As of July 20, 2025, viewers are set to enter “A Different World”, — an episode that promises to shake the foundations built in Episode 4 and propel characters into new conflicts. HBO’s official teaser hints that Gladys will struggle adjusting to life with the Duke and the controlling Lady Sarah, while Larry may run into a familiar face after his recent victories, and Peggy could receive a new professional opportunity at a pivotal event in Newport.
Gladys in a Foreign Court
Episode 5 will likely begin with Gladys beginning her new reality in England, a world even more rigid, colder, and more controlling than Bertha’s curated society. Lady Sarah, the Duke’s sister, has already made it clear she disapproves of Gladys, and she may not be subtle about her distaste. Gladys, already emotionally exhausted, could find herself isolated and yearning for the comfort of her father or Marian.
But this setup may serve a purpose. Gladys, who spent most of her life being told what to do, could be on the brink of awakening. Perhaps this foreign court becomes her crucible, one where she learns how to assert herself and challenge outdated customs. Some fans are theorizing that her marriage may not last the season, especially if Gladys begins finding her voice. Could she defy both Bertha and British nobility? Stranger things have happened in this era of change.
Larry’s Homecoming
Larry returns to New York no longer the passive observer but a man who has taken meaningful steps to define his identity. After orchestrating Jack’s life-altering deal and defying his mother’s authority by inviting Aunt Monica, Larry is becoming more than Bertha’s golden child; he’s becoming independent.
But with independence comes tension. Will Bertha retaliate for his growing defiance? Possibly. Will Marian and Larry finally address their budding relationship now that the wedding chaos is over? That seems imminent. Their chemistry has simmered long enough, and with Agnes’ subtle approval in the last episode, the door might now be open, but not without obstacles.
Larry could also begin to reconsider his role in Bertha’s larger social ambitions. Is he a tool for her legacy, or a man ready to make choices for love, loyalty, and personal growth? Episode 5 may push him to pick a side.
Opportunity Meets Obstacles
Peggy’s presence at Mrs. Fish’s upcoming luncheon is more than just a social outing; it could be the most pivotal moment of her season. As a speaker with lived experience at the Tuskegee school and a respected journalist, she’s poised to shine or be torn down by the biases still deeply rooted in elite circles.
Expect fireworks if Mrs. Kirkland also attends the luncheon; their cold dynamic could finally combust. And if William remains silent in the face of his mother’s prejudice, Peggy may be forced to rethink the relationship altogether.
Still, this could be Peggy’s breakthrough. A progressive publisher or influential guest might recognize her brilliance and offer her a life-changing opportunity, perhaps a national column, or even an assignment that removes her from the racial microaggressions of high society altogether.
Fortune vs. Loyalty
Jack's $600,000 windfall could be his passport to a new life, but what happens when the richest man in the servant quarters doesn't want to leave? His emotional confession to Mrs. Bauer in Episode 4 underscored just how much he values belonging over wealth. And yet, the money is there. It’s real. It has the power to alter his class, his identity, and his relationships.
In Episode 5, Jack may begin facing subtle changes, envy, admiration, curiosity, from those around him. If others find out, even Larry or the Van Rhijns, will they treat him the same? And does he want them to?
There’s also potential for Jack to start thinking like a businessman; investing, hiring, or even starting a clockmaking firm. His modesty may hold him back for now, but ambition often finds its voice in silence.
Agnes and Ada
The spiritualist thread introduced in Episode 4 could gain traction in Episode 5. Ada, often overlooked and controlled by her sister, might begin to lean more into her curiosity about the afterlife. Madame Dashkova could return as comic relief and a vehicle for Ada’s personal awakening.
Agnes, of course, will disapprove. But Ada’s newfound backbone might push their relationship into new terrain. For the first time, Ada may start making decisions not based on tradition, but on emotion. Expect friction, perhaps even a public clash, as Ada begins carving out her own space and maybe aligning with Marian or Peggy in their more progressive worldviews.
Mrs. Astor’s Rules
Mrs. Astor’s high moral stance in Episode 4 may backfire. Charlotte’s absence from the wedding drew whispers, and with the duel story gaining momentum, Mrs. Astor’s pristine image might begin to crack. Society may not turn on her fully, but the cracks in her armor could allow Bertha to strike.
Episode 5 might showcase a more aggressive Bertha, one who capitalizes on Mrs. Astor’s scandal to pull wavering socialites into her orbit. Expect power plays at luncheons and behind closed doors. The tension between old money and new might soon hit a boiling point.
A Season of Shifts
“A Different World” suggests more than geographical movement; it represents a broader ideological shift. Gladys is no longer under Bertha’s wing. Larry is questioning societal rules. Peggy is walking a tightrope between opportunity and exclusion. And Jack is deciding if he wants to remain the same man who once scrubbed silver.
Society, though glittering, is starting to show its fractures. Characters who once bowed are now ready to stand. Whether through defiance, innovation, or silent rebellion, Episode 5 may be where the old world starts to break, and a new one emerges.
Final Thoughts
Episode 5 may not bring loud climaxes or grand scandals, but it will very likely bring turning points. Emotional, social, and psychological. The Gilded Age isn’t just telling stories about gowns and galas anymore. It’s telling stories about identity, struggle, freedom, and the courage to rewrite one’s place in the world.
Get ready for tears, truths, and transformations. The gilded veil is lifting and what’s underneath might surprise everyone.
Read more: The Gilded Age characters
