The Gilded Age Season 3 Finale Recap: Pearls Shattered, Unlikely Alliances & A Possible Breakup
- Je-Ree
- Aug 10
- 5 min read
We have finally made The Gild fans! We made it to The Gilded Age Season 3 finale, and while most of our pearls have slipped from our necks, much like when Gladys shattered her pearls after becoming engaged to the Duke, we have recovered gracefully. This finale gave us everything we needed: it wrapped up loose ends nicely, tied together several long-running story arcs, and of course, set up plenty of drama for Season 4. If you thought the tension was high before, buckle up because this show knows how to leave us wanting more.
George’s Near-Death Experience and William’s Heroics
The episode kicks off with a high-stakes scene: George being rushed home after he’s been shot. The immediate aftermath was intense, but what I truly loved was the role William played in saving George’s life. William stepped up and was the man who pulled George back from the brink, no one blinked at the fact that he’s Black. Honestly, The Gilded Age does a fantastic job of toning down the rampant racism that would realistically have been a huge obstacle during this period. Some might say it’s a bit idealized, but I appreciate that the show focuses on the characters’ humanity and relationships rather than getting bogged down in racial prejudice. Plus, the payoff was beautiful: George recovered and paid William handsomely for saving him, an amount that seems to secure William’s financial future indefinitely. This was a big moment, not just plot-wise but symbolically, showing progress and respect that’s rare in period dramas.
William and Peggy: A Romance Worth Rooting For
Speaking of William, let’s dive into how his and Peggy’s storyline wrapped up this season. I couldn’t be happier with their trajectory. From the start, their relationship faced massive hurdles, from Elizabeth’s interference to the scandal Peggy suffered in society because of it. When William’s father finally stood up to Elizabeth, telling her off for meddling in his son’s life and ruining Peggy’s reputation, I cheered for them both. William, ever the determined and honorable man, proposed to Peggy despite everything Elizabeth tried to throw at him. The slow-motion buildup to that moment was just chef’s kiss, pure romance, classic Gilded Age style. While we didn’t get to hear Peggy officially say yes, the look on her face said it all: she was ready to take that leap. And can we talk about Dorothy? Prior to this, she didn’t have the biggest role, but her standing up to Elizabeth and defending Peggy was a power move. Mama bear doesn’t mess around. I’m rooting for this couple to thrive next season.
Larry and Marian: From Confusion to Commitment?
Now, about the other young couple who have slowly but surely won me over: Larry and Marian. At first, I didn’t quite understand them. Their trust issues and the back-and-forth had me skeptical. But over the course of the season, I’m genuinely rooting for their relationship. This finale left their future a bit open-ended, are they engaged or starting over? Either way, they clearly have work to do. Marian overreacted at times, and Larry lied about a few things. But that’s what makes their story interesting, they’re human and flawed, and watching them navigate that messiness is captivating. Ada’s role in helping Agnes realize how silly she was being was much needed. Also, I’m pretty sure Ada slipped a donation to the historical society so they’d name Agnes Vice President, which was a hilarious touch. The show’s blend of drama with moments of humor like that never fails to land.
Oscar and Enid’s Bold Move: Marriage for Convenience?
And then there’s the shocking twist with Oscar and Enid teaming up. That was not on my bingo card! Oscar proposing they marry for society’s sake while keeping their side pieces was downright brilliant, so scandalous yet so strategic. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble this arrangement will bring in Season 4. Especially now that Bertha is the Queen Bee in charge, and divorced women are finally accepted in their circles, the social game has shifted dramatically. Bertha’s power play against Mrs. Astor was legendary, once again, she showed who truly holds the cards. But I have to give a nod to Mrs. Astor, too, for putting her child’s happiness above society’s rigid rules. That was a rare and touching moment.
Gladys: From Miserable to Belle of the Ball
And can you believe our girl Gladys is happy with the Duke and pregnant? She started the season so miserable and stuck in a loveless situation, but now she’s the Belle of the ball, exactly what Bertha wanted for her. I’m genuinely happy for Gladys; she’s come a long way. But knowing The Gilded Age, no one stays happy for long. I’m intrigued to see what challenges await her next season, especially as pregnancy and nobility bring their own complications.
George and Bertha: Marriage on the Rocks?
Meanwhile, George and Bertha’s relationship is still on shaky ground. Even after George’s near-death experience, which you’d think might soften things, he still wants to live separately. The episode made it clear that forgiveness isn’t a simple fix, and Bertha might be headed for divorce court after all. It’s a harsh reality check that power, money, and social standing don’t always protect you from heartbreak and upheaval. Their storyline remains one of the most emotionally compelling arcs in the show, and I’m curious how they’ll move forward, whether they reconcile or completely go their separate ways.
Looking back at the season as a whole, this finale did a fantastic job bringing many arcs full circle while leaving room for new stories to unfold. Remember the tensions between the old-money Astors and the nouveaux riche? Those battles have only escalated, especially with Bertha firmly asserting herself as a social leader. The political and social maneuvering continues to be a major highlight, blending personal drama with larger societal shifts.
What didn't work this episode or in fact this season? Not enough with the servants. Yes, Jack became rich but then he sort of faded. We got a cute and short scene with him and Bridget, surely to setup a romance next season but I wanted more. Hopefully next season we will get more focus on the staff.
And of course, the show’s attention to period detail remains stunning, from the lavish costumes to the intricate sets and the social rituals of the era. Every episode feels like stepping back in time, but with a modern sensibility that highlights the characters’ complexities beyond just their wealth and titles.
All in all, the Season 3 finale of The Gilded Age was satisfying and dramatic, with moments that made me cheer, gasp, and tear up. The characters feel more real and layered than ever, and the stakes have never been higher. I’m already counting down the days until Season 4 drops, eager to see what fresh scandals and romances await. Until then, I’ll be rewatching some of these episodes and savoring all the pearls, both literal and metaphorical, that this show has given us.
Bravo, The Gilded Age. You’ve outdone yourself once again.
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