The Gilded Age Recap: The Return of Hector

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We’re underway with a lively event, and I require sharp wit and gossip to spice up my historical productions. At this gathering, the guests were too scattered at first, but now they’re bumping into each other left and right! I can’t help but enjoy it. These interactions are like falling stars, each one causing a bit of drama. The more collisions we see, the greater the fallout – for instance, “Mrs. Astor has withdrawn my invitation to next month’s charity bazaar in support of injured polo horses.” *shocked gasps*

It appears as if Gladys has left Consuelo Vanderbilt’s orbit and eloped with an ordinary fellow named Billy, causing quite the commotion among the staff. Larry is displeased with Bertha for pushing Gladys into this predicament. However, it turns out that Gladys isn’t actually running away; she’s merely staying at Billy’s residence under acceptable circumstances (for those of a more explicit imagination).

Gladys! You can’t elude the wheels of destiny, or rather Bertha’s schemes, unless you make bold and irreversible moves! Frankly, even if she had eloped with Billy, I’m not convinced that Bertha couldn’t have simply annulled the marriage and silenced it all with her vast wealth. To be honest, even if Gladys tried to outsmart Bertha, I believe we all know that’s a battle she wouldn’t stand a chance in winning.

When Bertha picks up Gladys from the Carlton family, Victoria Clark (hello once more, Broadway star!) attempts to ease tensions between the couple by making conciliatory remarks. However, it seems that Bertha is completely against their union, so Mrs. Carlton brings up her great-grandfather’s role in signing the Declaration of Independence and asks Bertha what her ancestors were doing instead. I suppose, friend, they might have been engaged in activities that didn’t involve removing the condemnation of slavery from our country’s founding charter.

The latest update on Peggy’s health is no longer being delayed. Last week, I was genuinely worried about her, as she was coughing a lot, and I usually try to avoid spoilers before an episode airs. It seemed like they might be writing her off, but it turns out that her illness has provided an opportunity for Audra McDonald and Christine Baranski to share scenes together again. Even though their characters have a history from The Good Fight, I’m still amazed at how they were able to act so professionally together without breaking character. The atmosphere on set must have been very different!

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself drawn into the narrative where Peggy’s illness has summoned her parents to our household. Eager to avoid the prying eyes, I attempt to sneak in through the servants’ entrance, but Arthur firmly refuses, leading us all through the grand front door, accompanied by the striking doctor he’s brought along. Agnes graciously seats us in the parlor while the dashing doctor attends to Peggy. Oh, he’s quite a looker! I can’t help but hope he’s not already taken – there are far too many married men on this show. The heat outside may be scorching, but my heart yearns for a warm foot bath just like the one he requested for Peggy. Despite the sweltering heat index, desires often run deeper. Thankfully, Peggy’s condition begins to improve, bringing much-needed relief. Agnes emphasizes their family’s upbringing to be courteous towards everyone, and that’s exactly what she does. Arthur counters by stating that good manners might not be the solution for centuries of slavery. I couldn’t agree more! They find common ground in parenthood, and we are all heartened by the exceptional performances of Audra McDonald and Christine Baranski.

In the lower part of the house, Miss Armstrong persists with her racially prejudiced remarks. “I’m just echoing what everyone is thinking.” “That’s not true.” I can sense a modern spirit in you, 2025! The other staff members are more preoccupied with who now holds the reins of the household since Ada has amassed all the wealth (it’s indeed Ada!), and they also wonder if Ada will make them agree to an abstinence pact. As a side remark, some of these pacts allowed for moderate consumption of alcohol. The term teetotaler originated from those who advocated for total abstention from alcohol. In my view, the movement’s push for complete abstinence was one of the reasons it failed. However, our discussion today isn’t about my thoughts on the demise of the temperance movement, though they might be accurate. The staff members are hesitant to sign the pact, and when Ada asks Marian, Marian politely declines and, remarkably, expresses her regret if this displeases Ada.

At last, the moment we’ve all been anticipating has arrived! George is back home, and as soon as he sets foot inside, he encounters JP Morgan. Bill Camp portrays JP Morgan in such a captivating way that I find myself yearning for more of him on screen. It’s surprising how much I want to see this character in my shows now!

George and JP discuss George’s grand railway concept, which JP likens to the feat of Moses parting the Red Sea. This ambitious project presents a significant risk with the potential for immense reward. JP offers his support, but if George falls short, he must face the consequences alone. Could this be hinting at things to come? I can’t help but worry about George’s grand railway idea.

If this were the musical adaptation of The Gilded Age, George might take this moment to belt out “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman.

