The Gilded Age on HBO - News & Discussion Thread - Page 2

[Auggie27]

Posted: 1/25/22 at 6:58pm

You raise solid points about the gay relationship mirroring the (questionable) accuracy of the black/white friendships. As noted above, I found the depiction of racist bias isolated to the downstairs characters ahistorical. It feels like wishful projection to exonerate the upper class, particularly the old money legacy-preserving characters. But Glamour has an interview with Benton in which she discusses the specific notes she gave to make that relationship more accurate. She decidedly had issues. One wonders what the script was like before she contributed. 

The gay relationship feels contemporary and thus altogether comfortable, which though a positive portrayal of LGBTQ lives has a whiff of anachronism. I thought it was Fellowes and HBO throwing an invested community -- the gay audience for Downton legendary -- a small reward, but we'll have to see how it's developed. Perhaps significant: most reviews of the first five episodes do not mention any gay relationships. Yet it's early, so we'll keep an open mind.  

Yet Vanity Fair, an outlier on the subject, worries about this, too:

"As was true of Downton Abbey, there is a main-ish gay character on The Gilded Age, once again a mostly closeted schemer and half villain—because, I suppose, Fellowes is going to Fellowes. This character at least is shown in moments of intimacy with another man, cognizant that he must marry a woman to keep up appearances, but steadfastly determined to maintain his discreet lifestyle all the while. Is that progress? Maybe, though I hope he doesn’t get stuck in the same eddy of secrecy and conniving that trapped Downton’s Thomas."

Updated On: 1/25/22 at 06:58 PM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/25/22 at 11:16pm

Broadway folks who will be popping in:

• Christine Baranski plays Agnes van Rhijn
• Cynthia Nixon plays Ada Brook
• Carrie Coon plays Bertha Russell
• Morgan Spector plays George Russell
• Denée Benton plays Peggy Scott
• Louisa Jacobson plays Marian Brook
• Taissa Farmiga plays Gladys Russell
• Blake Ritson plays Oscar van Rhijn
• Claybourne Elder plays John Adams
• Simon Jones plays Bannister
• Harry Richardson plays Larry Russell
• Thomas Cocquerel plays Tom Raikes
• Jack Gilpin plays Church
• Jeanne Tripplehorn plays Sylvia Chamberlain
• Patrick Page plays Richard Clay
• Douglas Sills plays Monsieur Baudin
• Amy Forsyth plays Caroline Astor
• Taylor Richardson plays Bridget
• Kelley Curran plays Turner
• Ben Ahlers plays Jack Treacher
• Nathan Lane plays Ward McAllister
• Audra McDonald plays Dorothy Scott
• Kelli O'Hara plays Aurora Fane
• Donna Murphy plays Mrs. Astor
• Michael Cerveris plays Watson
• Debra Monk plays Armstrong
• Katie Finneran plays Anne Morris
• Celia Keenan-Bolger plays Mrs. Bruce
• Kristine Nielsen plays Mrs. Bauer
• John Douglas Thompson plays Arthur Scott
• Bill Irwin plays Cornelius Eckhard
• Tom Blyth plays Archie Baldwin
• Sullivan Jones plays T. Thomas Fortune
• Linda Emond plays Clara Barton
• Michel Gill plays Patrick Morris
• Ward Horton plays Charles Fane
• Mitchell Jones plays The Russell Footman

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 1/26/22 at 8:05am

"As was true of Downton Abbey, there is a main-ish gay character on The Gilded Age, once again a mostly closeted schemer and half villain—because, I suppose, Fellowes is going to Fellowes. This character at least is shown in moments of intimacy with another man, cognizant that he must marry a woman to keep up appearances, but steadfastly determined to maintain his discreet lifestyle all the while. Is that progress? Maybe, though I hope he doesn’t get stuck in the same eddy of secrecy and conniving that trapped Downton’s Thomas."

Actually, my point was- I HOPE that the gay relationship is not treated in a liberated 2022 style.The black/white relationship is very 1940's or 50's- it seems to me- because there is a real sense of equality between the secretary and her friend who she lent money to. Is that an accurate depiction of how a black woman would be treated in Gilded Age NYC 1880"s? 

I hope if they want to portray a gay relationship- that it is seen the way it was seen at that time. 

"Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and being convicted thereof shall be liable at the discretion of the court to be imprisoned for any term not exceeding two years, with or without hard labour."  ----1880's reality.

