The Gilded Age continues with episode six, bringing the Russell family together. Bertha and Gladys form a new dynamic, showing a significant shift as Bertha arrives in England to support her daughter. Bertha makes her leave to the word George received, explaining that Gladys’s older sister-in-law, Sarah, has been causing discourse. Here, audiences are introduced to Bertha’s more maternal side, leaving her usual social ambitions back in America.
A culture clash disburses- American directness versus English propriety. Rather than play by Sarah’s games, Bertha encourages Gladys to be assertive and to use her American confidence. Passive Gladys learns to stand her ground against Sarah and “makes an omlette out of her”.
This episode also continues Oscar’s arc, which seems to be personal redemption. Oscar finally confronts Maud Beaton, who is working as a prostitute at the Haymarket. Instead of seeking revenge, Oscar learns that she was robbed and abandoned by Mr. Crowther. This moment has subverted viewers’ expectations, as Oscar chooses compassion over vengeance. He lends out a helping hand and gives Maud money so that she can get a train ticket to return to her home.
Learning that Larry visited the Haymarket, Marian becomes devastated. Instead of sending a letter or waiting for him, she panics and ends the engagement. Her reaction comes from her previous experiences with men, such as Mr. Raikes, who abandoned her and left Marian with trust issues.
In this time, Oscar heals his relationship with John. They promise to continue to invest in their friendship, and Oscar learns to express genuine gratitude. Even so, seconds after this heartwarming exchange, John is struck by a moving carriage that was speeding through the street. This cruel timing left Oscar in horror, resulting in the great loss of their kindled friendship.
Meanwhile, George continues his business endeavors to secure the railway as the financial pressure looms over the Russell household. The subplot of the spy in this household continues with Mrs. Bruce finding a suspect in the newspaper leak.
Seeing the name of this episode, “If You Want to Cook an Omlette”, this metaphor can relate to a handful of characters: Gladys must break her submissive nature, Oscar’s world shatters with John’s accident, and Marian breaks off her relationship. This series continues to build emotional investments, then delivers unexpected plot twists, keeping viewers engaged. Episode six stands as one of the most impactful installments, offering growth and loss for the closing episodes of the season. “If You Want to Cook an Omlette” exemplifies the show’s ability to utilize this period’s setting to explore the themes of growth and loss.
Rating: 9/10
