'The Gilded Age' Season 3 Premiere Review: "Who Is in Charge Here?"
- Je-Ree
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
The Gilded Age is officially back, and I honestly couldn’t be more hyped. Period pieces are absolutely my jam, and The Gilded Age fits perfectly into that niche of what I lovingly call the “most entertaining boring show” category. You know what I mean, like Downton Abbey or Sweet Magnolias. Don’t come expecting high-speed chases, explosive fight scenes, or steamy love-making. Nope, this show is all about slow-burn drama and top-tier acting, and honestly, those rich people vs. servants dynamics have me on the edge of my seat every single week.
The season opener, titled “Who Is In Charge Here,” feels like a loaded question because, seriously, who is in charge here? The episode throws multiple conflicts at us, and each one adds layers to the chaos. Our two favorite sisters, Ada and Agnes, are at odds and confusing everyone, including themselves, about who’s really the Mistress of the house now. Ada’s taken up a new cause to honor her late husband: banning alcohol. Of course, Agnes isn’t here for it. While Ada pushes temperance, Agnes resists, and meanwhile, the servants are caught in the middle, unsure whom to follow. Poor Bannister, bless him, is stuck right in the middle of this turf war.
Then there’s Oscar. The guy is barely leaving his room, drowning in shame after losing his parents’ fortune. And guess what? He expects Ada to just hand him money. Ada’s response? “Aht aht, get a job, you bum.” And honestly? I’m with her 100%. You’re living rent-free in my home, so you better be pulling your weight. I do feel bad for Oscar though, he’s completely embarrassed and probably feels like a total failure. On the subject of embarrassment, Aurora’s storyline absolutely left me speechless. Her husband drops the bombshell that he’s met another woman and wants to marry her, so Aurora has to divorce him, all right before they’re supposed to go to the opera. The shame of it all! My mouth was wide open.
On a brighter note, Marian and Larry seem genuinely happy together, though Marian’s cautious about rushing things because she’s already stumbled through two failed relationships. Can’t blame her, she’s been through it with men. But I’m wondering if she might put Larry off for too long and risk him losing interest. Also, Marian’s bestie, Peggy Scott, has some exciting news about an article she wrote, but unfortunately she’s come down with a nasty cold. And here’s the kicker: Agnes’ doctor flat-out refuses to treat her because she’s Black. I was kind of hoping we could avoid revisiting the racism storyline this season, but with the era we’re in, that’s probably wishful thinking.
Speaking of sketchy vibes, Larry’s behavior has me side-eyeing him, he’s trying to take credit for Jack’s clock, and that just doesn’t sit right with me. But hey, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when your dad is George Russell. Speaking of George, he’s out in the Wild West trying to push his railroad expansion, and honestly, the whole setup looks way too Yellowstone for my taste. He’s basically building his empire on the backs of the miners, and you just know trouble’s coming. He really needs to get back home because his wife and daughter are on the brink of a full-on war.
Which brings me to the big question in the Russell household, who’s really in charge? George or Bertha? Bertha’s busy scheming to secure a Duke for their daughter Gladys, Bridgerton-style, but Gladys has other plans: she wants to elope with
Billy. When Bertha finds out, the house explodes. The episode ends with Gladys running away, and honestly, I was sitting there like, OMG, what just happened?!
All in all, this episode was exactly what I needed to get back into The Gilded Age groove. It’s that perfect mix of slow-building tension and juicy drama that makes these period pieces so addictive. No rush, no crazy plot twists, just solid storytelling with characters who feel real, even the rich, spoiled ones. The acting? On point as always. Between the family drama, the social issues, and all the messy personal stuff, I’m hooked and already counting down to next week. If this opener is anything to go by, we’re in for one heck of a season.
What a way to kick off the season! I loved every single minute of it. So, what did you all think? Are you as hooked as I am? Drop a comment and let’s chat!
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