S01.E02: Money Isn't Everything

[OtterMommy]

Quote

In New York City, Marian finds herself exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age.

Air date: January 31, 2022

[Brn2bwild]

That tag line could describe any episode.

Edited January 26, 2022 by Brn2bwild

[AntFTW]

This episode should have been called "BDE" instead.

[SailorGirl]

Meryl's daughter is definitely the weakest of the cast but still an enjoyable episode -- I giggled quite a bit, especially in the first part, because the absurdity of the classism and "old NY" versus "new NY" is on full display in this episode -- to the point I wonder how the cast was able to keep straight faces long enough to film! 

Oscar wins this episode for the best retorts to Agnes, and the dress porn is next level this week. Carrie C***'s peacock dress in the end . . . just . . .  WOW. In a good way. 

And yeah, Morgan Spector. Any where  . . . any time! Yowsa!! 

Edited February 1, 2022 by SailorGirl

[AntFTW]

Just now, SailorGirl said:

I giggled quite a bit, especially in the first part, because the absurdity of the classism is on full display in this episode! 

Agreed. I can't help but ask myself "did people actually do this?" and think this is the stupidest thing.

[Enigma X]

I really like the show a lot but found many of the actors (ones who have been great in other things and not just Meryl's daughter) a bit off. I felt that way last week too. But, despite that, I am entertained.

[Brian Cronin]

It really is the American Downton Abbey in all the ways, so I do love it, but yes, some of the weirdest darn line readings around. But Downton had that problem, as well, early on. As time passes, everyone will undoubtedly be more comfortable in their roles.

Baranski, Spector and Nixon are the major exceptions. They seem extremely at ease with all of their dialogue.

C*** is great, too, but I don't see her being quite as comfortable yet with her role. She's so amazing, though.

[Miss Slay]

I liked this episode better than the pilot. I wish they had gotten a stronger actress to play Marianne. She just doesn't have the acting chops.

[Enigma X]

5 minutes ago, Brian Cronin said:

It really is the American Downton Abbey in all the ways, so I do love it, but yes, some of the weirdest darn line readings around. But Downton had that problem, as well, early on. As time passes, everyone will undoubtedly be more comfortable in their roles.

Baranski, Spector and Nixon are the major exceptions. They seem extremely at ease with all of their dialogue.

C*** is great, too, but I don't see her being quite as comfortable yet with her role. She's so amazing, though.

Actually Spector is the worst offender for me.

[Melina22]

The opening credits are gorgeous. But... 

I'm probably not going to be able to keep watching this. The production values, the clothes, sets, etc. all fantastic. But the stilted dialogue! The  "witticisms"! The complete lack of real humour! I'm experiencing non-stop cringe. I mean I feel physically uncomfortable.

It's like a play written by androids. They know what words humans use but not how actual humans talk. Since I've seen some of these actors be breathtakingly good in other roles (Carrie C in The Leftovers!) I know it has to be the writing and the direction. 

I don't think I'm going to be able to overlook this much longer. I'll probably still come here to this thread though to keep up with the story. Who knows?  Maybe things will gel later in the season and I'll come back. 

ETA. One last gripe before I go. Although I find Cynthia Nixon's character to be one of the most likeable in the cast, I find the way they have her relating to her sister to be incredibly unrealistic. Agnes is pretty much one-note, endlessly critical, stern and biting, always bossing Ada around, while Ada looks on at all times smiling and serene, acting almost oblivious. Yet it's not a case where Ada looks on Agnes's bitterness fondly, like she's a cranky child. Agnes has real power, and everyone walks on eggshells around her, except for Ada who just smiles and occasionally contradicts Agnes without looking nervous.

There is literally no way this dynamic would exist in the real world. At the very least, Ada would feel hidden resentment at Agnes, or struggle to conceal her true feelings of disappointment and disagreement with the woman who had all the money. I find the characterization of Ada to be shallow, like she's too simple to do anything but smile and say kind things. (Like Beth in Little Women.) 

Sorry, that was weird but I needed to say it. Carry on. 😁

Edited February 1, 2022 by Melina22

[buckboard]

37 minutes ago, AntFTW said:

Agreed. I can't help but ask myself "did people actually do this?" and think this is the stupidest thing.

