Money Isn’t Everything
Marian is nervous about Mr Raikes. She’s never met him and she doesn’t know what to expect. Peggy seems excited about meeting him, telling Marian that he’s going to be a great help with her legal case. Marian is worried that he’ll be too rich or too powerful for her to handle, but Peggy assures her that he won’t be a problem.
In this episode, Peggy plays her cards close to her chest and we don’t learn the reason why.
Meanwhile, Agnes continues to express disdain toward Gladys and the Russell family. Ada is much more receptive though, pointing out to her sister that “Money isn’t everything.” The thing is, in this society money talks. And it’s worth remembering this line as it comes into play during the chapter’s climax. Anyway, I digress. ..
Marian brings up the possibility of inviting the Russell’s to be among the stallholders for the charity event. Mrs Morris and the others refuse outright, wanting the event to be as “pure” as possible.
The irony is that they could really use the Russell’s money to make the event a success, which is due to be held at the Veteran’s room.
The Morrises show up to the Russell house to discuss the charity bazaar. Bertha and Mrs. Morris are angry at each other as their lunch is juxtaposed by the icy words traded.
George tells Patrick that he wants to build a new station to shake up the railroad, encouraging Mr Morris that it’s in his interest to buy shares before agreeing to do the deal. In doing so, the share price would then skyrocket and give them all a tidy profit.
It’s an unofficial suggestion, and George is quick to admit it. It’s something that he’s been thinking about for a while, and he doesn’t want it to be taken lightly.
Patrick and his girlfriend leave the party after a heated argument. It is clear that the real reason for this night was to reel in Patrick for work.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bauer, the Russell cook, is in trouble. She owes $50 (around $1200 in today’s terms) to a debt collector and Peggy notices the debt collector outside. Peggy urges Marian to help Mrs. Bauer out. ..
Marian approaches Oscar for help with paying the debt. Although he agrees, Oscar insists that they have a luncheon with Gladys in order to make the payment. ..
Ada quickly catches wind of what’s happening and decides to pay the debt herself. She also encourages Marian to come to her next time something like this happens.
The Charity Bazaar event is due to go ahead but not at the Veteran’s Room. Instead, the women have moved the event to the Fifth Avenue Hotel. When Bertha finds out, she’s livid.
Russell family members show up to a ballroom and immediately start ruffling feathers. In fact, George buys out every single stall, demanding everyone pack up their gear and move to their own ballroom.
It’s genius! Although Mrs Astor isn’t convinced this is going to win anyone over, money talks and with George waving away bills so readily, it certainly makes a splash. As everyone begins to peel out, Mrs Astor is left with a free morning. So naturally, she heads upstairs as gracefully as one can. ..
The Episode Review
Gladys and Marian have a strong friendship that is a nice middle ground for the war simmering up to a boil. Beyond the beautiful costuming and lavish set design, there’s an ugly, gnarled war brewing and this episode does a great job bringing that to the forefront of the series.
The petty politics of George buying out the whole charity event was satisfying and easily the best part of the whole episode.
There is a nice moment in the episode where Ada admits that Agnes carries the world on her shoulders. This explains why she’s so distrustful and on edge around others. It doesn’t excuse her archaic attitude but the whole “new money” schtick is the real crux here. The Russell family have undoubtedly made quite the splash though.
The second episode of “The Crown” was much more action-packed and focused on developing the various conflicts between the characters. This follow-up episode also explores politics, social issues, and class warfare. ..
This could be a sign that things are about to get very turbulent.