 

Updated On: 1/26/22 at 08:05 AM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 1/26/22 at 8:19am

Point well taken. Agreed. I was referencing your issues with the ahistorical depiction of instant trans-racial solidarity, hoping the parallel wouldn't hold in the LGBTQ characters.  But also seeking any critical mention of the potential gay storyline in early reviews in response to your query, since critics were given 5 episodes and we'd seen but one.  

Updated On: 1/26/22 at 08:19 AM

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 1/26/22 at 8:36am

In all honesty, I haven't watched Downton Abbey. I tried, and couldn't get past the first few episodes. However, I want to try again. I love a period drama/soap, but I think for me the real draw is seeing Christine Baranski, Kelli O'Hara, Audra, Donna Murphy, etc. just all the Broadway talent. That's why I feel like I'm not going to wait on this one.

The gay relationship did make me groan a bit, only because I flashed back to the gay relationship on Bridgeton, and thought I've seen this before. I hope the show takes the characters/relationship in a way that makes it more interesting.

Speaking of other shows, Carrie Coon's character makes me think this is going to play along the lines of the most reason season of "Why Women Kill". An 'All About Eve"-esque situation. New will stop at nothing to get into where he/she feels he/she belongs. Coon is wonderful in the part. Makes me wonder how Amanda Peet (who was originally casted in the role) would have done. The costuming is gorgeous. 

I look forward to next week.

[Wick3]

Posted: 1/26/22 at 1:13pm

I was rooting for Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) to succeed until the scene where she mentioned she doesn't care for her old friends. 

It'll be interesting where this series will go. 

Given all the Broadway talent present in the cast, I hope there is at least some singing at some point.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/26/22 at 1:34pm

I’ve never seen one episode of DOWNTON ABBEY but I so enjoyed the ride on Episode 1 of THE GILDED AGE.  Luckily I’m not dissecting every little detail and expecting a historically accurate document.  It’s a frilly television series.  Give me good stories and plot and delicious locations and costumes.  Same reason I enjoyed Ryan Murphy’s HOLLYWOOD that totally created a fantasy universe while using real living people.  It’s TV, folks.  It’s not a documentary.  Enjoy the fun.  

Updated On: 1/26/22 at 01:34 PM

[RWPrincess]

Posted: 1/26/22 at 4:40pm

I loved Downton Abbey and recommend it for those who haven't seen it yet. This first episode of The Gilded Age did drag a bit for me but I still liked it. I think it's already better than Belgravia, the short series Fellowes did a couple years ago for Epix. I enjoyed the talent in this and am hoping the show finds its footing as it goes on. I'll stick around for the first season at least and see how it shakes out.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 1/27/22 at 9:29am

 

What a delicious new show! I have needed a new well-written soap and this looks like it will fit the bill.  It’s so much fun to watch all our Broadway heroes too.

The first episode did a good job introducing us to all the key players.  I agree with previous disappointments cited about the CGI effects.  

What we were talking most about during episode one were the costumes.  I have to say I was a little taken aback because some of those colors and outfits were so over the top.  I suppose that I am being schooled in NY Gilded “I can top your garish color with a gaudy print” Age style.  I guess I was foolishly thinking I would get more of the Downton Abbey stylish sophistication but I was wrong.  That orange monstrosity that Ada (Cynthia Nixon) wore had me rolling. And is it me or do all the women’s hats look like they are purposefully cockeyed?  Can’t wait for more. 

I loved this article that likens Bertha’s (Carrie Coon) arrival to the NY social scene with Kim Kardashian’s first visit to the Met Gala.

 

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 1/31/22 at 10:55pm

Who caught tonight’s episode?

[carousel94]

Posted: 2/1/22 at 12:02am

I did, I’m really enjoying it so far. I also couldn’t stop thinking Katie Finneran bears a strong resemblance to Glenn Close in these costumes.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 2/1/22 at 8:34am

I liked this episode. Still some mystery as to how some of these characters are all going to fit. I'm starting to see the ball of string unravelling. It's like on a Murder, She Wrote where they pan over a clue for an extra few seconds to imply it's a clue.

 

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The moment between Mr. Russell and his wife's maid makes me think the seed is planted for something down the line. 

Can I say the running time of about 45 minutes was welcomed, as I felt last week's was over by about 20 minutes. 

Updated On: 2/1/22 at 08:34 AM

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 2/1/22 at 9:23am

I laughed out loud at:

 

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"What will happen to me?"

