Warning: this article contains spoilers for The Gilded Age season 3, episode 4, “Marriage Is a Gamble.”
The Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 4, was a huge episode thanks to Gladys Russell’s wedding, but one easy-to-miss moment hints at an upcoming change that could make one of the show’s worst characters far more sympathetic.The Gilded Age’s charactersare often looking out for themselves, but one supporting original character is arguably the most extreme.
The Gilded Age’s powerful players, like Bertha Russell or Mrs. Astor, compete to run society by making clever social moves.Bertha’s plan to marry Gladys to the Duke of Buckinghamhighlights that race to the top. While no one is better than Bertha, one character used the same tactic last season and is now back with a new story.
Bertha Russell’s First Enemy Is Back In The Gilded Age Season 3
Mrs. Winterton Reappeared In Time For Episode 4’s Big Wedding
Enid Winterton (née Turner) beganThe Gilded Ageseason 1 as Bertha’s lady’s maid, but she didn’t stay there for long.Turner is quickly fired by Bertha, who believes she may be trying to have an affair with her son, Larry Russell, only to find out later that it was her husband, George Russell, that Turner was really after.
Throughout the first season, though, Turner had an obvious disdain for her life as a lady’s maid and often claimed she would rise above it. This turned out to be the case asshe reemerged to haunt Bertha in season 2 as the wealthy Mrs. Winterton, vying for attention at the opera house and with Hector, Duke of Buckingham.
In short, Enid Winterton has long been a thorn in Bertha Russell’s side, thoughshe had been entirely absent from season 3until now. Gladys' wedding is the perfect time for her to reappear, as it is a huge event, but in a conversation with Mrs. Fish, Mrs. Winterton implied that all is not well in her life.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Sets Up A Big Change For Mrs. Winterton
The Unlikable Character May Earn More Sympathy In Season 3
When Mrs. Winterton first appears inThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 4, it is, unsurprisingly, an attempt to stir up drama regarding Mrs. Astor’s daughter. As usual for the series, there is no lack of petty drama and gossip coming from New York’s elite during Gladys' wedding, butthat is not what the scene is really about for Enid.
In a more intimate conversation between Mrs. Fish and Mrs. Winterton, the former inquires where Enid’s husband is, noting that only something deadly serious could keep him away from a big event.The look Mrs. Winterton gives Mrs. Fish is subtly knowing, and it carries a lot of weight, hinting at a serious change for the character.
Though Enid married him for his money, that does not mean she won’t be sad to lose him (…)
While I have never had much sympathy for Mrs. Winterton thanks to her actions,season 3 might see her become a widow, making her much more sympathetic. Though Enid married him for his money, that does not mean she won’t be sad to lose him, and being a widow could come with even more social rules for her to obey.
In strictGilded Age society, Enid Winterton may struggle to mourn in the correct way and gain sympathy from her peers. Even last season, she was shunned from the Academy due to her former occupation. While her husband’s death would surely see Mrs. Winterton remain rich, she may still be an outsider inThe Gilded Ageseason 3.
