Julian Fellowes has had huge success with Downton Abbey. The series, which ran for six seasons, was the most successful production on the English channel PBS. It has been sold to over 200 territories, and won numerous awards. So much so that it generated a film, post-terminating the series, which is available on Amazon Prime. The success also led to a sequel, which is expected to hit theaters in March. Julian Fellowes also made the series Belgravia, not so successful, which is available on Globoplay. I’ve never seen the series, but I’ve read the book. With that in mind, I can say that the golden age it’s a mix of Belgravia and even more clearly, with Downton Abbey. Also created by Julian Fellowes, the series premieres today at 11 pm on HBO and HBO Max. I’ve already seen the first few episodes, and if you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, have to see!
The story
the golden age It will take place during a period of immense economic change in the United States. These are times of great conflict between the old methods and the new systems, and of enormous fortunes made and lost. In 1882, Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) moves from Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father. She moves in with her wealthy aunts, Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon). Along the way, she meets young Peggy Scott (Denee Benton), an aspiring writer looking for a fresh start. But when she arrives in New York, Marian inadvertently becomes involved in a social war between one of her aunts and her stupendously wealthy neighbors. They are George (Morgan Spector), a ruthless railroad tycoon, and his ambitious wife, Bertha (Carrie Coon).
What did I think of the golden age?
The idea for the series has been swirling around Hollywood for a long time. At first it would be made by NBC, but later it ended up falling into the hands of HBO. And from the soundtrack, to the opening, the golden age has many points in common with Downton Abbey. The difference is that there’s more business involved, people aren’t as “polite”, and the show has a sexier side. Yes, there’s even a little nudity and gay kissing. But your concept is the same as Downton. Lots of dresses and jewelry, beautiful places, a widow with a sharp tongue, and young people who know what they want. Not forgetting the young suitors, and the mothers determined that their daughters “marry well”.
There’s also the servants’ floor, with ambitious women, mysterious valets, and good people who speak their minds. There is a difference here, however, which is the presence of the young black Peggy, which highlights the prejudice – even much smaller than one would expect at the time. It’s interesting to see that, contrary to what we’re used to seeing in period productions, Peggy and her family have money and refinement. It’s an excellent and welcome surprise.
The actors
And of course, there are excellent interpretations. Christine Baranski is the younger version of Lady Grantham by Maggie Smith. His tongue is just as sharp. Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon have great chemistry, and it’s nice to see them together. Louisa Jacobson, Meryl Streep’s Youngest Daughter, shows that he has talent, and defends himself very well in the midst of so many good people. And what a delight to see so many good people on Broadway. As the series was shot in the middle of the pandemic, theaters were closed. So it was the opportunity to have all these wonderful actors on the show. Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Donna Murphy, Kelli O’Hara, Linda Emond, Katie Finneran, Bill Irwin, Michael Cerveris, Debra Monk, and more. It’s a gift to anyone who knows.
And in the end…
In the end, as well as in Downton Abbey, The Golden Age it’s a big novel. It assumes that it uses all the clichés of all the great novels of the period. And he still points this out in his dialogues, in case you didn’t notice, lol. The difference is that, perhaps because it is shown on HBO, there are more schemes, plots, with characters wanting to destroy others. And also more sex, but nothing scandalous. That is, you will have fun, want more, and still love looking at dresses.
Eliane Munhoz
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