Get ready for some major shifts in the upcoming fourth season of HBO's The Gilded Age! The battle lines are drawn, and the stakes have never been higher.
First, let's talk about the promotions. Jordan Donica and Ashlie Atkinson are now series regulars, which means we'll be seeing a lot more of their characters, Dr. William Kirkland and Mamie Fish, respectively. And get this, six new actors are joining the recurring cast, bringing fresh faces and intriguing storylines to the show.
But here's where it gets controversial... In Season 4, Bertha Russell, played by Carrie Coon, has shaken up Society, and now her family is facing the aftermath. Agnes van Rhijn, portrayed by Christine Baranski, is seizing the opportunity to reclaim her position, and it looks like the age-old battle between old money and new money is back on the table. Agnes is not one to back down, and with her sister Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon) now ranking higher, the tension is palpable.
And this is the part most people miss... Bertha's actions have not only impacted her social standing but also her family life. With a possible divorce looming over her and George (Morgan Spector), the Russell matriarch might have prioritized her ambitions over her role as a wife and mother. It's a bold move, especially considering the era's views on divorced women. Oh, the irony, given how much they adored each other in Season 1!
Now, let's talk about the love story between Peggy (Denée Benton) and Dr. Kirkland. Their magical moment at the Newport gala left many shocked, but true love prevails. In Season 4, Peggy will navigate the tricky terrain of finding common ground with William's parents, but at least she has his unwavering support.
As for the new recurring cast, they bring a range of fascinating characters to the table. Taylor Trensch plays Oliver, a new addition to the van Rhijn household, while James Scully portrays Lee Klein, an artist whose first painting sale at a Society event leads to an apprenticeship with the renowned William Merritt Chase. Dennis Haysbert steps into the role of Dr. Reginald Harris, William Kirkland's mentor, who visits New York with a fundraising mission for the Freedman's Hospital and makes an unexpected connection. Maggie Kuntz is Fiona Summers, a free-spirited cousin of the Astors, unafraid to push the boundaries of convention. Neal Huff takes on the iconic John D. Rockefeller, the self-made oil tycoon and philanthropist who doesn't always see eye to eye with his fellow robber barons. And finally, Bonnie Milligan shines as Mrs. Knapp Curtis, the trailblazing editor of The Ladies' Home Journal.
The Gilded Age is a masterpiece crafted by Julian Fellowes, with Sonja Warfield as the writer and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Gareth Neame, David Crockett, director Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Kate Churchill, Bob Greenblatt, and Elaine Aronson. Erica Dunbar serves as the historical consultant and co-executive producer, alongside co-EPs Davita Scarlett and Holly Rymon. Casting directors Bernie Telsey and Adam Caldwell from the Telsey Office have assembled this talented ensemble. The show is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
So, what do you think? Are you excited for the new season and the fresh perspectives it will bring? Don't be shy; share your thoughts in the comments! It's always interesting to hear different opinions on these matters.