Do you mean the Old Money and New Money clash?  Although most of the main characters in the show are fictional, this is EXACTLY how the real old and the new acted, e.g., the Astors vs. Vanderbilts.
https://www.eonline.com/news/1317186/the-real-life-socialites-that-inspired-julian-fellowes-the-gilded-age 

Edited February 1, 2022 by buckboard

[Snazzy Daisy]

Mr Russell at the charity bazaar…

[Straycat80]

I’m still liking this and finding it entertaining. The scenery is sublime, Central Park, the streets and houses, everyone so clean and well dressed. Not sure if everything was really like that in 1920 though. 

[twoods]

I’m just happy to have Harry Richardson on my screen again because I loved him in Dr Thorne (always brings the yummy) and am still pissed at Amazon for not giving me another season. I don’t think the acting is as stilted as others do so am still enjoying this because it’s still better and prettier than most of the current shows on Netflix and Amazon.

[edhopper]

So Russell is basically Alexander Cassatt, but it is way too early for Penn Station.

[Snazzy Daisy]

Hmmm… 🤔

[Ms Blue Jay]

Can anyone tell me the character name or actor's name of the grey haired man who was talking with Morgan Spector a lot?  (LOL sorry, I'm not good at this).  His voice reminds me so much of Michael Boatman's and it's so eerie!

1 hour ago, Brian Cronin said:

Baranski, Spector and Nixon are the major exceptions. They seem extremely at ease with all of their dialogue.

I hate admitting this because I hate Cynthia Nixon (And Just Like That drama) but I agree.

I don't think Louisa Jacobson is as bad as everyone else does though.  I like her fine.  Maybe it's my Meryl (and Mamie) bias.  

Edited February 1, 2022 by Ms Blue Jay

[AntFTW]

On 1/31/2022 at 11:29 PM, SnazzyDaisy said:

Hmmm… 🤔

I shit you not. I looked it up too on the same website.

I understood that $50 then would be more than it is today but I needed to really understand Marian’s shock at $50. Once I saw that $1,300, I reacted the same way Marian did.

Edited February 2, 2022 by AntFTW

[Snazzy Daisy]

41 minutes ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

Can anyone tell me the character name or actor's name of the grey haired man who was talking with Morgan Spector a lot?  (LOL sorry, I'm not good at this).  His voice reminds me so much of Michael Boatman's and it's so eerie!

You mean the alderman?

[Ms Blue Jay]

Thank you sooooooooo much

[Paws]

42 minutes ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

Can anyone tell me the character name or actor's name of the grey haired man who was talking with Morgan Spector a lot?  (LOL sorry, I'm not good at this).  His voice reminds me so much of Michael Boatman's and it's so eerie!

I’m pretty sure the actor played the President in House of Cards season 1 and 2.  His character also had a really cool house in the woods.

[Nedsdag]

YESSSSSSSSS to George Russell throwing his money around to make his wife feel better. The money may be "new", but George said "it's STILL MONEY!!!!!!!"

So, Mrs. Chamberlain isn't this gorgon the chickens are clucking about. But I'm sure her storyline will grow in time. She must have done something or someone's husband/husband-to-be on the side a la Ellen Olenska in The Age of Innocence. 

It was only a matter of time before Thomas the lawyer from Pennsylvania came up to New York to woo Marian open a law office in New York. Let the love triangle (Thomas/Marian/Larry) begin. By the way, Marian (or should I say Louisa), open up a bit more, please? You're getting there, but you haven't reached it yet.

What is this secret that Peggy is keeping or is there a secret? What's going on in Pennsylvania? 

As some critic mentioned, I hope something unexpected is supposed to happen as it did on Downton Abbey. Tonight's episode was an improvement from last week's (although I liked it as well), but I'm hoping for a Parruk heart attack-like event to happen.

Edited February 1, 2022 by Nedsdag

[Brian Cronin]

33 minutes ago, Nedsdag said:

What is this secret that Peggy is keeping or is there a secret? What's going on in Pennsylvania? 

I assume she has a kid that her parents made her give up for adoption. 

[Brn2bwild]

I liked this episode, but felt underwhelmed.  I wish there were bigger stakes.  Instead of the Russells having a generic Anglo-Norman name/background, only NEW MONEY!, why couldn't they be first or second-generation German, or the father Jewish (like Cora's father)?  Instead of the aunts being part of a generic old money family, why couldn't Agnes be the doyenne of Old New York?  There's just so little tension.  The last scene with Mr. New Money solving his problems with new money might have had more of a punch if he were specifically trying to out-scheme Agnes.  Instead it seemed like she was there as an observer. 

