Okay, let's talk about Gladys Russell. We all watched The Gilded Age, right? And we all wondered: how old *is* she, really?
The Age Game Begins
The show never outright *says*. They drop hints, sure. Enough hints to make you need a detective's hat.
But I have an unpopular opinion. An opinion that might ruffle some feathers.
My (Possibly Wrong) Theory
I think Gladys is older than we think. Way older.
Hear me out! We're led to believe she's this naive, sheltered teen. The ultimate debutante.
But let's look closer. Does she really act like a *teenager*?
Sure, she wants to go to balls and find a husband. That was the era, after all.
But there's this...worldliness to her. An understanding of power dynamics. And a surprising amount of patience.
Evidence, Please!
Think about her interactions with her mother, Bertha. She knows how to push Bertha's buttons. She knows when to back down. That isn't teen angst. It's strategy.
A true teen would be throwing tantrums. Instead, Gladys is playing the long game.
And her romantic pursuits? She seems pretty clear-headed. Less "love-struck" and more...calculating.
The Age of Marriage
We all know girls married young back then. Like, shockingly young. But Gladys is being *presented* to society. She's actively seeking a match.
If she were truly young, Bertha might wait a few years. Build up the anticipation. Make her even more desirable.
The fact that Bertha is so eager? It screams, "She's pushing 20, and we need to find her someone *now*!"
My Unpopular Conclusion
I'm guessing Gladys is at least 20, maybe even 22. She could even be older, but I am not going to assume.
That's my controversial take. Fight me in the comments! (Just kidding... mostly.)
I know, I know. The actress is young and beautiful. And Gladys's storyline hinges on her "innocence."
But I refuse to believe she is a *child*. There's too much simmering beneath the surface.
Plus, it makes Bertha's desperation make way more sense.
Why It Matters (Sort Of)
Does it really matter how old Gladys Russell is? Probably not.
It's just fun to overthink these things, isn't it?
TV shows love to play with age and perception. They love to keep us guessing.
Ultimately, Gladys's age is a mystery. A delightful, juicy, Gilded Age mystery. Let's just agree to disagree, and enjoy the show!
But I'm sticking to my guns. Gladys is older than they want us to think.
And she's playing everyone. Including her mother. Don't you agree?
