Never the New
The Russells are the latest in a long line of wealthy families to move into the city. They are soon embroiled in a series of intrigues and political machinations, as they try to make their mark in the rapidly growing metropolis.
The Russell family moves into a new home in the neighbourhood, causing a stir with two aunts across the road. The ambitious and ruthless George and Bertha are at the forefront of this family, which is something that catches the attention of the aunts. ..
George quickly establishes himself as the boss at work, where he makes bold changes to the railroad. As he says himself, “you can’t make an Omelette without breaking a few eggs.”
Marian’s aunts are a source of support for her as she deals with the aftermath of her father’s death. They have money, but are also struggling with their own issues.
Agnes is not pleased with Marian’s suggestion that she could work as a governess. Ada, on the other hand, is more optimistic and understanding, suggesting that Marian could be put to work as a housekeeper. ..
A fight breaks out at the train station. A woman’s purse is stolen, leaving her with nothing to her name. A kind woman named Peggy helps to pay for the ticket. However, it’s not a free ride and Penny decides to show up at her aunts’ place to be reimbursed.
When Mariam reveals what transpired at the station, Agnes is incredulous to the whole story. Nonetheless, Peggy is allowed to stay for the night. The thing is, Agnes has a condition. She wants her parents’ address just in case anything untoward happens. ..
Agnes throws Mariam into the thick of the rich society immediately after Peggy leaves. She doesn’t want her wearing black, despite being in mourning, likening her to a crow. She’s also not happy about her suggestion of heading off to work. ..
Marian is quick to remind others that she is from “old New York”, a proud and wealthy society that views outsiders with disdain. This immediately creates tension between Mariam and Agnes. ..
Peggy is offered a job as a secretary after being impressed by her handwriting. Given the latter wants to avoid her parents, Agnes quashes that immediately, likening her to a fugitive and urging Peggy to call home to let her parents know where she is.
Peggy refuses to see her father, whom she has a long-standing grudge with, and meets her mother instead. Peggy wants to pay her own way but her mother drops off some cash to help cover her expenses while she’s in New York. ..
Agnes is happy to have Mariam take her place during an invitation to help train orphans to be servants. Ada encourages her to take up this offer, pointing out that there will be people her own age there. ..
Meanwhile, Bertha and her daughter Gladys show up at a gathering. Ada and Mariam also happen to be there. The subject of the charitable gig is brought up, while Mariam breaks down the walls between the two families as she happily chirps up, expressing interest in the palace the Russell family are staying in. ..
When Bertha heads home and talks to George about the day’s events, George worries that these women are vultures and just want their money. The Russell’s are essentially new money and intent on shaking up the current foundations in town. That, of course, is not going to sit well with Agnes.
Despite their reservations, Ada and Agnes decide to go to Bertha’s soiree. Mariam, however, decides to go despite her aunts’ warnings and ends up having a great time. ..
Mrs Fane arrives at the soiree, but few people attend. This is likely because Mrs Fane is after the money that Mrs. Dane has contributed. Bertha immediately narrows her gaze and tells the old woman to leave.
In fact, Mariam leaves too soon and her aunts find out. When she heads back home, Agnes decides to give her an allowance.
Bertha is frustrated after the failed soiree. She tells George not to encourage her and to go to bed. George follows her and encourages her not to give up. Bertha is livid though, and as she lies with her eyes wide open, she promises to make them sorry one day.
The Episode Review
Despite the slow start, Gilded Age is a well-done period drama that takes its time to tell its story. The dialogue is ponderous but well-chosen, and the runtime feels appropriate.
The showrunners have done a great job of creating a world that feels like it’s right out of a novel, and while I’m not sure if this is intentional or just the way things are, it definitely makes for an interesting experience. There are always going to be some characters that I feel are over-the-top or underdeveloped, but overall I’m really enjoying the show.
This show has another intriguing element: Oscar van Rhijn, who is gay. This could help to shake things up.
The Gilded Age has the potential to be a great time, but it’s not quite there yet. ..
