The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3, “Love Is Never Easy” Spoilers Ahead
With the amount that transpires in The Gilded Age’s “Love Is Never Easy,” one would think it was over two hours long. Emotionally charged, daring, and the type of episode that’s about to change the trajectory of the series in a whole new way, this one’s major.
The Van Rhijn household continues to bicker over who’s in charge on top of the Temperance Movement, while the Russell household argues over Gladys’ marriage to the duke. And while things mostly go smoothly for Peggy and Dr. Kirkland, their parents aren’t exactly getting off on the right foot.
The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3 Makes an Interesting Point on Transparency
The performances on The Gilded Age continue to floor me as tension grows thicker and more agonizing with every passing episode. This is especially the case in the Russell household, as George has a tough time withholding his frustration while Bertha continues to push her agenda further. And what continues to be so fascinating is that, as a fly on the wall, they both make incredibly valid arguments to get their point across.
While we briefly question Hector’s motives when he doesn’t agree to George’s demands regarding the marriage and income pertaining to Gladys, it’s also gripping how he considers it once Bertha voices her point of view. Marriage is indeed a business transaction in a period like this, yet marriage is also about growth. The hypocrisy that someone like Bertha exhibits in her own relationship and how she looks at her kids is what makes her such a perfectly complex character, as everything we see layers her even further. She fully believes “boys will be boys” when Larry is wildly in love with Marian, meanwhile, she doesn’t flinch when Hector does something questionable—oof. She does genuinely want the best for Gladys, but she also can’t see beyond reason. Still, we have to give her credit where it’s due, and it’s that Hector isn’t the worst choice. His conversation with Gladys proves as much.
The fact that Hector is willing to be fully honest with Gladys is a big deal. He isn’t inherently an awful person, and he himself is also tethered to the demands people put on him. This matter is more complex than a mere arranged marriage, and that final conversation proves that it might not be the worst thing. Still, it’s unfortunate given Gladys’ lack of agency, but maybe just maybe things can work out. Because Bertha also makes a worthy point to George about the fact that they’re a love match, because they’re suited, and not for trivial matters. As someone who maybe reads too many historical romances with the arranged marriage trope, there are instances where love can bloom after the wedding. Whether that’s the case for Gladys and Hector, only time will tell.
What time will also tell is how this arrangement will continue to cause a rift between George and Bertha. While the ending seemed somewhat—slightly—hopeful, the beginning of The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3, “Love Is Never Easy,” tells a different story. George is rightfully frustrated, and a part of him can tell that there’s more that Bertha isn’t saying aloud. So the fact that he’s essentially pushing her away is making me question how much this tension will stretch over time.
The angst in the trailer was enough to freak us out, but now, add the events of this episode, and I’m a bit more nervous. The contrast betweeen the sheer joy that Carrie Coon wears in her expression at the end versus the uncertainty playing on Morgan Spector’s face is deliciously angsty to deconstruct in writing but absolutely terrifying as a fan. Plus, the fact that he rejected her essentially because he was tired? Stress.
And Sneaking Around Continues
As mentioned in last week’s “What the Papers Say,” I adore watching Marian and Larry sneak around. In the middle of everything happening, this boy continues to be so besotted that it’s wild—precious. He’s George Russell’s son through and through, and Harry Richardson continues to be a standout performer as Larry holds nothing back. Now, while Marian’s apprehension and fears make sense, what stands out most in this episode is her conversation with Aunt Ada when she says, “Our society gives more license to young men than to young women.” Because in more ways than one, that’s still the essence of this show and how people behave. It’s an exact parallel with Bertha’s “Boys will be boys” line. It’s still what belittles and shatters young women. And especially the women on this show.
It’ll be interesting to see how much progress we make in this arc, because Larry is so in love with Marian that I can’t wait to see him prove it to everyone involved. He doesn’t have to, but it’ll be a riveting showcase of how other people’s perceptions aren’t exactly true. I imagine that once there’s a bit of peace, we’ll get a real sense of where their relationship is headed and how it impacts both families.
