I finally watched the season finale of The Gilded Age. It ended pretty much how I expected. That isn’t a complaint! Sometimes a comfort watch isn’t something you watch because you are familiar with it. Sometimes it’s something that’s gentle with tropes you expect and enjoy, while the characters’ personalities and interactions are what really pull you in.

That’s what The Gilded Age was for me. I’m happy to say it surprised me multiple times in the best of ways.

BEWARE SPOILERS

Now that you’ve been warned, I can give examples of where I was surprised:

Mr Russell NOT falling into the arms of his wife’s lady maid, Turner, when she climbed into his bed naked. Mrs Russell and Mr Russell are a fucking delight because they’re both driven with their own goals, and they complement each other so well.

I LOVE their relationship. It would be a shame to see it breakdown over Mrs Russell’s desire to be part of society. That’s what feels like is being seeded with the maid offering Mr Russell her undivided devotion.

If Mr Russell does fall into a relationship with the maid, I would never forgive him. There would be no redemption for his weakness should they attempt such an arch. Plus, I already loathe the maid who has been shown quite effortlessly to be two faced.

Side note: kudos to Kelley Curran for making Turner truly unlikable. She gave me genuine emotions of dislike and I can appreciate that skill.

Another part that delighted and surprised me was Gladys telling Oscar she would not be told what to do anymore now that she was a lady out to society. I’m hoping for a partnership there as Gladys begins to show more backbone.

And you can bet I fucking cheered when Peggy Scott’s mother finally stepped up to help Peggy when she learned the truth about her grandson. Oh, Peggy how I love thee. Still pushing, even after all the tragedy you’ve suffered. Pushing for a career you want. Pushing to find the truth of what happened when after giving birth.

In writing this blog, I can say I’ve realised that what I loved most about this show was the agency of the female characters. They all had wants and desires, and they all went after them. Some worked out, some did not work out, and a great deal has been left in the air, but I was with them the whole way.

As delightful as The Gilded Age was, I’m now left without a comfort show that allows for the thrill of new characters and settings, and must await the new season. I could watch Downton Abbey as Julian Fellowes created and wrote both Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age, but it was interesting to see a historical drama set in America in the way it was presented in The Gilded Age.

I’ve seen many set in the UK. I’ve even attempted to watch Downton Abbey, and have enjoyed what I’ve seen, but every time I start watching it something else pulls me away. So, I’m taking requests for TV shows to fill the gap! What are your best easy to watch, with minimal stakes, but most engaging characters TV?