Opulent Obsessions: New York’s Finest Hour

Read Time:3 Minute, 56 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
The Gilded Age: Season 2
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Genre: Drama, Period
Year Released: 2022-
Runtime: 8 x 60m episodes
Director(s): Michael Engler, Salli Richardson Whitfield, Deborah Kampmeier, Crystle Roberson Dorsey
Writer(s): Julian Fellowes, Sonja Warfield
Cast: Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Thomas Cocquerel, Simon Jones, Jack Gilpin, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski
Where To Watch: season 2 on DVD, available here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE GILDED AGE: SEASON 2 returns to enchant us with its lavish depiction of 1880s New York, where the battle lines between old money and new fortunes are drawn. The visions of the city’s elite are brilliantly unfurled against the backdrop of sumptuous set pieces and a cast led by Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, and Denée Benton. While the series easily navigates through its complex web of social ladders, it occasionally falters under the weight of its ambition. Yet, the sheer drama and beauty of the production keep viewers captivated, showcasing a mixture of tension and grandeur that is hard to turn away from.

Central to the narrative is the struggle of the social elite, where Bertha Russell’s tireless quest to secure a coveted spot among New York’s upper crust. Her endeavors to elevate her family’s status involve a strategic, albeit fraught, foray into high culture, rallying behind the New Metropolitan Opera. Coon’s portrayal of Bertha is both fierce and nuanced, drawing audiences to rally behind her with fervent anticipation of her next move.

As the story unfolds, it delves into the personal and professional lives of the Russell family and their extended social circle. We see George Russell tackling labor unrest at his industrial stronghold while Marian Brook seeks fulfillment beyond the societal expectation of marriage by embracing a teaching position. These plotlines inject a dose of reality into the series, though they sometimes crowd the main storyline, slightly muddying the overall narrative focus.

Among the standout performances is Baranski’s Agnes Van Rhijn, a bastion of the old guard who wields her power sharply. Her interactions with Bertha are charged with tension, making their scenes together some of the most electric in the series. These moments highlight the shifting tides of power and influence in a city as unforgiving as opulent.

In stark contrast to the struggles of the upper echelons, Denée Benton’s Peggy Scott offers a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a woman carving out her path amid societal and family expectations. Her storyline is particularly poignant, resonating with themes of personal growth and social change, and she is beautifully portrayed with depth and sincerity.

THE GILDED AGE: SEASON 2 occasionally struggles to maintain a tight narrative, with some subplots and characters not receiving the development they deserve. The sprawling nature of the story sometimes leads to a dilution of central themes.

Nevertheless, THE GILDED AGE: SEASON 2 remains a compelling portrayal of a pivotal time in American history, anchored by stellar performances and meticulous attention to detail. With the potential for sharpening its focus in forthcoming seasons, the series promises to carve out a niche in the annals of memorable period dramas.

For fans of historical narratives and lavish productions, THE GILDED AGE: SEASON 2 offers a grand tour of America’s past splendors and struggles. It is a visual and dramatic treat that continues to draw in viewers with its promise of intrigue and luxury. It makes the journey through New York's Gilded Age as mesmerizing as ever.

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[photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY HOME ENTERTAINMENT, HBO]

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