The first two episodes are the introduction to the series and the time period . The Gilded Age is my favorite period in American history . With rapid industrialization of the country vast fortunes were made, and the making of the American millionaires. I feel that the reason the first two episodes fall flat is because they’re trying to explain historical content as I feel most Americans and perhaps others won’t understand the context of what they’re watching :man_shrugging: . Old knickerbocker New York society was established, and didn’t take too kindly to the new money arrivals . The women truly were the key holders of this society, and they ruled with an iron fist . The ruling class in New York had closed gates, and didn’t want to grant access to the rest of the country . In other words just because you were very wealthy and you were from California per say that didn’t grant you an entry into the wealth, connections, and the politics you needed to further your businesses and financial endeavors.

If you want to get a better feel for society at the time read or watch House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence .

Episode three seems to finally be getting into the meat and potatoes of the storyline .