The American Dream, Glimpsed Through Skeptical British Eyes.

The article reviews the third season of HBO's *The Gilded Age*, a costume drama set in 1880s New York City, focusing on themes of social mobility and class dynamics. The storyline follows the ambitious Russell family as they navigate the challenges of wealth and societal expectations, particularly highlighting Bertha Russell's attempts to secure a marriage for her daughter and George Russell's risky business ventures. The series contrasts the Russells with the more traditional characters, Agnes and Ada, who grapple with their own societal roles and the changing landscape of their world. The review critiques the show's portrayal of class issues, suggesting it favors the perspectives of the upper class while neglecting the complexities of the servant characters and broader social inequalities. [Extracted from the article]