As “The Gilded Age” season 3 enters its final stretch, the stakes are higher than ever for New York’s elite. With just three episodes remaining, tensions are erupting on both sides of the Atlantic—from marital discord to political maneuvering and fractured romances. Episode 6, titled “If You Want to Cook an Omelette,” promises another loaded hour of betrayals, power plays, and emotional reckonings.
‘The Gilded Age’ Episode 6 Teases a Reckoning for the Russells
Bertha Russell may have achieved her lifelong dream of tying her family to British nobility—but it came at a cost. Bertha is already facing the consequences of pressuring Gladys into marrying the Duke of Buckingham. Now, with that marriage already unraveling and George opening a letter from Gladys admitting she was miserable (cough, cough Lady Sarah), the entire Russell household seems to be reeling as we head into the final three episodes.
According to HBO’s official synopsis for episode 6:
“While Bertha encourages Gladys to stand up for herself, George faces an upward battle to secure the rail line that runs through Chicago. Larry gains intel that leads Oscar to have a long-awaited confrontation – but raises doubts for Marian. Later, Peggy confides in Dr. Kirkland about her past, and Ada has a candid talk with Jack about his future.”
George’s latest power struggle in Chicago adds pressure to an already crumbling foundation. Meanwhile, the fallout from Larry and Marian’s sudden engagement raises eyebrows across their social circles—especially Bertha’s. With the younger generation taking center stage, long-standing hierarchies may start to collapse.
‘The Gilded Age’ Episode 5 Found the Russells in Turmoil
Episode 5 picked up in the uneasy aftermath of Gladys’ wedding and made it clear: appearances can’t save the Russells from imploding.
Lady Sarah, the Duke’s scheming sister, has it out for Gladys at Sidmouth Castle. Her goal? To secure the money without tolerating the bride. That tension makes Bertha’s sacrifice for status look increasingly hollow—especially when George uncovers a letter from Gladys that confirms his worst fears. He tells Bertha, “You make me weak and I find that hard to forgive.” Bertha vows to fix it in England, but George coldly warns he may not be there when she returns.
Back in New York, Larry and Marian finally confirm their engagement. But their joy is short-lived—George sends Larry on business to Arizona, and Bertha’s disapproval is loud and clear. Meanwhile, Peggy runs into her former boss, T. Thomas Fortune, reigniting old tensions just as she receives a major journalistic opportunity. George fires Clay over railroad delays, and Bertha is enlisted to sway a crucial investor.
Stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon Weigh in on George and Bertha’s Shaky Relationship
Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon, who play George and Bertha Russell, opened up to Deadline about the power dynamics now threatening their characters’ once-solid marriage.
“I think at that point, George is just hopped up on bitterness and rage, and so he’s ready to stick the needle in wherever he possibly can,” Spector said of George’s reaction to Larry’s engagement. After losing control of Gladys’ fate, George appears to be projecting his frustration. “It’s sort of throwing together this little revenge plot, but I do think he’s also determined not to repeat the same mistake and try to fight for his son’s autonomy and freedom.”
As for Bertha, the news of Marian’s engagement to Larry arrives after the fact—and it hits her where it hurts.
“I wasn’t sure how the writers would deal with Bertha’s relationship with Marian, because I think she does respect Marian. I think she admires her,” Coon shared. “I think she sees herself in Marian more than she sees herself in Gladys… but she’s not quite ready to give into that fight for status. She really expects a better marriage for him, because that’s what society dictates. It has nothing to do with her feelings for Marian.”
“The Gilded Age” season 3, episode 6, “If You Want to Cook an Omelette” premieres Sunday, July 27, 2025 on HBO and HBO Max.
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‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 6 Spoilers: George and Bertha Break Ranks