We need to talk about that truly shocking gay twist on the latest episode of ‘The Gilded Age’

Unlike its fellow HBO series The White Lotus and The Last Of Us, period piece The Gilded Age isn’t known for offing its beloved characters with shocking death scenes.

But that’s exactly what happened in the latest episode and it’s got fans of the polite-society drama in utter shambles. Safe to say you’ll never look at a horse-and-buggy the same way again…

*Caution: Spoilers ahead for The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 6 “If You Want To Cook An Omelette.”*

We’ve said before that The Gilded Age—just renewed for fourth season—was made “for the gays,” and that’s largely because it’s continued to employ some of our favorite actresses, from Carrie Coon to Christine Baranski to Cynthia Nixon (not to mention the hunky Morgan Spector).

Still, even though its set in the 1880s, the series has managed to tell a pretty compelling story about what it might like to be gay during that time through Oscar van Rhijn (Blake Ritson), the son of Baranski’s Agnes, who seeks to marry a wealthy heiress to both secure his financial standing and hide his sexuality.

Early on, we meet the handsome John Adams (out actor Claybourne Elder), a descendant of President John Adams, introduced as a suitor of Oscar’s cousin Marian (Louisa Jacobson). But it turns out the two men have been carrying out an affair in secret this whole time.

Though the two broke things off when Oscar began courting Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga), they’ve stayed in touch, and after Oscar was conned out his money, John—now dating another man—came to his aid, helping him get back on his feet this season.

Which brings us to that doozy of an ending in the most recent episode. Impressed by Oscar’s ability to “defy the odds” and turn his business back around, John promises to invest more in the future… but he’ll never get the chance to.

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With his parting words, Oscar says, “You are my savior. I hank you with all my heart.” As he steps out into the street, John turns to say goodbye just as he’s suddenly struck by a horse-drawn carriage, violently flinging him on the sidewalk. Yes, even in the 1880s, you should look both ways before crossing the street!

The moment is thoroughly jarring, and not unlike the feeling of having the floor fall out beneath your feet, especially as we watch Oscar’s horrified reaction. And then: fade to black.

If you really want to witness the moment all over again, the twisted minds at Vulture have soundtracked the moment to Beyoncé’s “16 Carriages,” just to twist the knife a bit further.