The latest episode of The Gilded Age saw Mrs Morris (Katie Finneran) return as the show explored what Collider described as its "darkest storyline".
Still reeling from the season three finale, characters remained in the dark about who plotted against George Russell (Morgan Spector) after he was shot in his office. While he survived the attack, the culprit was unknown until George took it upon himself to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Will Morris revealed as the shooter
It transpired that Will Morris (Will Pullen) was guilty and was taken into custody. As a result, Mrs Morris made a comeback as she went to Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) to beg for her son's life.
In the end, George decided to let Mr Morris live, although his release came with a stark warning that if he returned to New York, there would be far worse consequences.
Family history and revenge
The return of the Morris family answered the biggest question from the season three finale. This was the first time viewers had been introduced to Will, but they were already well acquainted with his parents.
In season one, when the Russells first attempted to settle in New York, Mrs Morris was one of the figureheads standing in Bertha's way. Similarly, Mr Morris (Michel Gill) had a run-in with George as the pair got caught up in a controversial deal that saw Mr Morris become bankrupt and ultimately die by suicide. Naturally, Will wanted revenge for his father's death and took matters into his own hands.
Fan reactions and actor insight
The return of the family was a surprise as they were not on the list of main suspects, with George having a long list of enemies. His former right-hand man, Clay (Patrick Page), had been one of the primary suspects until the big reveal.
Viewers took to X to share their thoughts, with one saying: "I didn't remember who Mrs Morris was so I went back to S1. I forgot how George 'I don't play about my wife' Russell really walked into that bazaar and showed out because they vexed his Bertha. We need him detoxed NOW." Another added: "I felt sorry for Anne Morris, I admit. But just think that if the situation were reversed, I know she wouldn't have any mercy on Bertha."
A fourth added: "Never thought I would see Anne Morris on season 4, I’m kinda shocked." A final fan commented: "Oh my God it was Mrs Morris son who shot big daddy out of revenge for his daddy!" [Sic]
George's decision explained
Actor Spector spoke to TV Insider about George's actions leading up to the moment he decided to let Will live, sharing: "I think, for one thing, George is not a killer. As much as he’s ruthless and gangster-ish in business, he’s not actually a gangster."
"People may disagree, but I think he walks into that scene wanting to teach this kid a lesson and wanting to scare the hell out of him. If George really wanted to see the kid dead, he could just call the police and have him prosecuted for attempted murder. He’d probably hang. Even taking the situation into his own hands at all, he’s already kind of protecting this kid from that certain outcome."
The Gilded Age season 4 airs on Sky Atlantic and via NOW or Sky Go.
