‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 7 Spoilers: What’s Next After All That Heartbreak

As “The Gilded Age” season 3 races toward its conclusion, anticipation for episode 7—titled “Ex-Communicated”—is at an all-time high. Following the heartbreak and upheaval of episode 6, the penultimate episode of Julian Fellowes’ lavish HBO drama promises even more emotional fallout, romantic betrayal, and shifting alliances among New York’s elite.

Warning: Major spoilers ahead!

High Drama and Emotional Fallout After Episode 6

Episode 6, “If You Want to Cook an Omelette,” set the stage for major conflict. Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) traveled to Sidmouth Castle and was horrified by the strict conditions her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) faced under the rule of her new sister-in-law, Lady Sarah. Bertha urged Gladys to find her voice and gain influence within her new household.

Meanwhile, George Russell (Morgan Spector) saw his railroad empire begin to crumble after a disgruntled aide leaked sensitive documents. His financial power wavered, and so did his emotional foundation. The final blow? A letter from Gladys confirming her unhappiness in England, which led George to threaten to leave Bertha if she couldn’t “make things right.”

And while the Russell parents descended into marital chaos, Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) proposed to Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson)—but she ended the engagement just days later. After learning from Jack Trotter (Ben Ahlers) that Larry visited a “house of ill repute,” Marian assumed the worst and sent him a letter breaking things off. In reality, Larry hadn’t done anything inappropriate—but Marian’s decision was rooted in something deeper.

Jacobson explained to Deadline that Marian’s fear wasn’t just jealousy—it was about safety. “If Larry did this… who knows what he could be bringing home?” she said, citing venereal disease warnings from the American Health Association at the time. “It’s not just a jealousy issue. This is a health issue for Marian.”

What to Expect in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Episode 7: ‘Ex-Communicated’

In previews for episode 7, Oscar Van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) reels from the sudden death of John Adams and tries to mask his heartbreak with a stoic front. “It was a tragedy, of course, but the world keeps turning,” he says in the teaser. But behind closed doors, Oscar is unraveling.

Larry, stunned by Marian’s decision to end their engagement, begins to suspect that his mother Bertha may have influenced her. After receiving Marian’s letter, he now questions whether she pulled strings behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) faces increasing pressure from her boyfriend’s family. Dr. Kirkland’s relatives challenge her progressive ideals—particularly those related to women’s suffrage—leading to serious tension in their relationship.

And there’s another wild card in the mix: Maud Beaton, now living under the alias Dolly Trent, has returned. Once responsible for conning Oscar out of his mother’s fortune, her reappearance could upend the Van Rhijn family all over again.

“The Gilded Age” season 3 airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max.

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