The Gilded Age Shifts Power Dynamics Among Families

NEW YORK, NY — On a gray soundstage in Maspeth, two renowned actresses, Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski, are developing their characters for the latest season of HBO‘s period drama, The Gilded Age. The dynamic between their characters has flipped since last season, stirring excitement among fans. Baranski’s character, Agnes van Rhijn, has been the dominant figure in their wealthy family. However, after the misadventures of her son, Oscar, played by Blake Ritson, Agnes’s control is challenged. Nixon’s character, Ada, unexpectedly inherits wealth from her deceased husband, played by Robert Sean Leonard.

Nixon explained, “Before the filming started, we had great fun imagining what Ada would do with her new financial power. Would she turn their elegant home into a soup kitchen?” Instead, Ada embraces charitable causes, focusing on temperance. She attempts to persuade her servants to pledge abstinence from alcohol, much to Agnes’s chagrin.

In a scene being filmed, Baranski humorously repeats a quip about a Brit’s loyalty to “the queen and the bottle.” The relaxed set atmosphere includes crew members joking, with one wearing a T-shirt featuring Baranski’s likeness styled like a heavy metal band. Meanwhile, the presence of a dog, representing Ada’s Cavalier King Charles spaniel, adds charm to the proceedings.

The Gilded Age is characterized by these engaging character interactions, where minute details often hold as much significance as grand societal issues. Critics, including Kathryn VanArendonk, have pointed out how the series treats major events like labor strikes and financial ruin with surprising understatement, while trivial matters take on monumental importance.

Michael Engler, director and executive producer of the show, shared that the production team acknowledges the exaggerated sensibilities depicted within the series. He emphasizes the shared enjoyment in these stylistic choices, noting, “We expect the audience understands that this is a little over the top.”

Historical authenticity remains a priority, as the show references accurate events like union strikes and the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, the show’s historian, thrives on researching period newspaper articles and social rules, particularly concerning divorce. “I hope the audience feels inspired to explore these topics further,” Dunbar stated.

The Gilded Age’s filming locations add richness to the narrative. The production has meticulously replicated settings, including a recreated Upper East Side street. Locations in Newport, Rhode Island, provide additional historical authenticity, where the team works with local heritage organizations.

Denée Benton, who portrays Peggy Scott, has lobbied alongside Dunbar to expand her character’s role, introducing more elaborate storylines around the Black elites in Newport. “It’s thrilling to explore the richness of Black stories in this period,” Benton remarked.

As filming continues, actors are experiencing an immersive environment filled with grandeur. Baranski commented on the contrasting settings of the Van Rhijn and Russell households, hinting at distinct themes of power and wealth in their storylines.

In another soundstage, the Russell family is embroiled in their own drama as Gladys Russell’s marriage prospects come into question. With a strong performance from Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell, scenes look to provoke tension and humor, showcasing the intricacies of marriage dynamics.

Onlookers can observe the bustling production work around Newport, as background actors don period costumes, and crew members manage logistics to maintain the show’s immersive realism. Despite the challenges of portraying the Gilded Age faithfully, the show’s talented cast and crew remain committed to delivering engaging storytelling that resonates with contemporary audiences.