Episode five, in the newest season of The Gilded Age, continues after Gladys’s wedding. It picks up with her in England as she attempts to learn the ways of her new world and role as a Duchess. Bertha’s achievement has little time to remain as the Russell family ends up facing more challenges after the wedding. 

Russell’s marriage begins to be ‘on the rocks’ as the railroad business is not bending to the baron’s will. George is equally dismayed over his betrayal of Gladys when he broke his promise that she could marry for love. These emotional turmoils drive a major rift between George and Bertha, threatening their marriage. This marriage rift becomes a central focus in this season. George’s overwhelming guilt and Bertha’s refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing raise tensions between the two.

Marriage issues are just the beginning for the Russells, as one of their staff members begins to leak this household drama to the newspapers. If word of this rift between the couple spreads, it’ll be a massive story for the tabloids. This added media scrutiny only adds to the pressure on the troubled household. 

Gladys’s life in England turns out to be an unhappy time. She struggles to adapt to her new life, and she clashes with Lady Sarah, the Duke’s formidable sister. Their clash presents the cultural changes that Gladys must navigate in England’s high society. Her misery serves as a reminder of her sacrifice for Bertha’s social ambitions.

Larry and Marian’s romance reaches a pivotal moment as Marian is proposed to in this episode. Their romantic developments are the most positive narrative developments in the more tension-filled plots in the series. While this is a positive moment, their engagement does face challenges. This provides a counterpoint to the societal expectations and dysfunctions that plague couples in this era.

In addition, Aurora continues to deal with her potential divorce situation. She must handle both the societal and legal complications, as divorce was stigmatized in this era. Peggay also receives a big proposal, showing romantic developments in her storyline as well.

This episode reveals the rising consequences of ambition. Bertha’s social antics are put on hold as her greatest triumph has also become her greatest personal loss. It has wrecked her relationship with George and condemned Gladys to misery. Audiences now see the long-term consequences of these characters’ choices. The series begins to take a mature exploration of this era’s ambition, raising the emotional stakes while balancing multiple storylines. Overall, this installment is a major turning point that will keep audiences faithfully engaged. 

Rating: 9/10