The era of The Gilded Age is a fascinating period full of power struggles and drama, and the series has perfectly captured that, making it one of the best period dramas in recent years. Characters like Bertha Russell and Mrs. Astor and their petty power struggles are incredibly entertaining to watch, and their working-class counterparts are equally insightful in different ways. Compared to the other characters, Marian’s season 1 and 2 plots have felt less impactful, but season 3 seems set to change this in a big way.
Marian Has Two Failed Marriage Stories In The Gilded Age
Her Love Interests In Seasons 1 & 2 Were Not Great
Many of The Gilded Age‘s stories revolve around the desire for power and authority in New York high society, with Bertha Russell always leading the very entertaining charge on that front, but Marian Brook’s story throughout seasons 1 and 2 has felt very different. Though being a part of New York’s old money group automatically makes Marian part of the power structure to some extent, her focus never really seems to be aimed at that aspect of Gilded Age life; instead, her scenes feel disproportionately focused on romance.
The Gilded Age season 1 saw Marian arrive in New York for the first time, and she gradually grew accustomed to the rules of society. However, a major part of this journey for her specifically was her connection with Tom Raikes. On the one hand, Tom’s involvement in so many aspects of Marian’s life (from helping Peggy to getting involved in charity with Marian) does reflect the position of women at the time. On the other hand, though, many of The Gilded Age‘s other women characters can assert themselves in society without men at all.
In essence, Tom’s constant appearance in Marian’s life, despite the fact that she was just getting settled in a new place, always felt a bit odd. Though Marian herself did seem to enjoy his company, they never felt passionate, and even she was surprised at his proposal. Especially because Tom ultimately ended up leaving Marian broken-hearted, their romance felt unsatisfying. The same is true of her season 2 relationship with Dashiell Montgomery. The pair never had great chemistry, and their scenes, particularly the proposal, were a bit difficult to watch.
In a way, it almost feels like The Gilded Age used Dashiell to get a point across to Marian, fully knowing that audiences would not support the two. The characters were so different, it did feel essential that Marian finally recognized what she was agreeing to in marrying Dashiell. Marian’s failed marriage to Dashiell showed the character that she does need to assert herself and make her own way in the world, finding a partner who can respect that along the way. While it took two seasons to recognize this, season 3 seems far more promising.
The Gilded Age’s Season 3 Sets Up A Better Marian Romance With Larry Russell
Larry & Marian Have Always Had Good Chemistry
Though other characters have also been unlucky in love, Marian’s failed relationships feel more intense. Even Agnes commented on Marian’s unlucky romantic encounters at the end of season 2 and how people might begin to see her differently. Though Agnes can, at times, be very traditional, her point about Marian’s relationships is important because it highlights that she has not chosen very well in the past. From season 3’s teaser trailer, though, that does not seem to have stopped Larry Russell from taking an interest in Marian.
Marian and Larry have always had great chemistry together since their season 1 meeting. Despite Marian constantly being courted by other men, her and Larry’s scenes together were very fun and a bit flirty. Their potential relationship was only made explicit in the final moments of season 2 when the pair kissed after attending the opera together. With season 2’s ending officially setting up their mutual interest, it is exciting to see that season 3 is going to expand on that a lot.
Both Marian and Larry are quite modern and forward-thinking, so they make a much better pair than Marian did with her previous suitors. What’s more, where Marian’s relationships with Tom and Dashiell felt a bit forced, I’m looking forward to seeing Marian and Larry be a bit more passionate about each other. While there is bound to be some push-back from Agnes about Marian’s choice, it will be very fun to see how Marian defies those standards if she is truly serious about being with Larry.
The Gilded Age Should Give Marian Better Stories Beyond Who She Will Marry
She Still Feels Less Developed Than Some Other Main Characters
While Marian does have other interests, such as getting involved in charity or teaching, those still feel secondary to her interactions with potential romantic interests. Likewise, her scenes often feel less interesting than other characters in the series because of how sweet and naive she is. Compared to very assertive and competitive characters like Bertha Russell, Mrs. Astor, or her aunt Agnes, Marian does not seem to have the same drive, either to maintain the status quo or to create change, leaving her somewhere in the middle.
Admittedly, her romances do give her a bit of excitement, but I still wish that they weren’t her only source of excitement. If she does become a bit more passionate in her romance with Larry in season 3, I would love to see that extend beyond her partnership too. Like The Gilded Age‘s other characters, season 3 should allow Marian to become a little more assertive and fun, and maybe see her get more involved in some of the historic changes to the city during that time period, like those around her.
