Key Moments from 'The Gilded Age' Season 1 to Prepare for Season 2

The Big Picture

Season 1 of The Gilded Age explores the struggles faced by those who aren't accepted in high society, highlighting the class divisions and prejudices of the time.

The show explores the intricacies of the business world and the extreme measures certain characters undertake to attain success and pursue vengeance. Meanwhile, the servants in The Gilded Age harbor their own personal struggles and hidden truths, shedding light on the trials and tensions within the lower strata of society.

Not Everyone Is Accepted in 'The Gilded Age' Season 1

In The Gilded Age, Jullian Fellowes, the mastermind behind Downton Abbey, once again delves into the lives of the upper class and their devoted servants, this time in 1880s New York. Amidst an obsession with social standing, opulence, and the stringent codes that govern their exclusive society, conflicts arise without respite. Yet, in Season 2, the saga guarantees an equal measure of drama as its predecessor. With a captivating tapestry of ambition, vicious gossip, and clandestine negotiations, it is crucial to recall the labyrinthine plot twists and the precise place where each character stood before embarking on the second installment.

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Following her father's passing, Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) receives news from her lawyer, Tom Raikes (Thomas Cocquerel), that there are no remaining funds. Consequently, Marian seeks refuge with her previously unknown aunts, Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon) and Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski), but unfortunately, her purse and tickets are stolen. Showing her kind-heartedness, Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), an aspiring writer, lends Marian the necessary money. Upon their arrival, Marian brings Peggy along to her aunt's residence, where Agnes hires Peggy as a secretary. Agnes insists that Marian only associate with socially esteemed families and discourages women from engaging in employment. Nonetheless, she allows Marian to dedicate herself to charitable endeavors, as long as the causes align with Agnes' standards. During a visit from Agnes' son, Oscar (Blake Ritson), he brings along his secret partner, John Addams (Claybourne Elder). Agnes attempts to match John with Marian, but her efforts prove futile.

George (Morgan Spector), Bertha (Carrie Coon), Larry (Harry Richardson), and Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) Russell face rejection from society due to their newfound wealth. While George focuses on expanding their fortune, his wife is determined to elevate their social status. Marian and Bertha attend a charity event organized by Aurora Fane (Kelli O'Hara) and Anne Morris (Katie Finneran). However, Bertha is met with a chilly reception, in stark contrast to Marian. In response, Bertha arranges a gathering, which turns out to be sparsely attended. Frustrated by her failure, Bertha vows to seek revenge. Eager to participate in the next event, Bertha offers her ballroom as a venue for the charity bazaar, yet her offer is disregarded by the organizers. At the bazaar, George confronts Aurora and Anne regarding the snub and publicly buys out every booth as a display of his influence. These controversial actions prompt Mrs. Astor (Donna Murphy), the unofficial leader of society, to acknowledge that the Russells need to be closely monitored.

Business Isn't Always Easy in 'The Gilded Age' Season 1

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Despite being rejected in his attempt to purchase a new railroad, George devises an alternative plan. Rather than increasing his offer, he decides to construct a new track. However, he requires assistance for this endeavor. George approaches Patrick Morris (Michel Gill) with a proposition. They come to an agreement that involves the aldermen passing a necessary law following the duo's purchase of stocks in the company, which would result in financial gains for both parties. Unfortunately, once the bill is approved, the aldermen ultimately repeal it. In a daring move to seek revenge, George purchases his stocks, preventing the expected market crash and causing significant financial loss for the aldermen. Desperate for mercy, the aldermen appeal to George, but he dismisses their pleas. Consequently, Morris tragically takes his own life. Fearing the consequences and blame for Morris' death, George offers to assist Charles Fane (Ward Horton) in recovering his losses, on the condition that Fane's wife aids Bertha in gaining acceptance into society. Even though Aurora is reluctant about the idea, she ultimately agrees, being left with no other choice.

