“The Gilded Age“ continues to attract audiences with its captivating plot and characters. In Season 2 Episode 7, the Brooklyn Bridge’s big opening is the main event. But while the city enjoys this amazing piece of architecture, our favorite characters go through a web of happy and sad events that shape their lives. tvacute look at the most important things that happened in this very emotional show.
A Tragic Unraveling of Oscar van Rhijn
Oscar van Rhijn, who is presented as innocent with doe eyes, is at the center of a terrible turn of events. When he finds out that his big investment in a railway business was just a scam, his plan to marry Maud Beaton, a rich heiress, in a lavender marriage goes horribly wrong.
Oscar loses all of his money because of the con artist’s complicated scheme, which puts the Van Rhijn family’s wealth at risk. People who had faith in Maud and the Casterbridge Pacific are now let down, which is a reflection of the general theme of lying in Gilded Age society.
At first, Oscar was wrong about the direction of the scam, and viewers see his inner turmoil as he deals with the effects of his actions. The character’s journey goes in a different direction than expected, from the expected lesson in life to a more serious and difficult truth.
The fact that Oscar lost money sets the stage for a possible quest in Season 3, in which he may go on a trip to get the family fortune back. At first, I thought the story would be about a character finding a new purpose in life. Instead, it became more about despair and the harsh facts of the Gilded Age.
George Russell: Tricks of the Robber Baron Shown off
As the strong and smart figurehead of The Gilded Age, George Russell (Morgan Spector) shows how a real robber baron would act in the most cruel ways. In this episode, George’s planned actions are shown as he gives skilled workers brief pay raises while purposely dividing the workforce.
Even though George seems to be giving protection, medical care, and a park for kids, his real goal is to use these concessions to break up the union. He plans to cause fights among workers, make them hate “Catholic immigrants and Jews,” and make sure that his focus on wealth stays the same.
As George and Bertha get angry about how society changes and how people can affect it, the relationship between them takes an interesting turn. When Mrs. Astor, who stands for the traditional wealthy, offers Bertha a box at the Academy, she has to make a very important choice. George talks her out of taking the job, pointing out that the Met should welcome people who are shaping the city’s future.
The complicated dance that George and Bertha do shows how power worked and how society changed during the Gilded Age. As the characters figure out how to fit into this changing world, viewers are given to an interesting look at ambition, power, and what society expects of people.
Bertha Russell: Opera Wars and the Power of Society
It’s a big day for Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) in Episode 7. She is the unstoppable force in Gilded Age high society. As Mrs. Astor gives Bertha the one thing she has wanted—an exclusive box at the Academy—the opera wars get worse.
The offer comes too late, though, because Bertha has already backed the Metropolitan Opera. The public rejection of Mrs. Astor’s move makes the relationship between these two powerful women even more tense than it already is.
Bertha’s choice to stay with the Met tells us more about how society changes and how important people are in shaping cultural landscapes. George’s words of support support the idea that a more meaningful legacy can come from accepting progress and working with those who are changing society.
In one scene, Bertha’s hair is down, which is a break from what society expects of her. This scene emphasizes how the character has changed. Bertha’s trip has a personal touch added by this moment’s unexpected allure, which shows how complex characters are during this time of change.
Peggy: Fighting Racism in the System
As the main character, Peggy (Denée Benton) fights against racism in the school system, and is a character who is committed to supporting Black-run schools. As the episode goes on, Peggy’s drive to keep these schools open shows how dedicated she is to social justice at a time of deep inequality.
The meeting about the plan, where Peggy’s dad Arthur gives good advice about the need for white recommendations, makes the story more interesting. Peggy and Marian’s work together to bring attention to the unfair treatment of Black schools shows the difficulties that disadvantaged groups faced during the Gilded Age.
The Brooklyn Bridge rooftop party sets the scene for Peggy’s continued work and shows some of the social problems that were common at the time. The good thing about seeing Dorothy and Peggy wear pretty clothes to the party adds a bit of hope to the overall problems.
Luke’s Death: A Sad Turn
Ada’s new husband Luke’s health gets worse and worse, and he eventually dies. This makes the show more sad. As Luke’s illness gets worse quickly, the characters are reminded of how fragile life is and how inevitable death is, which gives the story a sad tone.
Ada is still feeling the effects of Luke’s death as she deals with her deep grief. Luke’s sister-in-law Agnes gives him support and understanding during this hard time, showing how relationships can go beyond what society expects.
There is sadness and thought in the scene where Ada and Luke say goodbye. It shows how short life was during the Gilded Age. Understanding that Luke’s decision to marry Ada was selfish adds a new level of depth to their relationship, making viewers feel both sad and at peace.
Larry and Marian: How to Handle Tough Relationships
Larry and Marian’s friendship is hard to handle because of societal expectations and their feelings. The episode gives hints about what might happen next in Larry (Harry Richardson) and Marian’s story. Their relationship is at a crossroads. Larry’s walk with Marian (Louisa Jacobson)and the idea that she might break up with Dashiell set the stage for shows that would be about growing and exploring who we are.
Speaking of the Russells’ servant, Mr. Watson has a hard time in The Gilded Age Season 2 Episode 7 because his daughter Flora’s husband is trying to get him to stop being so mean. But Flora wants him to be a part of their lives and has suggested a new way to live together. This story shows how complicated family ties and differences in social class can be.
The Gilded Age Season 2 Episode 7 Ending: A Mix of Wins and Losses
As the episode’s climax approaches, the Brooklyn Bridge’s grand opening stands for victory and growth. The city is lit up by the beautiful fireworks show, which sets the scene for both the characters’ wins and losses that define their journeys.
The complicated stories of Oscar’s falling fortune, George’s clever moves, Bertha’s social decisions, Peggy’s support, Luke’s sad goodbye, and Larry and Marian’s changing relationship all come together to make a tapestry of Gilded Age complexity.
People are on the edge of their seats waiting to see how Oscar’s loss of money affects the Van Rhijn family, how the power struggles in the Russell household will continue, and how Bertha’s decisions will reflect changes in society. As the characters deal with how Gilded Age New York is always changing, the next episodes will build up to a thrilling climax.
Finally, The Gilded Age Season 2 Episode 7 skillfully mixes triumphs and tragedies, giving a complex picture of people dealing with the difficulties of a time when society was changing quickly. The grand opening of the Brooklyn Bridge makes a good background because it represents the link between growth and the problems that are sure to come. We can’t wait for the next part, and the Gilded Age will continue to weave its rich tapestry of stories, leaving an indelible mark on the world of TV drama.
[Season Finale] The Gilded Age Season 2 Episode 8: Winning and Losing