Otherwise, between Raikes and Larry Russell, I'd take Raikes by a mile.  Larry seems like such a milksop.  His incredibly hot father, though, reminds me of Hugh Jackman.

[Cheezwiz]

22 minutes ago, Brn2bwild said:

Otherwise, between Raikes and Larry Russell, I'd take Raikes by a mile.

Yes, I quite liked Mr. Raikes in the first episode, and was hoping he might reappear to pursue Marian. For me Louisa Jacobs continues to be the weakest link in the series - unfortunately she's just not very compelling to watch.

I was very worried that they were going to have Peggy Scott get caught with the stolen candlesticks, and I'm glad they didn't go that route. Aunt Ada is wonderful, and I don't think she is as dim as people seem to be describing her as. Cynthia Nixon is really shining in this role.

4 hours ago, Melina22 said:

I find Cynthia Nixon's character to be one of the most likeable in the cast, I find the way they have her relating to her sister to be incredibly unrealistic. Agnes is pretty much one-note, endlessly critical, stern and biting, always bossing Ada around, while Ada looks on at all times smiling and serene, acting almost oblivious.

I don't necessarily see the dynamic the same way. Agnes appears to be a very tough  pragmatist, but it appears there's more than a little  marshmallow beneath her haughty exterior. Ada strikes me as someone who knows her sister well, and due to her financial dependence chooses her battles wisely. 

I like the French Chef working for the Russells - he seemed very affable chatting to the housekeeper.

Still curious as to the scandal trailing the mysterious Mrs. Chamberlain.

I wanted to go shopping  for pretty fans and knick-nacks at that charity bazaar! Although I'm not rooting for them per se, it was fun watching Russell throw his money around. We finally get to meet the storied Mrs. Astor. I loved the portrait of her that they ended the episode  with.

I paid more attention to the opening title sequence this time around, and it is indeed gorgeous.

[kristen111]

9 hours ago, Straycat80 said:

I’m still liking this and finding it entertaining. The scenery is sublime, Central Park, the streets and houses, everyone so clean and well dressed. Not sure if everything was really like that in 1920 though. 

I read a big article that the outside house scenery was built in Bethpage, Long Island.  I don’t remember about the inside of the mansions.  Wherever it was , it’s amazing.  I had a feeling the Lawyer would show up.  One hour wasn’t enough for me.  Who will it be, the Lawyer or Mrs. Russels son?  Both gorgeous.  I’m interested in Peggy and her Mother trouble.

[JenE4]

9 hours ago, Straycat80 said:

I’m still liking this and finding it entertaining. The scenery is sublime, Central Park, the streets and houses, everyone so clean and well dressed. Not sure if everything was really like that in 1920 though. 

It’s set in the 1880s—1884 specifically, I believe.

I actually gasped then cheered as George went around with his $100 bills and bought out every table at the bazaar. When he told each to deliver the wares within an hour—damn, that’s one way to get the ladies to your house! Then I was cracking up when the committee leaders were all aghast that how can he ruin our 3-day bazaar, and they’re like, it’s about the poor, underprivileged people getting the money they need—implying not about the accolades and attention you get hosting the bazaar, which truly is entirely the point to them. (Speaking of which, the snub to Mrs Russel—and her reaction of throwing her breakfast tray when they didn’t use her ballroom!) But, the best moment of it all was Mrs Astor like thank god I finally get a morning off from all of this society bullshit—get me out of this dress! Like, every woman—even nearly 140 years later—can relate to a long-ass day, getting that last appointment canceled, and coming home and the first thing you want to do is rip off your bra and relax.

I’m 100% vested in the Russel’s storyline and loved every minute of them…everyone else, eh, not so much so far. Okay, we get it, Marian has a big heart and will break protocol simply to help others. We could have gotten that from the Peggy storyline; we didn’t need the gambling maid, too. 

[MissLucas]

6 hours ago, Brn2bwild said:

 why couldn't Agnes be the doyenne of Old New York? 

On the surface because the show choose to include Caroline Astor aka Mrs Astor. With her present Agnes can't be the alpha-b****. Fellowes wants Agnes to be this show's Dowager which means she has to have some redeeming qualities beyond quoteworthy quips.

[AntFTW]

I did notice that the clothes that we see Agnes and Bertha wear at the charity bazaar are the same as those worn in the show’s promotional poster.

