The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 5, “A Different World” Spoilers Ahead
Nothing is as it once was in The Gilded Age, and with every domino beginning to fall in “A Different World,” it’s clear that we’re in for more heartbreak than lasting joy. As a viewer who’s invested in the lives of all these characters and their respective happiness, these perils are too sad to swallow, but at the same time, the writing and performances are so engrossing that it’s thrilling to watch it all unfold.
As suspected, Gladys is miserable in England, and Lady Sarah is a large part of the problem. George continues to fail in his endeavors with land sellers, and the aid he asks for from Bertha only frustrates him further. Ada and (mostly) Agnes try to find out how much money Jack will be making; meanwhile, Oscar learns that Maud Beaton is back and working at the Haymarket, an establishment that’s essentially a brothel. The one shining and good part of the episode is Larry and Marian’s engagement, even if it means he needs to leave immediately after to help his father with business in Arizona.
The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 5 Compounds the Tension Between George and Bertha
Everything is falling apart for the couple who were once entirely on the same page and fully trusting of each other. As a fan of George and Bertha’s marriage, the rift between them is hard to cope with. Given Bertha’s relentless decision to push Gladys into an unloving marriage, we knew it was coming, but still, none of us wants to be children of divorce. (Yes, we’re in this with them. It’s a family affair. Look away.)
At this point, with most of his quests falling, it’s entirely understandable that George would be on edge and find every little thing to be frustrating. It’s also understandable that he wouldn’t be impressed by Bertha’s means of charming Mr. Merrick when it feels like outright flirting, and she still won’t look into how Gladys is really doing in England. It’s understandable that he’d put his foot down about Larry’s engagement and state that he won’t let her come between the new couple.
Yet, the hardest blow isn’t even the final scene when George states that he doesn’t trust her word and won’t be here when she gets back, but it’s everything that comes before that when he tells her that he has no time to soothe her guilt or calm her fears. Oof. Because ultimately, it’s in that moment where we see that George Russell has reached the end of his rope. Does he still love her with every bone in his body? Absolutely. George Russell is incapable of not loving Bertha Russell. However, that love may no longer be enough if things continue to unravel as they are.
Despite the pain that their disagreements are clearly causing them, Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector are bringing their A-game, delving deep into the ugliest parts of their characters in order to bring some of their best performances to our screens. Their chemistry is fiery and warm when George and Bertha are unapologetically in love, but it’s something else entirely when they’re at each other’s throats like this. The R in Russell really does stand for ruthless, as the light in George’s eyes is dimmer toward his wife now. His love isn’t fully gone, but muted, veiled by his anger and frustrations, and where that’ll lead is slightly (read: very) sad to think about.
Bertha pleading with George at the bottom of the stairs in The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 5, “A Different World,” is going to haunt me all week. The woman does plenty, and there’s a great deal she’s capable of, but this type of vulnerability is rare for us to see in her. The contrast of her face being the happiest in last week’s “Marriage Is a Gamble” versus the utter shock and distress in this week is a brilliant parallel to showcase how things are evolving.
Larry Russell Gets Down on One Knee
It’s official, Larry and Marian are engaged, courtesy of the sweetest proposal. It was pretty obvious that they’d take their relationship to the next level during this season, but I imagined it’d be toward the end, so this is a welcome surprise. Larry Russell is, at the end of the day, his father’s son because when he said he’d do it after Gladys’ wedding, he meant it. The man wastes no time taking what he wants, and we’re here for it.
Related Content: Scene Breakdown: Larry Proposes to Marian in The Gilded Age’s ‘A Different World’
Now, what’s slightly off about all of this is that he doesn’t tell her exactly where he’s going at night—granted, we can trust him—but he’ll now also be going away for a month. Thus far, The Gilded Age Season 3 bounces around time a little bit, so between Bertha’s travel to England and Larry’s time in Arizona, I doubt they’ll be apart for longer than an episode. And while Bertha and Agnes both have their hesitations, it’s also hard to think that either of them would step in between the couple. You know who wouldn’t dare? George Russell.
Railroad Daddy is currently president of the Larry and Marian fan club, so that’s a good thing. A great thing. We’ve at least got one more person in our corner, along with Ada, who, like us, is cheering on softness in romance.
