The much-anticipated season 3 finale of The Gilded Age, titled “I’ve Made Up My Mind,” has left viewers on the edge of their seats. This season has been fraught with calamity and trials for the Russell family, particularly as Bertha, portrayed by Carrie Coon, pushes her daughter Gladys, played by Taissa Farmiga, towards an unwanted marriage with the Duke of Buckingham. This decision is not just a personal family matter; it has profound implications for George Russell, played by Morgan Spector, who finds himself signing off on a marriage that his daughter does not desire.
As the season progresses, George’s once-stable company is teetering on the brink of financial collapse. He is grappling with challenges to secure his interests in a mine out West while also dealing with personal turmoil. The situation escalates when George, in a moment of frustration, fires his long-time right-hand man, Richard Clay (Patrick Page). This decision not only jeopardizes his business but also deepens the cracks in his marriage to Bertha.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Morgan Spector describes George as typically calm and calculating, someone who carefully assesses situations for leverage. However, this season showcases a different side of George, one that acts impulsively and makes decisions that threaten his relationships and business. Spector notes, “I don’t know that George is headed in a productive direction... There’s something about where he’s gotten in terms of his own business success that has driven him a little crazy.”
The conflict in George and Bertha’s marriage is intensified by their differing views on ambition. George believes that ambition should not encroach upon the domestic sphere, while for Bertha, the home is her arena of ambition. This clash creates a significant communication gap between them, leading to misunderstandings and emotional wounds. George tells Bertha, “I’m ruthless in business but not with the people I love,” to which she retorts, “I’m ruthless for the people I love.”
Bertha's actions, driven by her love for her family, are often misunderstood by George. Coon emphasizes that everything Bertha does is ultimately to support George and their family, yet she fails to recognize how disconnected they have become. Her ambitions, while rooted in love, often leave her feeling isolated and unappreciated.
As the season reaches its climax, George faces a life-threatening situation when he is shot at close range, presumably by a man hired by Clay. The season finale sees Dr. Kirkland (Jordan Donica) performing emergency surgery to save George’s life. His survival only strengthens Bertha’s resolve to salvage their marriage, but it also pushes George deeper into a personal crisis.
Despite the seemingly positive outcomes by the end of the episode—Gladys is happily married and expecting a baby, and Bertha has embraced Marian (Louisa Jacobson) as a potential match for Larry (Harry Richardson)—George’s discontent lingers. He ultimately attends Bertha’s Newport Ball solely to safeguard his business interests, leaving her with an unclear sentiment about their future. He confesses to Bertha that he is unsure of what he truly wants, riding away with Larry without a proper farewell.
Spector elaborates on George’s turmoil, explaining that his near-death experience leads him to question whether his lifestyle aligns with his values. “Does the way I actually live my life accord with my values?” becomes a haunting inquiry for George. This moment of existential reflection reveals the depth of his internal struggles, impacting not only his marriage but his sense of self.
Despite the challenges, Bertha’s determination shines through. Coon asserts, “I don’t imagine her giving up on it if that’s what she really wants.” The near-loss of George solidifies her belief in their future together, and as Spector poignantly notes, “it feels like she’s actually resolved in herself that she wants to be in the marriage.” Yet, the heartbreaking final scene sees George walking away, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of their relationship.
As we await answers in the newly confirmed fourth season of The Gilded Age, one question looms large: Will the Russells find their way back to each other amidst the chaos of their lives?
