HBO’s The Gilded Age premiered season 3 strongly. Episode 2 was good. Season 3 has the show’s highest ratings to date. The early numbers prove the show is worth the good reviews. The cast is back to fight for power and status in 19th century New York.
This season has more romance than the first two. After Bertha won the opera war last season, new conflicts arose. Season 3’s premiere set up feuds with personal stakes.
Ada Forte and Agnes van Rhijn go at it early in the season. George and Bertha Russell argue over Gladys’ future. The premiere ends with Gladys running from the Russell house. Season 2 ended with the Duke of Buckingham returning to New York. He brings a surprise that will blow Bertha’s plans for Gladys to smithereens.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: The Duke Of Buckingham Gets His Bride
Gladys Finally Says Yes To The Dukem.In episode 3, Gladys Russell agrees to marry Hector, Duke of Buckingham.Bertha has been pushing for this match since the beginning.Gladys resisted, especially when she was dating Billy Carlton.After they broke up, she finally gives in to her mother’s will.The
Duke returns in episode 2 and reveals his true intentions.
He wants to marry Gladys for a large sum.He needs money to keep his estate and title in England.George Russell refuses to meet the Duke’s demand at first.But Bertha offers him more by promising Gladys’ allowance.George caves and agrees, betraying his promise to Gladys.Gladys and the Duke both admit they barely know each other.They vow to be honest but Gladys looks uneasy.
Ada May Join a Seance to Talk to Her Husband
Mrs. Bauer asks Ada if she wants to contact her dead husband. Ada is lost in grief and clings to the temperance movement for support. The idea of talking to Luke Forte deeply tempts her. Trailers show a séance at the Van Rhijn house later. The show hints at a supernatural storyline for Ada’s grief. Peggy’s Father Disapproves of Her New Beau.
Peggy’s parents have grown closer to her in season 3
They bring a doctor to help Peggy when she’s sick. That doctor, William Kirkland, becomes her new love interest. Peggy’s mother is okay with the match but her father is cautious. After meeting William’s family, Peggy’s parents feel uncomfortable. William’s mother, Elizabeth, looks down on Peggy’s father’s background. She disapproves because Arthur Scott is a self-made freed slave. Elizabeth believes her family’s wealth makes them superior to Peggy. Dorothy warns Arthur not to meddle in Peggy’s love life. Both parents still worry silently about Peggy’s future with William.
Bertha Finds Out About Marian & Larry
Marian Brook and Larry Russell are still having an affair. Bertha’s new maid walks in on them kissing. She tells Bertha who doesn’t like surprises involving her children. Bertha controls Gladys’ future so she might interfere here too. She sees Marian as unsuitable because of past broken engagements. Larry’s past with Susan Blane will cause more problems.Marian might be hurt if she finds out the truth. Their relationship is under pressure from both families and their pasts.
Jack Trotter Still Can’t Sell His Alarm Clock
Jack Trotter is still looking for investors for his alarm clock. He started working with Larry Russell last season. Despite their efforts, no one has agreed to invest yet. Jack is getting desperate and losing hope. Mrs. Armstrong surprises him and tells him not to give up. She reminds him he’s lucky to even get a chance. She’s usually bitter but offers him honest and helpful advice. Jack’s storyline is slow but will pay off soon.
A Breakdown in Negotiations
George is tired of being polite. He doesn’t care about Hector’s big talk about ancestral estates. When Hector says losing the deal will disappoint many, George is blunt. “I don’t care,” he says. Bertha disagrees and is angry when Hector goes to bed deal-less. Gladys looks hopeful but Larry knows the truth. He says, “Father is no match for Mother.” Bertha and George argue privately about her plans for the engagement. Bertha pouts because she wanted to announce it at the portrait unveiling. George doesn’t care about the press making her look foolish. He’s more interested in his railroad business. In the dark, Gladys listens and beams as George refuses to compromise.
Marian and Larry’s Secret Exposed
Downstairs Larry and Marian kiss before Miss Andre walks in. Larry thinks it’s funny but Marian is worried about Bertha’s reaction. When she gets home, Marian goes straight to Ada’s room. Ada says, “It’s only a kiss,” trying to calm her down. Ada has doubts but reassures her anyway. Marian is right to be worried after seeing Bertha’s meddling firsthand.
