I can defend myself by saying I called Bertha an antagonist almost two years ago — because in today’s episode, it’s impossible not to resent her. In interviews, Carrie Coon has eloquently defended her character, pointing out that Bertha is merely playing by the rules and limitations of her time — which is completely true. But she does it with such relish, it makes our blood boil!

Let’s dive into the recap of episode 2 of season 3, a season already stepping hard on the gas!

We pick up the morning after the fight between Gladys and Bertha, with the household in a frenzy over the young woman’s disappearance. It would have been “better” if she had actually run off and married Billy — but Billy Carlton, though upright, is weak. His mother, fearing further scandal more than the Russells themselves, steps in to ensure things are handled as “properly” as possible and tries once more to plead with Bertha on behalf of her son. Bertha, however, is growing colder and more arrogant by the minute: Gladys will marry a man richer and more powerful than Billy. If they keep pushing, she warns Mrs. Porter, not only will Gladys be disinherited, but Billy will face consequences as well.

In the middle of this storm, George returns home and tries to restore order. And this is where irritation with Bertha shifts to outright fury. She lies to his face while cleverly arguing some harsh truths: yes, Gladys is immature; yes, the Duke offers an attractive deal. After all, if marriage is a business, the Duke comes with more status and wealth. For now, George plays peacemaker: he asks Gladys to reflect and agrees to meet with Billy. What he doesn’t know is that Bertha is lying — she’s already struck a deal with the Duke of Buckingham.

Both George and Bertha are unscrupulous — far from traditional “heroes.” But there’s a key difference that may shake their relationship. Back in season 1, when Enid Turner tried to seduce George, he withheld the information to avoid upsetting Bertha — and she still saw it as betrayal. The key difference now? George didn’t lie — but Bertha just did. Will he forgive her?

Our anger only grows as we see Bertha is kind of right. Under pressure, Billy backs down (to the relief of his mother — a true heroine, who supported his choice even if she disagreed with it). The road is now clear for Hector, the Duke — but Gladys is shattered.

There’s also a warning flashing for Larry. After being manipulated by Bertha in season 2 — when she drove him away from widow Susan Blane — he’s now head over heels for Marian, making no effort to hide it. It’s sweet, everyone notices (except Bertha, apparently), but he should pay attention when Bertha says her children will marry “the highest in society.” Marian doesn’t rank. Right now, Bertha’s focus is Gladys, but Larry is clearly part of her grand design.

And that’s the central tension of this season: marriage as a trap, as security, and as a woman’s only acceptable fate in The Gilded Age. We witness Gladys’s pain, and when George reminds Bertha that he promised his daughter she could marry for love, Bertha swiftly points out how unrealistic that is. Marriage, especially for women, is irreversible. Just look at Aurora Fane: she did everything right, married for love, married the “right” man — and now faces public humiliation, as Charles parades around with his mistress, even at events hosted by his wife.

Aurora will soon be socially exiled despite doing all the “right” things. Bertha, echoing Agnes’s early advice to Marian, wants her daughter to make a practical match, to feel happy knowing she’s secure (which may have been Aurora’s logic too). And in this context, there’s no better husband than the Duke of Buckingham.

At the Fanes’ party, we also see Mrs. Astor worrying over her eldest daughter, Charlotte, who caused a huge scandal in New York and was ultimately divorced. The series hasn’t shown it all yet, but Charlotte married J. Coleman Drayton, and their marriage collapsed publicly when she chose to stay in England in the company of another wealthy American, Hallett Alsop Borrowe. Enraged, Drayton challenged Borrowe to a duel in Paris — both survived.

Charlotte was disinherited for a time, but supported by her siblings until she divorced and remarried George Ogilvy Haig, brother to the Earl of Haig, staying with him until his death. For now, Mrs. Astor has turned her back on Aurora Fane — but soon she’ll have to face her own gossip storm.

Meanwhile, Larry and Marian are deeply in love, but she confides in Ada that she’s being cautious. She’s made mistakes before, and watching Aurora’s downfall makes her afraid to repeat them. She needs to be sure, but who can ever?

Peggy’s storyline was especially moving. She was treated by the charming Dr. Kirkland and agreed to follow his advice and go to Newport to recover from her bad flu-almost-pneumonia. Her parents are warmly welcomed by Agnes and Ada, and they engage in a frank conversation about racism — including the sisters’ naïve belief that they are somehow above society’s structural prejudice.

Even sweet Ada is beginning to show her flaws. With her new power, she’s interfering in everyone’s lives — imposing rules like banning alcohol, for instance. Marian confesses her love for Larry and her fears to her dear aunt, but also tells Ada honestly that she won’t follow her advice or join the Temperance movement, which disappoints Ada. At least Oscar managed to get help from his ex-boyfriend to land a new job — it’s about time Oscar had a reason to smile again!

Season 3 of The Gilded Age is off to a spectacular start, with drama that feels more grounded and resonant than ever. And judging by next week’s trailer, we’re headed to Newport — where George will finally start to uncover Bertha’s schemes. Not exactly to help Gladys, but because he and his wife are headed for a serious rupture. What now?