Cover (Photo: Courtesy of HBO)
(Photo: Courtesy of HBO)
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Society in New York in the late 1800s: glamorous and exciting or rife with intrigue and drama? Tatler friends tell us their thoughts
Introducing: Tatler Takes, your weekend guide to movies and series you must watch—or not. Today, we're asking our Tatler friends about their personal takes on some of the world's most talked-about series. We ask whether they loved it or hate it; and whether we should add it to our own weekend lineups.
This week, we're catching up with Julian Fellowes' The Gilded Age. Starring the likes of Cynthia Nixon, Carrie Coon, and Morgan Spector, The Gilded Age is a historical drama that opens our eyes to life during one of America's most exciting, yet most turbulent times.
Read more: Tatler Takes: What Did Our Friends Think of 'Bridgerton' Season 2?
HBO's The Gilded Age starts off with young Marian Brook, a woman from rural Pennsylvania who finds herself thrust into New York society. Now living with her "old-money" aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook, Marian must navigate through societal challenges as she becomes enmeshed in troubles between her family and her neighbours.
So is it a yes or a no from our Tatler friends? Let's find out:
Janthina Fong
Above (Photo: Janthina Fong)
(Photo: Janthina Fong)
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Did you enjoy the series? Please tell us why yes or no.
Beyond the obvious excess (the most enjoyable of trashy pleasures), a production guided by the hand of Julian Fellowes and the budget of HBO was bound to be show-stopping. I enjoyed the depiction of class struggle at the turn of the century and how it frames a wider story on the birth of modern America and capitalism as we know it. It was an exciting time of change and innovation, which didn’t always include everyone, but definitely changed the landscape forever. I also love the story of Peggy and how a mainstream audience can be introduced to a portrayal of the black elite in America. We, in Asia, know well that not all faces of wealth and privilege are white, but it seems much of the world is still waking up to that. But also, the larger-than-life characters, fashion, sets, food, everything is so extra.
If yes, what was your favourite part and why?
It has to be the whole butler-stealing debacle that comes to a crescendo as Agnes van Rhijn finally leaves her house to march over to the Russells' luncheon, where they’ve co-opted her butler to serve English-style for a special guest. If you can imagine your longtime nanny suddenly surprised to find she is serving your relatives and friends at your sworn enemy’s home while she is meant to be on her day off—now that is the drama I am here for.
What do you think needs to be improved?
With two sets of upstairs/downstairs and a large host of other characters in the periphery, there is often just a lot going on. Hopefully, they are able to trim away some of the fluff to focus on the more compelling characters and storylines that serve the bigger picture in Season 2. And less of boring old Marion who has the personality of her bag of old shoes.
Read more: The 1880s: Looking Back at the Most Decadent Era of New York Society
Erica Concepcion Reyes
Above (Photo: Tatler Philippines)
(Photo: Tatler Philippines)
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Did you enjoy the series? Please tell us why yes or no.
Yes, I love it! A luxurious period drama with extravagant sets and costumes, witty dialogue, romance, scheming characters and scandals—what’s not to enjoy?
If yes, what was your favourite part and why?
Being a jeweller, I enjoyed seeing the women put on their best jewellery at the season finale’s lavish ball. The fabulous jewellery, the show-stopping ball gowns, the opulent mansion of the Russells . . . it was a visual feast!
And during this grand ball, my favourite part of the season takes place: the face-off between Bertha Russell and Lina Astor. After all of her strategic manoeuvring, manipulation, and intimidation, Mrs Russell finally has her ball and secures the attendance of Mrs Astor and the rest of New York society’s inner circle. I enjoyed seeing Mrs Russell victorious in the finale as we have witnessed her earn her triumph throughout the season. Can’t wait to see what season 2 has in store!
What do you think needs to be improved?
Some storylines of the other characters felt underdeveloped and I feel could have been left out (for example, Mr Watson, the servant who would watch the lady from behind a tree and the grumpy Miss Armstrong’s private life with her mother).
Alicia Colby Sy
Above (Photo: Tatler Philippines)
(Photo: Tatler Philippines)
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Did you enjoy the series? Please tell us why yes or no.
My husband and I enjoyed watching the first season of The Gilded Age. Its premiere was timely since only months before, I read a book called The Social Graces by Renee Rosen, a work of fiction but based on real people and true events, specifically based on the relationship (and feud) between Ava Vanderbilt and Mrs Astor. I found it all so interesting that it led me into a deep dive into the lives of the two ladies along with some other knickerbocker families and some newly. minted New York millionaires at the turn of the century. It even got me reading about the Boston Brahmin who was somewhat the knickerbocker equivalents in Massachusetts. Social history is very engaging!
If yes, what was your favourite part and why?
I think I am most fascinated with how they all lived: the pomp and circumstance, the clothes and the silver—the decadence of it all! I also found the subject of the social hierarchy and all the prejudices quite engrossing.
Spoiler alert: I was very happy when the season ended with the characters of Marian Brook and Tom Raikes splitting up because I have secretly shipped her and Larry Rusell from day one. And if there's anything I want more of from the next season it's more Mrs Astor screen time, please!
What do you think needs to be improved?
I feel that The Gilded Age wants to be an upstairs/downstairs type of show yet I feel everything interesting is happening upstairs. I think the writers need to come up with more compelling storylines for the downstairs characters.
I love Cynthia Nixon and hope that more is revealed about her character Ada Brook. The current role is just way too boring for an actress of that talent.
And with legendary musical stage actresses Audra Mc Donald and Denee Benton in the cast, I hope they write in a scene where the two can belt out some tunes!
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