The Gilded Age Season 2 Premiere: Unveiling the Top 8 Story Twists

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Marion learns that Mr. Raikes, her previous romantic interest, has married another person. However, she finds solace in the encouragement of her aunts and her friend Peggy.

There is a possibility that Marion's cousin, Dashiell, relocating to New York City, could become a potential love interest for her.

Mr. Russell contemplates dismantling the union of his workers, resulting in escalating tensions as armed soldiers confront the striking laborers.

The Gilded Age, Julian Fellowes' American counterpart to Downton Abbey, returns for a second season filled with hidden motives, emotional turmoil, and shocking plot twists. The explosive premiere episode takes place on Easter Sunday, bringing together the wealthiest members of New York City's society, who share surprising revelations amidst the grandeur. Carrie Coon portrays Bertha Russell, armed with her newfound wealth from her husband's railroad empire, as she strives to solidify her place among the elite by acquiring a box at the opera while maintaining a volatile friendship with Mary Astor.

8. Mr. Raikes Gets Married

, the captivating force of economic activity during that era, swept Marion Brook (Louisa Jacobson) along its current, leading her to experience the most exhilarating highs and devastating lows in the previous season. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when the fickle affections of a suitor compel her to rely on the support of her aunts, Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon) and the formidable Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski). Meanwhile, Marion's friend Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) finds solace in the resolution of her son's death and makes a pivotal decision regarding her future. Additionally, Oscar Van Rhijn (Blake Ritson), the head of the household, enters into a thought-provoking phase where he contemplates assuming his responsibilities seriously. Prepare to be enthralled by the captivating season 2 premiere of The Gilded Age.

In The Gilded Age season 1, Marion uncovers that the man she adored, Mr. Raikes, has married Mrs. Bingham. Despite his previous eagerness to marry Marion, she soon realizes that their engagement served as a ticket for him to attend prestigious parties among high society. Once he discovers a partner more suitable for his Machiavellian pursuit of social advancement, he abruptly ends their relationship. Though she is wounded, Marion's brave nature prevails and she seeks solace in the companionship of her aunts and her best friend, Peggy.

7. Cousin Dashiell Comes To New York City

Although not shown onscreen, Marion's cousin Dashiell relocates to the bustling city of New York, causing quite a stir. Described as a charming widower, there is a possibility that he might become Marion's potential love interest in the upcoming second season. Agnes emphasizes fervently that they are only connected through marriage, not by blood. Having endured a tumultuous journey with Mr. Raikes, a new suitor may be just what Marion needs. In an exciting turn of events, next week's episode will feature a delightful tea luncheon that is sure to accelerate heartbeats.

6. Mr. Russell Seriously Considers Busting The Union

5. Peggy Attends Her Son's Funeral

While in discussions with other prominent leaders in the industry, Mr. Russell contemplates the possibility of breaking the union that represents his workers. The wealthy members of his group view unions as incompatible with capitalism and are grappling with how they will impact their own resources. When one individual suggests pitting groups of workers against each other until they eliminate each other, leaving only those who secure a job, Mr. Russell appears to genuinely consider this proposal. A preview for next week's episode reveals soldiers loading firearms and aiming them at striking laborers.

In season 1, it was revealed that Peggy's father put her child up for adoption, a heartbreaking betrayal she cannot forgive. Tragically, her son and his adoptive mother pass away from scarlet fever. At the funeral, the adoptive father treats Peggy with empathy and respect, even offering her a cherished teddy bear and a photograph of her son. Overwhelmed by the loss, Peggy realizes she can no longer reside in her parents' house and asks Marion for the chance to move back in, despite the tensions caused by Agnes van Rhijn's attitude.

4. Oscar Van Rhijn Proposes To Gladys Russell

Keeping his secret life as a gay man hidden has been challenging for Oscar van Rhijn. After engaging in self-destructive behavior for a while, he finally decides to take his role as the head of the van Rhijn household seriously. With his long-term partner ending their relationship, Oscar sees proposing to Gladys Russell as a way to conceal his true self and conform to the societal norms of that time period. Gladys, who is desperate to escape her mother's authoritarian rules, seriously contemplates accepting Oscar's proposal in order to leave her mother's house and start her own life as an independent woman.

3. Mrs. Russell Purchases A House In Newport

Determined to gain acceptance from New York City's prestigious old guard, Mrs. Russell goes to great lengths. In an effort to surpass the Astor family, she acquires a magnificent mansion in Newport. Her oldest son, an up-and-coming architect, diligently renovates the property, ensuring it is impeccable for hosting a grand celebration. Being "new money" without the lineage and pedigree of the established families, Mrs. Russell constantly feels inferior and resorts to extreme measures to be part of their exclusive circle, without facing disdain. Her ultimate goal is to triumph over their arrogant ways and earn their respect.

2. Famous Opera Diva Christina Nilsson Performs At Mrs. Russell's Dinner

Mrs. Russell hosts a strategic gathering for opera enthusiasts, extending invitations to both members of the traditional opera guild and supporters of the Metropolitan Opera House. The Metropolitan Opera House, being a new and inclusive institution, poses a threat to the established excellence and cultural preferences of the old guard. Adding to the climax of the event, opera diva Christina Nilsson captivates the audience with her performance, leaving Mrs. Astor astonished and highlighting her lack of support for The Met. As a result, Mrs. Russell achieves her initial victory in a prolonged battle.

1. Oscar Gets Beaten After A Secret Hookup

Despite considering the possibility of fulfilling his mother's expectation of becoming a responsible figurehead, Oscar still indulges in socializing at bars that specifically cater to the gay community. Witnessing his former lover happily walking hand in hand with another man in the park, Oscar finds solace in alcohol one night. During this vulnerable state, he is approached by a man who leads him to a secluded alley behind the bar and physically assaults him. Aware that reporting this incident would inadvertently reveal his own sexual orientation, Oscar is pushed to his breaking point. This distressing moment ultimately compels him to suppress his own truth, marry a woman, and conform to a conventional life, marking one of the most tragic events in The Gilded Age season 2.

Editor's P/S

The Gilded Age Season 2 Premiere: Unveiling the Top 8 Story Twists

The Gilded Age Season 2 Episode 1 Recap: A captivating return to the extravagant lives of the wealthy and notorious, filled with scandal, love, betrayal, and unexpected twists

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Gilded Age season 2, episode 1!

The Gilded Age is back for a second season, and it's bigger and better than ever. The season premiere, titled "Never the New," was packed with scandal, love, betrayal, and unexpected twists. Here are the top 8 story twists from the episode:

1. Marion learns that Mr. Raikes, her previous romantic interest, has married another person. However, she finds solace in the encouragement of her aunts and her friend Peggy. 2. There is a possibility that Marion's cousin, Dashiell, relocating to New York City, could become a potential love interest for her. 3. Mr. Russell contemplates dismantling the union of his workers, resulting in escalating tensions as armed soldiers confront the striking laborers. 4. Bertha Russell, armed with her newfound wealth from her husband's railroad empire, strives to solidify her place among the elite by acquiring a box at the opera while maintaining a volatile friendship with Mary Astor. 5. Oscar Van Rhijn, the head of the household, enters into a thought-provoking phase where he contemplates assuming his responsibilities seriously. 6. Peggy Scott finds solace in the resolution of her son's death and makes a pivotal decision regarding her future. 7. The return of the charming widower, Dashiell, causes quite a stir among the wealthy elite of New York City. 8. A preview for next week's episode reveals soldiers loading firearms and aiming them at striking laborers, hinting at a potential confrontation between the workers and the wealthy elite.