S01.E07: Irresistible Change

[OtterMommy]

Air date: March 7. 2022

[Snazzy Daisy]

 

[dmc]

It's that time again for me to unleash some Gilded Rage...I feel like this episode nothing happened but hey it was a lot of nothings all strung together like a dainty garland. 

I never was a Bannister fan. From the moment he acted completely blasé about losing Ada's dog, I haven't liked him. Bannister could have absolutely looked for the dog who had maybe gone a block down the street.   Agnes is of course giving him the silent treatment after last week's betrayal and my question is why wasn't Bannister fired?  Why do these people act like no other employees exist?  Is there no budget for new casting at HBO for servant actors?  At the point where your employees are moonlighting across the street...perhaps do a few interviews.  

Marion's wardrobe is LOL still. She looked ridiculous this week again like one of those banana striped candy canes someone inevitably tapes to a holiday card for me at Christmas that I purposely toss away.  Raikes still hasn't been revealed to be a devious fiend yet...but don't worry it's coming....I hope it lives up to the hype when his unmasking is at hand.  

Ms. Turner was finally fired which she deserves but there's no way we have seen the last of her.  Of course upon leaving she goes to see George...which okay why...it doesn't bother me this women is scheming...what bothers me are her schemes make no sense...she had no reason to believe George was into her to begin with and now she lets him know she's leaving like he hasn't completely ignored since she came into his room once.  It honestly would have made more sense from a writing standpoint if she had targeted his son...also what is her goal...an affair, money, a house of her own, does she want to be on the 400 list...or is she just scheming for scheming sake...now I guess to get even she is giving dreadful Oscar information about Gladys...

Oscar is woefully miscast...because honestly he doesn't have the charm or looks for me to believe anyone would be into him or machinations.  Also Bertha seems to want a prince for Gladys...is Oscar even good enough?  I just had a delicious thought what if Raikes makes a play for Gladys. Raikes is not good enough either but it would be a fun twist for a social climber looking for a rich wife.  

OMG Calculus has led to illumination of the city...Thomas Edison solved for X.  

Bertha continues to be one note ambition...I feel part of this show is wanting Bertha to succeed...and I admit, I don't want her to succeed.   I don't like her at all and want to see her fall flat on her face.  I know she won't but I still want her too.  

Next week, we all go Newport.  I am actually excited for this as I am donor and member of the Newport Historical Society.  Newport's history is amazing.  I wonder if Bertha and George will get an actual Newport mansion in existence like The Breakers or Marble House or a house that actually doesn't exist but this show pretends does.  The Newport Historical society actually has an app for you to tour Gilded Mansions virtually if you are interested.  It's interactive and extremely informative.  

 

 

 

 

Edited March 8, 2022 by dmc

[Bulldog]

I think this episode marks the first time someone took Pumpkin for a walk and successfully got him back home. 

But the real surprise of the episode is the fact that there is a Mrs. McCallister. 

[Straycat80]

Was that the last episode of season one? Hope not. I’m surprised Agnes did not fire Bannister, she’s really mad at him. And she got Turner fired but I doubt we’ve seen the last of her unfortunately. I don’t think Marian and Raikes will get married. I don’t know why he wanted to marry her anyway, she has no money. 
I loved the ending with the building all lit up. How exciting that must have been back then to experience that. 

[Tango64]

A postilion goes nowhere near a horse??? Isn’t that exactly what a postilion does? Rides a horse alongside the horses of a carriage to guide them?

[chitowngirl]

4 minutes ago, Straycat80 said:

Was that the last episode of season one?

There are 2 more episodes

[AntFTW]

OH FFS, RAIKES!

[Broderbits]

6 minutes ago, Straycat80 said:

I loved the ending with the building all lit up. How exciting that must have been back then to experience that. 

For some reason all I could think of was Oppenheimer watching the Trinity A-test and saying "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

[eejm]

Jeez, George.  Maybe think outside the box and realize that having an architect for a son will be an asset if you’re building railroads - and consequently stations - all over the place.

 

I don’t believe for a second that Agnes does not have at least an inkling that Oscar is gay.  Her passive aggressive silent treatment of Bannister is pretty awesome, though.