5 hours ago, Cheezwiz said:

I don't necessarily see the dynamic the same way. Agnes appears to be a very tough  pragmatist, but it appears there's more than a little  marshmallow beneath her haughty exterior. Ada strikes me as someone who knows her sister well, and due to her financial dependence chooses her battles wisely. 

I think your view of Ada is spot on.

Agnes is haunted by her experience with financial hardship and a loveless soul-sucking marriage. All of Agnes’s views are through that prism. All of her rules are created to decrease the likelihood that her son, and now Marian, would end up penniless and also remain in this upper crust social circle. That’s how she survived. From Agnes’s point of view, she’s teaching Marian how to survive.

[kristen111]

5 hours ago, Cheezwiz said:

wanted to go shopping  for pretty fans and knick-nacks at that charity bazaar! Although I'm not rooting for them per se, it was fun watching Russell throw his money around. We finally get to meet the storied Mrs. Astor. I loved the portrait of her that they ended the episode  with.

 

Mrs. Russell should have worn that beautiful broach that her maid told her not to, in the first episode.  It would have made her outfit.  Talk about pretty things.  Is Mr. Russel truly in love with her as portrayed?

[kristen111]

10 hours ago, Straycat80 said:

I’m still liking this and finding it entertaining. The scenery is sublime, Central Park, the streets and houses, everyone so clean and well dressed. Not sure if everything was really like that in 1920 though. 

I just hope this series has a very long lifeline.  I could watch all day long.  It’s not for everyone tho.  I can’t imagine why.  Cynthia Nixon alone swept on like a breeze.  I never cared for her on SATC, but love her on this show.  They did a great job casting.

[FozzyBear]

7 hours ago, Brian Cronin said:

I assume she has a kid that her parents made her give up for adoption. 

Interesting. I assumed she had gotten married and was inquiring about a divorce or annulment. I wasn’t basing  my guess on much of anything though. 

Edited February 1, 2022 by FozzyBear

[dmc]

I love the Gilded time period.  I actually collect architecture books from that time period.  So I was excited for this but…

 

my thoughts so far…
 

Are we supposed to root for the new money people?  I sort of hate them already.  New money wife is kind of the worst.  The husband is slightly better but maybe these people don’t have any friends because they suck.  
 

Every function the wife goes to she acts she acts like a jerk. The husband has the ruthless down but no charm whatsoever.  Their kids are nice. If you want people to accept you for other reasons than breeding probably cultivate some 

 

I like the lawyer guy but beware when a guy you turned down uproots himself to be near you 

 

I need to decide if I like this show enough to learn all their names. 

Edited February 1, 2022 by dmc

[Hiyo]

For anyone wondering if these type of new vs old money battles happened, well, yeah, they did.

https://theenchantedmanor.com/tag/mrs-astor-and-mrs-vanderbilt/

https://untappedcities.com/2021/09/13/gilded-age-fight-for-queen/

[SailorGirl]

32 minutes ago, kristen111 said:

Mrs. Russell should have worn that beautiful broach that her maid told her not to, in the first episode.  It would have made her outfit.  Talk about pretty things.  Is Mr. Russel truly in love with her as portrayed?

I listened to the HBO podcast last night about this episode with Morgan Spector and he talked about the Russell's relationship. Essentially the answer is yes -- they are a "different" type of couple for this era in that they do love each other and aren't together because it was a "suitable" marriage. If he truly is an "upstart" and they were together before he really started making serious cash, then that's all the more likely they married for love and like rather than status ala "Old New York"--see Agnes vanRijhn.

Typing this, I just realized, that is likely going to be another facet of Agnes' character and her distaste for Bertha -- from everything we've heard, Agnes had to marry for money and it was apparently a very bad marriage, but Bertha is not only an upstart with wealth and security, she also has a husband who clearly loves her and will stand up for her. 

Edited February 1, 2022 by SailorGirl

[kristen111]

10 minutes ago, Hiyo said:

For anyone wondering if these type of new vs old money battles happened, well, yeah, they did.

https://theenchantedmanor.com/tag/mrs-astor-and-mrs-vanderbilt/

https://untappedcities.com/2021/09/13/gilded-age-fight-for-queen/

Yes .. remember the Titanic movie?  Old money, the Astors, with new money, Molly Brown.  Always clashed.

[pasdetrois]

See my media post.

[dmc]

2 minutes ago, kristen111 said:

Yes .. remember the Titanic movie?  Old money, the Astors, with new money, Molly Brown.  Always clashed.

