Why You Must See It: Two powerful women locked in the ultimate neighbor feud—where property values meet family pride and every dinner party becomes a strategic battle. It’s “Real Housewives” meets Downton Abbey.
We’ve all had that one family member—the aunt who tells you your outfit is “interesting,” the grandmother who asks pointed questions about your life choices. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at family dinner while secretly knowing they’re probably right, then “The Gilded Age” has not one, but two women you’ll recognize immediately.
Agnes van Rhijn and Bertha Russell live directly across the street from each other in 1880s New York, and their rivalry is the stuff of legend. Agnes represents old money tradition, while Bertha embodies new industrial wealth—but here’s the fascinating twist: they’re essentially the same person in different packaging.
Both women rule their households with iron fists disguised as silk gloves. Agnes forbids her niece from associating with “unsuitable” people, while Bertha orchestrates elaborate social schemes to elevate her family’s status. They’re both fiercely protective matriarchs who understand that in their world, one wrong move destroys everything they’ve built. When Agnes maintains strict protocols and Bertha pushes boundaries, they’re playing the same game with different strategies.
The real genius of their dynamic lies in what they’ll never admit: they secretly admire each other’s strength. Agnes respects Bertha’s determination to break into society, while Bertha envies Agnes’s unshakeable social position. Their public feuding masks a grudging recognition that they’re both doing whatever it takes to protect their families in a ruthless world.
Watching these two powerhouses circle each other like elegant predators makes for television gold.
Where to watch it: Max.
Seasons: 2 seasons available.
Leave a Reply