 

Does Bertha really find Turner that valuable that the whole household hates her yet she stayed on that long?  I’m sure we haven’t see the last of her.

 

The fancy carriage picnic looked kind of fun!  What was up with Aurora Fane’s pained look when Raikes was chatting up the woman beside him?

[sistermagpie]

I do kind of like the idea that Raikes will be unmasked not as a schemer, but as a shallow toddler who doesn't have the endurance to handle anything. When he was telling Marian all the gossip on those people and Marian was looking at him I was surprised when it turned out she was thinking how it wasn't fair Mrs. Chamberlain wasn't forgiven like those people. I thought she was recognizing how thirsty this guy was about gossip right before he claimed they could just chuck it all. 

Turner is a nut. When she announced how SHE would have loved George and nothing else I expected him to point out that no, obviously she would not, since she's clearly incapable of loving anything. She'd be ten times worse than his wife. But I guess he'll eventually fall for it, not realizing he's having an affair with the same woman he's married to, basically. 

Marian failed to deliver her one funny line well.

1 minute ago, eejm said:

The fancy carriage picnic looked kind of fun!  What was up with Aurora Fane’s pained look when Raikes was chatting up the woman beside him?

Add her to the list of people who see that Raikes is not worth Marian sacrificing anything for. He says he loves her, but honestly would be find in two minutes if she fell off a cliff.

33 minutes ago, dmc said:

I never was a Bannister fan. From the moment he acted completely blasé about losing Ada's dog, I haven't liked him. Bannister could have absolutely looked for the dog who had maybe gone a block down the street.  

Thank you! Who loses someone's dog they were walking and then just comes home with the leash without looking? 

[dmc]

13 minutes ago, Straycat80 said:

Was that the last episode of season one? Hope not. I’m surprised Agnes did not fire Bannister, she’s really mad at him. And she got Turner fired but I doubt we’ve seen the last of her unfortunately. I don’t think Marian and Raikes will get married. I don’t know why he wanted to marry her anyway, she has no money. 
I loved the ending with the building all lit up. How exciting that must have been back then to experience that. 

Too much change maybe, I thought for sure she would sack him.  I was hoping for it and then a bark from Pumpkin in agreement.

 

4 minutes ago, eejm said:

Jeez, George.  Maybe think outside the box and realize that having an architect for a son will be an asset if you’re building railroads - and consequently stations - all over the place.

 

I don’t believe for a second that Agnes does not have at least an inkling that Oscar is gay.  Her passive aggressive silent treatment of Bannister is pretty awesome, though.

 

Does Bertha really find Turner that valuable that the whole household hates her yet she stayed on that long?  I’m sure we haven’t see the last of her.

 

The fancy carriage picnic looked kind of fun!  What was up with Aurora Fane’s pained look when Raikes was chatting up the woman beside him?

What about George's...will you get rid of Turner, its not for me to say?  LOL okay George.  George is me at work pretending I don't know anything all the time to stay out of shit LOL

Edited March 8, 2022 by dmc

[Sakura12]

I'm wondering if Bertha is doing Mrs. Van Rhijn a favor by setting Tom up with someone else since she purposely asked Marion to invite him while telling her she's not invited. 

 I'm sure actually seeing a building light up was very exciting in that time but since we are sitting in her homes powered by electricity and watching this show because of it, it's not a very exciting episode ender. 

Turner finally got canned but we probably haven't seen the last of her. I don't really care too since I don't know what her plan was. George has not even looked her away since she embarrassed herself, why would he care if she left. She went to him like they actually had an affair. She's lucky they are giving her a reference they could've said to watch your sons around her. Of course this rumor will keep Agnes thinking her son is straight. 

Also when are we going to learn more about Ada. Where was she before Mr. Van Rhijn died? She does seem more worldly and actually seems like she left the house before she moved in with Agnes. Does she ever go anywhere? 

Come on Gladys you have to be smarter then that. Your mother suddenly cares about you because she's been trying to get to Mrs Astor and you are friends with her daughter. 

[Brian Cronin]

39 minutes ago, dmc said:

Agnes is of course giving him the silent treatment after last week's betrayal and my question is why wasn't Bannister fired? 

For the same reason why Russell wanted him, he is too valuable to lose. Having an English butler really WAS a big deal. 

