Warning: SPOILERS For The Gilded Age Season 3 Finale - “My Mind Is Made Up”
The Gilded Ageseason 3 came to its jam-packed conclusion last weekend, and while many of the season’s biggest plots were resolved, there are still several questions to be answered in season 4.The Gilded Ageseason 3’s finalesaw Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) triumph with her Newport Ball, only to be shocked by her husband, George (Morgan Spector), leaving her.
The Gilded Ageseason 3 dealt with the complex relationships of its characters within the late 19th century’s quickly changing society. At the same time, the addition of wholly unexpected events proved the series was willing to step outside its previous bounds, leaving even bigger questions forThe Gilded Ageseason 4to explore.
11What Is Jack Trotter’s New Invention?
Jack Trotter’s (Ben Ahlers) alarm clock story began in season 2 and came to a very successful conclusion this season, withJack earning $300,000 for his invention. This makes Jack a very rich man, allowing him to move out of the Van Rhijn house, but the former footman isn’t done with inventing yet.
After finding financial success from his alarm clock,Jack can be seen drawing something new. The other members of the Van Rhijn household staff remark on his creativity and drive, but audiences don’t get any hint of what Jack is working on, leavingThe Gilded Ageseason 4 to answer this question.
10Are Jack & Bridget Finally Becoming A Couple?
InThe Gilded Ageseason 1, Jack Trotter expressed romantic nterest in Bridget (Taylor Richardson), but due to the trauma in her past, she was unable to reciprocate those feelings.The two remained friends as servants for the Van Rhijns, but the season 3 finale hints that there could be more in their future.
By the end ofThe Gilded Ageseason 3, Jack is still adjusting to his new life as a rich man with servants after only recently being a servant himself. When Bridget visits to bring him food in the finale, she exhibits the same caution, butJack is more than happy to invite her to sit with him as a guest.
While nothing explicitly romantic happens between them, it is incredibly touching. In Jack Trotter’s new home, neither he nor Bridget are servants. They are two equals who know and trust each other. It may take some time for Jack to fully adjust to his new lifestyle, but I’m excited to see how his and Bridget’s relationship will develop.
9Will Mrs. Kirkland Finally Accept Peggy As Her Daughter-In-Law?
Phylicia Rashad was a phenomenal addition toThe Gilded Age’s castin season 3, but Elizabeth Kirkland is an incredibly frustrating character. From her introduction, she is rude to Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) and her family, and sees herself as being above them because Peggy’s father was formerly enslaved and self-made.
After Elizabeth learns of Peggy’s past inThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 7’s ending, it is the perfect opportunity for her to ruin Peggy’s relationship with her son, Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica). Luckily,William is far more understanding than his motherand doesn’t jump to conclusions before talking to Peggy.
William propose to Peggy inThe Gilded Ageseason 3’s finale.Everyone seems happy about this except Mrs. Kirkland. If anyone in the series deserves to be happy, it is Peggy Scott. Elizabeth’s own family turned against her, so she will have to accept her son’s decision, though that doesn’t mean she will treat Peggy well next season.
The Gilded Ageseason 3 opened with a new setting in the Wild Westof Arizona, setting up a fun new location for the series. With everything else going on in season 3, it makes sense that Morenci, Arizona wouldn’t be the main focus, but I am hoping it will return in season 4. Morenci is an important part of George Russell’s dream to build a railroad line coast-to-coast.
George Russell’s ambitious business plans were almost derailed this season and only succeeded because Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) returned to Arizona and learned Morenci’s copper mines can bolster their fortune. However,because Mr. Russell was shot at the end of episode 7, his business plans were put on hold, leaving them to be explored later.
7Will Bertha’s Next Lady’s Maid Also Betray Her?
Despite becoming increasingly powerful in New York’s social circles, intimate details ofBertha Russell’s personal life became newspaper gossip fodder inThe Gilded Ageseason 3. The Russells' secrets behind closed doors were made public because Bertha had a secret enemy leaking details to the press.
