The Gilded Age Shocker: Morgan Spector Was 'Thrilled' By Episode 7's Jaw-Dropping Ending

This might come as a shock to you, but Morgan Spector tells TVLine that he's "thrilled" with how Sunday's episode of The Gilded Age ended.

The penultimate hour of Season 3 went out with a bang, ending with a moment that surely left every viewer's jaw on the floor. "I have a delivery for Mr. George Russell," announced a seemingly innocent courier — that is, until he pulled out a gun. After shooting poor Jones, he turned his weapon towards George and fired. Bang.

So, why is Spector "thrilled" that his character is entering next week's season finale on death's door? He has a few reasons actually: First, he simply says, "that happened," meaning that it was a historically accurate threat that would theoretically be looming over George's head. (Look no further than the 1872 murder of robber baron Jim Fisk.)

But even with its historical accuracy, George's shooting "just didn't feel like the kind of thing that would happen on The Gilded Age," he admits, not unlike the shocking carriage accident that unexpectedly killed John Adams last week. And that's what Spector loves about it. "I'm thrilled the more we get to expand the world." He thinks of it as "adding colors to our palette."

Carrie Coon notes that this expanding of the show has been a running theme all season. "It started with how we kicked things off in the Wild West [in the season premiere]," she tells TVLine. "It was signaling to the audience that this is not Season 2. We're doing new things."

Also worth discussing from Season 3, Episode 7...

* John Adams left Oscar a house and money in his will as a token of their love, and in his grief, Oscar nearly revealed the nature of their relationship to Agnes and Ada.

* Led by Mrs. Astor, the ladies of New York society froze out Ward McAllister after his tell-all book exposes their most private affairs, name changes aside.

* The Russells' staff set a successful trap for Miss Andre, eventually revealing her to be the mole.

* Larry attempted to convince Marian that nothing of ill repute went down at the haymarket, with even Jack coming to his defense while Marian helped him shop for a proper rich man's house.

* George told Bertha that her ambition is out of control. (What else is new?)

* The Duke proved his devotion to Gladys by suggesting that Lady Sarah find her own place to live. (Finally!)

* William's mother learned about Peggy's tragic past, passing along the information to her son, who decided to speak with Peggy himself before making any major decisions.

* George got Clay fired by his new employer. (Gee, could Clay have had something to do with George getting shot?)

OK, let's talk: Which twist ending shocked you more, last week's carriage crash or this week's shooting? And how heartbreaking was Oscar's near-outing? We have a lot to discuss ahead of next week's finale, so drop a comment with your thoughts below. We know you've got 'em.