The Gilded Age has returned for its fourth season on HBO, kicking off with a series of high-stakes events that redefine the show's social landscape. While the premiere promised a traditional white wedding, viewers were treated to a lavender ceremony as Oscar and Enid van Rhijn finally tied the knot, fulfilling the arrangement they devised in the Season 3 finale. The newlyweds celebrated their first night with a raucous party downtown, where Larry unexpectedly encountered Marian. Despite not speaking since his departure for Chicago three months prior, the chemistry between the two remained undeniable as they shared a dance, hinting at unresolved tensions.
Harry Richardson, who plays Larry, told TVLine that both characters are paralyzed by fear and attachment, noting that love can be terrifying and represents a loss of self. He described their dynamic as an irresistible pull driven by deep entanglement, suggesting there is significant "unfinished business" between them. This tension culminated in a carriage ride home where a storm forced the pair to seek shelter at a hotel. Although they initially paid for separate rooms, Marian received a late-night knock from Larry, leading to a kiss and an intimate night together.
The aftermath of this encounter left Marian deeply distressed rather than celebratory. Louisa Jacobson, who portrays Marian, explained that the character's reaction is rooted in the historical context of 1886, where premarital sex was considered a cardinal sin capable of ruining a woman's reputation. Jacobson noted that while modern audiences might view Marian's guilt as an internal struggle, it is actually an external threat imposed by societal restrictions. Consequently, Marian feels isolated and frustrated, confiding in Peggy that she "kissed" Larry in an inappropriate way and questioning her own identity.
Across the Atlantic, the premiere featured a harrowing sequence involving Gladys, who nearly died during childbirth. Taissa Farmiga described the scene as emotionally heavy, noting that the executive producers had prepared her for this traumatic arc. The labor was complicated by unexpected hemorrhaging, requiring doctors to remove Gladys' uterus to save her life. Carrie Coon, who plays Bertha, highlighted the historical gatekeeping of medical information, pointing out the absurdity that a woman would not be entitled to know about her own body and that the news had to be delivered by her husband, Hector.
Meanwhile, Oscar and Enid's marriage has been described by the actors as a "compelling vision" of a future society where they rewrite the rules. Blake Ritson and Kelley Curran expressed delight in playing characters who are kindred spirits tearing up the rulebook. However, the premiere already hinted at cracks in their transactional arrangement when Enid suggested spending the night with her husband, only to be met with Oscar's reminder of their understanding.
Other plotlines advanced significantly in the episode. George Russell faced business drama from John D. Rockefeller and President Cleveland but received news of Gladys' birth and learned that the Pinkertons have located the man who shot him last season. Peggy, preparing for her wedding to William, navigated friction with her future mother-in-law and expressed hesitation about starting a family soon. Additionally, Jack, despite his newfound wealth, struggled to fit into high society until his former co-workers taught him proper etiquette and dance moves, though Bridget remains wary that he will forget her as he ascends socially.
Sources: TVLine.