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

It's quite possible that Maude Beaton is 'modeled' on Cassie Chadwick, a Canadian Gilded Age conwoman. Cassie passed herself off as the illegitimate daughter of Andrew Carnegie. Maude is 'supposedly' the illegitimate daughter of Jay Gould. It'll be a howler of a storyline if Maude isn't who she seems.

I don't get what Dashiell wants from Marion. She's not an heiress and I don't see Agatha as the type to settle a great deal of money on her. I suppose it could be to give her daughter 'a new mother', that was probably pretty common for widowers back then. But you'd think he had plenty of opportunity for that before he came to NYC. I'm sure there were women aplenty who would have married him, assuming his finances are what they appear to be.

I can't believe what they've done to poor Ada and the Rev!!! It's just mean! Not just to the characters, but to those of us who were cheering them on. I'm hoping for a 'medical miracle' a la Matthew Crawley's misdiagnosis re his spinal injury.

I was glad to see the two butlers 'kiss and makeup'. There could be some good storylines 'downstairs' with the combined Van Rhijn & Russell staff.

I'm loving the union storyline!

I also hope the Rev was misdiagnosed and has a miraculous recovery, or failing that, is a secret millionaire and leaves Ada a huge packet of money.

Ooh, @SenecaFallsRedux great thought. Wouldn’t it be marvellous if Oscar loses the family money, only for the tables to be reversed on Agnes and Ada saves them by virtue of the Marriage Agnes thought was beneath her….

Yes, I wonder if he is Boston old money and worth a literal fortune.

And that will
Save the day when Oscar looses all the money.

I too think the RV will leave a decent inheritance.

See, it would disappoint me in a way if Oscar lost the family money and the Rev 'saved the day' by dying and leaving a huge inheritance. It would be a rehash of Matthew 'saving the day' with Reggie Swire's money after Robert's bad investment. Albeit Matthew lived to enjoy his windfall, at least for awhile. Although I do have to admit I would enjoy seeing Ada and Agatha's positions reversed since Ada would be the wealthy sister and Agatha the 'poor relation'.

There have been a few 'shadow of Downton' moments in The Gilded Age and I don't want to see more.

I thought that Ada’s husband would either be a wrongun or terminally unwell. The show works better with the sisters living together.

But it would change the "power dynamic" between the sisters. Could be interesting

WELL! That was quite the episode.

Look forward to catching up with you all after you have watched it!

I agree! I can't believe it's the season finale next week

I hope it’s a 2 hour finale!!

A great episode.

I actually think it will be Marian and Larry that will save the van Ryan fortune.

Absolutely Larry 4 Marion I say!

I agree. Marian gets a good man and is no longer the poor relation.

Well, my heart is broken for Ada and the Rev. I was hoping for a last minute miracle. And it sounds as if Maud Beaton's character was based on Cassie Chadwick after all. What will Agatha and Oscar do? Since next week is the season finale, I have a feeling that whole situation won't be resolved until next season.

Since the Union Boss was wise to George's strategy, I'm beginning to wonder if George isn't going to be hanged with his own petard when the new labour contract runs out. If I were the Union Boss I'd be gathering my workers and explaining how they've been misled (and misused).

I loved Bertha and George's scene when she was talking to him about the Met vs the Academy box. It's good to see their total devotion to each other, even if their characters 'lack' in other areas.

And what will happen with Watson? I know his DD made him the offer of an apt & support but does her DH know?

And YES....Larry + Marion '4evah'. ❤️

Costumes are amazing. Lead lady is Meryl Streeps daughter.

Miranda from satc is in it too…

Enjoying it…

Or… it could be that Marian and Larry get together and take in Ada and Agnes. Imagine Agnes having to be at the mercy of Mrs Russell…!

@Netaporter
I know, she would refuse this match but her change of circumstances means she will approve as she has no other choice.

I hope Nasty Cousin Dashiell doesn't take advantage of the situation and try to marry Marion sooner if she's destitute. Larry is the much better option.

Oooh I love the sound of this where is it on? is it on Netflix? thanks

@ilovebrie8

its on sky, but could also get it on Now TV if you just wanted to pay for a month then cancel.

And HBO in the US.

Thanks I don’t have sky! Just Netflix. Not heard of Now Tv .

@AcrossthePond55 I listened to the Guilded age podcast who said Maud was based on Casey Chadwick.

The podcast also talked about Dashiel leaving Marian on the steps and then Larry arriving and how she immediately opened up to Larry but basically sent Dashiel home. Really excited to see how this storyline plays out. M & L really are good friends and get along so well.

I think it will be available to buy on Prime when this season ends.