[eleanorofaquitaine]

I thought the last scene was really well done, both literally and metaphorically. It really demonstrated what a marvel the light bulb and the regulation of electricity was to people of that era, literally. And metaphorically, it showed how the dawning of a new era upended the old order.

That being said, I felt like they stuffed a season's worth of plot into one episode. Pacing could use some improvement. 

Also, it felt like things were really up and down with George and Bertha. And while that is certainly true of many marriages, I can't quite tell if we're meant to think they've hit a bad patch or not.

[dmc]

2 minutes ago, Brian Cronin said:

For the same reason why Russell wanted him, he is too valuable to lose. Having an English butler really WAS a big deal. 

Surely there are other English butlers in NY that can walk a dog properly. 

[eleanorofaquitaine]

3 minutes ago, Sakura12 said:

I'm sure actually seeing a building light up was very exciting in that time but since we are sitting in her homes powered by electricity and watching this show because of it, it's not a very exciting episode ender. 

I disagree. And I think that the point is that while electricity is commonplace for us, it truly was a game-changer for people in that era. I thought they did a good job of showing how what is now an old technology to us was once exciting and revolutionary. 

[eejm]

40 minutes ago, dmc said:

It's that time again for me to unleash some Gilded Rage...I feel like this episode nothing happened but hey it was a lot of nothings all strung together like a dainty garland. 

I never was a Bannister fan. From the moment he acted completely blasé about losing Ada's dog, I haven't liked him. Bannister could have absolutely looked for the dog who had maybe gone a block down the street.   Agnes is of course giving him the silent treatment after last week's betrayal and my question is why wasn't Bannister fired?  Why do these people act like no other employees exist?  Is there no budget for new casting at HBO for servant actors?  At the point where your employees are moonlighting across the street...perhaps do a few interviews.  

Marion's wardrobe is LOL still. She looked ridiculous this week again like one of those banana striped candy canes someone inevitably tapes to a holiday card for me at Christmas that I purposely toss away.  Raikes still hasn't been revealed to be a devious fiend yet...but don't worry it's coming....I hope it lives up to the hype when his unmasking is at hand.  

Ms. Turner was finally fired which she deserves but there's no way we have seen the last of her.  Of course upon leaving she goes to see George...which okay why...it doesn't bother me this women is scheming...what bothers me are her schemes make no sense...she had no reason to believe George was into her to begin with and now she lets him know she's leaving like he hasn't completely ignored since she came into his room once.  It honestly would have made more sense from a writing standpoint if she had targeted his son...also what is her goal...an affair, money, a house of her own, does she want to be on the 400 list...or is she just scheming for scheming sake...now I guess to get even she is giving dreadful Oscar information about Gladys...

Oscar is woefully miscast...because honestly he doesn't have the charm or looks for me to believe anyone would be into him or machinations.  Also Bertha seems to want a prince for Gladys...is Oscar even good enough?  I just had a delicious thought what if Raikes makes a play for Gladys. Raikes is not good enough either but it would be a fun twist for a social climber looking for a rich wife.  

OMG Calculus has led to illumination of the city...Thomas Edison solved for X.  

Bertha continues to be one note ambition...I feel part of this show is wanting Bertha to succeed...and I admit, I don't want her to succeed.   I don't like her at all and want to see her fall flat on her face.  I know she won't but I still want her too.  

Next week, we all go Newport.  I am actually excited for this as I am donor and member of the Newport Historical Society.  Newport's history is amazing.  I wonder if Bertha and George will get an actual Newport mansion in existence like The Breakers or Marble House or a house that actually doesn't exist but this show pretends does.  The Newport Historical society actually has an app for you to tour Gilded Mansions virtually if you are interested.  It's interactive and extremely informative. 

I feel the same way about Turner.  I’m fine with a character having a vengeance, but her motivations seemed to come from absolutely nowhere.  She hated Bertha because Turner sees her as an upstart, yet is desperate to not only get into George’s pants but to be his true love?  And being as snotty as possible to the rest of the staff helps her how exactly?

I feel Oscar’s flippant, “You want revenge…for some reason,” echoes the audience’s lack of interest in her story.

