Is Julian Fellowes Scared of the Streets?

A Sudden and Dramatic Turn in The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age, a show that has captured the hearts of many with its rich portrayal of 19th-century New York, took a sharp and unexpected turn in season three, episode six, “If You Want to Cook an Omelette.” This episode delivered a shocking moment that left fans reeling, particularly with the sudden and dramatic demise of John Adams IV. Played by Claybourne Elder, this character, known for his kindness and square-jawed charm, was a beloved presence in the series. His death, however, felt less like a natural conclusion and more like a calculated move that hinted at a larger narrative design.

John Adams, a fictional character loosely tied to the real-life Adams family, had been a consistent figure in the show. He served as both a sounding board and a love interest for Oscar Van Rhijn, played by Blake Ritson. In earlier seasons, he navigated the complexities of being gay in the 1880s by choosing to remain single, even as Oscar sought a wife-slash-beard. This arrangement didn’t last long, as Oscar’s pursuit of Maud Beaton led to a disastrous outcome when she turned out to be a con artist who stole from his mother.

In a twist that echoed previous episodes, Maud returned with a new name and a grimy, pansexual club setting. She had also fallen victim to forces beyond her control, leading to a reconciliation between her and Oscar. Their reconciliation was marked by forgiveness and a gesture of goodwill, with Oscar offering her money to start anew. However, the episode’s tone shifted dramatically when Oscar and John Adams shared a tender moment. As they stepped outside, Oscar expressed his gratitude, calling John his savior. The scene, filled with languid strings, set the stage for a sudden and shocking turn.

As John Adams walked into the street, the sound of traffic intensified, followed by a wild neigh and a clomping noise. Before anyone could react, a runaway carriage struck him, sending him flying into the air and crashing onto the ground. The scene, shot with CGI elements and a stunt double, left viewers stunned. The episode ended with Oscar’s shocked expression and the end credits, leaving fans to grapple with the implications of this abrupt event.

This moment is particularly jarring given the nature of The Gilded Age. Unlike other shows where secondary characters are rarely killed off, this episode introduced a level of unpredictability. It raises questions about the show's narrative direction and whether this was a deliberate choice by the creators. Julian Fellowes, the mastermind behind both Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age, has a history of using road-related accidents to eliminate characters. For instance, in Downton Abbey, Matthew Crawley met a tragic end in a car crash, a moment that was handled with subtlety but still left a lasting impact on the audience.

The use of carriages and horses in The Gilded Age further emphasizes the danger of the roads. These vehicles, while part of the era's transportation, are portrayed as unpredictable and perilous. This is especially evident in one of the show’s most iconic sequences, where Agnes Van Rhijn crosses the street amidst carriages, highlighting the chaos and uncertainty of the urban environment.

The road, in this context, becomes a symbol of disruption and danger. It is a space where the rigid structures of high society are momentarily broken, allowing for interactions between different classes and people. For characters accustomed to maintaining order and decorum, the road represents a threat to their carefully constructed world. This fear is reflected in the show’s treatment of the streets, which are often depicted as sites of terror and uncertainty.

In conclusion, the sudden death of John Adams in The Gilded Age serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life in the 19th century. It challenges the audience to consider the broader implications of the show’s narrative choices and the role of the road in shaping the characters’ experiences. As the story continues, it will be interesting to see how this event impacts the remaining characters and the overall direction of the series.