After Gladys sought refuge at Billy’s, both women return home. Upon their arrival, George affectionately kisses Bertha on the cheek. Are you pondering about 2025’s daily challenges or the emotional strain it might face? Yet, here we are discussing a simple Cheek Kiss? Later, Gladys confides in George about being sold to Duke Hector and her desire for his protection, which leads to her departure. The scene then shifts from the couple passionately kissing on the couch to the KITCHEN. Why the sudden change of location? Does one need to delve into fan fiction to fill in the gaps? This particular story unfolds during Pride festivities. Is this an explicit fan fiction account or merely a tale set against the backdrop of a Pride parade?

From George and Bertha, we only receive as much information as they’re willing to share, even though there was a scene involving their bedroom discussion about Gladys’s future and decision-making authority. In the boardroom, Bertha suggests that George can influence Gladys’s marriage, hinting at ideas related to railroads and steel mills. However, it seems Bertha is attempting to empower Gladys through this union, but one has to wonder if she truly knows Gladys at all.

Before we delve into the climactic moments of Gladys and Billy, let’s discuss the Fane predicament first. Aurora and Charles were supposed to host the Young Women’s Christian Association that week, but Charles has been ignoring Aurora’s letters. Despite his desire for a divorce, he’s being cold and unfeeling towards Aurora, seemingly enjoying causing her distress. At the YWCA gathering, Aurora lies to everyone, including Mrs. Astor, saying that Charles is too ill to attend. Donna Murphy, it’s wonderful to see you again; I’ve missed you dearly. To everyone’s dismay, Charles shows up at the event with his mistress. Mrs. Astor witnesses the scene and leaves in disgust, while Charles explains to Aurora that the woman he’s with didn’t want to come but he forced her to do so. Agnes effectively rebukes Charles, but it would be even more gratifying if someone could shatter all his dreams and aspirations.

At the YWCA gathering, it was expected that Billy would propose to George about marrying Gladys. However, when Billy approached George, who was conversing with two other men, he showed cowardice and retreated. This turn of events benefited him since Bertha had previously warned Mrs. Carlton at this party that if Billy persisted, he would never secure another job, and the Russells would cut off Gladys’ inheritance. Meanwhile, a descendant of John Adams was expressing affection and confidence in Oscar, offering financial assistance to help him recover financially. This act of kindness from the John Adams lineage served as a form of redemption!

In a rather public manner, Larry and Marian continue to secretly engage in romantic activities, despite everyone being fully aware of their relationship. Instead of seizing the opportunity for a private moment in the servants’ entrance, where they could have shared a passionate kiss, Larry opted for a display that was more fitting for a public spectacle – jumping into a parked carriage with wide-open windows and numerous onlookers nearby. This setting certainly provided an ideal platform for some passionate displays. I find myself yearning for the romantic carriage scene from Bridgerton at this point, as it at least offered some semblance of privacy. Admittedly, there was a hint of intimacy between Larry and Jack the Clock Boy during Jack’s suit fitting, but Larry seemed particularly fond of Jack. In fact, he even held a suggestive cigarette throughout the encounter. I believe that Harry Richardson, who portrays Larry, possesses an exceptional ability to create chemistry with his co-stars. However, I sincerely hope that Larry and Marian will eventually tie the knot and live happily ever after.

The dinner concludes for Duke Hector, and just before it starts, Billy secretly contacts Gladys to announce their relationship is no longer feasible and it’s finished. Not very considerate, Billy. However, if you’re this bad at it, maybe it’s for the better. I can’t help but feel a bit like Bertha here. Hector arrives with his lawyer, leaving George astounded. He assures Gladys that he’ll handle the situation. Will you, George? (Can we rephrase this to make it sound less confrontational and more straightforward?)

At the dinner’s end, Duke Hector is joined, and moments beforehand, Billy discreetly speaks with Gladys about their romance no longer being viable. It seems impolite, Billy. But if one performs poorly in relationships, perhaps it’s for the best. Astonishingly, George finds himself taken aback as Hector brings his lawyer along. He promises to manage the matter for Gladys. Could you, George? (This version is more concise and less confrontational.)

Gossip Items for Mrs. Astor’s Next Ball

• I heard Charles Fane is a real pile of shit; pass it on.

• Marian and Larry making out in a parked carriage — dumb or exhibitionist? Or both!

It strikes me as if Agnes van Rhijn and Dorothy Scott might make a formidable legal team, even though such an idea may seem peculiar or anachronistic given our current times. However, I can envision them excelling together in this professional setting.

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2025-06-30 05:54