Someone check on George Russell! “The Gilded Age” closed its latest episode with a shocking attempted assassination of the railroad titan, played by Morgan Spector. A gunman posing as a messenger entered George’s office, announced a delivery, pulled a weapon, and fired—ending the episode in slow motion just as a bullet sped toward George. It’s unclear if he survives, but one thing is clear: the bullet was meant for him.
Morgan Spector Says George’s Fate Is in Serious Jeopardy
In an interview following the shocking episode, Spector addressed the cliffhanger and gave a grim outlook for George’s survival.
“You should be very worried,” Spector told Variety. “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?”
The actor said he was surprised when he finally received the delayed script.
“When I read the ending for that episode, I was just thrilled,” he said. “It’s such a left turn for our show. It’s totally historically accurate. This kind of thing happened during that era, but it doesn’t feel like ‘The Gilded Age.'”
He added that it eerily echoed current events, referencing the 2024 shooting of a healthcare CEO by Luigi Mangione:
“Julian Fellowes is clairvoyant. It redoubled my sense that this show, however subtly, is really in dialogue with our current moment. Both of these time periods have massive wealth and massive inequality… The consequences of that can be violence.”
Marriage Tensions and Season 4 Momentum
While George faces danger at work, things haven’t exactly been calm at home. After two seasons of standing side-by-side with Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon), cracks are forming.
Bertha’s decision to marry off their daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) to the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb) against George’s wishes has severely damaged their once-unified front. Meanwhile, George has concealed his risky transnational railroad project from her entirely.
“We’ve painstakingly built, over the course of this season, quite a midlife crisis for George Russell,” Spector said. “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?”
Despite the chaos, “The Gilded Age” continues to rise in popularity. After a slow start in season 1, the show found its footing in season 2 and earned a prestigious Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama. Now, HBO has officially renewed the series for season 4.
Francesca Orsi, EVP of HBO Programming, shared in a statement:
“Julian Fellowes and the incredible team have crafted a ‘can’t-miss’ entertainment experience from week to week, and we’re delighted to continue exploring these characters’ grand ambitions for what we promise will be a thrilling fourth season.”
“The Gilded Age” season 3 finale airs Sunday, August 10, on HBO and HBO Max.
Tell us! Are you taking Morgan Spector’s warning as seriously as we are? Let us know in the comments below.
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Morgan Spector Teases George’s Fate After That Jaw-Dropping ‘Gilded Age’ Ending