{
  "id": 17813436,
  "title": "What makes a happy marriage on The Gilded Age? Season four has surprising answers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/what-makes-a-happy-marriage-on-the-gilded-age-season-four-has",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T15:15:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2026/11/02/the-gilded-age-cast-season-four-spoilers-hbo-where-to-watch/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Across four seasons of HBO's The Gilded Age, the show has left viewers wondering if a happy marriage is even possible in 1880s New York. However, the wedding of Enid Winterton and Oscar van Rhijn in season four provides a glimmer of hope. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Enid, a wealthy widow, and Oscar, a man who has lost his fortune, find that they enjoy each other's company once they return home.\n\nActors Kelley Curran and Blake Ritson, who portray Enid and Oscar, reveal that the newfound comfort between them is a standout aspect of the season. Ritson found inspiration in Edith Wharton's descriptions of \"lounging grace,\" which he recognized in Oscar's character. The costume department even accommodated this by designing a shirt with a soft front for Ritson to slouch comfortably.\n\nWhile Oscar and Enid revel in their private happiness, their public personas give them no choice but to maintain a facade of performance. Curran notes that at home, they can be \"just slouching together,\" free from the pressures of societal expectations.\n\nThe newfound trust and comfort between Oscar and Enid are evident when Agnes confronts Enid about her past as Bertha's maid. Enid, who would have previously dreaded such a question, admits it without hesitation this time. Ritson explains that Oscar has spent his life concealing his personal life due to the potential consequences of discovery, but he now understands Oscar is protecting himself.\n\nThe marriage of Enid and Oscar represents an \"unusual alliance\" driven by their shared determination to make their way through a society that lacks sympathy for either of them. Ritson terms their relationship a \"possibly the happiest marriage on the show.\"\n\nMeanwhile, George Russell and Bertha Russell's marriage faces its own challenges. Despite their shared understanding, George's promise to secure an English duke for Bertha's love and the subsequent dowry negotiations create a rift between them by the end of season three. Now, George is in New York recovering from a near-fatal shooting, while Bertha is in England with their daughter, Gladys. Their reconciliation will be far from easy, as both must navigate the challenges of expressing their true feelings and rediscovering communication.",
  "summary": "Is a happy marriage even possible in the world of HBO's The Gilded Age ? Across four seasons, that's still somewhat of an open question. The wedding of Enid Winterton and Oscar van Rhijn that opens season four of the Julian Fellowes drama makes good sense by the standards of 1880s New York. Enid, once a lady's maid, is a wealthy widow. Oscar has lost his fortune, but his family name can get Enid…",
  "key_points": [
    "Enid Winterton and Oscar van Rhijn find comfort in each other's company at home",
    "Actors note Oscar's lounging grace inspires Enid's slouching comfort",
    "Their marriage represents an unusual alliance making way through unsympathetic society"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}