The Gilded Age Star Takes Us Inside Marian And Larry's Romantic Moment In Episode 5: 'I Think Both Of Us Cried'
After what feels like forever (but was actually only five episodes), Larry and Marian finally reached a key milestone in their relationship on Sunday's episode of The Gilded Age — they're engaged!
"I loved it," Harry Richardson tells TVLine of filming the pivotal moment with Louisa Jacobson. "It was a dream. I think both of us cried at some point in between takes, which was weird. It was in a happy way, of course. These characters are trying so hard to get to this place and we were just both like, 'What are we doing? This is crazy.'"
Being surrounded by the crew and filming outside in a park made for a "really magical energy on set," Richardson recalls, remembering the experience as "so, so beautiful."
Upon further reflection, however, Richardson would like to issue the following statement: "I said both of us cried, but I think it was just me crying all the time."
Regardless of who may or may not have wept behind the scenes, it's fair to say that Larry is relieved to have Marian's resistance behind them at last. "He's been keen for this not to be secret," Richardson says of their relationship. "He's got this puppy love for her, and he wants to be stepping out together in society. He doesn't have the same complications and considerations that she has. She wants to be 'appropriate' and wait for when they're 'allowed' to be seen out walking together, and that's confusing for him, because he's just like, 'Why not now?'"
Good news, Larry — we've finally arrived at "now."
Elsewhere in the Gilded-verse this week...
* Gladys is struggling to adjust to her new life overseas, with absolutely no help from Lady Sarah, who only opens her mouth to belittle Gladys. Or mock her choice of hair clips. Or question her position at the table. Honestly, the voyage of the Titanic is only a few decades away at this point. Is it too early to book Lady Sarah a ticket on board?
* By the time word of Gladys' misery reaches George, he's already at his breaking point with Bertha. Not only is her vocal opposition of Larry and Marian's engagement a total buzzkill (not that they need her approval), but Bertha also makes George feel like a big fat cuckold by schmoozing with businessman Alfred Merrick a little too much during dinner. Bertha promises that she can fix the Gladys problem by paying their daughter a visit, but George tells her not to expect him to still be there when she gets back. (First he fires Clay for trying to be "realistic" about their railroad endeavors, and now he's threatening Bertha with a divorce? George Russell is going full Mad King this week. What's next, actual dragons?)
* While attending an all-Black baseball game with William, Peggy awkwardly runs into Mr. Fortune, who offers her a writing assignment for the Globe. Per Marian's suggestion, Peggy decides to bring William along for safety, but imagine her surprise when Mr. Fortune is waiting for her at the train station, insisting that he'll accompany her. Things turn physical when Mr. Fortune refuses to take a hint, with William even taking a shove for Peggy. (The whole thing felt like Peggy was starring in her own episode of Sex and the City, and you know what? I'd watch the crap out of that show.)
* To celebrate their six-figure deal, Larry takes Jack to the local haymarket, where they run into none other than Maud Beaton, aka the woman who ruined Oscar last season. She insists her name is actually Dolly Trent, but Larry recognizes a no-good lying thief when he sees one. Oscar and John Adams are eventually informed of her return, and while they agree that karma has obviously taken care of her if she's now forced to work at an establishment of ill repute, Oscar still wants answers — as he should.
Was Larry and Marian's engagement the romantic moment you hoped it would be? Are you worried about George and Bertha's future as a couple? And did anyone else get major Downton Abbey vibes from Gladys' new digs? Drop a comment with your thoughts on Season 3, Episode 5 below.