The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4 Review: Does Gladys Say I Do in Marriage is a Gamble?
- Je-Ree
- Jul 13
- 4 min read
The Gilded Age continues to deliver rich storytelling and captivating drama, and Season 3 Episode 4 titled Marriage is a Gamble does not disappoint. The question fans have been asking for weeks finally gets answered: Does Gladys marry the Duke or does she walk away from high society’s expectations?
From shocking financial revelations to heart-pounding romantic decisions, The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4 is packed.
Jack Strikes Gold with His Clock Sale The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4
One of the more understated yet significant moments in this episode revolves around Jack, who sells a clock for a jaw-dropping six hundred thousand dollars. That amount in the Gilded Age era essentially makes him a millionaire. He splits the money with Larry, walking away with three hundred thousand dollars. You’d think he’d leave his job as a servant behind, but not Jack. This is his home and he is not ready to walk away.
Only Mrs. Bauer knows about his windfall for now. But it raises a burning question: how will the rest of the staff react once they find out? And what will Agnes and Ada think when they realize one of their household staff is now wealthier than most of society?
Mr. Russell Is Taking Financial Risks Again
Mr. Russell continues to ignore the financial warnings thrown his way. He is pouring money into his railroad projects despite clear signs that things are headed south. His gambling with business has raised red flags, and it feels like a major collapse is brewing.
Here’s a theory: could his son use his half of the clock sale money to bail out the family? Even Jack might get pulled into the mess and become an investor. It would not be the first time the show uses a twist like this. Remember how Ada saved Agnes using her late husband’s fortune? History might repeat itself with a new twist.
Society Scandal Unfolds with Mrs. Astor
Nothing says high society like a secret lover and a failed duel. Mrs. Astor’s daughter is caught in the middle of a scandal that ends with her husband challenging a lover to a duel and then backing out. This is peak Gilded Age drama, and it’s exactly what I live for. Mrs. Astor should probably spend less time judging others and more time minding her own affairs. As the saying goes, people in glass houses should not throw stones.
Agnes Needs to Dial It Down
As much as fans love Agnes, she goes a little too far this episode. Calling Gladys insignificant is a harsh blow, especially from someone who continues to borrow money from her sister for gowns. Agnes’s sharp tongue has always been part of her charm, but she might be crossing into dangerous territory.
Can someone please start a petition to have Agnes face off against a young Violet Crawley from Downton Abbey? Let’s get this shared universe going.
Mrs. Kirkland’s Grip Might Be Slipping or Getting Tighter
Mrs. Kirkland is still meddling and condescending at every turn, but her son William may finally be on the verge of standing up to her. His father seems worn down by her antics. We didn’t get enough of this storyline in the episode, but there is a slow burn happening here that could explode soon. Mrs. Kirkland won't give William up without a fight, will Peggy be strong enough? I can't wait to see what happens.
The Big Moment: Gladys Says I Do
And now to the moment everyone was waiting for. Yes, Gladys says I do and marries the Duke. The wedding goes through and they even consummate the marriage, which was honestly surprising. While the Duke seems gentle and kind, his sister gives off suspicious energy. There is something unsettling there that could spell trouble.
Monica Deserves More Screen Time
The standout character from tonight's episode who deserves more attention is Monica, Bertha’s sister. She is charming, engaging, and adds something fresh to the Russell storyline. What is her backstory? Why has she been missing until now? Hopefully the writers explore her arc in future episodes. Also, now I want to go rewatch her (Merritt Wever) arc on The Walking Dead and her Emmy win speech.
In other society news:
Oscar is rebuilding his business and we love to see it
Mrs. Bruce having a husband in an asylum was a plot twist no one saw coming
Borden proposing after only one date was painfully awkward
Still unsure if Clay is a genuine ally or a future villain
Great to see familiar faces like Turner making a return
Mrs. Fane supporting the uplifting of Black people makes her even more likable
Trying to communicate to the dead never ends well
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4 lives up to its title. Marriage truly is a gamble, and Gladys is now in the game. The show continues to blend opulence, scandal, and emotional depth with a perfect balance of subtle and dramatic storytelling.
With rich character arcs and surprises around every corner, this episode sets the stage for an explosive second half of the season. Whether you are team Gladys, rooting for Jack, or side-eyeing Mr. Russell’s decisions, there is something here for all of us.
What did you think of the episode? Did Gladys make the right choice? Drop your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for next week’s drama.
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