Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4.
The Gilded Age explores the lives of 1880s New York's wealthiest society members from all backgrounds, but Season 3 officially shows a new perspective on the subject. There is a clear divide among the social elite between those whose families have been part of the circle for generations and those who have just acquired their fortune. While the Russells represent the new money members of society, they were already wealthy before The Gilded Age began. Yet in Season 3, the series takes the term "new money" to a new level as Jack Trotter (Ben Ahlers) earns his fortune and jumps up to a different social class right before our eyes.
Since Season 2, Jack has been expanding his horizons by working on a new alarm clock, but he faces several issues. While almost everyone in the house was supportive of his aspirations, Armstrong (Debra Monk) loudly doubted him. Then, he had difficulty getting a patent for his invention, and, more recently, was rejected by every investor he approached. Yet Larry Russell (Harry Richardson), who agrees to help Jack, has proven to be a dedicated business partner. While it has been slow-going, the latest episode brings the storyline to a happy ending, with Jack and Larry finally selling their product. However, just how happy an ending this twist provides isn't immediately clear because, despite Jack's amazement, his payment doesn't seem that shocking. But times have changed, so how much did Jack really get, and what does that mean for his future?
How Much Does Jack Sell His Invention For in 'The Gilded Age' Season 3?
After Season 2 established their partnership, Season 3 showed Larry and Jack meeting with businessmen who might be interested in Jack's idea. Yet, no one wanted to buy it. Even in Season 3, Episode 3, when Jack gave an impressive pitch to Weston (John Ellison Conlee), a man already in the clock business and able to ask technical questions about the product, he wanted more time to think, which Jack took as a bad sign. However, in Season 3, Episode 4, "Marriage Is a Gamble," they return after Weston requests another meeting, and this time he makes an offer. While he initially offers $300 thousand, Larry negotiates it up to $600 thousand before making a deal, and he and Jack both walk away happy.
Everyone who hears this sum is amazed, insisting that Jack will never have to work again, which seems odd. To those of us living in 2025, $600 thousand may not sound like enough for that, especially since he is splitting it with Larry, but in the 1880s, that is equivalent to $19 million. With his half of the money coming in around $9.5 million, Jack may not be the next George Russell (Morgan Spector), but he is plenty capable of having a comfortable, leisurely life. It's established that with this twist, Jack has nearly the same fortune as Ada (Cynthia Nixon) after her miraculous inheritance at the end of Season 2. While Ada did not need to purchase a house or any other basic amenities, she supports three family members and is accustomed to a much more expensive lifestyle, so Jack is certainly well-off.
Jack Is Reluctant To Move On After Making His Fortune in 'The Gilded Age'
Jack's newfound wealth sends him into a new class as he no longer needs to work in service or anything else, for that matter. It's a drastic change for the footman, as he now has a claim to the same leisurely life as the upper-class people he's been serving, exemplifying the American dream as he gains money and power through hard work rather than birth. Jack is a rare case in The Gilded Age, as not only is he a newly rich individual who can break into society, but his journey has been explored on the show from the beginning. While Jack has been working hard on his invention, he never expected it to be such a success.
However, while he may be living a rags-to-riches story, Jack isn't ready to embrace his new role just yet. While Jack doesn't have the same social ambitions as Bertha (Carrie Coon), the change will be huge for him. During his time as a footman, he's grown close to the rest of the staff, and his fortune changes their relationship as he will not see them every day, nor will they be invited to the same places. Jack avoids telling his coworkers the good news, only informing Mrs. Bauer (Kristine Nielsen) of the truth. He confesses to the motherly cook his fear that he cannot stay in the van Rhijn house and his unhappiness at the idea of leaving the only home he knows. Mrs. Bauer agrees that he can't stay forever, but tells him to keep the sum a secret. Their conversation makes it clear that, despite all his hard work, Jack's change in station is a more complex issue for him.
What Does Jack's Future Look Like in 'The Gilded Age'?
When Jack does embrace his new life, there is a lot waiting for him. Larry's friendship bodes well for him getting into the right rooms, and Season 1 proved through Raikes' (Thomas Cocquerel) storyline that it is easier for a young man to make his way into society. Jack seems to be destined for much larger stories as he adjusts to his new reality. However, when it comes to the future, he is unsure of his path. Jack's situation is drastically different from the likes of George Russell, who has found success in their business. George made his money in railroads and still spends his time managing and growing that business, but Jack's deal was a total buyout.
Weston is very clear that he wants no partnership, and the money Jack receives is to outright buy the clock and the patent, ending Jack's association with this invention altogether. As impressive as his fortune is, this isn't what Jack expected. Even in his wildest dreams, he believed he would be working on the clock for the rest of his life, and now he struggles to let that go. Ever encouraging, Mrs. Bauer insists that he will invent something else and become even more successful, which could certainly fill his upcoming free time. If Jack takes this path, he could only grow increasingly wealthier, perhaps even overtaking Ada as the historical drama continues. Whatever is coming for Jack, he has already gotten an incredible opportunity, and no one is more deserving.
The Gilded Age is streaming on HBO Max in the U.S.
