The Gilded Age

Carrie Coon delivers a captivating performance as Bertha Russell in the HBO period drama "The Gilded Age," portraying the character with a compelling blend of tenacity and vulnerability. As the nouveau riche wife of railroad tycoon George Russell, Coon's Bertha is a woman navigating the treacherous waters of New York's high society in the 1880s, where old money and tradition clash with the aspirations of the newly wealthy. With a steel backbone and an indomitable spirit, Coon's Bertha is unapologetically ambitious, fiercely protective of her family, and determined to claim her place among the social elite. Her nuanced portrayal captures the complexity of a character who is both a product of her time and an agent of change, adeptly revealing the layers of Bertha's resolve, her strategic intelligence, and the delicate balance she maintains between her humble origins and her grand aspirations. Coon's performance is a standout, as she brings depth and a modern relatability to the period role, making Bertha Russell a memorable and iconic figure in the pantheon of television's strong female characters.