In the upcoming Season 4 of The Gilded Age, Carrie Coon’s character Bertha Russell embarks on a transformative journey, exploring themes of feminism and marital strife.
‘The Gilded Age’s Carrie Coon Discusses Bertha Russell’s Feminist Journey in Season 4
SPOILER ALERT: This post contains spoilers for The Gilded Age Season 3 finale.
As The Gilded Age gears up for its fourth season, the Russell family faces significant challenges following the events of the Season 3 finale, which aired in July. Bertha Russell (played by Carrie Coon) experienced a triumphant moment hosting the Newport Ball, a prestigious event she inherited from Mrs. Astor (Donna Murphy). However, this success comes at a cost, as the facade of her family begins to crumble.
Throughout Season 3, tensions between Bertha and her husband George Russell (Morgan Spector) have escalated, particularly regarding their daughter Gladys’ (Taissa Farmiga) arranged marriage to The Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb). Bertha’s insistence on the marriage has created a rift, breaking George’s promise to Gladys that she would marry for love. After the ball, George hints that this conflict may have irreparably damaged their relationship.
In an interview with Deadline, Coon reflected on Bertha’s journey, stating, “As Bertha and Gladys come together at the end of the season, Bertha will have to reflect on her actions. This nascent feminist awakening is an intriguing path for her, regardless of the marriage’s outcome.”
The revelation of Gladys’ pregnancy adds another layer of complexity for Bertha after George’s departure. Excited to share her news, Gladys is four months along, raising the question: could this development bring George back into the family fold?
Coon elaborated, “People often have babies in hopes of saving marriages, though it rarely works out. It’s a heartbreaking moment for Bertha, who wants to share this news with George, only to find him leaving. She must now explain George’s departure to Gladys, a task she struggles with as she herself is still processing the situation.”
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As the theme of divorce permeates the elite social circles, Aurora Fane (Kelli O’Hara) faces her husband Charles’ (Ward Horton) divorce request, while Mrs. Astor’s daughter Charlotte (Hannah Shealy) deals with the fallout from her failed marriage. In a bold move, Bertha invites divorcées to her ball, signaling a potential shift in societal norms that may affect her own marriage.
Coon noted, “Bertha is astute enough to recognize the possibility of her own marital challenges and prepares accordingly. Her actions, while seemingly altruistic, are also strategic for her future. She is embarking on a new crusade for herself.”
George, who narrowly survived an assassination attempt, left the next day still uncertain about his relationship with Bertha. Coon remarked, “Bertha is relentless; she won’t let him go without a fight. It’s tragic that they faced conflict this season.”
Conclusion
As Season 4 approaches, Bertha Russell’s journey towards self-discovery and empowerment will undoubtedly captivate audiences, reflecting the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and societal expectations in the Gilded Age.
