0
0
In Season 2, Episode 2 of “The Gilded Age,” something unexpected happens towards the end of the episode. It all begins with a character named Bertha Russell, who is trying to make friends with rich people to help her in the “Opera Wars.” She wants to get close to a wealthy couple named Mr. and Mrs. Winterton, who are considered “Old Money” and could be valuable allies for her.
The Surprising Twist
But the surprising twist comes when Bertha finally meets Mrs. Winterton, and it turns out to be her former maid, Turner, from Season 1. Turner had worked for Bertha as a maid but had bigger ambitions and even tried to seduce Bertha’s husband, George. When her flirting didn’t work, Turner got into George’s bed, pretending to be Bertha. When George realized the truth, he rejected Turner, and she was fired from her job.
Now, in Season 2, it appears that Turner managed to marry a wealthy man, Mr. Winterton, and is back in the world of the Russells, but with a different status. This surprising revelation leaves Bertha and her family shocked and raises questions about how they will deal with this unexpected twist in their social circles. This twist in the plot adds a lot of complexity to the story and showcases the skills of the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, who is known for his talent in creating engaging and dramatic narratives.
Release Date
The second episode of “The Gilded Age” Season 2 was released on November 5, 2023. It aired at different times depending on where viewers lived. For those in the Eastern Time (ET) zone, the episode was available at 9:00 PM.
Viewers in the Pacific Time (PT) zone could catch it at 6:00 PM. If you lived in the United Kingdom, the show was on at 2:00 AM, either in British Summer Time (BST) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). And for viewers in Central Europe, it could be watched at 3:00 AM, whether it was Central European Summer Time (CEST) or Central European Daylight Time (CEDT). Viewers marked their calendars or set reminders for the date and time that matched their time zone, and they were all set to enjoy the second episode of “The Gilded Age” Season 2 on November 5, 2023.
The Cast
In “The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2, the cast includes familiar faces like Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, and Christine Baranski. They are joined by new actors, but their specific roles are still a mystery. The episode promises a mix of well-known characters and fresh additions to the story, keeping viewers excited for what’s to come in this period drama. Here are all the actors who are coming back for The Gilded Age Season 2.
| Actor/Actress | Character |
| Carrie Coon | Bertha Russell |
| Christine Baranski | Agnes Van Rhijn |
| Cynthia Nixon | Ada Brook |
| Morgan Spector | George Russell |
| Louisa Jacobson | Marian Brook |
| Denée Benton | Peggy Scott |
| Ben Ahlers | Jack Treacher |
| Michael Cerveris | Watson |
| Kelley Curran | Turner |
| Taissa Farmiga | Gladys Russell |
| Jack Gilpin | Church |
| Simon Jones | Bannister |
| Sullivan Jones | T. Thomas Fortune |
| Celia Keenan-Bolger | Mrs. Bruce |
| Debra Monk | Armstrong |
| Donna Murphy | Mrs. Astor |
| Kristine Nielsen | Mrs. Bauer |
| Kelli O’Hara | Aurora Fane |
| Patrick Page | Richard Clay |
| Harry Richardson | Larry Russell |
| Taylor Richardson | Bridget |
| Blake Ritson | Oscar Van Rhijn |
| Douglas Sills | Baudin |
| Erin Wilhelmi | Adelheid Weber |
| Nathan Lane | Ward McAllister |
| Audra McDonald | Dorothy Scott |
| John Douglas Thompson | Arthur Scott |
| Ashlie Atkinson | Mamie Fish |
| Ward Horton | Charles Fane |
The Plot
“The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2, starts with Gladys, a young woman, unsure about whether to marry a man named Oscar. Oscar wants to marry her for her money, but Gladys isn’t in love with him. Her father, George, advises her to wait for true love and not rush into marriage.
Meanwhile, Aunt Agnes is upset with her niece Marian for working as an art teacher at a girls’ school. However, she’s fine with Peggy, a secretary, coming back to work for her. Peggy left her job the previous year due to the racist behavior of another worker. Architect Larry finds a job renovating a widow’s house, and she seems interested in him romantically. This worries Larry’s mother, Bertha, who is concerned about their family’s reputation.
The story also involves a tennis tournament, where Marian tries to politely avoid an uninteresting man who is trying to court her. She gets attention from both Larry and her cousin Dashiell. Aunt Ada has a crush on the Reverend Forte, and it’s revealed he’s moved from Boston to New York. They have a tea party where Ada asks many personal questions, much to her sister Agnes’ disapproval.
