The battle between Agnes van Rhijn and Bertha Russell is about to intensify, while the Van Rhijn family faces new personal challenges in Season 4 of HBO’s The Gilded Age. Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon are teasing a dramatic new chapter filled with family conflicts, shifting power dynamics, and difficult decisions.

Premiering November 1 on HBO and HBO Max, the eight-episode season promises plenty of upheaval for the established characters. Baranski, who plays Agnes, told Entertainment Weekly that viewers can expect “serious complications in the household.”

“Over the course of eight episodes, a great deal happens,” she said, noting that the series now has so many established characters that multiple storylines can unfold and intersect throughout the season.

Agnes and Bertha’s Rivalry Reaches a New Level

One of the season’s major storylines revolves around Agnes organizing a dinner for President Grover Cleveland. The responsibility puts her directly in competition with her formidable neighbor, Bertha Russell, played by Carrie Coon.

“It’s great fun because Carrie and I get to go head to head,” Baranski said.

The newly released trailer offers a glimpse of their escalating rivalry, with Agnes declaring, “This situation requires me to take a leave of my manners!”

The conflict also reflects a broader shift in the relationship between the two families. Nixon, who portrays Agnes’ sister Ada van Rhijn, described the changing dynamic between the Russells and the Van Rhijns in striking terms.

“What was a cold war has become a hot war,” she said.

As tensions rise, Nixon expects her character to play an important role in keeping Agnes from taking her feud with Bertha too far.

“I think my main role is really to try and pull the reins back, try and restrain Agnes from completely losing her mind on Mrs. Russell and embarrassing herself and embarrassing the family,” Nixon explained.

Agnes Will Do Whatever It Takes to Protect Her Family

Beyond the rivalry with Bertha, Season 4 will put Agnes’ devotion to her family to the test, particularly when it comes to her niece, Marian Brook, played by Louisa Jacobson.

Baranski revealed that Agnes will be the one to step up when Marian faces difficulties, emphasizing that the character’s practical nature often guides her decisions.

“You see in this season more than ever how devoted Agnes is to her family,” Baranski said. “She’s the pragmatist in the family, and she’ll do what she needs to do to save her and her family members.”

However, Agnes may not be the only member of the family struggling with Marian’s choices. Nixon said Ada has long been Marian’s most steadfast supporter, but their relationship will face unexpected challenges this season.

“I think that there are things that Marian does that are a bridge too far for Ada,” Nixon said. “I think Ada never dreamed that would be true, but I think it is true.”

The tension could mark a significant turning point for Ada, whose growing independence has already begun to reshape her role within the household.

Ada Finds Her Voice as Other Families Face Turmoil

With control over the family’s finances, Ada is increasingly comfortable asserting herself. Nixon said her character is learning to establish boundaries and trust her own judgment.

“What we see in Ada is she’s getting better at saying no,” Nixon explained. “She’s getting better at believing in her own opinions, personal and political.”

Meanwhile, the new trailer previews several other major developments. Peggy Scott, played by Denée Benton, prepares for her wedding to Dr. William Kirkland, portrayed by Jordan Donica, amid tensions with her future in-laws. Bertha and George Russell’s marriage appears to be in trouble, while Ben Ahlers’ former footman character continues adjusting to his changing social position.

Together, these storylines suggest that the season will explore not only the fierce competition between New York’s wealthy families but also the personal costs of ambition, independence, and loyalty.

With Agnes determined to protect those she loves, Ada becoming more assertive, and the feud with Bertha growing increasingly volatile, The Gilded Age Season 4 is poised to deliver some of the series’ most consequential family drama yet.

The Gilded Age Season 4 premieres November 1 on HBO and HBO Max, with new episodes released weekly.

Source: Compiled from various sources