This is all true but in real life John Jacob Astor was friends with Molly Brown 

[Hiyo]

In the movie it seemed like the old money women (especially Rose's mother) who didn't seem to like Molly.

[dmc]

1 minute ago, Hiyo said:

In the movie it seemed like the old money women (especially Rose's mother) who didn't seem to like Molly.

It’s definitely was a thing, old money versus new.  But when John Jacob Astor took a society hit after his divorce and friends like Molly stood by him.

[kristen111]

7 minutes ago, SailorGirl said:

I listened to the HBO podcast last night about this episode with Morgan Spector and he talked about the Russell's relationship. Essentially the answer is yes -- they are a "different" type of couple for this era in that they do love each other and aren't together because it was a "suitable" marriage. If he truly is an "upstart" and they were together before he really started making serious cash, then that's all the more likely they married for love and like rather than the marriages of "Old New York." As Agnes clearly did.

Typing this, I just realized, that is likely going to be another facet of Agnes' character and her distaste for Bertha -- from everything we've heard, Agnes had to marry for money and it was apparently a very bad marriage, but Bertha is not only an upstart with wealth and security, she also has a husband who clearly loves her and will stand up for her. 

Thanks for that.  Very interesting.  After her party failure, I loved when he came to her bed and asked her if she needed him there.  That was telling.

[SoTheresThat]

13 minutes ago, Hiyo said:

In the movie it seemed like the old money women (especially Rose's mother) who didn't seem to like Molly.

Julian Fellowes touched on this in the podcast or maybe it was the after the episode thing.  The men were building the industry and the economy, while the women were building the society.  It was the women's "job" to keep the new money, no family connection outsiders out of society.  The men seemed like they were more accepting.

[kristen111]

8 hours ago, Brian Cronin said:

I assume she has a kid that her parents made her give up for adoption. 

Far fetched, but maybe her Mother took the baby?  Crazier things have happened, and I don’t remember their conversation in the coffee house.

[AntFTW]

2 minutes ago, SoTheresThat said:

Julian Fellowes touched on this in the podcast or maybe it was the after the episode thing.  The men were building the industry and the economy, while the women were building the society.  It was the women's "job" to keep the new money, no family connection outsiders out of society.  The men seemed like they were more accepting.

I listened to the podcast and he definitely goes into detail on the social structure. From my point of view, I think the show is putting that on display and doing that well. I think the men were more accepting because the men were successful in their circles. They were off wielding political influence, building empires and conquering their parts of the economic landscape. Mr. Russell has a crop of employees that answer to him and look to him for professional guidance and people that want to be his "friend" everyday while people shun Mrs. Russell.

[Carolina Girl]

I should think from the timeline that this at least begins AFTER 1883, since Bertha mentions that the Vanderbilts were "kept out but now they appear everywhere" and Alva's ball that "broke" Mrs. Astor and gave entree to the Vanderbilts was 1883.

Also, to answer the question about why Bertha delivered the invitations herself is related to form.  Once "accepted" into the society you could send a footman; I believe the initial contact was made directly where you presented your card and formally "called upon" the lady of the house.  When Caroline Astor had someone inquire where her invitations were to Alva's ball, Alva's response was "but how can I invite her?  She has never called  upon me" - whereupon Caroline drove up to her house the next day, presented her card to the footman, and left.  

And the rest, as they say, is history.....   

[Straycat80]

9 hours ago, Brian Cronin said:

I assume she has a kid that her parents made her give up for adoption. 

I’m going to guess Peggy’s married and wants a divorce. 

[iMonrey]

So far the downstairs characters are severely underwritten. The little subplot about the cook owing money felt obligatory. I thought the first episode hinted at an affair between Mr. Russell and his wife's maid but apparently not, although I think that's what she's aiming for. We get snippets here and there but the efforts feel weak. The servants were just as prominent as the family in Downton Abbey. Here they just feel like glorified extras.

Also, Blake Ritson feels miscast as Oscar. He's a good actor but he's in his 40s and it's creeping me out to see him stalking young Gladys Russell who looks all of 16. (I know Taissa Farmiga is older than that, but her character still looks very young.)

The Russells must be absolutely swimming in money for Mr. Russell to throw it at this dumb bazaar just to avenge a snub against his wife. Hard to believe he would even have that much cash in his pocket - see above for today's exchange rate. 

