Gilded Age: Season 4 Premiere and the Cost of High Society

The first scene of the fourth season of The Gilded Age features a breech birth that nearly kills the Duchess of Buckingham. This medical emergency sets the tone for a season that pits personal survival against social expectation. The episode, titled Ring the Bells, is now streaming on HBO Max.

Gladys Russell, played by Taissa Farmiga, delivers a son named Hector. However, she hemorrhages during the process. A doctor removes her uterus without her knowledge or consent. He informs her husband and mother that she will not be able to have more children. The decision to save the baby over the mother was debated by her in-laws, with her sister-in-law Sarah advocating for the male heir as the future of the family.

In New York, George Russell, played by Morgan Spector, continues to recover from an assassination attempt. His health has visibly declined over the past several months. He is currently in a financial dispute with John D. Rockefeller. Rockefeller is attempting to lower the transportation rates for oil to expand Standard Oil’s market dominance. This move threatens George’s ability to profit from his railroad monopoly. Both men face a common political obstacle in newly elected President Grover Cleveland, who favors regulation and anti-monopoly measures.

Agnes van Rhijn, played by Christine Baranski, is set to host President Cleveland at her home. As the vice president of the Heritage Society, she holds the honor of the event. Ada Forte, played by Cynthia Nixon, is responsible for paying the costs. Ada is reluctant to spend the money, especially after learning that Cleveland was historically friendly to the Confederacy. Tensions rise when Agnes learns that her new daughter-in-law, Enid, previously worked as a maid for Bertha Russell. Enid admits the history and offers to contribute funds to the hosting expenses.

Peggy Scott, played by Denée Benton, is preparing to marry Dr. William Kirkland. His mother, Elizabeth, is critical of Peggy’s middle-class background and former status as an enslaved person. Elizabeth ignores the news that Peggy has published a book. She instead focuses on appearances, buying dresses and a lace veil to maintain her social image. This dynamic contrasts with the marriage of Oscar van Rhijn and Enid Winterton, who plan to host European-style artist salons to gain social prominence. On their wedding night, they agree that they do not need to consummate the marriage immediately.

Marian Brook reconnects with Larry Russell at a party in the Haymarket district. The two had broken their engagement previously due to Larry’s time spent in this area. During a carriage ride back to Fifth Avenue, a lightning storm spooks the horse and breaks the vehicle. They take shelter at a hotel and sleep together. The next morning, Marian tells Larry she is ashamed and feels ruined. She returns home, no longer a virgin.

The Pinkerton detective agency has taken a new client in George Russell. They are tracking the man who shot him in the previous season. The suspect lives in the downtown tenements with a woman. Both individuals appear familiar to George, but their identities have not yet been revealed. George’s son Larry notes that his father does not seem like himself, suggesting the bullet may be affecting his behavior.

The episode also features a montage of Jack learning to eat an artichoke and locate the correct cutlery. This scene highlights the show’s focus on the rigid etiquette required for social acceptance. The season explores how wealth and status dictate the choices available to its characters, from medical decisions to marital contracts.