The More I Think About What’s Next For The Gilded Age, The More I Worry For One Character

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We’ll have to wait some time until Season 4 of The Gilded Age arrives, which you can enjoy if you subscribe to HBO Max. As I ponder where the story might head next, I find myself often thinking about one of my favorite characters – Ward McAllister. He’s a key figure alongside Mrs. Astor in society and is among the few characters on the show who are based on real individuals. In history, Ward McAllister reached his end point, with Nathan Lane portraying him on the show. Could this mean an end for him on the series as well?

The Real McAllister Did Write A Controversial Book

Towards the climax of Season 3, we discover that McAllister has published a top-selling book exposing New York’s society gossip and secrets, resulting in his ostracization by this circle and the dissolution of his friendship with Mrs. Astor (played by Donna Murphy). This event is historically accurate, as in 1890, McAllister authored “Society as I Have Found It“, a book that didn’t shy away from revealing secrets. Although he avoided using real names, his intentions were clear, and everyone recognized the subjects of his revelations.

In the realm of cinema, I’ve always been captivated by the intriguing characters who leave an indelible mark on history, for better or worse. Once my reputation was tarnished, I decided to embrace it wholeheartedly and, in a bold move, I scribbled all the truths in the margins of a book I had donated to the New York Historical Society in 1890. This act effectively sealed my fate, as any remnants of respect were erased.

I continued to lurk on the fringes of society, spinning tales for newspapers that often stirred up quite a commotion (remember the infamous spat between New York City and Chicago over the World’s Fair in 1893? That was all me!). However, within the elite Gilded Age society, my days were numbered. I became an enigma, a whispers-in-the-wind kind of figure, whose name echoed only in hushed tones or scandalous gossip.

What Does All This Mean For The Future Of The Character?

In July, HBO revealed plans for Season 4 of the widely-loved TV series. However, there’s uncertainty regarding whether McAllister will make an appearance. As of now, we don’t have definite information about which actors will reprise their roles. Although Nathan Lane has not been a part of the main cast, he has recurred since the show began. Given this, his involvement in Season 4 is looking uncertain at the moment.

McAllister’s book has come out, but he’s been snubbed by everyone. In the final episode of the season, he has a heated argument with Mrs. Astor, who refuses to change her mind about excluding him from all the elite parties and clubs. To his former friends in “Mystic Rose” and the exclusive group known as “The 400,” McAllister is no longer welcome. He himself called them “The 400” in real life.

It’s unfortunate that Lane might not have a larger role in the film, given his brilliant portrayal of the fashionable Southern-turned-New York influencer. Perhaps we’ll still see some scenes featuring his aristocratic views on Chicago and the World’s Fair held there in 1893, as historically accurate. However, with McAllister likely playing a minor part, I can’t help but feel disappointed. On a positive note, we have the upcoming Downton Abbey movie to anticipate this month as part of the 2025 cinematic lineup.

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2025-09-03 12:08