George's company finds itself in a state of emergency when a train derails, causing several fatalities. As this tragic incident unfolds, George's company becomes the subject of a negligence investigation. The person responsible, John Dixon (Jacob Keith Watson), possesses a letter that incriminates George. With limited evidence against Dixon, George becomes increasingly anxious about potential accusations. However, everything takes a turn when Marian spots George's stenographer, Mabel Ainsley (Zuzanna Szadkowski), at a store, using the name Dixon. Observing that Ainsley forgets her purse, Marian retrieves it and delivers it to George, informing him that it belongs to Mrs. Dixon. This crucial information enables George to take action, placing Ainsley on the witness stand. It is revealed that she is acquainted with Dixon and aware of the misappropriated funds. Ainsley admits to deliberately framing George by saving a note from a separate transaction.

There Are Many Prejudices in 'The Gilded Age's Society

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As Peggy attempts to sell her stories, she encounters racism. When she turns down an appalling deal, T. Thomas Fortune (Sullivan Jones) of the New York Globe publishes her work and assigns her journalistic tasks. Excited about her accomplishment, Peggy informs her parents. However, while visiting her parents, Marian arrives with the intention of donating old boots, mistakenly assuming that Peggy's family is in need. Peggy is enraged by Marian's misunderstanding, although they eventually reconcile. Later, Peggy receives a personal letter, but Armstrong (Debra Monk), Agnes' lady's maid, intercepts it. Fearing the letter's contents will be exposed, Peggy fabricates a story to Agnes, claiming that she married a man disapproved of by her father (John Douglas Thompson) and had a son who tragically passed away. Peggy discloses that her father had the marriage annulled and brought her back home. However, Peggy is now determined to locate the midwife and uncover more information about her son. Angered by Armstrong's actions, Agnes decides it would be inconvenient to dismiss her and opts not to. In response, Peggy chooses to resign instead. Upon returning to her parents' house, Peggy's mother (Audra McDonald) discovers a letter that reveals Peggy's son is alive and has been adopted. Peggy and her mother strategize to find the boy. Shockingly, Peggy's father admits to orchestrating the adoption and refuses to assist them.

After numerous encounters with the ostracized Mrs. Chamberlain (Jeanne Tripplehorn), Marian becomes intrigued by the lack of camaraderie extended towards her. With some prompting, Marian discovers that Mrs. Chamberlain had been her husband's mistress while he was still married, resulting in the birth of a son out of wedlock. Despite this revelation, Marian continues to display kindness towards her. Staying true to her agreement, Aurora Fane aids Bertha in ascending the social hierarchy by introducing her to Ward McAllister (Nathan Lane) and involving her in the Red Cross. During a Red Cross event featuring a speech by Clara Barton (Linda Emond), Anne Morris blames the Russells for her spouse's demise. Her fury intensifies when Clara announces that the Russells' generous donation will triple the number of hospitals the charity can establish. Subsequently, Clara convenes a vote to grant Bertha a position on the board. Although Anne departs in protest, Bertha is ultimately accepted.

The Servants in 'The Gilded Age' Have Their Own Drama

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The secrets of the staff are a central theme in the show, as they choose to keep their personal struggles hidden from one another. From Mrs. Bouer's gambling debts to Mrs. Armstrong's responsibilities caring for her ill mother, each member of the staff faces their own challenges. When Bertha invites McAllister to her house, her staff is caught off guard by his expectation of an English-style luncheon. To meet this demand, she temporarily hires the van Rhijn's butler, Bannister, for the day, which upsets her own butler, Church. Bannister fails to inform Agnes of his plans, but manages to secure the time off. A mysterious letter arrives at the van Rhijn house, revealing Bannister's whereabouts to Agnes. In her frustration, she rushes over to confront him in front of the entire party. However, Marian and Aurora attempt to divert attention away from the awkward situation.

Unsatisfied with her position, Turner (Kelley Curran), Bertha's lady's maid, makes an unsuccessful attempt to seduce George. However, he refrains from firing her. Later, Turner encounters Oscar and proposes selling him information about the Russells, a proposition which he accepts. Armstrong, upon witnessing this interaction, mistakenly believes that Oscar is involved romantically with Turner. This misinterpretation leads Armstrong to share her suspicions about Oscar with Agnes, who becomes increasingly agitated by the events of the luncheon. In response, Agnes sends Marian to request Bertha to dismiss Turner, without disclosing the true reason for the request. Initially dismissive of Agnes' request, Bertha's attitude changes when she spots Turner with Larry, arousing her suspicion. After Turner is eventually let go, Bertha sends a message to Bannister, disclosing that the Church was responsible for sending the letter to Agnes, thus fueling their competitive relationship.