Edited February 1, 2022 by iMonrey

[tennisgurl]

You can very much see that this is from the people that brought up Downton Abbey, it has a very similar feeling in its dialogue and stories, so lets hope that it stays "fun" Downton, like in the first few seasons, and not "headache" Downton, like in much of the last few seasons. I enjoyed the second episode quite a bit, even with some of the awkward dialogue and the millions of characters and subplots. I find most of the characters interesting and I really enjoy this time period. Yes, the "New Money" VS "Old Money" conflict was very much a thing, and yes, it really was this stupid. People were very upset about the idea of people without "proper breeding" entering into high society, especially as more and more self made types started making their fortunes. A lot of it was similar to themes that were explored on Downton as well, the uppercrust elite coming to the realization that they might not rule the world forever, even if they have been promised that the world was their birthright. A lot of it is snobbery, that only people born into wealth deserve to be a part of society, but there was also a lot of real fear of the New Money coming in and replacing the Old Money, who at this point in history just couldn't often keep up with the New Money when it came to their checkbooks. 

Mr. Russel coming in with the big flex, so big that even Mrs. Astor had to respect it! That is certainly one way to get people to come to visit their house, that was pretty awesome. If the Russel's are committing to going big or going home, they might as well lean into it. 

I am really curious about Mrs. Chamberlain and why she is considered so scandalous and her money so dirty. With these people, it could be anything from her husband being a hitman to her having a second cousin who married a dockworker. 

I am so annoyed with Cynthia Nixon and her nonsense over on And Just Like That, but I do actually like her here a lot. Ada is so sweet and demure, but I don't think as stupid as people think she is. I think she's more sweet and dreamy then actually dumb, she seems to know the score even if she doesn't like it.

I wish we saw more of the Downstairs cast, I feel like we hardly know them.

Edited February 1, 2022 by tennisgurl

[JasonCC]

I'm thinking divorce too RE Peggy. Maybe a hasty marriage because of pregnancy but then a miscarriage?

I'm really curious what Mrs. Chamberlain's sin is/was. It's clearly not just being new money like Bertha right? Also, she keeps showing up at these things---why? Even Bertha Russell gets some perfunctory small talk, she seems like even more of pariah.

I'm not enough of a fashion guy like Tom & Lorenzo but even I can tell the intentionality of how they dress poor Gladys. She looks ridiculous. She's not out in society yet, but Bertha keeps bringing her out and going too over-the-top with her clothing choices. "Look: she's YOUNG still and NOT out but I want everyone to see her!". The lady doth protest too much.....Gladys IS overdo a real coming out--and dressing like an adult woman--and it's almost like her mother is compensating with all that girly-girl Pollyanna ridiculousness, bonnets instead of hats, etc. I wouldn't be surprised (if the Russells origins really are fairly obscure to the Old Money) Bertha didn't ask Gladys to shave a couple years off her age.

I know Bertha Russell's dresses are supposed to always be a little too much, but that's what makes them the best. That peacock one was stunning.

I loved Downton Abbey but it DID become a bit of a parody of itself (and I kept watching) so I can't throw stones here. I think American audiences sometimes overlook cheesy dialogue and cliche plot points if they have British accents, but in a way (hat tip to Edith Wharton) watching the American class system is MORE interesting because there are no titles and it's all so cut-throat and dollar focused.

Edited February 1, 2022 by JasonCC

[izabella]

4 minutes ago, iMonrey said:

The Russells must be absolutely swimming in money for Mr. Russell to throw it at this dumb bazaar just to avenge a snub against his wife. Hard to believe he would even have that much cash in his pocket - see above for today's exchange rate. 

That scene didn't really move me.  It didn't feel like a triumphant comeuppance, although that's how it was intended and that's how the Russells thought of it, and how everyone thought of it.  So, he paid a ton of money to shut down their little charity bazaar.  And? 

Maybe all of these social climbing machinations would have been more impactful if we'd had more time to get to know the characters before all the slings and arrows started flying.

9 hours ago, Cheezwiz said:

I don't necessarily see the dynamic the same way. Agnes appears to be a very tough  pragmatist, but it appears there's more than a little  marshmallow beneath her haughty exterior. Ada strikes me as someone who knows her sister well, and due to her financial dependence chooses her battles wisely. 

I agree with this.  Agnes is a lot of bluster, but she's not unkind underneath, and her biggest sin seems to be ignoring people she doesn't know and doesn't want to socialize with.  Ada is a lot sharper than she initially seemed, and she is not averse to lobbing some zingers at Agnes' more obnoxious opinions and statements.