The Gilded Age Season 2 Episode 2: Unveiling 8 Major Plot Twists

Article Overview

Marian's spirits are uplifted after meeting Mr. Montgomery, a potential love interest, helping her overcome her heartbreak and quickly forming a strong connection.

George Russell's refusal to accept Oscar's love for Gladys leads Oscar to explore alternative options, which ultimately leads to his state of depression.

Peggy returns to the van Rhijn household, gaining respect from the staff but potentially causing tension with Agnes in the future. Season 2 of The Gilded Age continues with an episode filled with drama and reveals. The ongoing conflict between Mrs. Russell and Mrs. Astor, known as the Opera War, remains unresolved despite the surprises in the season 2 premiere. Marian's chances at finding love are improved by a potential new suitor who is not a blood relative. Meanwhile, Peggy is thrilled to have her independence back but is still dealing with the recent loss of her son.

The Gilded Age's second season has divided its time between New York City and Newport, where Mrs. Russell's eldest son is renovating their summer home and expanding his enterprise. However, scandal arises when Mrs. Blaine, a captivating but older widow, becomes involved. Before Larry's forbidden socializing becomes public, Ward McAllister's casino garden party gathers society from all over 61st Street. During this event, Mrs. Russell discovers a disturbing truth that deeply shocks and jeopardizes carefully laid plans, akin to Mr. Russell's meticulous tracks.

8. Marian Meets Mr. Montgomery

A New Character Could Be A Possible Love Interest

7. George Russell Denies Oscar Van Rhijn's Marrying Gladys

Marian, still nursing a broken heart from her failed relationship with Mr. Raikes, is currently experiencing a rebound. Her visit to Newport, which includes engaging in some tennis matches and attending a delightful casino party, serves as just one of the many distractions that help uplift her spirits. During this time, she spends quality time with Mr. Montgomery, who could potentially become a suitor in the future. Mr. Montgomery proves himself to be her knight in shining armor when he rescues her from an unwanted drunkard at the tennis tournament. As a result, a strong connection forms between them, raising hopes that Marian's heart will heal quicker than anticipated.

Mr. Russell Wants A Love Match For His Daughter

Oscar van Rhijn's attempt to win over and marry Gladys Russell is cut short by her father, the influential railroad tycoon George Russell. Despite being a successful capitalist, George insists that his daughter should marry for love, even against her mother's wishes. Oscar believes that the only way he can gain respect and honor is by avoiding the company of other men and focusing on developing a sincere relationship with a woman, even if it lacks physical passion. Now, he must find alternative approaches to achieve his goals. As a result, Oscar falls into a deepening state of depression, while Gladys remains restricted within her home, still treated like a child.

6. Peggy Moves Back To The Van Rhijn Household

Her Return Causes Waves Among The Staff

In the aftermath of her son's death, Peggy makes the decision to leave her parents' house and return to the van Rhijn residence. This choice is met with enthusiasm from everyone in the household, except for Agnes van Rhijn's lady's maid. The maid had a troubled relationship with Ms. Scott in season 1, displaying prejudice towards people of color. However, Peggy stands her ground and asserts herself. This not only earns her the respect of the staff but also helps her rediscover her inner strength. While this unexpected journey propels her back into the world of publishing, it may potentially create tension with Agnes later in the season.

5. Larry Russell Is Hired By Mrs. Blaine To Renovate Her Home

Larry Renovates Her Heart In The Process

Budding architect Larry Russell is introduced to the widow Mrs Blaine, who immediately hires him to renovate her Newport home. In addition to his plans for renovation, Larry also proposes romantic upgrades, leading to a close connection between the two. Despite his mother's disapproval of their age difference and the potential scandal it may cause, their relationship stands out in The Gilded Age for its honest and genuine nature. This refreshing twist deviates from the common tropes that existed during the time period depicted in the series.

4. George Russell Tries To Bust The Union

By Wooing The Head Of the Union

George Russell is determined to counter the idea of his employees organizing a union using indirect tactics. Although his initial attempts to win over the union leader fail in Pittsburgh, Mr. Russell plans to invite him as a special guest in New York, treating him to fine dining and entertainment. This strategy aims to sway the union leader into reconsidering his decision to organize against Mr. Russell's interests. Hints for future episodes suggest that tensions will escalate, leading Mr. Russell to resort to drastic and violent measures against the workers who bravely confront unsafe working conditions and inadequate wages.

3. Mr. Watson's Identity Is Nearly Revealed

Mr. Watson's Son-In-Law Knows Who He Is

Ever since being recognized by his daughter, Flora McNeil, Mr. Watson, a member of the Russell's house staff, has been plagued by the fear of his hidden identity being exposed. Previously a person of wealth and stature, he experienced a downfall and aspired to find a way to maintain a close relationship with his daughter while avoiding scandal. However, now her spouse has relayed a message to Mr. Watson's employer to arrange a meeting. There is a possibility that Mr. McNeil intends to simply intimidate him, but it is also plausible that he seeks to exploit Mr. Watson for financial gain, potentially even without his wife's knowledge of the full extent of his nefarious plans.

2. The Opera War Continues

Mrs. Russell Becomes Chairman For The Met Fundraiser

As the conflict between Mrs. Russell and Mrs. Astor persists, the former achieves yet another significant triumph, being appointed as the chairperson of The Met fundraising event. Charged with the responsibility of securing wealthy donors to claim the opera house boxes, Mrs. Russell focuses her attention on Joshua Winterton, a prosperous widower who possesses the wealth and resources to elevate The Met as the ultimate symbol of prestige in New York. By appealing to the ambitions of Joshua's much younger wife and her desire to be involved in the city's burgeoning developments, Mrs. Russell all but secures his patronage.

1. Mrs. Russell's New Neighbor In Newport Is Her Former Lady's Maid

Turner Makes Her Return

Barely had Mrs. Russell celebrated her triumph in devising a flawless plan to win over Mr. Winterton to The Met, when she unexpectedly encounters his youthful bride, none other than Miss Turner, her former lady's maid. Mrs. Russell had terminated Miss Turner's employment due to her improper involvement with Mr. Russell, and this unexpected twist could potentially unveil a host of family secrets. The fact that Mrs. Russell's social standing could now be jeopardized by someone she had personally destroyed adds a touch of irony to her predicament. It is precisely the kind of delightfully dramatic retribution that The Gilded Age should wholeheartedly embrace.

Editor's P/S

In the second episode of The Gilded Age's second season, viewers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of emotions as new love interests emerge, family dynamics are tested, and secrets threaten to unravel. Marian's heartbreak takes a backseat as she meets Mr. Montgomery, a potential love interest who helps her regain her spirits. Their connection is undeniable, and fans can't help but root for Marian to find happiness after her previous disappointment.

Marian's rebound with Mr. Montgomery is a welcome development, and it will be exciting to see how their relationship progresses. Will Mr. Montgomery be the one to heal Marian's heart, or will she face more heartbreak? Only time will tell.