Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for The Gilded Age Season 3 finale.
Love was in the air in the Season 3 finale ofThe Gilded Age— that is, besides Bertha (Carrie Coon) and George Russell (Morgan Spector), who are headed for trouble. Besides that curveball ending, it was a triumphant episode for shippers everywhere. Marian (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) seem to be on their way tomaking up after a season-long argument, and end the night dancing together at Bertha’s ball. But the most victorious reunion was for Peggy Scott, who finally earns her happy endingandPrince Charming. Played by the wonderfulDenée Benton,the tenderhearted Peggy has been a beloved character since Season 1, and gets everything she deserves and more in the show’s latest finale.
Dr. Kirkland, played by the dashingJordan Donica, is the perfect man for Peggy, andhis proposal during his mother’s ball is the most romantic scene ofThe Gilded Ageso far. Peggy’s romance arc in Season 3 was a highlight among all the backstabbing and society drama, with Benton’s full arsenal as a charismatic leading lady put on display. No one has had it as hard as Peggy where love is concerned, especially since she’s endured so much adversity due to her past.Her romantic reunion with Dr. Kirkland at a gorgeous ballafter their heartbreaking confrontation could not have been more swoonworthy.
Peggy and William Go On an Emotional Roller Coaster in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 Finale
Before Mrs. Kirkland (Phylicia Rashad)meddles in the romance between her son and Peggy,the biggest obstacle the two have to overcome in Season 3 is the love triangle between them and Peggy’s former flame, T. Thomas Fortune (Sullivan Jones). It’s one of the most exciting parts of the first half of the season, and Thomas and Dr. Kirkland’s confrontation, where things got physical in their fight over Peggy, serves as a turning point. It foreshadows that Dr. Kirkland would do anything to protect Peggy, especially where her honor is concerned. Enter Mrs. Kirkland, who, after trying to break up the couple all season long, disrespects Peggy more than anyone else. She tells her son everything she knows about Peggy’s previous marriage and her son’s death as if it’s a piece of gossip, which leads to the saddest moment of the finale.
Denton and Donica nail the couple’s apparent break-up sceneon the staircase with their subtlety and restraint, and largely forgo the big, theatrical performances thatThe Gilded Ageso often favors. Donica performs the scene in near-silence, only letting his face be the canvas of his heartbreak. Peggy, on the other hand, is facing her worst fear, which is being forthright about her past. Benton’s steady cadence when talking about the death of her character’s son, which wavers into tears, represents one of the few times that Peggy has let her guard down to reveal her inner pain. So much of the scene’s grief goes unspoken, and the wordless brushes between Peggy and Dr. Kirkland’s hands, as she returns his handkerchief, encapsulate the silent love the two still feel for each other. It’s the breakup to end all breakups, as their different backgrounds come to a screeching halt at an obstacle they seemingly cannot overcome.
The crucial scene that follows with Peggy’s mother, Dorothy (Audra McDonald), shows literally how broken Peggy is, in an excellently written moment as her mother tells her she’s worthy of love, even though it’s so rare to see her completely vulnerable in her devastation.Speaking to The Hollywood Reporterabout the difficult scene on the staircase and the following breakdown, Benton said:
“In that moment, all her greatest fears are coming true. That was enough to ruin her chances at having this integrated life. We see her leap over these moments in almost a bigger way than you’ve even seen her in the other seasons. Because of the collapse I like that we get to see her so vulnerable and collapse under the weight of how much she’s moving through. I think we can take for granted how incredible it is that she is able to show up to all the things she shows up to without being a wreck all of the time.”
Peggy and Dr. Kirkland Earn ‘The Gilded Age’s Most Romantic Ending
It’s only fair that the episode makes up for one of the show’s most heartbreaking sceneswith one of its most iconic proposals. It’s got everything — a sweeping symphony, beautiful dancing, and a candlelit ballroom — but the mood for Dr. Kirkland’s rebellious proposal at his mother’s ball is nerve-wracking until the very end. After everything Peggy has been through with the reveal of her past, she still decides to show up at the ball and holds her head up high in defiance.Dr. Kirkland is equally brave, proposing to Peggy in front of everyonedespite her previous marriage and her son’s death becoming public knowledge. Ultimately, it’s their courage that defines them, as well as their relationship.
Dr. Kirkland’s strides toward Peggy on the dance floor are cinematic in every sense of the word. With Mrs. Kirkland’s fuming glares directed at her son, he may as well be on his way to a looming tower to slay a dragon in order to reach the woman of his dreams. Director of the episodeSalli Richardson-Whitfieldeven told the Hollywood Reporter thatshe really did want to make their love story feel like a fairytale, and she succeeded at every angle. Bending down to one knee in an elegant move after twirling Peggy around,Dr. Kirkland’s proposal is perfect in every regard.
Dr. Kirkland’s decision to propose publicly is also part of why the moment is so important for Peggy, and shows why he is the perfect fit for her. She’s been keeping parts of her past secret, ashamed of anyone finding out the truth, buthis public display of love is his way of letting her know she doesn’t have to hide who she is anymore. He wants to marry her for who she is, not for what she’s done, and he’s choosing her for her true, authentic self. Denton’s dazzling smile when Dr. Kirkland reveals the ring is breathtaking, and it’s a breath of fresh air to see Peggy so ecstatic. Even though the show is set to return for another season, giving the chance for their love story to continue, their engagement isThe Gilded Age’s most beautiful ending yet.