'The Gilded Age' Delivers Several Romances

Love is in the air as Jack (played by Ben Ahlers), the footman of the van Rhijn's household, goes on an unsuccessful date with Bridget (played by Taylor Richardson), the maid. Bridget, who has been deeply affected by a past sexual assault, finds it difficult to accept affection, but she refuses to reveal the reason behind her hesitation. Meanwhile, Gladys becomes the object of attention. Oscar, hoping to marry her for financial gain, tries to pursue her despite her mother's watchful eye. However, Gladys meets Archie Baldwin (played by Tom Blyth), and neither of them meets Bertha's expectations for her daughter. Oscar is kept at a distance while George bribes Baldwin to stay away. In addition to all of this, Ada comes face to face with a former love interest, Cornelius Eckhard (played by Bill Irwin), who was banished by Ada's father in his youth because he was after her fortune. When Cornelius pays a visit to Ada, Agnes confronts him about their troubled past and makes it clear that Ada has no money. Consequently, Cornelius leaves.

Raikes relocates to New York, yet Agnes suspects his intention of using Marian to gain access to high society, thus prohibiting any association between them. Despite Agnes' disapproval, Marian secretly meets with Raikes and even receives a marriage proposal from him. However, due to her aunt's strong objection, she hesitates in giving him an answer. Raikes endeavors to elevate his social status in order to meet the expectations of Marian's aunts, and he quite enjoys his newfound position. Eventually, Marian accepts the proposal and plans to elope with Raikes. Although Ada discovers the truth, she opts not to betray Marian's secret. Later on, Aurora pays a visit to inform Marian that she witnessed Raikes with another woman. In a hurry, Ada rushes Aurora to Mrs. Chamberlain's house to warn Marian before it is too late. Upon hearing this information, Marian confronts Raikes, who confesses that his intentions were never genuine. Realizing that he merely sought an entry into society, Marian decides to return to her aunt's residence. Later, Ada provides solace to Marian, assuring her that there will be other opportunities for love.

'The Gilded Age' Shows the Russells Progressing in Society

After Marian's persuasive words, Larry finally musters the courage to confess to his father that he has no desire to walk in George's footsteps and wishes to pursue a career as an architect instead. Despite his initial resistance, George reluctantly agrees to consider this alternative path. Meanwhile, Gladys crosses paths with Carrie Astor and they quickly bond over their overbearing mothers. This newfound friendship leads to Carrie paying a visit to Gladys, where they delve into details about Gladys' impending debutante ball, an event that Bertha has been postponing. However, with Carrie's enthusiasm, plans start to take shape and a date is set for the girls to coordinate a mesmerizing quadrille. Unfortunately, Carrie's mother harbors animosity towards the Russells and consistently snubs Bertha. As the date of Gladys' ball draws near, Bertha takes a firm stance, declaring that Carrie is not allowed to attend unless her mother accompanies her. Mrs. Astor finds herself torn between accepting the Russells and maintaining her cool facade, but with both Carrie and McAllister urging her, she begrudgingly gives in. With Mrs. Astor's unexpected presence, even Agnes puts aside her grievances and attends the ball.

Despite the party being packed, it is not without complications for the Russells. Just before the party, they discovered that their supposed French chef, Monsieur Baudin, is actually from Kansas. In order to avoid humiliation, Bertha fires him. The replacement chef proves difficult and ends up getting intoxicated before completing the meal. In a desperate act, Church calls Baudin back to save the day. George rehires him without any pretense, grateful for his help. Ultimately, the meal is a success and Bertha is thrilled. As Bertha seeks to leverage her triumph and Marian moves forward from her heartbreak, Season 2 promises to be filled with intrigue and drama.

The highly anticipated Season 2 of The Gilded Age will premiere on October 29 on HBO and Max. Meanwhile, Season 1 is currently available for streaming on Max.

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