The Gilded Age S01E09 is the season finale of a historical drama television series created by Julian Fellowes for HBO that is set in the United States during the Gilded Age, the boom years of 1880s New York City. Fellowes is, of course, best known for creating critically acclaimed and popular period dramas like the Gosford Park film and Downtown Abbey TV series.
S P O I L E R S
Entitled “Let the Tournament Begin”, The Gilded Age S01E09 completes the story arc begun in the first episode with Bertha Russell finally getting the social acceptance from New York’s upper class as her daughter Gladys finally comes out i.e. introduced to society at large. Thanks in part to the machinations of both George and Bertha, all of New York’s upper class attend Bertha’s grand ball and it does appear that there is a happy ending after all. But of course, whether this is an one-off or something permanent will probably be explored in Season 2.
READ OUR REVIEWS/ANALYSES OF THE GILDED AGE
However, there is no happy ending for Marian Brooks as she is jilted by Raikes – as predicted by her Aunt Agnes – in favour of a more favourable (i.e. richer) match. The twist in the tail is not really that surprising as Marion was warned by many around her that Raikes could not be trusted. Perhaps the junior Russell will provide a better match in the second season? And of course, Oscar Van Rhijn still harbours designs on Gladys as a smokescreen for his homosexuality.
However, the real plot twister is with respect to Peggy Scott’s son – believed stillborn previously – but hidden away by her father to avoid a scandal. Certainly, a sub-plot for season 2! The Gilded Age S01E09 provided a very satisfactory conclusion to a mixed 1st season overall but with promise and potential to come.
Now streaming on HBO Max.
… still there’s more …