History may look back on the Gilded Age (the era, not the show) with some fair suspicion, as there was undoubtedly widespread societal injustice at the time; yet, one thing remains undeniable: humanity made enormous progress during this period.
The field of electricity came into its own in the second half of the nineteenth century, as ‘The Gilded Age‘ (the show, not the era) emphasises in its 7th episode, titled ‘Irresistible Change.’ Everything you need to know about it is right here.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.
Recap of Episode 7 of The Gilded Age
George (Morgan Spector) hosts a demonstration about his station, Union Central Station, at the start of the episode. Stanford White is in charge of the design, as he was with his house, and George is working with Thomas Edison to have it totally lit by electrical bulbs.
Larry (Harry Richardson) decides to tell his father that he wants to be an architect after seeing him happy for the first time in a few days. Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) and Mr. White are on his side, while George is adamantly opposed.
Larry appears to finally get through to his father later in the episode when he tells him that he doesn’t want to be known as George’s failing son and that he wants to make his own path, causing George to agree to give it serious thought.
Meanwhile, based on what she learned from Ambrose earlier, Agnes suspects Oscar (Blake Ritson) of having a love relationship with Turner.
She sends Marian (Louisa Jacobson) to the Russell household to request that Bertha (Carrie Coon) dismiss Turner, which Bertha eventually does.
When Oscar learns about it, he sees it as a good thing, assuming that it would allow him to reclaim access to the Russell family.
The feud between George and Bertha over their separate priorities continues to simmer. George is no closer to discovering who issued the message instructing the train’s chief engineer to cut corners.
He may be sentenced to prison. When he and Bertha discussed it, she seemed to be more concerned about how this may damage their social position.
Marian and Raikes meet at Sylvia’s (Jeanne Tripplehorn) house to discuss their future. In the face of Raikes’ constant love gestures, Marian vacillates between practicality and hopefulness. Even a passionate kiss is shared between them.
The New York Times’ office will host an energy demonstration by Thomas Edison. George will also be present. Ward McAllister, the Fanes, and Raikes are all invited on Bertha’s expedition to the celebration.
Marian is ejected, much to Marian’s dismay. Aurora subsequently reveals that she has been replaced with a young woman who appears to be the mistress of Henry Flagler, a real-life oil magnate. Meanwhile, Peggy (Denée Benton) joins T. Thomas Fortune at the occasion.
See Also: The Gilded Age Episode 6 Recap And Ending Explained
The Gilded Age Episode 7 Ending Explained
At the event, Aurora sits uncomfortably watching Raikes speak with Cissie Bingham, Henry Flagler’s alleged mistress, as Thomas Edison illuminates the New York Times office and the audience erupts in applause.
Raikes, Agnes believes, is an explorer and a social climber. In that aspect, he has the charisma and physical features to succeed. But there’s something else going on with Raikes. He reflects the world’s dissatisfaction outside of polite society.
He is ambitious and determined enough to achieve his goals at a breakneck speed. And it’s for this reason that Bertha likes him, and Agnes despises him.
His attraction to Marian, on the other hand, is most likely genuine. After all, he originally voiced it to her at that Pennsylvania railroad station in episode 1, when she was practically impoverished.
Aurora may have replaced Marian with Cissie in their party at Agnes’ request, believing that doing so would reveal Raikes’ true nature to Marian.
Why is Bertha Dismissing Turner?
Marian surprises Bertha by paying her a visit to deliver the word from her aunt. Bertha deduces that Agnes believes Oscar is romantically linked with her maid, despite Marian’s silence.
This is something she discusses with her husband. George hasn’t told her about Turner’s antics in his bedroom since he believes the latter is actually assisting his wife. Turner does not lose her work as a result of his.
Bertha notices Turner talking to Larry and touching him, in the same manner, she touched Oscar.
Rumors about her own son’s relationship with a member of the house staff are the last thing an ambitious woman like Bertha wants. She decides to put an end to it by evicting the other woman from her home.
