^{Photo: The Playlist}

When we begrudgingly left the opulence and finery of last season’s The Gilded Age, the narrative threads were hanging heavy; a return to a new season was assured. Creator Julian Fellowes focuses on the women. Most particularly declared a “monster” for her naked ambition, Bertha Russell stood alone, as her husband George Russell (Morgan Spector) so cruelly put it: “You should be surrounded by family.” Take a good look. Crestfallen as she takes in this harsh truth, Carrie Coon’s face registers: Reality sunk in. But was she as “bad” as all that? We need to know the fate of this doyenne of new money and upward mobility.

In Season 4, Mothers rule. Every story line features at least one, including Bertha in her outsized machinations –helping her duchess daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) and hosting a special dinner. In the mansion across the street, Mrs. Agnes Van Rhijn (a deliciously snide Christin Baranski) marries off her son Oscar Van Rhijn (Blake Ritson). The rival moms, with the legendary Phylicia Richard and Audra MacDonald in the roles, micro manage the wedding of Peggy Scott (Denee Benton) to Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica). And then, on the subject of marriage, what will become of the breakup of Marion Brook (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson)?

As to the mothers to be—well, that’s high drama.

Cleverly depicted, a new generation emerges. New ideas for hosting the extravagant dinners, the signature scenes of each season as modern fashions define the parties of the season. Don’t underestimate Oscar and his new bride.

The Gilded Age, Season 4 ends so neatly, it takes a moment to realize, for example, there’s more to say about Jack (Ben Ahlers), the inventor’s rise to a new economic and social class. Knowing how to peel an artichoke does not a gentleman make!

Let’s hope the party does not end here.