Once upon a time, in the slush and snow of New York City, HBO's “The Gilded Age” took the world of television by storm. Inspired by the writings of Edith Wharton, the show bridged the late 19th-century aristocracy and the rise of the new industrial elite in a delightful dance of diegesis. However, the first couple of seasons played it rather safe, restricting most of the twists and high stakes to a few select storylines and just-so-handy reversals of status quo. But hold on to your top hats, folks, because Season 3 promises to be a real game-changer.

In this new season, the lovely Christine Baranski’s Agnes van Rhijn finally faces a financial downfall – breathing life into the series as the webs of wealth pour into the compassionate palms of her sister Ada (Cynthia Nixon). Now, this is where things start to get exciting, as the show introduces a more dynamic environment, balancing high drama with a dose of light-hearted fun.

Among the season's most notable additions is Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica), the dashingly handsome new love interest for budding journalist Peggy (Denée Benton). With Dr. Kirkland by her side, Peggy gets to navigate the social spheres of the Black elite in Newport, Rhode Island. The series has corrected a previous oversight by allowing Peggy to finally express herself in the story rather than stay confined to the sides, tackling major societal issues alongside personal dilemmas.

Speaking of dilemmas, drama and delight ripple throughout high society as Ada, newly widowed and hence at liberty to explore different causes, decides to invest in temperance and women’s suffrage, a move that leaves sister Agnes considerably unnerved. Even the coveted Madame Dashkova (Andrea Martin) makes an appearance, further infusing the storyline with unexpected elements of humor amidst the mournful phase of Ada's life.

As for the nouveau riche Russell family, they play out a classic Whartonian theme, interweaving love, money, and societal fascination. The younger Russells start to form complex relationship dynamics that give new intensity to the series. Among these budding romances, Gladys' (Taissa Farmiga) courtship by the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb) is a highlight; it puts Farmiga in the spotlight and reintroduces the concept of American "dollar princesses."

A breath of fresh air comes with the exploration of feelings surrounding first major relationships. However, it isn't all rosy. Ensemble mainstay Aurora Fane (Kelli O’Hara) is faced with an unexpected divorce request, revealing the harsh societal costs of strict hierarchies.

Despite this, “The Gilded Age” does not lose its essence. If you’re out to relish intricate hats superior to any Kentucky Derby crowd, or you take delight in identifying renowned figures like J.P Morgan (Bill Camp), the series will continue to captivate you. The lure of the Russells and the introduction of new tensions in their marriage, alongside George's (Morgan Spector) ambition of building a transcontinental railroad, provide a new dynamic to the series.

In its third season, “The Gilded Age” competently juggles a grandeur of the past with acknowledgement of its flaws. With season 3 set to premiere on HBO and Max on June 22 at 9 p.m. ET, and further episodes airing every Sunday, “The Gilded Age” is ready to entertain us anew!