The Gilded Age
The Gilded Age:
HBO Series (2 seasons)
Julian Fellowes has created another hit series with an 1880’s American version of Downton Abbey. I was a fan of his British drama, so it isn’t surprising I would enjoy the American series, The Gilded Age. I find myself drawn to this wonderful show for reasons beyond the excellent writing, acting, sets, and costumes. It is part of my American heritage which intrigues me in a way the English drama didn’t.
So far, the new season has surpassed the first. I find myself anxiously awaiting the next episode and dreading the new trend of short seasons which means this one is almost half over already. How I long for the days of twenty plus episodes per season!
Julian Fellowes has combined an interesting era full of innovations and change with characters of different perspectives and socio-economic standing. I love the show’s friendship of two young women of different races. It shows a truth many have forgotten. Not everyone in America’s history were racists. Not everyone supported slavery. The story also shows bigotry, greed, and elitism which was prominent at the time.
The first season focused on Marian Brook’s upheaval, love interest, and introduction into the society of New York’s old-money families. Marian moves into the home of her two Aunts across the street from the extremely wealthy new-money family, the Russells. Bertha Russell is intent on being accepted into New York society and this is as much her story as it is Marian’s.
The second season as of today, Wednesday, November 27, 2023, has split time amongst various plotlines and characters. Each character’s story more intriguing as time passes. A refreshing change in today’s culture wars happens this season. An accurate take of Christianity is seen in bits of sermons and quoting of scripture. This happens so rarely now, that it shocked me momentarily. I hope they continue to keep the Episcopalian Minister, Reverend Forte as a beacon of light.
The show’s cast is superb. Louisa Jacobson, Meryl Streep’s daughter, shines as Marian Brook. She definitely inherited her mother’s acting skills. Bertha Russell is played to perfection by Carrie Coon. Christine Baranski…well, what can I say other than she delivers a wonderful performance as always. The entire cast is amazing.
I am more invested now than I was the first season. I cannot wait to find out who will end up together as well as what tragedies and failures await them all. Will the slightly older, Dashiell, win Marian’s heart? Or perhaps the neighbor’s son, Larry Russell? Will the Duke choose a love interest from New York? Will Turner’s secret be revealed to her poor duped husband? Her atrocious manners at the Newport dinner should have clued him in, but love makes us all blind – does it not?
This is a character driven drama with tried and true love as well as betrayals and fake relationships. For the conservative reader, the first season does include love scenes between two male characters and female nudity. The second season has been less overt, but the drama is aimed at a mature audience.
Enjoy!