George Russell, a shrewd businessman, learns about workers going on strike in Chicago and worries it might affect his business. He plans to bribe a union representative named Henderson to maintain control over his workers. Finally, George surprises his wife, Bertha, by attending a party where they meet a wealthy couple, the Wintertons. To their shock, Mrs. Winterton is revealed to be Miss Turner, a former maid who had been fired for trying to seduce George. Turner seems to have had a hidden agenda all along. In this episode, various characters deal with romantic entanglements, family dynamics, and business challenges, creating an engaging mix of drama and intrigue in the Gilded Age setting.
Review
“The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2 has received mixed reviews. Some viewers find the show lacking the liveliness and energy of “Downton Abbey,” comparing it to a stuffy and slow-paced drama. They suggest that the series needs more life and action to engage the audience fully.
One positive aspect noted in the episode is the change of scenery, as most characters travel to Newport, offering a variety in the setting. The episode primarily focuses on romantic relationships and who is interested in whom, but it’s highlighted that the only couple with real chemistry is Bertha and George Russell.
The dynamic between Peggy and Agnes is appreciated as a highlight of the episode, as they both behave like real humans. Agnes’s firm stance on treating Peggy with courtesy and respect is seen as commendable. The episode introduces a new character played by Laura Benanti, who engages in a romantic relationship with Larry. While the development is intriguing, there are concerns about the potential consequences of this relationship.
Overall, “The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2 is viewed as a mixed episode with both positive and negative aspects. The focus on romantic relationships and the introduction of new characters have left viewers with a sense of intrigue but also some uncertainty about the direction of the storyline.
Summary
In “The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2, we learn more about the characters and their complex relationships. The story mainly revolves around the Russell family, including George Russell, a wealthy capitalist, and his daughter Gladys. George is portrayed as a tough businessman but also as a caring father who wants the best for his daughter.
Gladys faces a decision about marriage to Oscar van Rhijn, who is more interested in her money than love. George advises her to wait for true love instead of a marriage of convenience. This leads to a confrontation between George and Oscar, who had previously faced challenges in his personal life.
Aunt Agnes is unhappy with her niece Marian’s secret job as an art teacher. She is more accepting of Peggy Scott’s return as a secretary, despite Peggy’s past experiences with racism. Agnes tries to encourage Miss Armstrong to treat Peggy with respect but faces resistance.
Meanwhile, Larry, an architect, starts
a renovation job for a widow named Susan Blane. Their relationship takes a romantic turn, causing concern for Larry’s mother, Bertha. The episode explores themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations in the Gilded Age. It also hints at potential romantic connections between various characters, adding depth to the storyline. Ada, another character, develops a crush on the Reverend Forte, creating a new romantic subplot.
Finally, George’s business dealings come into focus when he learns of workers going on strike in Chicago. He attempts to handle the situation by bribing a union representative. This shows his ruthless side as a businessman. In a surprising twist, a party hosted by Mr. McAllister reveals the appearance of Mrs. Winterton, who turns out to be Bertha’s former ladies’ maid, Miss Turner. Her presence adds intrigue to the story and hints at unresolved issues from the past.
Where To Watch
“The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2, is available to watch on HBO Max, a popular streaming platform. If you’re interested in viewing this episode, you can sign up for an HBO Max subscription, and they offer several different options for prospective subscribers.
HBO Max has a basic plan that includes ads, and it costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. For those who prefer an ad-free experience, they offer an Ad-Free plan at $15.99 per month or $149.99 per year. There’s also an Ultimate Ad-Free plan, which costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, providing an even more premium experience.
If you’re already subscribed to Amazon Prime Video or Hulu, you can add HBO Max to your existing subscription for an extra $15.99 per month. This way, you can access “The Gilded Age” and a wide range of other content through your preferred streaming service. “The Gilded Age” Season 2 is set in the 1800s in New York and delves into the tensions between the Russell family, who are newcomers to wealth, and the established, old-money Rhijn-Brook family. The show explores the intricacies of society during this era, marked by strict traditions and the clash of different social classes.
FAQs
1. When was “The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2 released?
It was released on November 5, 2023.
2. Who is in the cast of “The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2?
The cast includes Carrie Coon, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, and more.
3. What happens in the plot of “The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2?
The episode explores romantic entanglements, family dynamics, business challenges, and a surprising revelation about a former maid.
4. How was the episode received in reviews?
Reviews for the episode were mixed, with some viewers finding it lacking in liveliness compared to “Downton Abbey.”
5. Where can I watch “The Gilded Age” Season 2, Episode 2?
You can watch it on HBO Max, which offers various subscription plans, including ad-free options.
