In The Gilded Age Season 3, the romance between Marian Brook and Larry Russell faces a storm of social expectations, secrets, and emotional fallout. While Marian is under intense public and private pressure to maintain an impeccable image, Larry, her fiancé, finds himself entangled in a situation that threatens everything. But is it fair to place greater blame on her than on him? Why did Larry lie? Can he convince Marian that his actions weren’t malicious? And what could happen next?

Marian and Social Pressure: A Woman in the Spotlight

From the start of the series, Marian has served as the audience’s point of view into the world of New York’s wealthy elite at the end of the 19th century. An orphan raised by her aunts and newly introduced to high society, she constantly walks the line between her personal desires and the expectations of her family and social circle.

As actress Louisa Jacobson explains, Marian lives under significant public scrutiny:

“Back then, society was a very public place, and the stakes were high if word got out that you had messed up two engagements. So there was a level of public pressure women were under… In season one, she was like, ‘I don’t care what society thinks,’ but actually, she does come to realize that it matters.”

This pressure is twofold: she must build a life that feels authentic and aligned with her values, while also maintaining a reputation that high society demands—especially for a woman in her position.

Larry and the Lie: Why Didn’t He Tell the Truth?

In Episode 6 of Season 3, Marian discovers that Larry never attended the elegant dinner he claimed he was going to, but instead spent the evening at the Haymarket—a notorious nightclub linked with scandal and improper behavior by elite standards. For Marian, this is a dealbreaker.

But as actor Harry Richardson points out, Larry’s lie wasn’t born out of malice:

“Yes, he lied, but it wasn’t some premeditated darkness. He was just trying to avoid upsetting Marian. It was a social moment with friends, not a betrayal.”

Larry admits the lie was wrong, but it came from a misguided attempt to protect Marian’s feelings—not from any actual wrongdoing at the club.

Is It Fair to Hold Marian to a Higher Standard Than Larry?

This is one of the most compelling tensions in the story: Marian reacts decisively, calling off the engagement, while Larry seems confused by the severity of her response.

The answer may lie in the gender expectations of the time. Women like Marian were held to extreme standards, and any misstep—real or perceived—could ruin their social prospects. Men like Larry, on the other hand, especially those from wealthy families, had far more leeway to misbehave without facing the same repercussions.

Even Louisa Jacobson acknowledges this disparity:

“There’s a level of public pressure that women were under, and I can relate to that because of how I grew up and how I live now. It’s funny—Marian started off saying ‘I don’t care what society thinks,’ but actually, she comes to see that appearances matter.”

The unequal judgment reflects both the historical context of the show and social dynamics that are still relevant today.

Can Larry Win Marian Back?

Larry’s in a tough spot, but all hope isn’t lost. He genuinely wants to make amends and regain Marian’s trust, though he knows that won’t be easy.

Harry Richardson notes that the ambiguity of the situation is part of what makes it compelling:

“You can totally watch it and think, ‘He’s awful! How could he?’ Or you can say, ‘He didn’t actually do anything wrong.’ The lie was a mistake, not a betrayal.”

Whether Larry can win Marian back depends on how sincerely he expresses remorse—and whether Marian is willing to listen. For someone who’s already had her heart broken, that’s no small task.

What Might Happen Next?

Carrie Coon, who plays Bertha Russell, has hinted that her character may step in to fight for Marian. Bertha has come to admire Marian’s strength and independence, and may become a key ally for the couple amid the tension.

Additionally, Marian is on a journey of self-discovery, seeking more than just a status marriage. She wants a meaningful relationship—one rooted in mutual respect and truth. That desire may lead her to reconsider her decision, especially if Larry proves he’s capable of personal growth.

Final Thoughts

The pressure on Marian is enormous, shaped by a society that judged women far more harshly than men. Larry made a mistake in lying, but it wasn’t malicious—and his path to redemption lies in honesty and empathy.

Their future remains uncertain, but The Gilded Age promises to explore not only personal dramas but also social and family tensions that mirror enduring real-world struggles. Marian and Larry’s story is a rich exploration of love, expectation, and the search for authenticity in a world of appearances.