This ‘Gilded Age’ Fan Theory Hints at the Show’s Most Unexpected Character Saving the Russells in Season 3

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for The Gilded Age Season 3.

It’s no secret that the Russells have hit a rough patch in The Gilded Age Season 3, and not the kind that can be smoothed over with some railroad tracks. Gladys’ (Taissa Farmiga) forced marriage has driven a wedge between Bertha (Carrie Coon) and George’s (Morgan Spector) previously iron-clad partnership, and on top of that, the railroad tycoon’s ambitions are finally outspending his fortune. Burning through cash he doesn’t have for his project to unite America and running out of options due to the recent betrayal of his longtime secretary, the great empire of George Russell appears to finally be crumbling, setting up a seismic shift in The Gilded Age‘s long-running social dynamics. That said, the Russells haven’t lost everything yet, and it’s becoming increasingly likely that the family’s salvation will ultimately come from the unlikeliest of sources.

Specifically, a popular fan theory has been making the rounds online that Marian (Louisa Jacobson) will ultimately be the savior of the Russells’ future and fortune. The closest thing The Gilded Age has to a main protagonist, the honorary Van Rhijn’s history in HBO’s hit series may not make her the likeliest candidate for a financial rescue mission, but there’s good reason to believe she may be exactly the trump card the Russells need. Despite her lack of personal fortune and reliance on her Aunt Agnes’ (Christine Baranski) good name to remain out in society, Marian has something that could be more precious than gold in The Gilded Age‘s faltering economy, a potential treasure trove first teased in the very first scene of the series.

Marian’s Inheritance Could Be the Key to Completing George’s Railroad in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3

Revisiting the immediate aftermath of her father’s death, this theory argues that Marian’s inheritance is not as worthless as we’ve been led to believe throughout the past three seasons. Or, more specifically, that the speculative railroad shares Marian’s father purchased prior to his passing are now going to reappear in the narrative, playing a decisive role in securing George Russell the land and influence he requires in order to realize his vision. While these shares are initially said to be worth less than the paper on which they’re printed in Season 1, The Gilded Age Season 3’s focus on America’s failing banks means the economic tides are shifting, opening the door for a stunning reversal that could actually see the blunder of Marian’s father pay off for her in a big way.

It’s also important to remember that the man who first assessed Mr. Brooke’s railroad investments was none other than Mr. Raikes (Thomas Cocquerel), who, as fans already know, should not be trusted with any emotion beyond suspicion and disdain. Moreover, while Marian’s initial discussion with her backstabbing lawyer doesn’t reveal the exact nature of her inheritance, neglecting to say whether she owns stock in a specific railroad company, land on which to build railroads, or shares of railroads that have already gone bust, this ambiguity actually makes Marian’s assistance more likely. Without tying her to a specific financial portfolio, The Gilded Age has left room for one of its most likable characters to rescue the Russells in any number of ways, undoubtedly boosting her own connection to the family in the process.

Marian’s Assistance Would Solidify Her Place in the Russell Household in ‘The Gilded Age’

Despite being one of the few members of high society to accept the Russells immediately and remaining by the family’s side throughout the series, Marian’s relationship with her close neighbors remains only half-complete. While George supports Larry’s (Harry Richardson) love for her and has been nothing but supportive of the match so far, like most things in The Gilded Age, Bertha has made no secret of her displeasure. Wanting Larry to have the kind of life she has already given to Gladys, George may be driven not to repeat his failure to save his daughter from Bertha’s machinations, but that doesn’t mean Marian has been fully accepted as a future Russell yet either. However, were Marian to salvage the Russells’ financial situation by completing George’s railroad project, he would undoubtedly overrule Bertha and leave no room for argument.

The result would be an even closer relationship between George and Marian, one that builds off the boost she previously—if unwittingly—offered George’s company when she helped to resolve the aftermath of Season 1’s train crash crisis. Likewise, Marian being accepted into a future with the Russells that Bertha didn’t plan would deliver a happy ending to a chapter of the character’s life that has otherwise been plagued by betrayal and confusion. As Aunt Agnes bluntly states earlier in the season, Marian has now suffered two strikes in high society, once with Mr. Raikes and the other with Season 2’s Dashiell Montgomery (David Furr). Not only would a third worsen her social standing, but it would also repeat what is quickly becoming a tired story structure of Marian spending an entire season of The Gilded Age chasing love, just to lose it by the end.

This Marian Theory Is More Likely Than It Might Seem in ‘The Gilded Age’

Of course, there are plenty of reasons not to buy into the theory that Marian will effectively buy the Russells’ future. As with any fan theory, possible plot holes and narrative stretches abound. Audiences can’t be certain of what kind of portfolio Mr. Brooke left Marian, and moreover, the latest episode of The Gilded Age sees Marian seemingly end her engagement to Larry based on what is hopefully a misunderstanding about his visit to a brothel. Even so, the reason this theory still feels so likely is that it embodies the optimistic tone The Gilded Age hasn’t shied away from in past and recent episodes. Just as the newfound riches of both Jack Trotter (Ben Ahlers) and Aunt Ada (Cynthia Nixon) represent wins for wholesome characters who deserve to live comfortably, Marian’s own good fortune is long overdue.

What’s more, since the Russells have exhibited a skillful tendency to evade one crisis after another, it’s unlikely George’s most recent troubles will be any different, especially since his problems have been spiraling prior to a season finale that can resolve his scheme entirely. On the other hand, since the real-life socialite on whom Bertha is based ended up getting divorced from her husband, it is also possible that the Russells’ problems are more than Marian can fix by herself. In that case, fans of The Gilded Age may get to see Marian flex her independence in the future, with her father’s folly ultimately turning into a fortune that secures her the resources to continue her charitable schoolwork without any need for romance at all.

The Gilded Age

Release Date

January 24, 2022

Network

HBO Max

Directors

Deborah Kampmeier, Salli Richardson-Whitfield

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  Morgan Spector

  George Russell