‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Finale: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Who Walks Away

All’s well that ends well for most of Manhattan’s 61st Street residents — except Bertha Russell.

Carrie Coon’s fierce and ambitious socialite in HBO’s The Gilded Age (now streaming in full on HBO Max) seemed to have it all by the end of the period drama’s third season — wealth, influence, and social victories. But one thing still escapes her: the love of her husband, George Russell (Morgan Spector).

In the tense final minutes of the August 10 finale, George tells Bertha that despite her nursing him back to health after a gunshot wound and throwing an extravagant ball to protect his business reputation, he still hasn’t forgiven her for past betrayals — and might not love her anymore. His grievance? She married off their daughter for social standing, and above all, matched his ruthless nature — something he can’t seem to forgive in a woman.

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For Bertha, the news comes just after discovering that their daughter, Gladys (Taissa Farmiga), is happily married and expecting her first child. It’s a bittersweet moment, as she watches George’s carriage pull away from their grand Newport, Connecticut, estate. She’s one of the few left unhappy in this late-1800s drama, which HBO has already renewed for a fourth season.

Here’s a look at where the finale leaves each character — and what we know about Season 4.

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George Russell’s Brush with Death

This season, George faced near financial ruin after overextending his railroad empire and missing key deals. He recovered, but not without making dangerous enemies. By Episode 7, one such rival had him shot. Instead of taking him to the hospital, his men rushed him home to keep the attack secret.

Luck was on his side — Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica) happened to be across the street at the Van Rhijn house and rushed over, performing life-saving treatment right on the Russells’ dining table. Marian (Louisa Jacobson) didn’t hesitate to help, even if it meant ruining her dress.

Everyone suspects the shooter worked for George’s former right-hand man, Mr. Clay (Patrick Page), but with no police involvement, the mystery remains unsolved.

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Engagements and Unlikely Alliances

Dr. Kirkland had more than medical heroics on his agenda. He finally set aside his family issues to propose to Peggy (Denée Benton) in a heartfelt moment, witnessed by the entire Black Newport community — and even his disapproving mother (Phylicia Rashad). Peggy’s long-overdue happy ending was one of the night’s brightest spots.

Meanwhile, Oscar (Blake Ritson), reeling from grief, plotted a strategic match with wealthy widow Mrs. Winterton (Kelley Curran) — once Bertha’s maid, now a rising social player. Marian and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) reconciled after their brief romantic drama, though they seem set on taking things slower.

What’s Next in Season 4?

HBO has confirmed The Gilded Age will return for a fourth season, and plenty of storylines are still in play. Agnes (Christine Baranski) and Ada (Cynthia Nixon) will no doubt have strong reactions to Oscar’s new marriage, while former footman Jack (Ben Ahlers), now living among the rich, struggles with loneliness.

Mrs. Astor (Donna Murphy) has accepted her soon-to-be divorced daughter, but the upper crust of New York may not be ready for the changes sweeping society. This season tackled major historical shifts — from the temperance movement and women’s suffrage to the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws — all of which promise more upheaval in the years ahead.

At her ball, Bertha declared, “The future belongs to America.” Season 4 will reveal who among New York’s elite can keep up as progress marches forward.