Kit Andres

The Gilded Age might be illustrious, but it isn't exactly illuminating. I preface this to say that I absolutely loved watching this show and looked forward to it every week (I love a good period drama), but it did fall flat to expectations. I loved each of the Russells, and I both root and am afraid of them for different reasons. The actors are amazing in portraying these complexities, and their storyline to the top is exciting to watch unfold (although the impact of this kind of ruthless wealth-seeking is still terrible today, which the show thankfully shows continuously). However: compared to Downton Abbey's riveting, nuanced view into the lives of nobility and their servants, The Gilded Age is fun and glamorous but falls flat in making any deep impact with its storylines. While the show deals with narratives of class, race, and gender, it fails to deliver any scenes worth remembering. For example, why should viewers care about Marian and Mr. Raikes's storyline when we're barely shown how it plays into their lives and the context around them, and then being shown that in an impactful way? Unfortunately, it seems like Julian Fellowes is more keen on telling rather than showing. The show is the embodiment of being told some sizzling gossip, and the scenes are how you would picture it folding out in your mind. You can see it happening, but that's about it. I hope the storytelling improves as we reach the second season. I also think it would benefit if each episode were longer (each episode is only about 45 minutes each). More time and more impact. With that being said, I'm waiting with bated breath for Season 2! It can't come faster.