[dmc]

1 minute ago, eejm said:

I feel the same way about Turner.  I’m fine with a character having a vengeance, but her motivations seemed to come from absolutely nowhere.  She hated Bertha because Turner sees her as an upstart, yet is desperate to not only get into George’s pants but to be his true love?  And being as snotty as possible to the rest of the staff helps her how exactly?

I feel Oscar’s flippant, “You want revenge…for some reason,” echoes the audience’s lack of interest in her story.

Right for some reason none of us can fathom.  Her behavior doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  There's really no reason for us to believe George would accept her or why she would think so.  

[kristen111]

13 minutes ago, Broderbits said:

 

20 minutes ago, Straycat80 said:

I loved the ending with the building all lit up. How exciting that must have been back then to experience that. 

 

It was thrilling to see that scene of the building having electricity for the first time by Thomas Edison.  My bread and butter.  My husband retired from that Edison Company after 38 years.  I was a secretary there when I met him and married many years ago.  Still married, and great pension.  Thank you Con Edison.

 

 

 

 

[Brian Cronin]

The Newsies reject footman is my new favorite character. Like when he mugged for the camera when Bannister said that revenge was a dish best served cold. I adore his super non-affected way of speaking. 

[dmc]

Just now, Brian Cronin said:

The Newsies reject footman is my new favorite character. Like when he mugged for the camera when Bannister said that revenge was a dish best served cold. I adore his super non-affected way of speaking. 

Newsies LOL

[Carolina Girl]

22 minutes ago, AntFTW said:

OH FFS, RAIKES!

You can never go wrong with an Edna .gif.  

[dmc]

6 minutes ago, eleanorofaquitaine said:

I disagree. And I think that the point is that while electricity is commonplace for us, it truly was a game-changer for people in that era. I thought they did a good job of showing how what is now an old technology to us was once exciting and revolutionary. 

My only thought was I could see a lot of unfortunate outfits more clearly.  But it would be weird, if they didn't showcase this as it was a big deal to these people. 

[dmc]

The outfit definitely says he's having an affair with Miss Turner.

[ahpny]

9 minutes ago, eleanorofaquitaine said:

I thought the last scene was really well done, both literally and metaphorically. It really demonstrated what a marvel the light bulb and the regulation of electricity was to people of that era, literally. And metaphorically, it showed how the dawning of a new era upended the old order.

The true story of the commercialization of electrical power is a compelling saga little known by most today. It's actually more interesting than the foibles of the old moneyed crowd and ambitions of the new money people. It's not just the contribution of Lewis Lattimer (just hinted at here), but ruthless litigiousness of Edison himself (he spent more time in courts arguing about patents than he spent in any lab), his rivalry with Westinghouse and the criminally cruel sidelining of Nicolai Tesla, and the showdown between direct current (which Edison futilely pushed) and alternating current (which he savaged, but won out anyway). We all use AC today btw. The dramas write themselves and they're true!

[Brian Cronin]

I really do have to give it up to them for the use of the electricity demonstration. Sometimes, they really make good decisions regarding their use of real life history and this was definitely one of them. I'm still very much enjoying the show, even with all of its little absurdities mixed in there, like Jacobson's oddly formal way of talking, the Newsie reject footman, Turner having no discernable motives for any of her behaviors and the show thinking the actor who plays Oscar is about ten times more charming than he really is.

[Atlanta]

I'm still cheering for the Russells, Marian, Ada, and anyone not named Turner or Oscar. Please tell me that Peggy winds up with the hottie publisher.

[Melina22]

9 minutes ago, eleanorofaquitaine said:

I thought the last scene was really well done, both literally and metaphorically. It really demonstrated what a marvel the light bulb and the regulation of electricity was to people of that era, literally. And metaphorically, it showed how the dawning of a new era upended the old order.

I enjoyed it too and tried to imagine the wonder they felt. It reminded me of a documentary I saw a few years ago, where someone supplied a fairly isolated tribe in the Amazon with a generator and a few light bulbs, one per dwelling. No one on the tribe complained, they LOVED it. They explained how wonderful it was to be able to see after dark, to not sit in pitch blackness, or lit by some dim candle. It just made them feel safe and happy. It's so hard for us to fully appreciate what a gift electricity can be, but I thought they did a good job of it in this episode.

