The Gilded Age

[GreekGod]

Anyone watched the first episode ? The US Downton Abbey set in New York in 1882.

Everyone keeps calling it the "US Downton" I loved it. I think possibly even more than Downton.

I would if it really was like that then in New York ie Old Money - v - New Money and the snobbery that came with that

Has everyone watched now?

I just rewatched the soup scene, such amazing choreography!!!

I love how all the servants are Team Russel, it really makes you glad to see Turner gone.

I hope Aunt Ada will be happy.

Not keen on cousin Dashiel.

Also poor Miss Beaton - does anyone suspect about Oscar I wonder?

Can’t wait till Mr W finds out about his wife 😁

I wonder is Beaton is Testing Oscar or tricking him as he wrote that cheque to invest with I had a thought that it was a scam?

I thought tricking, is everyone really sure she's as rich as everyone thinks she is?

Ooh this is why I love a good MN thread dissecting a show. Hadn’t considered that Oscar was the mark in a scam. Absolute poetic justice if this is the case.

agree Dashiel is on the wrong side of desperate/odd….!

Dashiell's daughter also looks like one of those porcelain dolls with the moving eyes which is scary.

I think Miss Beaton knows that Oscar is not quite on the up and up. I think she's just deciding whether or not he's 'worth it' when it comes to marriage. New York state granted married women the right to own and control their own property in 1845 so her fortune wouldn't automatically become his upon marriage. But it doesn't mean he would be 'trustworthy' just because he couldn't directly get his hands on her money.

I loved the fact that Turner's plan to sabotage Bertha's dinner came to naught. It would have just been to 'cliche' if it had. Round 1 to Bertha, let's start round 2!! And let the 'Opera War' continue!!!

I was NOT happy at the kiss between Peggy and Mr Fortune and I hope they don't let it progress any further. I'm liking Peggy as an independent and principled young woman focused on her career and hate to think of her 'falling' for a married man!

Aunt Ada's wedding had me shedding a few tears, especially when Agatha 'gave in' and accepted it (I hope). I just hope the Rev is all that he appears. If so, I can see him and Ada involved in lots of storylines as 'confidante' (Ada) and 'moral arbiter' (the Rev).

Ada’s marriage happened so fast, in terms of the series, not necessarily time, so I wonder what will happens next, if not heartbreak for Ada?

I don't know how old Ada is supposed to be, but I'm hoping for a 'late in life' baby!!!

I loved that the staff had Bertha’s back and truely also want her to succeed!!

I agree. I like the way that the staff are portrayed. They clearly have pride in their jobs; they know that Bertha's success is their success as well.

Today's was excellent. So many things coming to a head

Well, there is a lot in that episode. I won't mention any spoilers in case people on the thread haven't seen it yet, but two things: Morgan Spector continues to impress as an actor, and cousin Dashiell has become my least favorite character in the show.

No spoilers from me either. Agree about Dashiel. What IS he up to?

Today’s was very, very good.

Ooh watched today’s episode later than usual…

spoiler alert

I thought it was very very good. Full marks to the PP who suggested that it might be Oscar who is about to be scammed. Absolutely no idea what cousin Dashiel is up to, I think he just might be a clumsy suitor?

I balled like a baby at the end

I've been watching with my 15 year old DD who started complaining at me saying not everyone has bad motives when I was booing Pastor Sean and Cousin Dashiell. Minutes later she was aghast at how manipulative Dashiell's public proposal was. Hands up, I was wrong about the Pastor, unless he already knew and just wanted a nurse maid... I'm still confused about Oscar and the dodgy cheques though.

Very manipulative, plus his comment about Marion not being a real teacher.

I really missed Bertha in this episode, I think I enjoy the society drama more.

I think he's been playing the nice guy and it's all about to change

I do not like or trust cousin Dashiel. I hope Marion can get out of her predicament. Larry’s face though when Dashiel was doing his manipulative speech - I can’t remember how old they are both meant to be.

Im beginning to feel a tad sorry for Oscar. Never thought I’d say that.

Poor Ada.

Im bored by Peggy if I’m honest. And I’m bored with the union storyline.

I admit I’m in it for the costumes!

@LudicrousDickbiscuit Oscar’s cheque is real. Oldest trick in any pyramid scheme - give a massive return on a modest sum so that the ‘mark’ ‘invests’ more as greed sets in. There is no company. Miss Beaton is not real either. If you notice, she was collected outside the house by him in a cab because she does not own it, hence why she was on the street. He even remarked on it. They know Oscar is a homosexual and they will of course be certain of his silence after he realises he has been scammed by threatening to reveal the fact if he makes a fuss after losing the family fortune….

Poor old Marion, she has about as much luck as Aunt Ada.

The hug Agnes gave her sister was real though, I absolutely sobbed at that.

And I’m bored with the union storyline.

I'm not, especially if George develops a social conscience, which he seems to be on the brink of.

Yes, that bit about her waiting on the street was very questionable. I actually found it shocking. That would have been totally unacceptable in that time and place, especially for a young unmarried woman. In fact, even in the 20th century my parents had a rule that any date calling for me would come to the door.