The Gilded Age Episode 7 Review: Irresistible Change

Last but not least, Bertha’s single focus on her grand entrance to society is irritating George to no end. He knows deep down she supports him but at this point, all she can talk about are her plans for Edison’s electricity display and Gladys’ debutante ball. The speeding up of the planning takes Gladys by surprise as only a little while ago Bertha was dead set against it. It’s safe to assume Gladys’ debut will be the penultimate or the last episode of the season.  

Elsewhere, Turner’s luck has run out. Agnes is completely convinced Oscar and Turner are having an illicit affair and poor Marian has to be the messenger for this fanfiction. She doesn’t know about Turner’s repeated attempts to convince George that she would be the best mistress ever but she can tell the vibes are off. Turner is fired with a promise of a reference but her goodbye has a touch of sinister to it because she asks about the railroad case. What does that have to do with fixing Bertha’s hair? After she leaves, Turner manages to meet Oscar to tell him the odds of success with Gladys are improving. He’s OK with the fanfiction about the affair at least as a way to distract Agnes from discovering John. Could Turner collaborate with Dickson to prove negligent manslaughter or will she claim something else happened with George?

Across the street, Agnes is still pressed about Bannister helping out with Bertha’s luncheon. She has turned up the passive-aggressiveness to eleven and refuses to directly address him. Bannister doesn’t have a checking account yet so he can’t be comforted by his windfall. Marian also tries to make some headway towards convincing the aunts that Mr. Raikes isn’t a fortune hunter but Agnes remains unmoved. 

Everyone has a plan to see Edison switch on the lights except Marian and the Aunts. Agnes has no interest in seeing a world-changing event. Peggy is going with Fortune to represent the Globe. Not only is this an important public interest story, but both of them also want to see Edison fully credit Black inventor Louis Latimer for inventing carbon filaments for light bulbs.  

Marian can’t fit in with Bertha’s carriage party as Raikes and others are taking up seats. George is going as a dignitary guest of Edison. Marian has some simmering jealousy but she has decided to make the best of it. Her meeting with Raikes at Mrs. Chamberlains did end with a kiss and some strengthened resolve towards defying the odds. 

The Gilded Age is correct on everything about Edison switching on the lights and overall public reaction except the location. Edison’s Pearl Street Station in downtown Manhattan really was powered up on September 4, 1882. The episode moved the New York Times headquarters from close to the power plant further north to Park Avenue. 

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