The Gilded Age is finally back, and boy, am I excited for what lies ahead. The new season means a new beginning for all the Fifth Avenue families. New York's richest people aren't done squabbling in this fictional series that includes many real people who made history. But that being said, we're interested in all the gossip and drama, which includes the Russells, the Brookses, and everyone else involved in their lives. I hope I've jumped the gun, but Peggy being sick right at the start of Season 3 is bothering me a little, because it seems like this woman can't catch a break. That said, I really hope it's nothing serious and that she recovers soon, because there's good news.
Season 3 Episode 1 opens with George traveling to Morenci, Arizona, to expand his business. He's still as cold as ever and determined to do things his way, which could end up getting him into trouble, but for now, money talks, and he's a man who enjoys taking risks because he knows his plans will succeed. Meanwhile, it's snowing heavily in New York, and Bertha worries about sending her children out for a walk, as they might get trapped in the snow.
Creator: Julian Fellowes
Stars: Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson
It's unusual to see so much snow so close to spring, to be sure. The main conflict in this episode is between Ada and Agnes, although Ada isn't really interested in a fight. She's just trying to decide what to do with the money she's earned, but her sister isn't very willing to approve of anything. But, more importantly, since Ada is the one with the money, the people "downstairs" don't know who to listen to, her old lover or her new one.
Now, instead of donating her money to charity, Ada has invited people to the Temperance residence for a chat. This irritates Agnes even more. Ada is eager to help people, just like her husband, and she hopes to work through her grief however she can, and this is the best way for her. Of course, no one at home enjoys the conversation or believes in the cause, given that they're one of those families who have a glass of wine with every dinner, but that's fine.
On the other hand, Peggy has been told she'll publish a novel after submitting some of her work. So, while working as a secretary, she'll also write new chapters. However, shortly after her return to the Van Rhijns' house, she catches a cold and can't even go downstairs for lunch. Maybe it's the stress, maybe it's the cold, or maybe a bit of both. Let's hope nothing more. Back at the Russells' house, Larry and Gladys make secret plans so she can meet her love, Billy Carlton. These two are madly in love with each other, as are Larry and Marion. I see Marion acting cautiously and in no hurry, having lost two suitable husbands, but she'll undoubtedly be happy with Larry if things work out for them; besides, Larry seems very genuine.
Meanwhile, Bertha is having a portrait of Gladys done. She also hides the fact that the Duke is going to live with them for a while, but I don't understand why. However, he has big plans, and his children clearly aren't interested. I hope the Duke's visit to the Met doesn't cost him too much. But the big scandal of this episode is that Aurora's husband, Charles, has been cheating on her and plans to marry his mistress, so he wants a divorce. Legally, he can't file for divorce himself, and Aurora isn't willing to divorce him because she loves the life she has now and will be ostracized from society afterward. They no longer have children, so she'll be beneath everyone while he starts a new life. To top it all off, it seems that Agnes and Ada will also stay away from Aurora if the divorce goes through, because it's simply not "decent."
At the same time, Ada hopes that not giving Oscar an allowance will encourage him to look for a job, but the man is too proud and tells Marian that he's not like Larry, because Oscar was born to be rich (ugh!). Marian keeps hoping he'll get rich by association—that is, through marriage—because she doesn't know his true inclinations, of course. To top it all off, Marian announces she's gotten a new job at a regular girls' school, which irritates Agnes because she won't be teaching watercolor classes to "decent" girls, but to all kinds of girls. But oddly, when she mentions AWSA, Agnes seems to know what it's about and is also interested. How out of character for her, but somehow it makes sense.
Meanwhile, Larry tells John he has a full meeting with some investors, but he has to draw lots for them and can't be present for the first round, as it would overwhelm the wealthy. But Larry doesn't know how it works. I think he's trying hard to be a good boy, but offering John a cup of coffee won't make him feel like a partner. Besides, it annoys the people downstairs. Luckily, Van Rhijn's servants are more interested in helping John than belittling him. Meanwhile, Marian notices how sick Peggy is and urges Agnes to call the doctor, but he refuses to see her because she is Black. The family realizes the importance of calling Peggy's family immediately.
At the end of episode 1 of the third season of The Gilded Age, Gladys has a heated argument with her mother because Bertha found out about Billy through her. Bertha tells Gladys she doesn't want an unhappy marriage for her, but she seems to only care about her own benefit. This infuriates Gladys, and all this time she believed her father could convince her mother to let her marry for love, but she has no more patience. She doesn't want to be paraded around anymore and decides to run away. It seems she'll run away with Billy now.
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