The Gilded Age’s Bertha Russell has once again sparked heated discussions among fans, with opinions split over whether she is truly a ruthless social climber or simply a woman navigating — and challenging — the rigid power structures of 19th-century New York.
In recent episodes, Bertha’s relentless ambition, strategic social maneuvers, and unapologetic defiance of the “old money” elite have drawn both admiration and criticism. Some viewers label her as manipulative, pointing to her willingness to bend social rules and exploit rivalries to climb higher. Others, however, argue that her actions reflect the reality of a woman who refuses to be confined by the era’s gender limitations.
“Bertha isn’t the villain. She’s playing the same game the men have always played — only she’s better at it,” one fan wrote on social media, while another countered, “She destroys anyone who gets in her way. That’s not empowerment, that’s cruelty.”
Historians note that characters like Bertha mirror real women of the Gilded Age who leveraged marriage, wealth, and influence to carve a place for themselves in a society dominated by patriarchal values. Whether audiences see her as a dangerous schemer or a bold trailblazer, one thing is certain: Bertha Russell is one of the most talked-about characters on television right now.