Society Continues to Wrongfully Shun Aurora Fane – And We’re About to Fight
Charles Fane cheats, and Aurora is the one society chooses to shun. What a wonderful world. Dandy. It continues to astound me that this is happening, but I’m not sure why, especially since it’s also the same in the year of our lord 2025. Ada said it best in the season premiere, “Who Is in Charge Here?” when she voiced that “society is not known for its logic, especially where women are concerned.” It also doesn’t help that Kelli O’Hara has such a precious face that the thought of anyone hurting her makes the entire fandom wish ill upon him.
Still, what’s incredible about the luncheon at Newport is that it’s easy to appreciate the sight of Bertha standing up for another woman because it’s proof of her extraordinary complexities as a character. She cares—a lot. And the fact that she isn’t always great at showing it is where her characterization shines as a multi-faceted, nuanced woman. Standing up for Aurora when most others want her gone is a tremendous move for someone with her power, and the fact that she also continues to see how Marian stands up for other people is a great thing, too. (I hope we get more of this specific bit later.)
Who Invited Mr. Fortune?
Things are still (thankfully) going good with Peggy and William, but while they’re at a baseball game, Mr. Fortune shows up. And sure, he does something good by recommending an interview for Peggy with the Frances Watkins Harper, but at the last minute, he decides he’s going to go with her? Nah. Back away, bud. The fact that William continues to stand up for her and believe in her, however, remains everything to me. Dare I say? The man is down bad, and rightfully so, because who wouldn’t be down bad for Peggy?
The question of who invited Mr. Fortune also extends to who invited Lady Sarah? And yes, she’s Hector’s sister, but she isn’t the mistress of the house, so really, what is this woman doing and why can’t she be a decent human being to Gladys? Presumably, that’s what’s in the letter George receives, and with Bertha heading to England, hopefully, she can put this woman in her place because it’s only been an episode, yet she’s already exhausting.
The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 5, “A Different World,” is indeed different. Some things are the same, but the stakes are heightened, and all things good are tipped from their axis. Ada “makes contact” with her late husband, Agnes has no idea how much money Jack has made, and Oscar still has no money. With three episodes left until the season finale, it’s easy to stress about how much more nail-biting we’ll have to do, but if nothing else, the performances are so good, they’ll be keeping us up all night.
Stray Thoughts
- Oh, yes. I’m here for an opening shot of the English countryside.
- Cutting from an English castle to a baseball game is such a choice, you have to laugh.
- George firing Clay wasn’t on my bingo card. Neither was Bertha not being able to find the traitor in the house who’s selling information to the press.
- But also, Bertha’s coral and grey dress is stunning.
- “I’m always a bit shocked when I see myself in you.” So am I, George. So am I.
- “You’ve chosen well.” George has one good thing going for him right now and it’s his son marrying well.
- Larry’s proposal is GORGEOUS, but his Captain America tie kills me. (I know it’s not Captain America, don’t at me.)
- Ada being thrilled about the engagement? Agnes low-key losing her mind? The Gilded Age is a comedy.
- Sarah needs to chill the f out. “I have been demoted.” I mean, he is married now? What in the Game of Thrones did this woman expect?
- My heart aches for Gladys.
- Oh, Bertha is so unhappy in being the last to know. It’s not nice is it, babe?
- “Well, there aren’t many women like my wife.” He’s right and he should say it, but damn do the tables turn.
- This little moment with Borden and Mrs. Bruce is so heartbreaking. His “I love you. I mean it,” broke me.
- Who was responsible for naming a brothel The Haymarket? I just want to talk.
- It makes me so sad that Ada is allowing herself to be vulnerable because I don’t trust this woman one bit.
- Aurora getting excited for Larry and Marian is so wholesome. I cry.
- “I get the house, but he gets our friends” is the saddest line ever. PROTECT THIS WOMAN.
- “You’re digging your own grave if you think you can bury Aurora Fane.” LOUDER for the people in the back.
- Oh, George is big, big mad. It shouldn’t be as hot as it is, and yet…here we are.
Now streaming on HBO Max: What are your thoughts on The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 5, “A Different World?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Photograph by Karolina Wojtasik/HBO