The Gilded Age Returns With 3 Replacements For The Show’s Broken Marriage

Published Oct 17, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT John Orquiola is a TV Editor, Senior Writer, and Interviewer with a special focus on Star Trek. John has over 5,000 published articles at SR, and he has interviewed the biggest names in Star Trek on the red carpet and VIP events, among other beloved shows, movies, and franchises. The Gilded Age returns for season 4 with three new power couples to potentially replace George (Morgan Spector) and Bertha Russell's (Carrie Coon) broken marriage. If George and Bertha aren't quite in smithereens, they are headed down that path when Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes' hit period drama returns to HBO Max on November 1st. Tiny cracks began to show in George and Bertha Russell's perfect marriage in The Gilded Age season 2, but the trust and affection between them collapsed in season 3. George takes issue with Bertha's ruthless plans for her children's future, and he was against Bertha arranging the marriage of their daughter, Gladys (Taissa Farmiga), to Hector, Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb). George promised Gladys she could marry for love and hated that he went back on his word and folded to Bertha's demands. At the end of The Gilded Age season 3, George was shot but quickly recovered. His near-death experience forced Mr. Russell to examine what he didn't like about his life, and his union with Bertha was at the top of his list. While they were not divorced, George separated from Bertha physically and emotionally. When The Gilded Age season 4 jumps forward in time to 1886, the Russells still haven't reconciled, while Larry Russell's (Harry Richardson) engagement to Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) is on pause. Meanwhile, The Gilded Age season 3's ending sets up three new unions that can supplant the Russells as the strongest marriage in New York high society. The Duke & Duchess Of Buckingham Are Happily Married, New Parents Image via HBO The irony of Gladys and the Duke of Buckingham is that their young marriage turns out to be a happy one, and they're The Gilded Age season 4's strongest replacement for George and Bertha. Gladys and Hector quickly warmed to each other, and their primary conflict came from the Duke's domineering sister, Lady Sarah (Hattie Morahan). Hector finally sent Sarah packing, firmly establishing Sidmouth Castle as the new Duchess' domain. When Gladys and Hector returned to America for Bertha's Newport ball, even George had to admit they were happy together, and that Bertha was right. Gladys had even gladder tidings when she told Bertha she was pregnant. When The Gilded Age season 4 returns, the Duke and Duchess should be new parents, though they may spend more time in England than in New York. Oscar Van Rhijn & Edith Winterton Are The Gilded Age’s “Fighting Pair” Image via HBO If Oscar Van Rhijn (Blake Ritson) and Enid Winterton (Kelley Curran) have any say in the matter, they will be New York's ultimate power couple. Oscar and Enid were allies when she was known as Turner, Bertha's housemaid. At the end of The Gilded Age season 3, Enid and Oscar formed a new partnership, bonding his business contacts with her late husband's wealth through a potential marriage. Oscar and Enid are the chaotic couple to watch. As "a fighting pair," Enid and Oscar have reasons to want to smash the Russells. Enid coveted George and Bertha's wealth and power, and tried but failed to seduce Mr. Russell. When Oscar wanted to marry Gladys, he was brutally rebuffed as unworthy by George. It's not yet clear if they are married when The Gilded Age season 4 begins, but Oscar and Enid are the chaotic power couple to watch. Peggy & Dr. William Kirkland Will Be Happily Married Together Image via HBO Peggy Scott (Denee Benton) and Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica) had their happiness momentarily derailed by his meddling mother, Elizabeth (Phylica Rashad), who didn't think Miss Scott was good enough for her physician son. William ultimately defied his mother and proposed to Peggy in The Gilded Age season 3's finale. Not that Elizabeth will take defeat lying down. Dr. Kirkland and Miss Scott are still engaged when The Gilded Age season 4 begins, but new complications include potential career paths taking them in opposite directions. Peggy and William are a fine couple who will be happy together if they overcome their obstacles. They're not a ruthless power couple like George and Bertha, but Peggy and William may be built to last. The Gilded Age is streaming on HBO Max Release Date January 24, 2022 Network HBO Max Showrunner Julian Fellowes Cast Morgan Spector George Russell Directors Deborah Kampmeier, Salli Richardson-Whitfield Writers Julian Fellowes