Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for The Gilded Age Season 3. Following John Adams’ (Claybourne Elder) sudden death in Episode 6, The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 7, “Ex-Communicated,” delivers more drama than ever. Not only is Oscar (Blake Ritson) grieving, but Marian (Louisa Jacobson) has broken off her engagement to Larry (Harry Richardson), Bertha (Carrie Coon) and George (Morgan Spector) are still arguing, and, as Agnes (Christine Baranski) says, society is hanging on by a thread. The latest episode of the historical drama highlights society’s hypocrisy while providing emotional stakes for the characters. With another cliffhanger and rising tension in every storyline, Season 3’s penultimate episode sets up an impressive finale.
Everyone Turns Against Ward McAllister in ‘The Gilded Age’

New York society is thrown into chaos when Mrs. Astor’s (Donna Murphy) right-hand man, Ward McAllister (Nathan Lane), writes a book called Society As I Have Found It, detailing every scandal for all to read. Though he doesn’t use identifying names, the content offends everyone. Agnes’ financial blow and Oscar’s sexuality are both hinted at, and McAllister doesn’t even spare his own friends. Bertha expresses concern over the implication that she and George are unhappy, greedy, and foolish — but worst of all is McAllister’s betrayal of Mrs. Astor, as he spreads word about her daughter Charlotte’s (Hannah Shealy) affair, which her husband has officially sued her for divorce over. Mrs. Astor bands together with Agnes, Ada (Cynthia Nixon), Mrs. Fish (Ashlie Atkinson), and Bertha to cast out McAllister from society, much to his shock. McAllister confronts Mrs. Astor in a stunning scene where he claims credit for molding society and making her into the leader she is, but the argument only solidifies their irreparable division as harsh words are exchanged. However, their talk puts Mrs. Astor in a difficult position. Unwilling to invite her daughter because of her divorce and unable to leave her off the guest list, Mrs. Astor refuses to host her Newport ball. Instead, Bertha gets the chance to helm the much-anticipated event. Yet she is planning a major change, as she hopes to invite divorced women, opening up society to the concept. Meeting with Bertha, McAllister hopes an invite could be extended to him as well, but Bertha refuses, saying he made his own choices. Though Bertha is dominating society, her life at home is less perfect. When she tells George and Larry about her opportunity, they ignore her, and no matter how many times she insists that she has made things right with Gladys (Taissa Farmiga), George will not forgive her or even move back home. It’s a hollow victory for Bertha, who is finally facing consequences for her actions.
‘The Gilded Age’ Finally Gives Gladys a Well-Deserved Victory

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However, compared to her mother, Gladys is flourishing as she finally takes control of her situation. Though Hector (Ben Lamb) receives a warning about a potential loss of her dowry, the new husband and wife are closer than ever. Hector begins to show her gestures of love, which is a happy change for Gladys. Things take an even better turn when Hector defends her to his sister, Sarah (Hattie Morahan), and even suggests that Sarah move to London entirely, essentially kicking her out. Though there are certainly more challenges for Gladys to face, the biggest obstacle seems to be removed, perhaps giving her and Hector a chance to be happy.
Church Solves One Big Mystery in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3

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Throughout Season 3, the Russell house has faced constant attention from the press and a person inside the house feeding information to the papers. Upon Bertha’s request, Church (Jack Gilpin) had finally solved the problem. Mrs. Bruce (Celia Keenan-Bolger) identifies that Miss André (Rachel Pickup) had access to the information, and Church plants a false story for proof. Though Church, Bruce, and Borden (Douglas Sills) nearly lose track of André, Church sees her meet with a man and come away with an envelope. They confront her, and André confesses to profiting off the Russells’ secrets. André getting fired continues Bertha’s bad luck when it comes to lady’s maids, but at least one problem is solved.
Oscar Is in Mourning in ‘The Gilded Age’

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After that shocking death in the previous episode, Oscar is in a difficult place since the truth of his relationship with John Adams was a secret, preventing Oscar from publicly grieving as he needs to. However, he receives some comfort in meeting with John’s sister, Mrs. Bell (Kate Baldwin), who knows about their relationship and reveals how deeply John cared for Oscar. She also explains that John left Oscar his summer home. Oscar’s family struggles to understand his grief, but Marian reminds Agnes of everything John did to help Oscar rebuild his life. Later, Marian goes to Oscar, saying she guessed the truth about his and John’s relationship, and comforting him. After taking a major step by forgiving Maud Beaton (Nicole Brydon Bloom) in the previous episode, Oscar deserves much better than this new tragedy, but his heartbreaking reaction to the loss adds even more depth to the character and deepens his and Marian’s bond.
Agnes Gets Her Own Story in ‘The Gilded Age’