Honestly, this is the first episode I haven't hate-watched. Maybe I'm just used to everyone, but I was hardly annoyed at all. 

There were some notable outfits as always. I loved Marian's dark pink (?) gown. Very flattering. The blue and gold one always reminds me of the Oscars. I can't focus on Bertha's gowns because I'm distracted by the various ways they're hiding her pregnancy. 

Why does Mrs. Chamberlain always wear that horrible, fussy, dishwater coloured dress? I find lots of the dresses on the show are in awful, clashing colours, but no doubt it's historically accurate. 

Turner is ridiculous. Who gets away with the stuff she does? Well, she's been sacked, so I guess even she can't get away with it all the time. 

I love Bannister/Arthur Dent so I'm very happy he was inexplicably not fired. 

27 minutes ago, Sakura12 said:

Come on Gladys you have to be smarter then that. Your mother suddenly cares about you because she's been trying to get to Mrs Astor and you are friends with her daughter. 

Judging by her face in the last scene, Gladys is well aware, and not happy about it. 

[CleoCaesar]

The show still isn't clicking for me. Seven episodes in and it still feels like a mismatch of scenes that never quite gel. Seven episodes into Downton and I felt like we were privy to a whole world with well-rounded characters and drama. Did anything really happen in this episode or tell us something that we didn't already kind of know?

As long as I'm bitching, why is the acting so flat? Marion is just a black hole of charisma with her monotone delivery. I keep thinking what a better actress like, for instance, Emma Stone could do with the character of Marion.

The last scene with Edison was good. There, I said at least one nice thing.

[dmc]

5 minutes ago, Brian Cronin said:

 Turner having no discernable motives for any of her behaviors and the show thinking the actor who plays Oscar is about ten times more charming than he really is.

THIS

 

3 minutes ago, CleoCaesar said:

The show still isn't clicking for me. Seven episodes in and it still feels like a mismatch of scenes that never quite gel. Seven episodes into Downton and I felt like we were privy to a whole world with well-rounded characters and drama. Did anything really happen in this episode or tell us something that we didn't already kind of know?

As long as I'm bitching, why is the acting so flat? Marion is just a black hole of charisma with her monotone delivery. I keep thinking what a better actress like, for instance, Emma Stone could do with the character of Marion.

The last scene with Edison was good. There, I said at least one nice thing.

AND ALL THIS!

[Brn2bwild]

Marion should have told Mr. Raikes that if he really loved her, he would insist that she join him at the lighting ceremony or not go at all.

Part of me hopes that "Miss Bingham" was part of a ruse cooked up by Agnes and Aurora Fane to test whether Mr. Raikes would stay faithful to Marion in her absence. 

[BabyBella94]

This is actually one of the best episodes imo, I really enjoyed it. I think it's supposed to be a filler episode and nothing more. 

Edited March 8, 2022 by BabyBella94

[emmawoodhouse]

2 minutes ago, Brn2bwild said:

Marion should have told Mr. Raikes that if he really loved her, he would insist that she join him at the lighting ceremony or not go at all.

Part of me hopes that "Miss Bingham" was part of a ruse cooked up by Agnes and Aurora Fane to test whether Mr. Raikes would stay faithful to Marion in her absence. 

What would have been considered out of bounds for Raikes? He was brought along to provide the young lady an escort.

[AntFTW]

10 minutes ago, BabyBella94 said:

This is actually one of the best episodes imo, I really enjoyed it. I think it's supposed to be a filler episode and nothing more. 

Same! I found the last two episodes kinda bleh so it seems we're ramping up again heading for the finale.

Edited March 8, 2022 by AntFTW

[peridot]

I loved the first scene between Agnes and Ada, where Ada shocked Agnes with her knowledge of seedy characters.

Bertha is stone cold, asking Marian if Raikes was available and then turning around and telling her that she wasn't invited.  Even though she's cold-hearted and single-minded, I liked seeing her glee when George tipped his hat to her at the balcony. 

I didn't understand how people could have picnics in carriages since I thinking of the full-coverage ones, but the ones they used were nice.  It was an early form of tailgating!

I just don't understand the situation between Raikes and Marian.  Like someone said above, why isn't Marian questioning his quiz-like knowledge of the wealthy?

