The Official Gilded Age Podcast: “What the Papers Say” with Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, and Michael Engler

Release Date: June 30, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled “What the Papers Say,” hosted by Tom Myers and Alicia Malone from HBO’s official Gilded Age Podcast, listeners are treated to an in-depth discussion of the second episode of Season Three of HBO’s acclaimed series, The Gilded Age. This episode features insightful conversations with cast members Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector, who portray Bertha and George Russell, respectively, as well as executive producer and director Michael Engler. Together, they delve into the intricate narratives, character developments, and historical accuracies that shape the series.

Episode Recap

Tom Myers opens the discussion by summarizing the plot of the episode:

“...the Russell house is in turmoil as Ms. Gladys, an heiress, disappears in the middle of the night...” ([03:40]).

The episode showcases a frantic search for Gladys, revealing the opulent yet volatile environment of the Russell household. Alicia Malone highlights the cinematography:

“I love the cinematography of this opening montage because they use wide-angle lenses... It looks like a photograph almost” ([04:22]).

The narrative then shifts to George Russell’s business dealings, where he meets with JP Morgan to discuss a risky new railroad venture amidst an impending economic panic. This interweaving of personal and professional crises underscores the complex dynamics at play.

A pivotal moment occurs when Bertha Russell confronts the Duke about Gladys’s arranged marriage:

“...As Mrs. Carlton says, I regard it as a lucky escape” ([29:33]).

The episode culminates in an awkward dinner where tensions between characters reach a boiling point, setting the stage for future conflicts and alliances.

Historical Parallels

The hosts draw parallels between the show’s storyline and real-life events, particularly the marriage of Consuelo Vanderbilt to the 9th Duke of Marlborough in 1895. Alicia Malone explains:

“Consuelo was deeply in love with somebody else... Alva Vanderbilt had other plans for her daughter” ([13:38]).

They discuss the Dollar Princesses, American heiresses who married into European aristocracy, highlighting the transactional nature of these unions:

“These marriages were definitely transactional... Wealthy families in America wanted social prominence, while European titled families sought financial support” ([17:02]).

This historical context enriches the viewers' understanding of the social maneuvering depicted in the show.

Character Analysis

Bertha Russell emerges as a central figure in this episode. Carrie Coon provides insight into her character’s motivations:

“Bertha wants the best for her daughter, but her ways are questionable...” ([36:13]).

Morgan Spector adds depth to George Russell’s character, portraying him as a man torn between familial obligations and business ambitions:

“George is in an impossible position... there's no good choice...” ([45:19]).

The dynamic between Bertha and George reflects the broader themes of power, legacy, and societal expectations, illustrating how personal desires often clash with public responsibilities.

Production Insights

In the latter half of the episode, hosts engage with Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, and Michael Engler to uncover behind-the-scenes elements:

• Directorial Choices: Coon discusses the use of wide-angle lenses and crane shots to emphasize the grandeur and underlying tensions within the Russell household.

• Set Design and Filming Locations: Spector reveals that scenes set in Morenci were filmed on Long Island, utilizing backlots with Western-style sets complemented by additional footage from New Mexico to create authentic landscapes.

• Character Development: Engler emphasizes the thoughtful crafting of characters, ensuring their actions and motivations resonate with historical accuracies while maintaining dramatic tension:

  “Bertha's ambition is driven by her desire for power and influence, not just for herself but for her daughter's future...” ([37:44]).

The collaboration between the actors and production team ensures that each character’s journey is both compelling and true to the era.

Themes Discussed

Several overarching themes are explored in this episode:

1. Power and Legacy: The dialogue between Bertha and Mrs. Carlton about ancestral ties to the Declaration of Independence underscores the importance of legacy and social standing.

2. Women's Agency: The forced marriage of Gladys parallels historical instances where women had limited control over their personal lives, despite their significant societal roles. Carrie Coon reflects on the duality of Bertha’s character—her ruthless ambition and underlying nobility.

3. Economic Turmoil: The consultation with JP Morgan highlights the fragile state of the railroad industry during the Gilded Age, mirroring real historical economic challenges.

4. Social Prejudices: The episode touches on racial prejudices and the limited opportunities for African Americans, as seen in the character of Dr. Kirkland and his role as one of the few black physicians of the time.

Notable Quotes

• Tom Myers on George’s dilemma:

  “He is caught in the middle between fulfilling his promise to Gladys and respecting his wife's plan” ([45:50]).

• Carrie Coon on Bertha’s ambitions:

  “For Bertha, what she wants and cannot have for herself is power, influence, impact” ([37:44]).

• Morgan Spector on the legacy:

  “There is something about legacy... whatever you need to tell yourself, it's all good” ([39:57]).

• Michael Engler on the complexities of directing:

  “Once the technical details are out of the way, the more interesting conversations happen about what's really going on in the stories” ([34:10]).

Behind the Scenes with Cast and Crew

The latter portion of the podcast features a compelling interview with Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, and Michael Engler. They discuss:

• Character Evolution: Coon elaborates on how living in a meticulously crafted set and adapting to historical behaviors has enhanced their portrayal of Bertha Russell.

• Working Dynamics: The chemistry between Coon and Spector is highlighted, with both actors emphasizing the challenges and rewards of depicting complex familial relationships.

• Production Challenges: Engler talks about maintaining consistency with multiple directors and ensuring historical accuracy, especially regarding set design and dialogue.

• Historical Research: The team underscores the importance of extensive research to authentically represent the societal norms and challenges of the Gilded Age, drawing from sources like Consuelo and Alva Vanderbilt by Amanda Mackenzie Stewart and Consuelo Vanderbilt’s own memoir, The Glitter and the Gold.

Conclusion

“What the Papers Say” serves as a pivotal episode in The Gilded Age series, weaving intricate personal dramas with broader historical narratives. Through insightful discussions with the cast and crew, the podcast episode sheds light on the meticulous craftsmanship behind the scenes and the profound themes that resonate both in the 19th century and today. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the show's portrayal of ambition, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of power amidst societal constraints.

Join Tom Myers and Alicia Malone next week as they continue to explore the depths of The Gilded Age with more interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and historical facts. Don’t miss out on the rich storytelling and engaging discussions that bring the opulent yet tumultuous era to life.

This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to capture all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode.