Can fractured relationships be mended on “The Gilded Age” finale? And did the bullet fired at the end of last Sundayâs episode kill George Russell? Those are the burning questions heading into the season 3 finale.
With season 4 already greenlit, creator Julian Fellowes may not tie up every loose end this weekend. According to co-writer and showrunner Sonja Warfield, this chapter is as much about trust as it is about drama. âTrust,â she revealed, âis vital in all relationships and when that falters, it calls everything into question.â
‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3: Will George and Bertha Russellâs Marriage Survive â and Will George Himself?
One of the most strained relationships this season belongs to George and Bertha Russell. George â along with their adult children â has grown increasingly frustrated with Berthaâs ruthless handling of family matters, including forcing their daughter, Gladys, to marry Hector, Duke of Buckingham, a man she had barely met.
By the end of episode 5, tensions hit a breaking point. When Bertha announced plans to travel to England to console Gladys, George coldly replied, âDo what you want. Donât expect me to be here when you get back.â
That emotional distance was soon overshadowed by danger. In episode 7âs cliffhanger, a would-be assassin burst into Georgeâs office and fired a shot. Whether the bullet ends their fighting â or Georgeâs life â will be revealed in the finale.
Love, Betrayal, and Scandal in New York Society Will Take Center Stage on ‘The Gilded Age’ Finale
The elder Russells arenât the only couple facing heartbreak. Before a business trip to Arizona, Larry Russell proposed to Marian Brook, and she accepted. But while he was away, Marian learned that Larry and his business partner Jack celebrated a major sale at a house of ill repute on the night of their engagement. Marian promptly called it off. The question now: will Marian forgive Larry, and if she does, will he still want her?
Peggy Scott and Doctor Kirklandâs relationship also collapsed under outside pressure. Kirklandâs mother exposed Peggyâs past marriage and the child she gave up for adoption, sending him retreating. âPeggy was going to tell William,â says Warfield told TV Insider. âItâs heartbreaking that Elizabeth beat her to it. This presents an enormous hurdle in their relationship.â
Meanwhile, the impending divorces of Aurora Fane and Charlotte Drayton have divided high society. Mrs. Astor, Charlotteâs mother, has chosen propriety over family, shunning her daughter. Whether she will reconcile remains to be seen.
Oscar Van Rhijnâs Risky Reunion and Jack Trotter’s Rise in Society
Thereâs also intrigue surrounding Oscar Van Rhijn, who once considered a marriage of convenience to Maud Beaton before she conned him and financially ruined his mother, Agnes. Despite her betrayal, Oscar offered Maud cash and a train ticket this season. Could marriage still be in their future?
As for John âJackâ Trotter (Ben Ahlers) â formerly a Van Rhijn footman â his invention has made him wealthy enough to buy a modest mansion. âHeâs pulled himself up from service to become a gentleman [with a beautiful new townhouse],â Warfield notes. âIt wonât be an easy journey and will put him at odds with his former life.â
Viewers can expect some answers â and likely more questions â when “The Gilded Age” season 3 finale airs Sunday, August 10, on HBO and HBO Max.
The post ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Finale Preview: Relationship Turmoil and Shocking Twists Ahead appeared first on EntertainmentNow.