The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 8 recap and ending explained: Bertha's bittersweet victory, Kirkland's proposal and the lavish Newport ball

HBO Max released The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 8, aptly titled 'My Mind Is Made Up' on August 10, 2025, which concluded the third installment of Julian Fellowes' American period drama series. With the show already being renewed for Season 4, here is how the finale went down.

The biggest mystery for the Season 3 finale was George Russell's fate after he was shot by a mysterious shooter in the penultimate episode. While George's condition was rather critical, Dr. Kirkland was conveniently visiting Peggy Scott at the Van-Rhijn house and saved the robber baron's life just in time. While the mystery of George's shooting remained unsolved in the finale, he will live for another season for now.

The Gilded Age Season 3 finale was studded with two lavish balls, many romantic and strategic alliances, a pregnancy celebration, and a shocking separation. While many lead couples of the show hinted at possible romances in The Gilded Age Season 4, a major couple might be heading for a divorce.

One of the major highlights of the finale was certainly Bertha Russell's establishment as the most influential leader in New York society. While it took her three seasons, she managed to change New York City's rigid social scene, but at a huge price.

Here is the complete The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 8 recap.

The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 8 recap: Bertha's lavish Newport Ball

In The Gilded Age Season 3 finale, Bertha Russell hosted a lavish Newport Ball with her daughter, Duchess of Buckingham, and her husband, Duke of Buckingham. The successful ball established Bertha as the ultimate and most influential leader in New York society, a title she has coveted throughout the show. In addition, in her effort to lift the ban on divorced women, she also invited Charlotte Dreyton and Aurora Fane. However, Mrs. Astor's surprise entry to her ball marked her final triumph.

However, after her successful Newport Ball, George Russell drops his bombshell on her and announces that he cannot live with her any longer. His recent near-death experience gave him some perspective, and he can't accept Bertha forcing their only daughter into an arranged marriage. He is also resentful that he participated in his wife's schemes and hints that the Russells might be heading for a divorce in The Gilded Age Season 4.

While George was unhappy with Gladys' arranged marriage, she made her pregnancy announcement in The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 8. While George thinks she was forced into a marriage with Hector, the finale suggested that she is finally happy and the couple will welcome their child in Season 4.

The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 8 recap: All the romantic alliances in the finale

While the Russells might be done for good, The Gilded Age Season 3 finale saw the beginning of many romantic relationships and proposals.

However, Dr. Kirkland's swoonworthy proposal at his mother's ball was certainly the highlight of the night. After breaking off his courtship with Peggy (because of his mother's intervention) in the penultimate episode, Dr. Kirkland finally realized that Peggy's past is no concern for him. After much good advice from his father, he publicly proposes to Peggy in the centre of the ballroom, which she heartily accepts.

Another not-so-romantic alliance was formed between Oscar Van Rhijn and Enid Winterton, where the former suggested a 'marriage of convenience' between them. With Enid's money (after her husband's death) and Oscar's connections, the couple could very well become New York's power couple. In addition, this would also allow Oscar to maintain his sexuality while being 'happily' married in the public eye.

The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 8 also featured two blast from the past couples, who rekindled their romances. After Marian assisted Kirkland in saving her husband, Bertha saw her in a new light. At the Newport Ball, Larry and Marian reconnected and talked about their differences. While Marian accepted that she had acted impulsively and did not trust Larry, he expressed sorrow over her actions, which ultimately led to their breakup. The couple decided to work on their differences and solve them in the upcoming season.

Lastly, Jack Trotter, who became a self-made man and moved out into his own home in Season 3, welcomed Bridget to his new abode. While the couple briefly initiated a romance, it did not last long. With Jack now having money, he did not treat Bridget like a servant, and their final moments in The Gilded Age Season 3 finale suggested that another romance might be on the cards for Season 4.

The Gilded Age Season 3 finale is now streaming on HBO Max.

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