Welcome to the Gilded Age: A Season Premiere Recap from the Glittering Streets of Fifth Avenue

The Gilded Age Season-Premiere Recap: Back on Fifth Avenue

By Alice Burton, a freelance Vulture contributor

The highly anticipated second season of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” premiered on October 29th, 2023, bringing viewers back to the glitz and glamour of New York City’s elite in the late 19th century. In this season premiere, titled “You Don’t Even Like Opera,” the show picks up where it left off, introducing new storylines and reintroducing familiar characters.

Forgotten Names and Overly Ambitious Cast

As the show begins, the first challenge for viewers is trying to remember the names of all the characters. The vast cast of “The Gilded Age” makes it difficult to emotionally connect with any particular storyline. However, Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon return as Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook, respectively. Marian, previously mistaken as “Miriam,” leads a secret life but only on Thursdays. Bertha Russell is on a mission to join society by securing a box at the Academy of Music, while her husband, George, delves into union busting. Agnes’s gay son, Oscar, hopes to marry Gladys, the daughter of Bertha and George. Meanwhile, Peggy and her family face the aftermath of a heartbreaking revelation from the previous season.

A Need for Luminaries and a Musical Event

One notable aspect of “The Gilded Age” is the star-studded cast, including seven Tony winners and three nominees. However, the show missed an opportunity to showcase their talents by not incorporating more musical events. The reviewer, Alice Burton, suggests that the showrunners should have taken inspiration from her previous recaps and featured a duet between Denée Benton and Audra McDonald. The lack of a musical episode seems like a missed opportunity for a show that boasts such a talented cast.

A Tale of Contrasting Outfits: Easter Sunday and Mourning

The season premiere centers around Easter Sunday, providing an occasion for the characters to showcase their fashionable hats and outfits. Carrie Coon and Taissa Farmiga are particularly notable in their stylish headwear. The contrast between the bright Easter clothes and the mourning worn by Peggy and her parents, as they attend the funeral of Peggy’s young son who died from scarlet fever, is striking. This juxtaposition highlights the emotional depth that actors Audra McDonald and Denée Benton bring to their performances.

Bertha’s Ascent and the Metropolitan Opera

Bertha, played by Audra McDonald, is on a mission to join the upper echelons of society. While she gains favor with Mrs. Astor, she faces the disappointment of not being able to secure a box at the opera. The upcoming Metropolitan Opera presents a challenge for Mrs. Astor, as it attracts the wealthy elites that she rejects. Bertha’s support for the Met and her determination to be part of the opera scene showcases her growing influence and ambition.

New Love Interest and Teaching Watercolor Classes

A new character, Dashiell, is introduced as the nephew of Agnes’s late husband. He is a widower with a teenage daughter and becomes a potential love interest for Marian. However, the reviewer expresses a lack of interest in Marian’s romantic life. Meanwhile, Marian’s secret Thursday life involves teaching watercolor classes at St. Mary’s, a school for girls. Agnes’s disapproval of Marian’s activities leads to a heated argument between the two.

Oscar’s Struggles and Gladys’s Compromises

Oscar, Agnes’s gay son, faces discrimination and violence when he is beaten up and robbed after hitting on a man at a bar. This sad turn of events prompts him to propose to Gladys, who seemingly accepts. The pairing of Oscar and Gladys provides some hope for their future, but their relationship is marred by the constraints of the time and society in which they live.

A Dazzling Dinner of Opera Enthusiasts

The episode concludes with a lavish dinner hosted by Bertha, specifically for opera enthusiasts. The highlight of the evening is the presence of the famed Christina Nilsson, portrayed by a singer chosen by the show. The reviewer mentions the quirks of the opera world, such as the Italian version of Faust being performed at the Metropolitan Opera during a time when the French version was more customary. The sumptuous setting and impressive musical performance make this dinner a memorable scene.

The Importance of Historical Accuracy and Emotional Depth

“The Gilded Age” has thus far been met with mixed reviews, with some critics finding it difficult to emotionally connect with the large cast of characters. The show’s lavish sets, costumes, and star-studded cast are undoubtedly impressive, but they must be accompanied by compelling storylines and character development to captivate audiences. While the second season premiere introduces new plotlines and delves deeper into existing ones, it remains to be seen if the show can strike a balance between historical accuracy and emotional depth.

Editorial: The Need for Compelling Storylines and Character Development

As viewers eagerly await the development of “The Gilded Age,” it is crucial for the showrunners to prioritize compelling storylines and character development. The dazzling backdrop of New York’s Gilded Age should not overshadow the emotional journeys of the characters. With such an accomplished cast, it is vital to give them material that allows them to shine. The inclusion of a musical episode, as suggested by the reviewer, would be a captivating way to utilize the talents of these Broadway luminaries.

Advice: Strike a Balance between Glamour and Substance

Moving forward, “The Gilded Age” should strive to strike a balance between the glitz and glamour of the Gilded Age and the emotional depth of the characters’ experiences. The show can benefit from focusing on a narrower scope of storylines and fully developing the relationships and conflicts within them. By giving the characters more room to breathe and grow, “The Gilded Age” has the potential to become a truly compelling and immersive series.