Last week’s episode of The Gilded Age left fans — and Oscar — shocked when John Adams was hit by a passing carriage. Well, fans were in for an even bigger shocker this week with episode 7, “Ex-Communicated,” because it looks like another major character might have met their end. So it goes without saying that you should save this recap for after you’ve seen The Gilded Age season 3, episode 7…trust me.
Here’s your official recap for The Gilded Age season 3 episode 7, “Ex-Communicated,” streaming on HBO Max now.
‘The Gilded Age’ is giving a bit of ‘Gossip Girl.’
The Gilded Age season 3, episode 7 sees Ward McAllister publish his scandalous account of New York’s upper society, only to be immediately thrown out. This twist feels reminiscent of Dan Humphrey’s antics in Gossip Girl. It turns out that Andre has been spilling the Russells’ secrets all along, leading to her own expulsion from the elite circle.
Meanwhile, our favorite ladies are quite busy. Ada is hosting an important suffrage meeting with Frances Watkins Harper, while Bertha takes on the responsibility of organizing the Newport ball for the season. The juxtaposition of politics and social events amidst grief and scandal captures the essence of New York’s high society perfectly.
Did Marian and Larry break up?
Oscar is still grappling with the loss of John Adams, finding solace in Marian’s support. His emotional turmoil intensifies when he inherits money and a summer house from his late lover. On the other hand, Marian is in need of comfort herself after calling off her engagement to Larry, fueled by suspicions of his infidelity. Will the couples in The Gilded Age ever find peace? Fortunately, when Marian helps Jack find a new place to live, he assures her that Larry did nothing wrong, leaving hope for reconciliation.
Who shot Mr. Russell in The Gilded Age?
In a dramatic turn, Larry blames the misunderstanding on Bertha and relocates to the Union Club, where George is also staying. George is preoccupied with purchasing railroad shares and plotting against Russell Sage and Mr. Clay. However, the tension escalates when a mysterious messenger arrives at George’s office, shooting his assistant before turning the gun on George. The screen cuts to black, leaving viewers in suspense.
Actor Morgan Spector, who plays George, hints at the gravity of the situation: “We’ve painstakingly built, over the course of this season, quite a midlife crisis for George Russell. There was a sense of he got to the top of this mountain. He can’t really go any higher. Do you go mad? Do you find other mountains to climb that are even more treacherous?” He adds, “You should be very worried. In the 19th century, gunshot wounds from up close were extremely dangerous. Many people didn’t survive them. I don’t have a contract for next season yet, so who knows?”
Fans are understandably anxious about George’s fate, hoping he survives and reconciles with Bertha. The anticipation for the next episode is palpable, with August 10 feeling like an eternity away.
How many episodes are there in season 3 of The Gilded Age?
Season 3 of The Gilded Age consists of 8 episodes, with the season finale set to air on August 10, 2025. Here’s the full release schedule:
- Season 3, Episode 1 “Who is in Charge Here?” premiered June 22, 2025
- Season 3, Episode 2 “What the Papers Say” premiered June 29, 2025
- Season 3, Episode 3 “Love is Never Easy” premiered July 6, 2025
- Season 3, Episode 4 “Marriage is a Gamble” premiered July 13, 2025
- Season 3, Episode 5 “A Different World” premiered July 20, 2025
- Season 3, Episode 6 “If You Want to Cook an Omelette” premiered July 27, 2025
- Season 3, Episode 7 “Ex-Communicated” premiered August 3, 2025
- Season 3, Episode 8 “My Mind is Made Up” premieres August 10, 2025
For more recommendations, check out 14 Period Dramas To Watch If You Love The Gilded Age and subscribe to our weekend newsletter for more TV insights.