Bertha’s season 3 enemywas eventually revealed to be her lady’s maid, Miss André (Rachel Pickup), who was earning a lot of money for her information. Miss André is Bertha’s second lady’s maid to betray her after Enid Turner (Kelley Curran).The repeated issue highlights how lucrative betrayal is for gaining money and power, and it could easily happen again.
6How Will Gladys & The Duke Fare As Parents?
Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting reveals fromThe Gilded Ageseason 3’s finale is the news that Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) and Hector, Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb) are expecting a child. After Gladys’s dread of being married to the Duke, their surprisingly happy marriage gives her season 3 story a happy ending because she is now pregnant.
Gladys Russell was forced to quickly grow up inThe Gilded Ageseason 3 from sheltered teenager to wife and Duchess. Bertha’s visit to Sidmouth Castle showed Gladys that she does have the power to run a household, butcaring for a child is an even bigger responsibilityand a new challenge for the young couple.
5How Will Agnes & Ada React To Oscar Marrying Enid Winterton?
Oscar Van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) and Enid Wintertonare two of most chaotic characters inThe Gilded Age, so I am greatly looking forward to their partnership in season 4. The pair schemed together in season 1 as well, and their dynamic was fun, butas a couple in a lavender marriage, they have more advantages.
WhileThe Gilded Ageseason 3 doesn’t directly address whether Enid knows that Oscar is gay, the series does hint thatshe would be willing to keep his secret safe, and the same goes for him keeping her past hidden as well. Together, they will have her fortune from her previous marriage and his family name and connections.
ThroughoutThe Gilded Age, both Oscar and Enid attempted to climb the social ladder and make comfortable lives for themselves. Oscar’s mother and aunt will surely have something to say about Oscar’s choice of the newly-widowed Mrs. Winterton as his bride.Agnes Van Rhijn’s (Christine Baranski) reactionwill undoubtedly be very entertaining.
4How Much Did George Russell Pay Dr. Kirkland For Saving His Life?
The opening scenes ofThe Gilded Age’s season 3 finale raised the tension as audiences waited to see whether George Russell would survive his gunshot wound. Luckily, Dr. Kirkland was visiting Peggy next door and was able to go to the Russells' house and help immediately.
William’s quick treatment is what ultimately saved George Russell’s life, and he was rewarded for his trouble, thoughThe Gilded Agedid not reveal how much money Mr. Russell gave the doctor. It is safe to say that George paid William handsomely for his help and discretion, but hopefully, season 4 will reveal exactly how George felt his life was worth.
3Is Marriage Still In Larry Russell & Marian Brook’s Future?
Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry Russell startedThe Gilded Ageseason 3 as a cute new couple. Their chemistry had been building since season 1, soLarry and Marian coming together felt natural and earned after two seasons of waiting. However,Larry’s night at the Haymarketthreatened to derail everything.
Arguably, both Larry and Marian were in the wrong this season; Larry for lying and Marian for jumping to conclusions before having a conversation with Larry. One thing is clear, though,these two have a lot to work out before they can cement their plans to get married, and they confirmed as much in the finale.
WhileThe Gilded Ageseason 3’s ending did not see Marian and Larry go back to their engagement, it does set them up to go in that direction in season 4. If Larry can continue to be honest with Marian and Marian can learn to trust Larry,marriage may not be off the board for these two.
2Will George & Bertha Russell Divorce?
Bertha and George Russell have always been the strongest marriage inThe Gilded Age. As they each remark in the finale,they are both ruthless in their own ways, and that is what has made them such a thrilling pair to watch. However, in keeping with the theme of season 3, even they were not safe from marital strife.
After George is shot the end ofThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 7, Mr. Russell spent the finale contemplating what he truly wants, and it seems that he is not sure he wants Bertha anymore. George always admired Bertha’s ambition, but"selling"their daughter to the Duke was a bridge too far for Mr Russell.
George also promised Gladys he would let her marry for love, and he can’t forgive himself for breaking his word.
With that being said, though,George Russell is relieving himself of any blame far too easily. Bertha ended up being right because she understands being a woman in the Gilded Age, as she attempted to tell George. Neither of them are perfect, and if they can only accept that, their marriage may be salvageable in season 4.
