The Gilded Age delivers an opulent yet oddly shallow representation of New York society in the late 19th century. The dynamics between sisters Agnes and Ada highlight shifts in power as Ada gains wealth after her husband's unexpected fortune. Meanwhile, Agnes grapples with dependency. The show revels in the elegance of the era—especially the extravagant hats—while also indulging in melodramatic and trivial personal conflicts. Actresses Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon shine despite the often superficial material, making for enjoyable performances amidst the series’ soap opera-like narratives.
The Gilded Age is a curious, unwieldy thing. It is rich in qualities that I love, such as Broadway stars of a certain pedigree and truly extravagant hats.
To watch it is to sink into a comfortable fugue, and think mostly about the hats.
The previously timid Ada is now funding the household, while the more domineering Agnes is struggling to adjust to her new position as a dependent.
Nixon and Baranski are great, and I suspect that at least 80% of their scenes are contrived simply so we can watch them thesp.
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