Overview: The Season 3 finale of HBO’s The Gilded Age closes multiple storylines while seeding new tensions for Season 4. Key moments include George Russell’s near-death crisis and a series of emotional reckonings that reshape several marriages and alliances.

Major plot beats

George Russell survives a shooting and is saved by Dr. William Kirkland, a plot turn that forces George to confront his marriage to Bertha. Rather than a neat resolution, the episode leaves the couple’s future uncertain—hinting at long-term strain rather than an immediate separation or divorce.

Romance & reconciliations

Romantic threads offer relief amid the drama: Dr. Kirkland proposes to Peggy Scott, Larry and Marian find a path back toward each other, and glad tidings for Gladys suggest a new chapter with the Duke of Buckingham.

What this means for Season 4

The finale balances character-driven outcomes with open-ended hooks—expect Season 4 to explore marital renegotiations, social maneuvering among New York’s elite, and the long-term fallout of the finale’s gambits. Production notes hint at a return in late 2026 or 2027.

Source: USA Today