Turner should have been thrown out on her ass a long time ago, I laughed at Church telling her to go back into her cave.

[izabella]

1 hour ago, Sakura12 said:

Come on Gladys you have to be smarter then that. Your mother suddenly cares about you because she's been trying to get to Mrs Astor and you are friends with her daughter. 

 

32 minutes ago, Melina22 said:

Judging by her face in the last scene, Gladys is well aware, and not happy about it. 

When Bertha kept asking about getting in touch with, and inviting the dancers' parents, it seemed the light bulb finally lit up in Gladys's head.  And no, she didn't look happy.  If she's smart, and toughens up a little, she'll use this knowledge, and Carrie Astor's influence over her mother, to get some of the things SHE wants out of this ball and from her mother.  If she plays her cards right, Bertha might even let her pick out her own dress.

Edited March 8, 2022 by izabella

[Adgirl]

1 hour ago, eejm said:

 What was up with Aurora Fane’s pained look when Raikes was chatting up the woman beside him?

I think she's starting to think he's a rake as Aunt Agnes predicted. I'm still not sure about him though.

This episode was so boring. I can't believe they spent so much money on costumes and scenery but couldn't pay Fellowes enough to let someone else take a pass at the script.

[dmc]

hmmm  the purse Rake is seen handing the maid looks like Marian’s purse that was stolen during the first episode

[AntFTW]

1 hour ago, Sakura12 said:

Come on Gladys you have to be smarter then that. Your mother suddenly cares about you because she's been trying to get to Mrs Astor and you are friends with her daughter. 

Well, I think Gladys is being smart. While I think Gladys is building a genuine friendship with Carrie Astor, Gladys is using Carrie Astor toward her own end, her debut and gaining more freedom. Carrie Astor appears more than willing to help Gladys on that front.

Gladys knows her mother's social ambitions and knows that Bertha won't let her have more freedom until Bertha feels they have hit a certain social status. A shiny key, being Carrie Astor, just waltzes into the room via Gladys Russell. Gladys is taking full advantage of her newfound friendship with Carrie Astor. Gladys is glad that Bertha suddenly cares.

[ZeeEnnui]

Damn...learn to read a ballroom, Bertha. George is a patient guy with his family but his wife deserved that snap. If he goes down, the only party she'll be throwing will be in the slum housing they'll have to move to when the Russell's lose all their money. 

Turner continues to be Weak Sauce O'Brien. When Bertha was like our relationship has changed, bro. All I could think was WHAT relationship. We've barely seen these two together. I'd love to read a page out of Turner's Burn Book because her one-sided feud with Bertha is laughable. Then going into George's room again?!?! Is being rejected Turner's kink because he's just not that into you. Turner would honestly have more luck getting a pity f*** out of Oscar than George. I love a good schemer but Turner really needs to attend a remedial course at the  O'Brien and Barrow School of Downstairs Grievances for me to care at all about her. 

Watching Marion not be invited to things apparently sparks joy for me.

Raikes is looking a little desperate to lock down Blandy McBlanderson. No one buys what your selling, pal especially Aurora Fane's "troubled face." Seriously, Aurora doesn't get much screen time but she nails "oh...sheeit" like nobody's business nearly every week. 

You know what would make Larry interesting? If he starts working for Stanford White whose Wiki page reads like a Gilded Age TMZ. If Agnes thinks a ladies maid touching Oscar's arm is scandalous, she'd have a stroke reading about what Stanford White got up to in his free time. 

In one hundred years, Ada would have totally been reading Judy Blume and VC Andrews in secret. 

[sistermagpie]

5 minutes ago, ZeeEnnui said:

In one hundred years, Ada would have totally been reading Judy Blume and VC Andrews in secret. 

It'll be great if it comes out Oscar is gay and Agnes is shocked and Ada isn't. She seems like the most sophisticated person in the house via all her reading and attitude.

ETA: Raikes' hats and therefore clothing seem to be getting fancier.

Edited March 8, 2022 by sistermagpie

[AntFTW]

30 minutes ago, dmc said:

hmmm  the purse Rake is seen handing the maid looks like Marian’s purse that was stolen during the first episode

In the trailer for next week?

