This Week’s Episode of *The Golden Age*: A Recap

This week delved into several intriguing locales—Sidmas, Highland Falls, and Morensi. The show’s focus shifted to the dynamics within these settings, offering a glimpse into the lives of characters like Gladys, Bertha, Hector, and others.

Sidmas

We begin in Sidmouth, UK, where Gladys (Tisa Farmiga) is trying to get a grip on her mother’s influence over her life. After a phone call from Gladys, Bertha (Carrie Coon) steps in, but uncertainty looms over her role. Since Sarah (Hatty Morahan) became Hector’s new bride, she’s maintained control over him, leaving Bertha feeling confused about her own place in the household.

In a conversation, Gladys explains to Bertha how dependent Hector became on Sarah after losing his parents. She insists that he doesn’t see a need for change, which is a bit frustrating for her. “It’s not about *you*,” Gladys argues. Her motherly instincts surface as she mentions her hopes for her daughter to become a Duchess. Bertha reminds her to leverage her role to help reclaim the family’s status, warning her that “to achieve something, sometimes you have to break a few eggs.” Gladys laughs at the analogy but, for the first time this season, they seem to share a moment of mutual understanding.

Later, during a dinner with guests, the conversation shifts to women’s voting rights. Sarah expresses her disdain for the idea, prompting Bertha to challenge her perspective. Gladys is quietly amused, observing the back-and-forth. It becomes clear that to truly undermine Sarah, she’ll need to gather knowledge on local real estate. Sarah’s icy demeanor, expertly portrayed by Hatty Morahan, hints at the tension simmering beneath the surface.

In yet another dinner scene, Gladys surprises Sarah by stating her intentions to plant indigenous trees in honor of the Queen, a gesture that catches everyone off guard. As Sarah stands up unexpectedly, the faux pas of ignoring etiquette doesn’t go unnoticed, making Bertha smirk.

Highland Falls

Meanwhile, at JP Morgan’s estate in Hudson Valley, George Russell (Morgan Spector) arrives to negotiate a contract with various stakeholders, including Lisley Sage, who has connections to the Illinois Central Railroad. To George’s frustration, Clay (Patrick Page) joins the conversation, complicating matters with his knowledge of George’s secrets. Morgan admits that although the deal seems tough, he believes in the potential of the continental railway, which could transform the nation if only the right shares were acquired.

George manages to persuade Merrick to sell his shares, planning to finalize everything at Morgan’s home. However, Sage’s manipulations threaten George’s plans. As Russell Industries stocks begin to drop, it appears that George’s ambitions might be slipping away.

New York

Back in New York, tensions arise at the Van Rhijn/Forte household, particularly between Ada (Cynthia Nixon) and Agnes (Christine Baranski). With finance issues bubbling beneath, Miss Armstrong causes further strife by discussing Jack’s wealth, dismissing his potential and painting a bleak picture for him. Ada surprisingly supports Agnes in suggesting it might be time for Jack to “find his own path,” which, while true, feels harsh given the circumstances.

Jack, before leaving, pens a note for his housemates while also settling debts—albeit with an investment that Armstrong didn’t even believe in. The spark here is uncertain; will she take a chance on what he’s offered?

Marian (Louisa Jacobson) grapples with her rocky engagement to Larry (Harry Richardson), suspecting he’s hiding something. Eventually, she finds validation in her worries through Oscar (Blake Ritson). Frustrated, she refuses to wait for Larry to explain himself upon his return.

Morensi

Shifting focus to Arizona, Larry discovers he has a knack for business, unexpectedly finding valuable copper when surveying land for his father. It’s a lucrative move, yet one that keeps him tied to the family legacy.

Return to New York…

After returning from Philadelphia, Peggy (Denny Benton) has a candid conversation with Dr. William Kirkland regarding her complex relationship with Thomas Fortune. Kirkland’s understanding demeanor hints at a potential for something deeper, despite the cracks forming under societal pressures.

Oscar’s year has proven challenging, as he confronts the reality of his situation with Maud—the schemes behind her actions unveiling themselves. Emotionally, he shows kindness to her, aiming to assist with a train ticket to reunite her with her sister.

As Oscar reconnects with John Adams (Claiborne Elder), a tragic turn of events leaves Oscar reflecting on the fragility of life. The impact is felt deeply, showcasing how one moment can alter everything.

Thoughts on This Week’s Episode of *The Golden Age*: Season 3 Episode 4

• Andrea Martin’s comedic flair brought levity to an otherwise heavy episode. Poor Ada, caught up in scams.
• Could Andre genuinely be the one leaking information to tabloids? It feels a bit too convenient.