"Oh. Don't worry about that. I will outlive you."

 

 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 2/1/22 at 9:05pm

The show- unlike the fabulous Downton Abbey- is mediocre. It is okay- and watchable- but the writing is just okay- and I do not think Christine Baranski is particularly well cast. 

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 8:38am

The Gilded Age is getting better with every episode. And seeing so many Broadway luminaries in this production- is really something. If you did not much like it and found the first two episodes mediocre- maybe stick with it. I did- and I am now hooked. Of course, I love this time period- and loved Downton Abbey so, for me, this was an easy sell.

[SisterGeorge]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 2:02pm

BWAY Baby2 said: "The show- unlike the fabulous Downton Abbey- is mediocre. It is okay- and watchable- but the writing is just okay- and I do not think Christine Baranski is particularly well cast."

After this past Monday's episode that's was my conclusion too about Baranski. I enjoy her in most everything, but here she doesn't seem to believe anything she's saying. And I do wish Louisa Jacobson weren't so flat and had a little more rebellious spunk. That said, I'm hooked on the soap. I think Coon and Spector are terrific (their back-to-back humiliations of the Morrises was delicious).

 I do cringe, though, every time they go downstairs, where the show's blatant carbon copy of Downton is most obvious.

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 2:42pm

First came "Upstairs Downstairs," then "Downton Abbey," and now "The Gilded Age".   So, I've been enjoying the same basic story for several decades.

Updated On: 2/11/22 at 02:42 PM

[Wick3]

Posted: 2/11/22 at 2:51pm

I was watching this interview and loved how Carrie Coon is a fan of Denee Benton and Michael Cerveris! Yet sadly she doesn't interact with them that much during the show.

 

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 2/14/22 at 3:17pm

New episode tonight and the show has just been renewed for a second season. New season means hopefully more of our stage favorites onscreen. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/HBO-Renews-THE-GILDED-AGE-For-A-Second-Season-20220214

[imeldasturn]

Posted: 3/2/22 at 6:51pm

What was going on with Kristine Nielsen's accent in the last episode

[David10086]

Posted: 3/4/22 at 5:07pm

I've been looking forward to this series since it was first announced as an NBC drama several years ago. I've waited with a burning anticipation every time a drop of news came our way over the years - casting, delays, different networks, etc. I couldn't wait to sit down and watch this when it premiered in January...and half way through the series, I'm so disappointed. 

First - terribly miscast, starting with Baranski (who I love in everything she does!). Cynthia Nixon - also miscast, as well as Jacobson. I'm glad so many theater actors and actresses have found emplpyment on this show (filmed durign the pandemic), but watching Coon, Benton and so many others come across so flat in their roles only points to the fact that the transition from stage to television isn't necessarily an easy one.

Second - I can't get past the CGI. Whenever a scene is shot outdoors, it looks so fake and unreal. It may have seemed like a good idea on paper, but the execution is unbearable.  

 

Third - the storylines are blah at best. Whenever they bring the viewer 'downstairs', I cringe. I know what's coming since I've seen it all on U/D and DA - and have seen it done so much better. 

I will stick with it, and watch season 2 - with hopes that season 2 will find it's footing and be much better. 

[MCW1227]

Posted: 3/4/22 at 5:44pm

Not sure what I’m missing, but I think aside from seeing Broadway actors on tv, it’s a pretty boring and stuffy show. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 3/4/22 at 6:00pm

I'm finding that it gets stronger with each episode.

It's not GREAT television, and that style of language can be really tough for American actors to sound like actual human beings. But I'm having a nice time with it. The CG hasn't been as jarring since the first episode.

It's a real slow burn for Baranski getting anything worthwhile to do.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 3/21/22 at 9:05pm

Season finale time… now that we have a full first season, what we’re everyone’s thoughts?

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 3/21/22 at 10:11pm

I gave up on this about two weeks ago. I'm so sad. I could not have been more excited for this series, but every week, it's just the same middle-of-the-road stuff. None of it is bad, but none of it is great or transcendent or gripping. Just feels like a weekly dose of "Well, here ya go." There are hardly ever any highs or lows. Just scene after scene. 

I watched Downton Abbey from start to finish (one of my all-time favorites), and I'm a big theatre lover and a history geek. Really could not have been more perfectly suited of a demographic for this show. But this quickly became a chore to watch, which disappoints me greatly to say.