The Gilded Age Officially Replaces Bertha and George Russell as Its Power Couple

A marriage built on common aims

Season 4 opens with Oscar van Rhijn and Enid Winterton’s wedding. Their marriage is unconventional: Oscar is interested in men, while Enid has her own social ambitions. Both enter the union knowing how it could help them pursue their goals.

Oscar knows that Enid once worked as a maid for the Russells and has concealed her working-class origins. Their earlier confidences helped revive their partnership after Enid’s first husband, Mr. Winterton, died. Oscar brings a respected family name; Enid’s inheritance as a widow can help him manage substantial debt.

Plans for a social foothold

In the premiere, Enid says she plans to host an exclusive salon supporting art. She hopes it will also give the couple a prominent place among New York’s elite.

They are not in love, but they enjoy one another’s company and share an interest in shaping society. Their willingness to challenge expectations gives the partnership room to grow.

The Russells remain apart

Bertha and George Russell have been central to the series since Season 1. George’s fortune powers his business ambitions, while Bertha works to advance in society. After clashing through much of Season 3, they are still living separately in the Season 4 premiere. Their separation leaves room for Oscar and Enid to draw attention as a couple with ambitions in the same social world.

A different kind of partnership

Bertha and George complement one another, though their work takes place in different spheres. Oscar and Enid, by contrast, both want influence in society and are prepared to push boundaries to pursue it.

The premiere positions the newlyweds as potential rivals to the Russells’ place in the show. Their shared goals and the Russells’ continuing separation could help make Oscar and Enid the new power couple.