Never the New

The pompous old society, the ridiculous 'rules' they lived by, the overdone everything - and yes, this was America. With just one episode in, it looks to be entertaining and fun. Of course, the haters, bigots, and wanna-be's won't like it, but the rest of us will have a blast!

I should have thought that when Julian Fellowes announced he was making an American Downton Abbey all of Hollywood would have been clamoring to be in it. Alas, that is not the case, as we have nobodies and B rate actors.

A very mediocre beginning that's worth at least a few more viewings, but I'm very dubious. Of course, we've already gotten a heavy dose of woke.

UPDATE: Beware, the influencers and paid reviewers are rallying to the cause. You always know these people because they review the negative reviews, not the show, and they sprinkle 10's like Unicorn dust.

This series has potential, and I'll wait it out for more episodes. Right now the acting seems a little self conscious, as though the actors aren't quite comfortable with the "gilded age" way of speaking, and some wooden delivery from a few of the players kept me from giving a higher rating for this first episode. I hope the storyline gives more than a "new money/old money" focus. That will get old soon.

There's just something so jarringly absurd, hearing eloquent dialogue that's clearly written by an eccentric, British writer (who crafts jokes with an identifiable British wit / sense of humour) for very American characters who enunciate lines through equally peculiar, English sounding American accents? "The Gilded Age" therefore is adapted to the screen by Americans, filmed in America, featuring Americans who somehow sound like they're not from America... Because of an English showrunner?

It's akin to an SNL sketch, spoofing classical period dramas... Except this one's hilarity is unintentional, taking itself far too seriously, not realising the ridiculousness of its own premise.

Of course, the logic of this creative venture makes perfect sense; following the profitability of ITV's critically acclaimed series "Downton Abbey", HBO & creator Julian Fellowes have brazenly tried to replicate that success here by taking the basic template & applying it to a historical piece set in the US (so blatantly, they may as well have clicked copy & paste)... But considering the fact that Downton Abbey's quintessential Britishness is part of why the franchise thrived, it seems as though nobody considered how things may be lost in translation, when bringing that format stateside?

What worked in one country, may not work in another etc. Hence, this feels like a derivative rehash of something that was previously done before - & although glossy, boasting impressive production values, full of impressive grandeur... None of that compensates for the lack of uniqueness or sincerity.

Moreover, it's also distracting seeing this new age of clinical & sterile looking period dramas where everything's visually pristine, clean & immaculate... At first, I noticed it with "Bridgerton" & now that inauthentic, meticulous aesthetic has spread to yet another, "The Gilded Age". Need I remind people - this is an era where most citizens didn't have access to frequent baths, diseases were rife & yet inexplicably, streets are spotless, outfits are unblemished & they all look hygienic?

Everyone needs to stop with the " unattractive cast" nonsense. This is not Bridgerton or Downtown Abbey. This is old money versus new money in all its snooty, look down your nose glory. Christine Baranski is perfect in the lead role. Her contempt for anyone beneath her borders on hilarious. Enjoy the ride people, I get the feeling it's going to be fabulous 😊