ones to explore.
Agency, Time, and Understanding
While Marian doesn’t exactly have agency either, considering Agnes isn’t happy with her sudden choice to teach at the school again, she does have it in love for the first time. The third time’s the charm, and every little moment we get between Marian and Larry in The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 1, “Who Is in Charge Here?” is near-perfect. His unapologetic declaration of wanting to kiss her. The inability to hold back how deeply cares. How he can’t help but reach for her hand underneath the table when they’re at dinner. Each of these moments, coupled with how tender and sweet their first kiss was in Season 2, shows us how gorgeously well-suited they are.
It’s also adorable that the episode shows us instances of the two of them talking to different people about their relationship, and why they’re waiting. In many ways, while Marian can—to a degree—choose who she wants to be with, she has every right to feel nervous that she can fail at this, too. Because, of course, the two instances were her fault and not the fault of the men she’d chosen. (If it wasn’t obvious, that was sarcastic. It is not her fault.) Yet, time and again, women blame themselves when something doesn’t work out because society points fingers and blames them. Time and again, society forgoes logic, which is where Aurora Fane’s words come into play to address the stark differences. There shouldn’t be a timestamp on when Marian finds love again after calling off her engagement, and yet. This is a matter that even women in 2025 would still worry about, which is wild when we consider that men seldom do. (Hi, yes, Charles Fane is literally asking for a divorce so he can immediately marry his mistress, and no one in society will bat an eyelash if that happens.)
Still, a man like Larry Russell is the holy grail in a show like this. If nothing else, Russell men are fiercely loyal, but Larry is also incredibly kind and empathetic. He’s bold like his father, determined, and when he knows what he wants, there’s nothing that can stop him from attaining it. His compassion is exactly what a woman like Marian needs, but the reason their relationship sticks out is because they started as friends. They know each other inside and out because friendship is the center of their relationship. This transitional period is so sweet—so wholesome—that I can’t wait to see how it evolves, especially given the stakes of this season.
The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 1, “Who Is in Charge Here?” also sets up a writing journey for Peggy and the beginning stages of the Suffrage Movement while conflict arises in George Russell’s plans. As snow fills New York during a time when it should be early spring, we get natural signs that reveal few things will go as these characters plan. It’s a fascinating metaphor for the season, and it carefully illustrates how much planning has gone into setting up an arc that’ll be thoroughly engrossing in the end.
Stray Thoughts
- PROTECT PEGGY SCOTT AT ALL COSTS.
- Christine Baranski is so good in this episode that it bears repeating. So so good! Get this woman an Emmy!
- The way Larry looks at Marian 😭
- “I can’t quite imagine Mr. Russell in the Wild West.” Oh my God, someone put Morgan Spector in a cowboy romance. I need it like I need air.
- “But please, don’t make me wait too long.” Oh, he’s so smitten when he says this. Times like this, he really is George Russell’s son. And Harry Richardson is impeccable with the mannerisms this season.
- “Youth is complicated and not just pretty” feels like the theme of this season. I want a Bertha Russell flashback episode so bad. “I wish I had my confidence when I was your age.” Is also such a great line from Bertha! Like, truly, give me this episode.
- “I’m being banished from my own home.” Never change, Agnes. Never change.
- Gonna tell people “I’m discerning” when they say I’m petty.
- “Let the sober circus begin!” Once again, Agnes. Never change.
- Jack’s face when this woman says alcohol destinies people to hell.
- “My applause was in gratitude that she finally finished.”
- I truly cannot believe the gal Charles Fane has. Why are men like this!?
- Because really, Aurora’s “I never thought I’d be glad to have no children” line actually broke me.
- Hey, so, Marian and Larry holding hands under the table actually has me in a chokehold. HOLDING HANDS UNDER THE TABLE. IT WAS SO SOFT. SEND HELP.
- Peggy writing her novel even while she’s sick. Every writer just released a deep, heavy sigh watching.
- We’ve only had one episode but Taissa Farmiga is already so exceptional this season. How she goes head to head with Bertha and then how she changes her stance with Larry. I can’t wait to continue watching her shine because the work here is exceptional.
- Okay, but I don’t love people thinking that we can’t trust Larry with Jack’s patent and I can’t wait to see this storyline pan out in a way that allows people to trust both men more. But also, why is Jack continuously the most precious character? I cannot.
Now streaming on HBO Max: What are your thoughts on The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 1, “Who Is in Charge Here?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Photograph by Karolina Wojtasik/HBO