Warning: SPOILERS for The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 2 - “What the Papers Say.”
HBO’sThe Gilded Agestarted off season 3 with a strong premiere episode, and season 3, episode 2, was a satisfying follow-up.The Gilded Ageseason 3 debuted with the highest ratingsso far, and from the first two episodes, it is already clear that the growing popularity and great reviews of Julian Fellowes' historical drama are well-deserved.The Gilded Age’s cast of charactersreturned for a new season of competing for power and status in 19th-century New York with even more romance on the horizon than in seasons 1 and 2.
Following Bertha Russell’s decisive victory in the opera war in season 2,The Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 1, set up new feuds, but this time with more personal stakes than ever. Ada Forte and Agnes van Rhijn were already at odds in season 3’s premiere, andGeorge and Bertha Russell’s differences of opinion about Gladys Russell’s futureset up drama for their family as well.
Theend ofThe Gilded Ageseason 3’s premieresaw Gladys running away from the Russell home.The Gilded Ageseason 2’s ending sees Hector, the Duke of Buckingham, return to New York, but witha surprise could upend Bertha’s plans for Gladys.
The Duke Of Buckingham Returns To New York - With His Lawyer?
George And Gladys Russell Are Blindsided By His Return
New York’s high society were abuzz about the return of Hector, Duke of Buckingham, but it is not until the final moments ofThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 2, that audiences actually get to see him return. With Gladys' attempts to escape her mother’s plan for her future, the Duke is not necessarily framed in the best light, despite not having done much at all. However, when the Duke enters the Russell household,he is accompanied by his lawyer,which even George Russell didn’t see coming.
WhileThe Gilded Age’s season 2 ending implied Bertha Russell had offered her daughter in marriage to the Duke, his reappearance in season 3, episode 2 is somewhat more confusing. When the family is greeting the Duke in their entrance hall and preparing for dinner, Hector arriving with his lawyer implies a twist to the secret pact the Duke made with Bertha. Part of the Duke’s proposed marriage to Gladys involves a hefty dowry from George, butwhat else is the Duke now bargaining for that he needs his attorney present?
Why Billy Carlton Breaks Up With Gladys Russell
Billy Does Not Want To Fight With Gladys' Mother
WhenThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 2 begins, audiences learn that Gladys ran away from her home to Billy Carlton’s house and remained there overnight. While Billy’s mother argues that young people will do what they want to do, Bertha Russell is not satisfied with that answer and makes it clear that Billy and Gladys' courtship will not happen. In spite of this, Billy still wants to propose and ask George Russell properly at a party they both attend later, buthe quickly gets scared and leaves before asking.
While Gladys attempts to tell herself that the party simply was not the right time, Billy Carlton later comes to her home and breaks up with her. Though it seems unlikely that Gladys will be able to let go so easily in the coming episodes, it is clear that Billy broke up with Gladys becausehe was intimidated by her father’s wealth and stature and even more so by Bertha’s outright threats. Even if Gladys does continue to fight with her mother over her future husband, Billy learned the same lesson as Archie Baldwin inThe Gilded Ageseason 1.
Aurora Fane Ends The Sisters' Power Struggle… For Now
The Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 1 already set up a feud between Ada Forte and Agnes Van Rhijnover who should be considered the head of the household. Agnes had been in charge for so long that it is easy to understand how difficult it would be to give all her power up. With Ada’s new fortune and responsibility for the staff’s pay, though, it would be completely unfair for her to have no say in how the house is run.
Aurora Fane ended the servants' confusion and declared Ada Forte in charge of the Van Rhijn house.
Thankfully, in episode 2, Aurora Fane ended the servants' confusion and declared Ada Forte in charge of the Van Rhijn house. With everything thatAurora is going through due to her pending divorce, this may have, in part, helped take one stressor off her own plate, but it was a question that every person in the house needed an answer to, thoughAgnes is unlikely to quietly give up power in the coming episodes.
The Gilded Age Introduces Peggy Scott’s New Love Interest
Her Illness Was Just A Way To Introduce Dr. William Kirkland
InThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 1, Peggy Scott becomes concerningly ill, but in episode 2, she is already recovering. Meanwhile, the real purpose of her illness has become very transparent. Peggy’s illness was actually just a way for the series to introduce an important new character. After Agnes' racist doctor refused to treat Peggy inThe Gilded Ageseason 3’s premiere,Peggy’s parents hired a doctor named William Kirklandto take care of her in episode 2.
After Peggy’s decision to quit her job atThe Globeat theend ofThe Gilded Ageseason 2put distance between herself and Thomas Fortune, Miss Scott needed a new love interest.Dr. Kirkland is now here to fill that gap, as the pair were immediately flirtatious. Peggy’s brief illness also served as a good way to have her parents and Agnes Van Rhijn interact and for her parents to convince her to vacation in Newport, giving the series a reason to return to the idyllic Rhode Island setting.
Why Marian Brook Is In No Rush To Marry Larry Russell
After Two Close Calls, Marian Does Not Want Any More Mistakes
Marian Brook and Larry Russell already seem like one of the more stable couples inThe Gilded Ageseason 3, and the pair have had great chemistry since their introduction in season 1. However,after Marian’s failed engagements in seasons 1 and 2, Miss Brook is understandably cautious. InThe Gilded Ageseason 1,Marian was engaged to Tom Raikes, who left her for a wealthier partner. In season 2, she was engaged to Dashiell Montgomery, but she chose to break off the engagement because she didn’t love him.
Marian’s connection with Larry is genuinely requited. Even so, Miss Brook has already been burned twice and does not want to make the same mistake again. When Ada questions Marian about her feelings, it does make sense for her to say thatshe wants to verify their relationship is real. WhileThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 2 does see them have another passionate kiss, there are many things that the young couple needs to watch out for before becoming engaged.
Charles Fane’s Divorce From Aurora Turns Even More Cruel
Charles Fane Makes His Choice Clear To Society
HBO creator Julian Fellowes hinted thatThe Gilded Ageseason 3 would be about divorce, but the couple on the outs was unexpectedly Charles and Aurora Fane. The Fanes have been inThe Gilded Agesince season 1, but as supporting characters. Season 3 has now put a spotlight on Aurora and Charles in a very dramatic way. AfterCharles asked for a divorcein episode 1, Mr. Fane had the gall to show up to Aurora’s society event with his mistress in full view of Mrs. Astor.
Even if the event was in his own house, it was callously inappropriate for Charles to flaunt the woman he’s been cheating with, especially since Aurora had been attempting to keep his betrayal a secret. Divorce in 19th century high society was definitely not easy on women, asThe Gilded Agehas already shown, but Charles showing up to the party added another layer of trouble for Aurora to deal with in the coming episodes. Despite poor Aurora’s best efforts to keep his cheating and desire for divorce under wraps, it will inevitably come out, and the trouble will fall on her.
