'The Gilded Age' stars discuss Larry’s proposal and George’s revenge plot in season 3 episode 5

'The Gilded Age' stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon share insights on Larry’s proposal and family tensions.

In episode five of The Gilded Age season three, Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) informs his father George (Morgan Spector) of his plans to propose to Ms. Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson). George supports Larry’s decision while his wife Bertha (Carrie Coon) remains unaware, occupied with social engagements.

Speaking to Deadline, Spector commented on George’s mindset, saying, “I think at that point, George is just hopped up on bitterness and rage, and so he’s ready to stick the needle in wherever he possibly can. It’s not really fair. I think it’s a little bit ersatz. He’s sort of throwing together this little revenge plot, but I do think he’s also determined not to repeat the same mistake and try to fight for his son’s autonomy and freedom.”

Bertha learns of the proposal after Marian has accepted, and her reaction is reserved despite her previous support for Marian in other social situations.

Coon told Deadline, “I wasn’t sure how the writers would deal with Bertha’s relationship with Marian, because I think she does respect Marian. I think she admires her. I think she sees herself in Marian more than she sees herself in Gladys. And so I always wondered if she, when push came to shove, she would embrace Marian as a potential partner for Larry, but she’s not quite ready to give into that fight for status.”

With three episodes left, it remains to be seen how Bertha will respond to Larry’s choice in the face of societal expectations.