About The Gilded Age

Post 1920:

HBO has a show with a big budget. Fifteen years ago, that sentence meant something. Now it means another thing. Remember The Wire and The Sopranos and on and on and also don’t forget The Leftovers… The Gilded Age ain’t on that level.

However, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. I predicted typical stupid-washing of history and culture, and on some levels it is. But the cynicism I was expecting isn’t quite there. So good on them.

The writer is the Downton Abbey guy, so that explains the mostly decent dialogue and mostly decent character stuff. The drama is soapy and cheese at times, but these are actually the best parts. Classic unrequited loves, societal impediments—formulas aren’t the worst thing in the world.

Couple things through. The main character, Mrs. Assertive Rich Lady, is nuts. I’m pretty sure she’s a psychopath. The show rebukes her behavior, but not a lot. Not enough. She is bad. Not pragmatic. Bad. She justifies her behavior by saying that it’s in the service of her children and their future. This is not sufficient. Does the writer want us to abhor the main character?

I don’t think he does. This is a big problem in stories—normal viewers or readers need to be able to identify with characters. I can identify with her desire to elevate her and her family’s name in society, but not to the extent they push it.

Still, despite having some painful elements, the writing is mostly competent. As far as direction and sets, top notch. I made it through, though I’ll admit I had to skip a few story threads. Some are much more compelling than others.

It’s a weird one. It glories in the fun of being a richman while casting a somewhat judgmental eye at being a richman. Confusing at times, but mostly superficially entertaining. I’d say 5/10. Might be show of the year. Kidding. Sort of. Cheers and see you after.