[ajsnaves]

1 hour ago, Brian Cronin said:

Turner having no discernable motives for any of her behaviors

Turner's motives are to be the new Mrs. Chamberlain.  Get her hooks into George, show him how to live.  And then when Bertha is out of the picture... (I am not saying that Mrs. Chamberlain murdered the previous Mrs. Chamberlain.)

Speaking of Mrs. Chamberlain, while I assume her motives are pure, she needs to think about her actions in setting up a rendezvous between Marion and Tom.  Of the three of them, the only person who would be damaged if found out, would be Marion. Tom will just move on and up in Society, as he has been doing.  No one cares what a man does.  Mrs. Chamberlain will keep on keeping on, with nowhere lower to go.  But Marian's reputation will be doubly besmirched.  One might wonder if it's not part of some elaborate scheme to get back at Agnes for something.

[izabella]

47 minutes ago, ZeeEnnui said:

Raikes is looking a little desperate to lock down Blandy McBlanderson. No one buys what your selling, pal especially Aurora Fane's "troubled face." Seriously, Aurora doesn't get much screen time but she nails "oh...sheeit" like nobody's business nearly every week. 

Mrs. Fane is one of my favorites.  I've been impressed with the actress from the start, and enjoy her character.  I give Aurora credit for diving right in to help Bertha break into society.  Even though she was compelled by circumstances, she is giving it her all and is successfully helping without being catty or resentful.  I think she's having fun conspiring with and hanging out with Bertha.  I hope Aurora's husband appreciates her.

[RachelKM]

Jesus Christ. I cannot care about Marian and her glazed, vacant smiles. And I don't care if she's happy (assuming emotions are things she has).  But Holy Fuck! Does she even care if she's in love? 

My understanding from her conversation last week with Mrs. Chamberlain was that Marian was flattered and liked Raikes but she wanted to see if it was more if she spent time with him. Then one  conversation in which Raikes is reciting gossip and she's stealing kisses next to the Monets.  

Raikes: Do you love me?

Marian: What do you think?

Me: I genuinely have no idea and at this point hope you don't and this blows up in your stupid, placid face.

Gah! Even her flirting is dumb and boring.

Also, did I misunderstand or was Raikes arguing that they should marry now before something ... distracted them?  I couldn't follow his words but it didn't sound like he was saying they'd be torn apart but rather than they'd drift apart. If so, it was an odd but surprisingly selfware statement if the final scene with the other woman is any indication... but not a great argument for commitment...

Ada and Agnes's exchange about what Ada shouldn't know was fun.  As was watching Turner get sent packing.  Sure, I know we're not done with her poison. But at least she isn't able to actively sacrifice Gladys to it. 

Side note, George adores his daughter and wants her to marry for love and be happy.  Can you imagine his rage if he learned Turner was helping a fortune hunter who's made it plain he doesn't have any legit feelings for Gladys? 

Good for Larry making a strong and logical case for why she should not be made to follow his father footsteps or into his shoes that he neither could nor would want to fill.

Edited March 8, 2022 by RachelKM
typos and further thoughts on Raikes...

[izabella]

3 minutes ago, RachelKM said:

Good for Larry making a strong and logical case for why she should not be made to follow his father footsteps that he neither could nor would want to fill.

That was well done, and well received.  It seemed like George was able to respect Larry, both for his reasoning and for wanting to succeed in his own way.

[MerBearHou]

I was awed by the lighting on Park Row — can imagine what that must have been like to witness.  What a fabulous scene with the carriages and dining — very, very beautiful (and looked fun!). 

Agnes saying “tell that reprobate Bannister” cracked me up.

When Miss Astor said let’s include Sally Drexel as a dancer for the quadrille, I smiled — really cool to include a Drexel reference as Christine Baranski’s beloved late husband was a Drexel.  

[Snazzy Daisy]

Tom Raikes is really the Prince Hans of 1880s.

”Marry me Marian… before I get distracted.” 😆🤦🏻‍♀️

[MerBearHou]

1 hour ago, peridot said:

I didn't understand how people could have picnics in carriages since I thinking of the full-coverage ones, but the ones they used were nice.  It was an early form of tailgating!

I thought the same thing — so THAT’S where Ole Miss got their elaborate tailgating from!