'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAIxAAAQMDAgcAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgABBQMEIRESFiIjMWGBkf/EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/xAAYEQEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQAREv/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AwmVaPs7aiFK23CZiZETM5FoWR8NpjHtWeLoUOUIQGEcN06fb4iICEZnrNLpt5v/Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
HBO's The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 7, titled Ex-Communicated, which dropped on Sunday, August 3, 2025, left one pivotal character's fate hanging by a thread.
In last week's episode, we saw how John Adams was hit by a carriage and was killed on the spot, Marian broke her engagement after knowing the truth of Larry's whereabouts, and Bertha helped Gladys take charge of the Sidmouth Castle. With one episode left, this week's episode feels like the walls of the high society are finally beginning to crumble under the weight of secrets, emotional fallouts, and betrayals.
On one hand, Oscar van Rhijn is shattered after losing his dear friend John Adams; on the other, Larry is astonished when he finds out about Marian's decision to call off their marriage. Meanwhile, even though Bertha gains control of the Newport Ball, she loses her grip on the household. And in a finale worthy shock, George Russell is shot-his fate is left uncertain.
This penultimate episode of The Gilded Age Season 3 delivers heartbreak and scandal in equal measure, perfectly tying up the season finale. It begins with everyone reading McAllister's book 'Society as I have found it', and Mrs. Astor isn't quite pleased with it, as she says:
"McAllister's book ridicules society, and it will create havoc for a lot of us."
Confused about what the book is about? Think Penelope Featherington, aka Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, in a book format with anecdotes. Yes, he wrote a book of scandals exposing the upper-class New Yorkers. While the women discuss what McAllister might have written about them or their families, Mrs. Astor declares:
"I believe that in future, we must exclude Ward McAllister from our society. Ban him. Freeze him out."
In the meeting, they decide Ward McAllister is to be excommunicated, beginning with Mrs. Astor's Newport end-of-season ball. Even though the book is shunned by the high class, it's a solid hit among the servant quarters.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 7: Oscar van Rhijn mourns John Adams' death
In the Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 7, grief and secrecy collide as Oscar van Rhijn reels from the tragic death of John Adams. After hiding their relationship, Oscar finds himself mourning for the love that he never got to acknowledge in the past. John's sister, Mrs. Bell, shares that she knew about their relationship and gave him some photographs that John kept with him safely. Additionally, she also revealed that John wanted Oscar to have his summer home. She gave him a letter that John had left for him as well.
When Oscar finally returns home, he breaks down as his mother keeps on pestering him about why John would leave a cottage for him. He screams in pain:
"I can't be too sad, I can't be too cheerful. I'm sure that you don't wanna hear that I miss him. Do you know that I sat in the back row of his funeral like a stranger who walked in to get out of the rain, when I should have taken my rightful...(and breaks down sobbing)."
In an emotional turn, Marian goes to Oscar's room and gently confirms what she always suspected about his relationship. She offers kindness, breaking past her own judgmental tendencies. This scene lands with weight-not because of Oscar's heartbreak, but because The Gilded Age Season 3 finally lets its closeted character feel raw and real emotion.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 7 recap: Marian Brook ends her engagement to Larry Russell over a lie-or is it?
Larry Russell returns from Morenci with a copper windfall that could save his father's business-but it's not enough to save his engagement. Marian ends things in a cold, impersonal letter. The reason? She discovered he visited a brothel.
Larry insisted it was a misunderstanding. Jack later backed him up, only saying he had drinks and nothing inappropriate occurred. Marian's refusal to believe Larry shows her growing caution and also her emotional immaturity.
Ada tries to reason with both sides, but the damage is done. When Larry finally confronts Marian at her school, she doubles down. Marian may have been quick to judge, but it's clear that the trust is in shambles, and it's hard to rebuild.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 7 recap: Bertha Russell seizes the Newport Ball but loses her family's support, and the Duke bonds with Gladys
Society is in uproar after Ward McAllister publishes the book of scandals, exposing the secrets of New York's elite. Though names are omitted, the clues are obvious. Ward's betrayal cuts deep, especially for Mrs. Astor's daughter (Charlotte), whose divorce is now the talk of the ton.
Mrs. Astor assembles her power circle and decides to ban Ward McAllister from society. This move paves the way for Bertha to claim her biggest prize yet: hosting the Newport Ball. She plans to invite divorced women- a power move indeed.
But the moment feels hollow as her family starts to grow distant. George ignores her even after she claims that she has set things right for Gladys, and Larry avoids her as he thinks she might have made Marian break the engagement. Bertha Russell may have outsmarted society, but she's lost her family's trust.
Meanwhile, in Sidmouth Castle, Hector bonds with Gladys. However, Lady Sarah's not happy with George Russell's letter, which states that there might be a delay in payment. When she asks Hector what he proposes to do next, he replies:
"Suppose, I don't want to send her (Gladys) back."
In The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 7, Dr. William Kirkland's mother, with some newly acquired information about Peggy Scott, heads to New York. The secret? Peggy had a child who died of scarlet fever. To know what happens next, watch The Gilded Age Season 3 finale on August 10, 2025.
George Russell gets shot in a shocking final scene twist in The Gilded Age Season 3
The episode's final twist is as brutal as it is shocking. George meets Risley Sage and Russell's former right-hand man, Clay, to inform them about his new source of funds and that he had secured the deal with the Merricks. Feeling frustrated with George's win, Risley fires Clay and leaves the meeting. Moments later, a young deliveryman arrives at the door and fires shots, aiming right at George.
We do not know if George survives or not. What we do know is this: his power has made enemies. The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 7 ends on a dramatic cliffhanger that sets up an explosive finale.
With one episode left, the fates of George, Oscar, Marian, Larry, Bertha, and Gladys all hang in the balance. And if this hour proves anything, it's that in 1880s New York, secrets do not remain buried for long.
Also read: The Gilded Age cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the HBO period drama?
Catch all the episodes of The Gilded Age Season 3 on HBO Max.
Trending
Tune in to Soap Central for more such updates on your favorite shows and movies.
Reply
