'The Gilded Age' Finale: Carrie Coon Discusses Bertha's Choices

Shawn

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Post on Aug 18, 2025

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'The Gilded Age' Finale: Carrie Coon on Bertha's Bold Choices and Uncertain Future

The captivating HBO series, The Gilded Age, concluded its second season leaving viewers breathless and buzzing about the complex characters and their dramatic arcs. While many storylines reached satisfying conclusions, others, particularly that of the formidable Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon), ended on a note of intriguing ambiguity. We spoke with Coon herself to delve deeper into Bertha's choices and what the future might hold for this iconic matriarch.

Bertha's Triumph and Tragedy:

The finale saw Bertha achieve a significant social victory, securing her place within New York's elite. Her tireless efforts, fueled by ambition and a burning desire to overcome the social barriers she faced, finally bore fruit. However, this triumph came at a cost. The relentless pursuit of acceptance strained her marriage to George (Morgan Spector), and her complicated relationship with her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) remained fraught with tension. Coon expertly portrays this internal conflict, revealing a woman driven by both fierce love and crippling insecurity.

"Bertha's journey isn't about simple good or evil," Coon explained in our exclusive interview. "She's a product of her time, a woman forced to navigate a society that actively works against her. Her ambition isn't just about social climbing; it's about survival, about securing a future for her family."

The Weight of Ambition:

The relentless pressure Bertha faces is a key theme throughout the series. The social machinations of the Gilded Age, the constant need to prove herself, and the burden of maintaining her carefully constructed image takes a toll. This is vividly portrayed in several scenes where Bertha's facade cracks, revealing the vulnerability beneath her steely exterior.

"She's incredibly strong, but also incredibly fragile," Coon shared. "The weight of expectation is immense. She's constantly fighting, not just for her place in society, but for the love and acceptance of her family. And sometimes, those battles clash."

A Look Ahead: Uncertain Futures

The season finale leaves much open to interpretation, especially regarding Bertha's future. Will she finally find lasting peace and contentment, or will the relentless pursuit of power continue to define her? Coon hints at both possibilities.

"There's a quiet desperation in Bertha," Coon mused. "She's achieved so much, yet something always seems to be out of reach. Will she find solace in her success, or will the ambition continue to consume her? That's the question."

The Legacy of Bertha Russell:

Regardless of what the future holds for Bertha, her impact on The Gilded Age is undeniable. Coon's powerful performance has cemented Bertha's place as one of television's most compelling and complex characters. She represents the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, the price of ambition, and the enduring power of family dynamics, all set against the opulent backdrop of the Gilded Age. Her story is one that will continue to resonate long after the credits roll.

What are your thoughts on Bertha's journey in The Gilded Age? Share your opinions in the comments below! Are you hoping for a third season? Let us know what you'd like to see! For more insights into the making of The Gilded Age, check out [link to an article about behind-the-scenes of the show].