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After losing her fortune, Agnes has spent much of Season 3 bitter about her shifting role in society, often fighting with Ada about money; however, Episode 7 takes a different path as she receives letters from a Mrs. Foster of the New York Heritage Society. When Marian needs a last-minute host for a suffrage meeting with Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (LisaGay Hamilton), Ada offers to help, giving Mrs. Foster a way to introduce herself to Agnes. While Agnes tries to blow off the woman, Mrs. Foster is not easy to get rid of. Though Agnes is still upset about her diminished role in society, it’s refreshing for her energy to be directed somewhere besides Ada, and Mrs. Foster is an interesting, if unwitting, target.
‘The Gilded Age’ Shows Marian and Larry’s Romance Falling Apart

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In Episode 7, Larry returns from Morenci with good news. Not only has he obtained the mines as George asked, but he discovers they are full of copper and worth tens of millions. Larry’s success solves the family’s financial struggles as the copper can be used to restore his father’s stock and save his deal with the Merricks. However, Larry doesn’t receive good news in return, as Marian’s letter breaking off their engagement is waiting for him. When he goes to talk to her, it’s Ada who speaks to him. Though Ada is sympathetic, she doesn’t explain why Marian ended things, and Larry will not accept it without a reason. When Larry shares the news with his parents, Bertha blames Marian, and Larry accuses her of meddling. Though this is not the case, Bertha’s track record is hardly working in her favor, and, angry with his mother, Larry also chooses to stay at the club, leaving Bertha alone. Meanwhile, Ada tries to reason with Marian on Larry’s behalf, but won’t budge. Larry shows up at Marian’s school to get an answer, learning that she discovered where he went. She accuses Larry of going to a house of ill repute, but he insists he did nothing but have a drink. Still, Larry’s lie has broken the trust Marian had in him, and she cannot accept his excuse. However, Jack (Ben Ahlers) later confirms Larry’s story, having remained by his side the entire time. Though Marian now knows the truth, that doesn’t guarantee their rift will be resolved, but it is a step in the right direction.
Peggy Has Her Own Relationship Drama in ‘The Gilded Age’

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Throughout Season 3, Peggy (Denée Benton) has developed a romance with William Kirkland (Jordan Donica), and it seems to be going well, especially after William asks to escort her to an upcoming ball, but his mother, Mrs. Kirkland (Phylicia Rashad), disapproves. So when Mrs. Kirkland hears that Peggy was seen in Philadelphia mourning her son, she rushes to tell William that half-story, making it sound even worse. She claims Peggy must have maliciously neglected to tell him the truth, but William goes directly to Peggy to hear what she has to say. Admittedly, Peggy’s past doesn’t look good without the entire story, but William handles the situation maturely. Still, this new attempt to destroy her son’s relationship makes Mrs. Kirkland even more unlikable.
‘The Gilded Age’s Latest Twist Puts George Russell’s Life in Danger

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Celebrating his success after Larry’s discovery, George meets with Clay (Patrick Page) and Risley Sage (Peter McRobbie) to reveal his new source of funds and announce the completion of his deal with the Merricks. Enraged that George has control of the Chicago railroad, Sage fires Clay, and bitter about the betrayal, George threatens to ruin him as well. With that, George makes a new enemy, but things get worse when a deliveryman enters George’s office, shooting him. The episode leaves George’s fate uncertain, building anticipation for the finale. New episodes of The Gilded Age Season 3 stream Sundays on HBO Max.

The Gilded Age

“Ex-Communicated” highlights the hypocrisy of society while providing emotional stakes for the characters.

Release Date

January 24, 2022

Network

HBO Max

Directors

Deborah Kampmeier, Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Morgan Spector

George Russell

Pros & Cons

“Ex-Communicated” gives Gladys a major win over Sarah, hinting that there is still hope for her storyline.
The personal tragedy brings Oscar and Marian together in a heart-breaking scene.
The episode highlights Nathan Lane’s Ward McAllister, adding another level to his character and relationship with Mrs. Astor.