Let Peggy Scott Be Happy 2k25!
Denée Benton’s Peggy Scott has always been an incredibly important character in the series, and we could always use more of her. Further, we need storylines in the show where both her writing and happiness are front and center. The rapport she already has with Jordan Donica’s Dr. William Kirkland is precious, but on a show like The Gilded Age, what does that mean exactly? We can’t always trust characters until we have enough time with them to believe, but like Hector, I want to believe that William can be good for Peggy.
Now, as for how his parents behaved toward Peggy’s parents, that’s an entirely different story. Whether that’ll change throughout the course of the season or not ultimately depends on how long the character is sticking around, but I continue to love the fact that we’re getting more of Mr. Scott in the season. And I love the fact that he continues pointing out when people are wrong.
Related Content: See the Broadway Stars on The Gilded Age Sing Their Hearts Out
A House Divided Still
I realize that Ada’s Temperance Movement is important to her, but how can we take it seriously as a narrative when literally only one person has signed the petition? And Armstrong of all people? Oof. Agnes continues to be an absolute mood as she fails to grapple with the fact that she isn’t the one who has money anymore. Plus, Oscar, too, is the best kind of comedic relief right now.
Still, more than anything, I do love that we get another moment of vulnerability with Cynthia Nixon as Ada confesses that the movement is so important to her because she’s still grieving the loss of her husband. (More conversations like this, please!)
The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3, “Love Is Never Easy,” makes a heartfelt case for why conversations matter and how quiet moments are bound to lead to bigger things. The imagery of Gladys ripping her pearls at the end is a powerful symbol of all the ways things can go wrong when humans continue to tug at the things we don’t quite understand. Every bead falling to the floor, every expression the actors wear, and every little silent beat of shock that stretches throughout that room tells us so much about the future, which is just further proof of how the stakes in Season 3 are already so deliciously compelling.
Stray Thoughts
- Oh, George is big mad in this opening scene and I’m stressed.
- Larry and Marian stealing glances from one another continue to be my undoing.
- Okay, Larry. Okay ❤️🔥 get it, cuties!
- “I should be as pure as the snow” might be my least favorite line uttered on this show. Marian, babe. No you don’t.
- I love Ada being like, “It’s only a kiss.” Let’s chill here, girly.
- Hector, bro. I was rooting for you!?
- If Gilded Age characters were the Inside Out emojis, Agnes is Disgust in my head, and every word out of her mouth is a BIG MOOD.
- I love this navy ensemble Marian is wearing!
- “Business ran on and on,” me about all the TV I have to write about.
- “Boys will be boys.” Oh, Bertha. Babe. Babe.
- Gladys, honey. Let go of Billy.
- !!! Larry and Marian !!! Guys, I love them. Did you know I love them?
- “We are here for the music.” “Are we?” 😂
- George rejecting Bertha. @God, please don’t do this to me!!!!
- These clifftop shots with Peggy and the doctor are stunning. S T U N N I N G
- ONLY ONE PERSON HAS SIGNED. I shouldn’t laugh, but Ada, babe, let it go.
- “I have so little joy these days.” Way to call us all out. 😂
- “I’ve noticed you’re no fun.” Agnes continues to just SERVE.
- “I think you give these matters more importance than they’re worth.” Oof.
- If anything ever happens to Jack—so help me God!
- Miss Armstrong is still the worst.
- Billy has moved on?!! Bro. BRO.
- My heart aches for Ada.
- There’s something about George and Gladys scenes that legitimately kills me every time.
- He just wants her to be happy!
- “You don’t know me.” I do really love this line because it’s what’s so true about their arrangement. We don’t know him either, so maybe he can prove us wrong.
- It’s kinda wild that Bertha has never been happier than in this moment.
- The portrait is GORGEOUS!
- Everyone’s faces in this shot is just … oof. A+
Now streaming on HBO Max: What are your thoughts on The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3, “Love Is Never Easy?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Photograph by Karolina Wojtasik/HBO