“The Gilded Age” is preparing for another season of high-society drama, and Bertha Russell may have more to worry about than her troubled marriage.
The HBO historical drama returns for season 4 on November 1, bringing new challenges for the Russell family, major developments in Peggy Scott’s personal life and a familiar face who could threaten Bertha’s hard-earned position in New York society.
According to TV Insider, the upcoming season will also incorporate the 1886 dedication of the Statue of Liberty, introducing several prominent historical figures while exploring the meaning of freedom during the Gilded Age.
But as New York celebrates a major moment in American history, the city’s wealthiest families will grapple with their own complicated relationships.
And Bertha’s former lady’s maid, Enid Winterton, may be ready to make things even harder.
‘The Gilded Age’ Season 4 Could Reignite Bertha Russell and Enid Winterton’s Bitter Rivalry
Bertha Russell, played by Carrie Coon, spent the first three seasons fighting for acceptance among New York’s most powerful families.
By the end of season 3, she had finally achieved the social influence she had been chasing, placing herself on equal footing with Mrs. Astor, played by Donna Murphy.
However, Bertha’s position could face a new challenge from someone who knows her particularly well.
Enid Winterton, formerly known as Turner, once worked as Bertha’s lady’s maid before marrying into New York society.
Now widowed, Enid is positioning herself for another rise through the social ranks.
Enid, played by Kelley Curran, will align herself with Oscar van Rhijn, portrayed by Blake Ritson, as she pursues greater influence.
Curran has also been promoted to a series regular for season 4, suggesting Enid will have a more prominent role in the upcoming episodes.
Whether her ambitions lead to another confrontation with Bertha remains to be seen.
Bertha and George Russell Face an Uncertain Future After Season 3 Marriage Crisis
Bertha’s potential rivalry with Enid isn’t the only problem awaiting the Russell family.
Season 3 ended with Bertha and her husband, George Russell (Morgan Spector), facing a possible divorce.
Their marriage deteriorated after Bertha tried to arrange an advantageous marriage for their daughter, Gladys, played by Taissa Farmiga.
Gladys is now pregnant, adding another major development to the family’s storyline.
Bertha had already begun preparing New York society to become more accepting of divorced women, potentially anticipating the consequences of her own marriage ending.
However, season 4 will explore whether Bertha and George can repair their relationship.
The couple’s struggles come as Bertha continues navigating a society where marriage remains one of the few ways women can secure financial security and social influence.
Peggy Scott’s Career and Romance Take Center Stage in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 4
As the Russells navigate their personal problems, Peggy Scott, played by Denée Benton, will get more attention as she pursues her writing career and prepares for marriage.
Peggy is engaged to Dr. William Kirkland, portrayed by Jordan Donica, who has been promoted to a series regular.
Executive producer Sonja Warfield told TV Insider that the writers intend to explore Peggy’s professional ambitions.
“We’re taking Peggy on this journey of her literary career,” Warfield explained.
Peggy’s storyline will also introduce more family members.
Tony Award-winning actress Adrienne Warren joins the cast as Peggy’s cousin Ava, a singer who brings new family and cultural traditions into the story.
Dennis Haysbert will also appear as Dr. Reginald Harris, William’s mentor.
Donica said the expanded storyline will give Peggy and William the same relationship challenges as other couples on the series.
“We have problems and struggles just as everybody else,” Donica told TV Insider, “so let’s show [how we] face that together.”
Benton also discussed Peggy’s development, explaining that she appreciates the character’s determination to build an independent future.
“When I think back to how she very much could have been written as a sidekick, I, Erica Dunbar, and other people on our creative team, we were really able to advocate for the multiverse that it is now,” Benton said.
She compared the show’s expanding family storylines to another major HBO series.
“It feels like our storyline is giving ‘Game of Thrones’ vibes. We’ve got the Russells, we’ve got the Van Rhijns, and now we’ve got the Kirklands, honey.”
‘The Gilded Age’ Season 4 Introduces Historical Figures During Statue of Liberty Celebration
The upcoming season will also bring a major historical event to the forefront.
The 1886 dedication of the Statue of Liberty will play a significant role in the storyline.
The landmark previously appeared in season 1, when its hand and torch were displayed in Madison Square Park to generate public interest and raise money to complete it.
Season 4 will feature the completed statue, bringing that earlier storyline full circle.
Warfield explained that the idea came from the show’s historian and co-executive producer, Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar.
“It’s very circular, and it’s a great way to bring it all together,” Warfield told TV Insider during a July set visit.
The historical storyline will also introduce President Grover Cleveland, played by comedian Jim Gaffigan, and businessman John D. Rockefeller, portrayed by Neal Huff.
The additions mark a shift toward American historical figures after season 3 devoted considerable attention to English nobility.
Benton said the season’s exploration of freedom and who benefits from it carries particular significance.
The actress described the subject as something that “just feels deeply potent.”
With new characters entering New York society, Peggy pursuing her ambitions and Bertha facing challenges on multiple fronts, season 4 will continue exploring the personal and social conflicts surrounding the city’s wealthiest families.
“The Gilded Age” season 4 premieres November 1 on HBO.
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