Culture news and discussion on TalkFuse.
The Gilded Age returns with clichés, melodrama and weak performances
Season four of Julian Fellowes’ period drama The Gilded Age has returned, prompting a sharply negative review that mocks its clichés, dialogue and melodramatic plotting. The reviewer argues that the show’s success, including its Emmy awards and renewal, sits uneasily with what they see as its poor writing and performances.
The opening episode follows Gladys Russell through a dangerous labour in England, while back in New York Oscar marries Enid in a marriage of convenience. Other storylines include Agnes preparing to host President Grover Cleveland, Marian’s continuing romance with Larry, and Peggy’s engagement amid concerns about her future work and family life. The article’s excerpt ends as it begins to discuss how the show handles race.
In short
- The Gilded Age returns for a fourth season to a scathing review.
- The reviewer derides its clichés and clunky dialogue.
- New plots include a risky birth, a convenience marriage and a presidential visit.
Explained simply
The Gilded Age is a period drama set in New York in the late 19th century, when rapid industrial growth created great fortunes and sharpened divides between established wealthy families and people newly rich from business. Julian Fellowes, who also created Downton Abbey, writes the series around the households and social circles of this era.
The main characters belong to families navigating money, marriage, work and social standing. The historical setting also includes major changes in politics and race relations, which shape the world the characters inhabit. The series has received awards and been renewed, drawing attention to how period dramas portray the past.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “The Gilded Age review – what did we do to deserve such a terrible stinker?”.