Railroad Daddy (George Russell) in ‘The Gilded Age’ has been through it: from surviving an assassination attempt to now battling a drug addiction.
Episode two picks up with the hunt for George’s would-be assassin. We learn it was the son of the late Mr. Morris. As George processes this and his business concerns, his behavior is less composed, and Larry Russell sees through it. During the standoff with Mr. Rockefeller, Larry attempts to let cooler heads prevail. Yet his actions only anger his father, George.
Larry makes a point that George does not heed his advice as an accomplished businessman. However, George fires back, reminding Larry that Larry’s success is due to George giving him opportunities that have led to his accomplishments.
Bertha Russell, or Opera Mommy as Da Gild calls her, has returned home. She is determined to make sure the cracks beneath the surface of her marriage do not show. In this mission, she finds an unlikely ally in none other than Mrs. Astor. At The Met, Bertha goes head-to-head with the new Mrs. Enid van Rhijn.
We know these two have long-standing animosity, but now they are on the same playing field… kind of. Enid has the status she has always wanted, but she wants one more thing: the love she saw between the Russells in season one. While Enid leverages the President’s upcoming visit at her new mother-in-law’s home, she should be cautious. Her past efforts to one-up Bertha have never proven fruitful.
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros. Discovery
Mrs. Astor and Bertha share one thing we see in this episode. As far as they are concerned, their marital problems are not for public discussion. For a moment we see Mrs. Astor take Bertha under her wing. The society in The Gilded Age is full of contradictions. The same women who sneer at the opulence displayed at The Met do so sitting down with tiaras and jewels that pay homage to European royalty. Also, the same women who claim to value marriages are constantly looking for cracks in marriages around them.
Bertha has never been shy about needing her husband. After a talk with Mrs. Astor about society noticing the absence of George, Bertha knows she must do something to save her marriage. Before she can wrap her head around this, Mrs. Morris appeals to her for George to spare the young Mr. Morris. Bertha’s appeal to George works, twofold. He lets the young Mr. Morris and his mother go, and he returns home.
Marian is on track to learn a lesson in the coming episodes. The question is which one? It seems like Marian might be content at the Settlement House, where she helps those less fortunate. A noble cause, of course, but her life is also calling to her. As much as she might try to deny it, it’s clear, and Aunt Ada tries to call her attention to it.
But Marian is too preoccupied with her escapade with Larry Russell and potential damage to her reputation. Larry is a catch, and it might only be so long before another family (cough, cough: the Astors) puts their bid in for his attention.
Meanwhile, Aunt Agnes finds herself in a world that she does not like but must accept. From dealing with new curtains to attending The Met, instead of The Academy, Agnes is struggling to see past the veil of the past. However, the interview that she gives might do more damage to her family’s reputation than she knows. In the interview she comes across as closed-minded and judgmental. The Gilded Age succeeds in showing the denial of some in societal power at that time. Change is coming, whether they like it or not.
Aunt Ada is trying to become her own person, and takes a gamble on hiring the young, fumbling, and talkative footman: Oliver. Mr. Bannister and Agnes have their misgivings about Oliver, but Ada believes this can be a chance for the young man to learn more. She and Agnes continue their power struggle for the upper hand in the house.
Back in Newport, Peggy Scott and Audra Scott are meeting the Daughters of Friendship for the first time. Yet some of these women do not come off as friendly at all. In fact, they seem put off that Peggy is a writer of fiction, and someone who spends her time “thinking.” What a novel idea! Pun intended.
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros. Discovery
But the real act of betrayal comes from Peggy’s soon-to-be mother-in-law. When the older Mrs. Kirkland introduces Peggy as a widow, it’s the last straw for Audra. The confrontation shows one thing: Mrs. Kirkland is cunning. Dr. Maya Angelou once said: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” Peggy might already believe what she’s seeing with her future mother-in-law.
Elsewhere, Dr. Kirkland continues to try to fight for his patients and learns that racism will always be a challenge for him in this fight. When he loses a patient due to this barrier, it eats at him in a way that Peggy truly understands. And this is where the beauty of their relationship lies. Dr. Kirkland comes from a community, but he also chose Peggy as his future bride for a reason. His profession as a Black physician will have many trials, and a partner like Peggy might be the exact support he needs.
A few things stand out as episode two ends. Enid should be careful, and here is why. Agnes’ interview with the visiting reporter might do incredible damage to the family name. New York is no longer just for old money; new money is pouring in. And while Agnes doesn’t believe those individuals matter, they do and they are starting to have a say in what society is. Enid might have hitched herself to a sinking ship.
This episode of The Gilded Age showed many “friendships,” and many with ulterior motives. The season is setting up to be a game of chess. The question is, who will have enough power in the end to calmly say “checkmate”?
