7 Best Theories on ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Finale

There’s another big plot twist coming for The Gilded Age’s season 3 finale, following all the shockers that the show’s several previous episodes featured.

As a possible crisis in the Russell family is coming in one way or another, the ongoing instalment’s last episode will have to deal with quite many explanations, including of what’s in store for Peggy’s future and whether Oscar will be forced into acknowledging the terrifying truth he’s been hiding before John Adams’ gruesome death.

Whatever happens in the finale, many things are about to happen in The Gilded Age’s next season as well, and some fans have their own theories about what will eventually catalyse those major changes.

Nothing Works Out for Dr. Kirkland and Peggy

Even though many fans got convinced Dr. Kirkland wouldn’t be one of those to judge someone by their past, it seems like his mother might become the main obstacle after all.

“I don’t think it’s going to work out between Dr. Kirkland and Peggy. Poor Peggy doesn’t deserve to get abused by that evil woman until she drops dead”, Redditor Miserable-Walrus1379 suggested in a thread.

“I think the show will probably introduce a love interest for her in the next season who will be the one for her. Probably a love interest where colorism doesn't have a complicating factor”, Independent-Drive-32 agreed.

Instead, Things Do Work Out for Gladys and the Duke of Buckingham

Initially forced into marriage with a man she barely knew, Gladys will eventually appreciate her mother’s decision as she’s already been seen bonding with her husband.

Some fans even suggested that by the end of the final episode there will be some major news about Gladys and the Duke, whether it’s their business start or pregnancy announcement.

“I want Hector and Gladys to make their own money from the Duke's estates and capital George has given them. Will I get this? No - they will have a baby and keep popping up in the states like Prince Harry and Meghan - welcome at first and tolerated later”, Redditor No-Fishing-9321 commented.

Larry and Marian Will Put Their Engagement Off

Despite many fans rooting for the will-they-won’t-they couple all along, some viewers also suggested that the rush Larry and Marian had will eventually turn out in a different way.

“I could see Marian and Larry putting their engagement on ice for now. They did rush into it, they hadn't done any courting before he put a ring on her finger. They went from friends to engaged”, Redditor ScandalOZ suggested.

George Russell Survives the Shooting

Even though The Gilded Age’s creators repeatedly stated that fans should be worried about George after he was seemingly shot in episode 7, the wound might not be what will change the character’s life once and for all.

“Maybe George had an affair and confesses or George is going to have a redemption arc next season. He feels that he hasn’t been a good father, the “robber baron” life nearly got him killed, and he questions his relationship with Bertha”, Redditor Effective-West-3370 wrote.

Bertha Will Divorce George

Things have been pretty tense between Bertha and George throughout this season, so many also think the imminent crisis with George’s shooting will prompt both to finally realise what each of them really wants.

“Bertha is going to divorce George. She's been all in on helping divorced women keep some juice in society. I think she was pushed far enough away by George that she no longer feels he is on her side and I have to say, I think he wants a less ambitious woman at his side”, Redditor ScandalOZ also noted.

George Will Admit to Being Unfaithful to Bertha

Continuing with more options of what will become the reason for Bertha and George’s fallout, other fans also predicted the latter’s confession of seeing someone else as Bertha was booked and busy trying to secure herself a position in high society.

“I think George tells Bertha he wants a divorce or that he cheated on her. I know this sounds nuts and I hope I am wrong. I am basing that off this review and what has happened this season”, Redditor thankfulforyourhelp agreed.

Oscar van Rhijn and Turner Will Marry Each Other (For Profit Though)

As he keeps grieving John Adams after his shocking death in episode 6, Oscar is yet to decide whether his biggest secret — feeling attracted to men — is worth keeping now that his long-standing lover is gone.

As a result, some fans see Oscar finding a way to not cause a scandal by an arranged marriage with Enid Turner, Joshua Winterton’s widow.

“I think McAllister's book starts gossip about Oscar's sexuality, so he comes into an agreement with Turner to marry - episode 8 photos and that clip of him talking to Bertha”, Redditor thankfulforyourhelp commented.

“Turner and Oscar will probably agree to marry each other so that they can both protect their statuses”, Redditor BunnyFunny42 chimed in.

The Gilded Age’s season 3 finale will air on HBO Max on August 10.