In the latest episode of The Gilded Age, the staff member who was leaking information about the Russells is finally revealed. Mrs.Bruce and Mr. Borden secretly planted a rumor to find out if it would wind up in the paper. With this tactic, Miss Andre is revealed to be the family betrayer. Church witnesses Miss Andre pass an envelope to a mysterious man, mentioning that “money is money”. This long mystery that has been bothering the Russells is finally concluded.
Following the last episode’s painful cliffhanger, Oscar continues to process the tragic death of his friend John Adams. This is shown to be a huge emotional arc, having him grieve a character who had renewed his faith. Meanwhile, McAllister, the creator of the “400” list and the arbiter of New York Society, faces exile from the same networks he helped create. This shows the end of his endurance in the elite society.
Turmoil in Marian and Larry’s relationship continues after Marian witnesses Larry’s visit to the Haymarket, leading her to want to break off their relationship. Larry attempts to explain his actions, as he went there to visit an old friend. Aiming to reconcile with Marian, she refuses to give Larry another chance.
The Russells also continue to have a financial crisis as George’s risky business choices begin to catch up with him. He had overleveraged his company, putting his entire fortune in jeopardy. J. P. Morgan sides with George to secure his company. Despite this unity, Morgan’s former secretary, Clay, is leaking information to the other shareholder as well as the press. George suspects this betrayal by Clay, jokingly considering whether he should have Clay killed.
This betrayal is the ticking tension. This breach of information, along with his overleverage and loss of alliances, leaves his empire and fortune teetering. But by George’s surprise, Larry discovers a new rich mine that could save the family.
The episode leads to another cliffhanger as an intruder makes himself known to George. This intruder shoots one of the men, then aims at George, concluding the episode with the barrel exploding.
From business betrayals and leaked family secrets to possible family collapse, all leaving George in the middle of it, this episode delivers strong emotional beats, providing character empowerment and heartbreaking losses. Despite the season’s slow start, it continues to evolve with rising stakes and compelling arcs. The well-executed cliffhanger and built-up climax remind the audience how great The Gilded Age delivers, leaving them energized for what’s next to come.
Rating: 9/10