The Gilded Age Season 2 Episode 7 Breakdown: Key Plot Twists Revealed

Article Overview

The opening of the Brooklyn Bridge is attributed to the involvement of Mrs. Roebling by Larry Russell, highlighting a revised approach to recognizing women's contributions while upholding historical accuracy. Meanwhile, George Russell's negotiation with the union to put an end to the strike portrays him as ruthless, setting the stage for a conflict between tradesmen and laborers.

Peggy's mother is worried about her daughter getting too close to Mr. Fortune, a married man. Meanwhile, Mrs. Astor seeks to end the Opera War by offering Mrs. Russell her dream box at The Academy. As season 2 of The Gilded Age nears its conclusion with episode 7, "Wonders Never Cease," the show continues to alternate between highs and lows. Bertha Russell rethinks her loyalty to The Met, and Marian questions her upcoming marriage to Dashiell Montgomery. Luke Forte's health declines, and Ada must prepare to say goodbye to her husband, which will mean returning to the Van Rhijn household.

8. Larry Russell Reveals Who Really Built The Brooklyn Bridge

While the Brooklyn Bridge prepares to finally open, and tycoon George Russell quells the strike by forging a deal with the indomitable Mr. Henderson, Oscar Van Rhijn proves he has no head for business, and the consequences of his reckless actions will have a ripple effect on every person he holds dear. Members of the Old Guard are in serious danger as The Gilded Age rounds out its bombastic second season, finally stepping into its own as a dynamic series dedicated to self-actualization and industrial progress that not only separates it from Downton Abbey, but shows that the sudden rise and fall of wealth is a distinctly American story.

8. Larry Russell Reveals Who Really Built The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge Finally Opens

The excitement surrounding the Brooklyn Bridge is palpable throughout New York City, with preparations in full swing for its upcoming grand opening. On the night dedicated to honoring Mr. Roebling, the visionary behind the project, Larry Russell, who was aware of Mr. Roebling's prolonged illness and his wife's instrumental role as an engineer in completing the construction, takes a moment to acknowledge Mrs. Roebling's significant contribution. While the public may not have been aware of Emily Roebling's pivotal role in building the Brooklyn Bridge, this respectful act of revisionism pays tribute to her involvement without straying too far from historical accuracy.

7. George Russell Cuts A Deal With The Union To Stop The Strike

He Gives In To Their Demands To Put A Larger Master Plan In Motion

In a surprising turn of events, George Russell negotiates a settlement with the factory workers, preventing the strike from escalating into violence. Despite appearing to give in to their demands, his larger strategy relies on the union believing they have the upper hand against the wealthy industrialists. He has granted them protections, healthcare, and a playground for children, but he has also secured a 10% wage increase for the craftsmen for six months, putting them in direct opposition to the laborers. This move is intended to sow discord within the union, proving that Mr. Russell is as cunning and ruthless as ever for those who thought he had become more lenient in the previous episode.

6. Jack Becomes A Member Of A Horological Society

Mr. Bannister Calls In A Favor

After failing to secure a patent for the escape mechanism he invented for his alarm clock, he thought all hope was gone. However, Mr. Bannister called in a special (previously unknown) favor. A member of a German horological society visits the Van Rhijn residence, not only approving his design but also granting him membership, enabling him to pursue his patent wholeheartedly. The downstairs staff has been receiving more attention in The Gilded Age season 2, and this subplot has not only underscored the resourcefulness of the working class but also highlighted that the era was a time of innovation for every industry leader, regardless of their position.

5. Peggy's Mother Suspects Mr. Fortune's Intentions

Their Closeness Grows While They Fight Against The Education Board

Following their intense experience in Tuskegee, Alabama, Peggy and Mr. Fortune are still deeply involved in investigating the Education Board's attempt to shut down schools for children of color. Despite appreciating their support, Peggy's mother becomes increasingly wary of their relationship and frets over her daughter's future working closely with a married man. At a glamorous rooftop party commemorating the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, Mrs. Scott subtly attempts to pair her daughter with other eligible suitors, but it's evident that none of them value Peggy for her professional abilities the way Mr. Fortune does.

4. Mrs. Astor Offers Mrs. Russell Her Dream Box At The Academy

Mrs. Astor Seeks To End The Opera War

In an unprecedented twist, Mrs. Astor extends an offer to Mrs. Russell for a box at The Academy, something she has always longed for and the very catalyst behind the Opera War. Despite considering the offer seriously, Bertha's husband reminds her that sticking to her principles will make her a founding member of The Met, and will also contribute to ushering in a new era of progress in the arts. Mrs. Russell has come too far to give in now, and her public refusal of Mrs. Astor's offer is a bold power play, clearly demonstrating to her adversary that the influence of the Old Guard is not only diminishing, but irrelevant.

3. Mr. Watson Is Given An Offer He Can't Refuse From Flora

Her Husband Tried To Make Him Leave New York Without Her Knowledge

In the earlier part of the season, Mr. Watson was offered an apartment in San Francisco by his son-in-law, Mr. McNeil, under the condition that he never saw his daughter, Flora, again. However, Mr. Watson insisted that he would only leave New York City if Flora herself expressed that she never wanted to see him again. In a surprising turn of events, Flora arrives at the Russell residence to affirm that she not only wants her father in her life but also offers him an apartment near her own residence. However, Mr. McNeil does not make it easy for Mr. Watson to integrate into their social circle.

2. Reverend Forte Dies From Cancer

Aunt Ada Is Devastated

Reverend Forte and Aunt Ada's story brought joy and warmth to the second season of The Gilded Age. However, in the mid-season finale, a shadow is cast over their tale. Luke's battle with cancer takes a turn for the worse, leading to his need for hospice care at the Van Rhijn residence after a fall. The rapid transformation of Aunt Ada from a happy newlywed to a grieving widow in just a few episodes is both heartbreaking and unjust. Yet, her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the saying, "'tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."

1. Oscar Van Rhijn Ruins The Van Rhijn Family

His Investment In Casterbridge Pacific Railroad Was A Sham

Speculation abounds regarding the true intentions of the enigmatic Ms. Beaton, who has been asserting throughout the season that she is the daughter of Jay Gould, despite a lack of evidence of any wealth. On her behalf, Oscar Van Rhijn poured a significant portion of the Van Rhijn fortune into the Casterbridge Pacific Railroad, unaware that Ms. Beaton had targeted him as a mark and would ultimately cheat him out of thousands. Blake Ritson delivers a stellar performance in The Gilded Age, portraying the devastating consequences of his character's reckless actions and the devastation caused by his selfishness.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I'm fascinated by the portrayal of women's contributions in "The Gilded Age" Season 2 Episode 7. The recognition of Mrs. Roebling's role in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge is a refreshing departure from the traditional narratives that often overlook women's achievements. It's empowering to see the show challenge historical inaccuracies and shed light on the significant impact women had during this era. This revisionist approach not only adds depth to the storyline but also serves as an important reminder of the unsung heroines who shaped history.

The episode also delves into the complexities of class struggles and labor movements. George Russell's negotiation with the union reveals his cunning and ruthless nature, as he strategically manipulates the situation to his advantage. This portrayal highlights the harsh realities faced by workers during the Gilded Age and the power dynamics that existed between industrialists and laborers. It's thought-provoking to see how the show explores the tensions and conflicts that arose during this period of rapid industrialization, and it prompts us to reflect on the ongoing struggles for workers' rights and fair labor practices in our contemporary society.