Warning: SPOILERS for The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 2 - “What The Papers Say.”
The Gilded Ageseason 3 quickly introduced some big surprises, including a concerning illness for Peggy Scott. Thankfully, episode 2 has already turned that around.The Gilded Ageseason 3 premiered to the highest ratings yet, proving that the show’s new dramas were exactly what viewers craved. From Marian Brook and Larry Russell’s growing romance toCharles and Aurora Fane’s ongoing divorce inThe Gilded Age, season 3 has already included some shocking moments.
Likewise,The Gilded Ageseason 3 introduced huge developments in Gladys Russell’s love life, and Agnes Can Rhijn and Ada Forte’s feud, that played a big role in season 3’s premiere. Peggy’s sudden illness received less screen time than some of the premiere’s more overtly dramatic moments. ByThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 1’s ending, Peggy’s influenza seemed to be worsening. However, just one episode later,The Gilded Agehas shown that the real reason for Peggy getting sickwas something unrelated altogether.
I’m Relieved Peggy Getting Sick Was For The Gilded Age To Introduce Her New Love Interest
Peggy’s Illness Is Quickly Fading With The Help Of Her New Doctor
Peggy Scott progressively getting sicker in episode 1 was a strange wrench forThe Gilded Ageto throw in her story. Miss Scott has never had any health problems before, and her plotlines have largely revolved around her work aspirations. Though Peggy’s illness did seem like it was going down a darker path, and I was worried that Peggy would be fighting a serious problem, in reality,The Gilded Agewas simply using it to set up the character’s new love interest, Dr. William Kirkland (Jordan Donica).
Though Peggy and William only share a few scenes inThe Gilded Ageseason 3, episode 2, Peggy’s blooming romance helps her move past her season 2 feelings for her boss, T. Thomas Fortune. Peggy’s most interesting stories typically involve her writing and activism work, soit makes sense that she would also get a new love interest since that is such a big theme this season already. Nothing inThe Gilded Ageis simple, though, so I’m expecting plenty of drama for the pair in the coming episodes.
What Happened With Peggy & T. Thomas Fortune In The Gilded Age Season 2
Peggy Chose To Leave Her Feelings Behind
Several ofThe Gilded Age’s main charactershave been paired with new love interests in the initial episodes of season 3 after some unsuccessful romances in season 2. This also includes Peggy Scott’s brief interest in her boss atThe Globe, T. Thomas Fortune. Peggy is a very skilled and ambitious writer, so naturally, the pair worked together on several projects, including a trip to Tuskegee, Alabama. While there, Peggy and Mr. Fortune experience a racist attack, andafter hiding in a barn, they shared a kiss.
Peggy ultimately gives up her job to remove herself from future temptation with T. Thomas Fortune.
Kissing a man that she is not engaged to would already be breaking societal norms for Peggy inThe Gilded Age, but it is made much worse by the fact thatMr. Fortune is married and has a child. While the two only act on their feelings that one time, Peggy knows that working with Fortune back in New York could cause problems. Despite playing a pivotal role at the paper, Peggy ultimately gives up her job to remove herself from future temptation with T. Thomas Fortune.
The Gilded Age Season 3 Set Up The Introduction Of Phylicia Rashad
The Tony Award-Winning Actor Will Play A Key Role In Season 3
Peggy being cured of her illness and getting a new romantic interest in one fell swoop is already a great addition toThe Gilded Age, but it is made even better by the fact that her illness will lead to the introduction of an important new character.The Gilded Ageseason 3 will soon introduce Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland, played by Phylicia Rashad. Rashad’s Mrs. Kirkland is the mother of William Kirkland, and will play an important role in Peggy’s season 3 story if she and Dr. Kirkland continue to grow closer.
Whether Elizabeth Kirkland goes on to become a long-term character inThe Gilded Ageor simply recurs, it is very exciting to see Phylicia Rashad take on this role. On TV, Rashad is likely best known for starring onThe Cosby Showas Clair Huxtable, and in film, she has appeared as Mary Anne Creed in theCreedseries. Even more impressively, Rashad has won two Tony Awards for her performances inA Raisin in the Sunand forSkeleton Crew, making her an excellent addition toThe Gilded Age’s cast.
