Haute Takes Gilded Age? (Photo courtesy of Revelence)
Welcome to Haute Takes, where culture gets reviewed, refined and occasionally revoked. If it’s giving excellence, it’s Haute. If it’s giving NOT, we’re bothered.
Today, we’re discussing The Gilded Age season four, episode two, “You Won’t Hear Me Beg.”
Spoilers ahead!
Baby, George Russell wants answers after the attempt on his life. Will’s mother pleads for mercy, but George has other plans. He intends to take her son. We came for gowns and gossip, but this episode brought serious family tension.
George carries that same confidence into his meeting with Rockefeller. He lays down his terms and refuses to negotiate from a weaker position. Larry tries to calm things down, but his father has already made up his mind. Whether the gamble pays off remains unclear. However, that confidence is certainly giving Haute.
Meanwhile, Larry continues pursuing Marian. Girl, how much longer will guilt and regret keep you from accepting happiness? He loves you and wants to marry you. Still, perhaps Marian has a strategy of her own. Larry is certainly making his intentions clear.
Peggy Scott keeps The Gilded Age interesting
Peggy remains one of the strongest parts of this story. She is preparing for marriage while building her writing career. Her growing success also gives other Black girls a reason to imagine bigger possibilities. That representation matters, and the show deserves credit for giving her journey room to grow.
However, Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland continues making things difficult. Phylicia Rashad plays her with a polished cruelty that makes every interaction uncomfortable. Her remarks about Peggy’s past and her attempts to reshape Peggy’s history for society’s approval are especially frustrating.
Peggy does not need an invented background to deserve respect. Her mother, Dorothy, understands that perfectly. Their confrontation with Mrs. Kirkland brings another family tension into the spotlight. And honestly, I’m standing with Dorothy.
Bertha and George bring the romance
Bertha’s return home brings the chemistry between her and George back into focus. Their passionate reunion delivers one of the episode’s most satisfying moments. Then an interruption leaves George wanting more. Bertha knows how to keep her husband interested, and I’m not complaining.
Of course, society’s women have plenty to say. Mrs. Enid Winterton and Oscar Van Rhijn bring their usual shade, questioning Bertha about her husband and the presidential visit. Meanwhile, Mrs. Astor needs to focus on her own marriage instead of monitoring everyone else’s.
Things get even more interesting when Mrs. Morris arrives looking for her son. She expects Bertha to turn against George, but Bertha stands firmly beside her husband.
Ultimately, George spares Will. It is a surprising decision, especially after his earlier demands. Will’s mother promises to leave the city with her son. Still, whether George’s mercy will bring peace remains uncertain.
All this talk of opera has me ready to dress up and enjoy a night of luxury. If you see me wearing this same outfit at the opera, mind your business!
Overall, The Gilded Age delivers another episode full of romance, ambition and society drama. This one is certified Haute.
Until next time, if it’s not Haute, it’s not worth the watch.
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