In Terms of Winning and Losing

At first I was apprehensive to watch the finale of The Gilded Age, Season 2 Episode 8, but after soaking in just shy of 60 minutes of enthralling character arcs, further story development and some cliffhangers I am sure there are some who were celebrating, others who were somewhat disappointed and many who would prefer the season to be longer.

I will not give away spoilers or for that matter deny those looking for great entertainment a chance to enjoy what can only be said is the best period drama produced for American & Global Television since Downton Abbey.

Ironically both are created by a man who requires no introduction and for many is loved and adored for his immensely immersive and captivating writing.

Lord Julian Fellowes (his correct title) is truly the Lord of period dramas and someone who cannot be matched at this point. Yes I am aware that there are great period dramas out there (Outlander, Sanditon, Bridgeton, The Crown, etc) but it is Julian and his partner in crime, Gareth Neame's, passion to historical detail, set design and costumes that truly make the story even more immersive.

Emmy & Golden Globe worthy in many respects.

Turning our attention back to the episode, one can say that it seems Julian is writing with sense of fear in his mind that he will fall foul of the American's love of cancelling popular shows purely on financial and viewership numbers alone. The Gilded Age is very much like Downton Abbey in the beginning of its development. Viewership numbers for Downton were low in the beginning and blossomed into its cult status by season 4 after it won countless awards and garnered attention globally as an escapist show of soft/heavy drama with a somewhat wide array of storylines to follow.

With this episode of The Gilded Age, everything is tied up in a tidy bow with some storylines ending, others taking a giant leap forward and subplot storylines developing into part of the mainstream. It is writing of the highest calibre and one that must be acknowledged and celebrated.

Thank you Julian and Gareth for writing and focusing on all the struggles faced by all classes, races and genders in that time, it was a great privilege to watch such historical depictions being done in a tasteful and acceptable manner whilst still being inclusive and correct historically.

This is a much watch but only for those who truly appreciate this type of drama and storytelling.

10/10 to the cast, crew, writers, producers and the entire team who makes this show possible. I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and look forward to many more.

A fan from South Africa! 🇿🇦

This review will also be posted on the main page of The Gilded Age.

I don't usually write reviews, but I hold out hope that writers and showrunners might come across this. I've noticed the show doesn't have as many viewers as it deserves. Why? Why do people overlook such a fantastic production? I'm in awe every week! The costumes, hairdressing, production design-all of it is A+.

I love the characters and their dialogues, as well as the setting and the life choices they navigate. But what I love the most is that the show doesn't fizzle out after the pilot; instead, it keeps getting better with each episode.

This episode should be part of a master class on how to conclude a season. All the story arcs are wrapped up, but they also leave room for us to be hungry for more!

Thank you! I'm sorry, English isn't my first language, but I'd rather be humbled than ungrateful.

Looking forward to news about Season 3.

From the first ten seconds to the final five, I was on the edge of my seat. If I could have jumped into the screen I would have. THE COSTUMES THE COSTUMES THE COSTUMES!!!!!!!! The witty entendres, repartee and meaningful exchanges are gold dust. The music lifts you and soothes you at just the right moments. The colours, the sets, the character developments and the way the entire episode builds to a crescendo is, I am sure, evocative of the opera storyline on which the episode is based. Brava indeed to the entire cast and crew. I am breathless awaiting Season 3. In the meantime I return to Season 1 Episode 1 to drink in the entire show yet again!!