Mr. Russell Buys the Charity Bazaar | Episode 2 | The Gilded Age

Fed up with the attempts to exclude his wife Mrs. Russell (Carrie Coon) from old New York society, Mr. Russell (Morgan Spector) sends a message about the power of new money by putting an abrupt end to the charity bazaar.
ABOUT HBO
HBO is home to the shows and films that everyone is talking about, from groundbreaking series and documentaries to the biggest blockbuster movies.
SUBSCRIBE TO HBO
Subscribe to the official HBO Channel for the latest on your favorite HBO series, movies, documentaries & sports specials: itsh.bo/youtube
GET HBO: itsh.bo/ways-t...
MORE HBO
Official Site: itsh.bo/dotcom
Follow HBO on Instagram: itsh.bo/instagram
Follow HBO on TikTok: itsh.bo/tiktok
Follow HBO on Twitter: itsh.bo/twitter
Like HBO on Facebook: itsh.bo/facebook

[@HBO]

Check out more from The Gilded Age here: kzbin.info/aero/PLO79iP69FaZOScg6bBpPj0CHQbJ2wf2zU

[@jitkavalkova7951]

I’ll be watching Downton Abby on KZbin… this is not believable at all . Seriously.. Peggy?

[@cynthiagoldstein1133]

Simply delectable AND enlightening television...thank you, HBO.

[@primroseprom]

This is why I love this show. You almost never see married men act like this in period pieces. They’re usually either dumb or without a heart. But George and Bertha Russell break that stereotype. They’re conniving and cold-hearted at times, they’re ingenious in their scheming, and yet you can clearly tell that they care deeply for each other and their children.

[@samf.s.7731]

I do enjoy that relationship, they're real partners. They're good together...

[@zorajoksimovic8049]

Ma is is😊

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

That's because some shows don't dehumanize the eras, while others have thousands of inbuilt messages making sure they tear apart an era as much as possible. This show is phenomenal.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@Hannari-xt6nr Making that big of a deal over a teahouse experience can go both ways. Why not let him have it, sounds more pretentious than that of a virtue symbol and understanding of valuing class. What is class in this regard? Sounds more like recognization more than anything else.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@Hannari-xt6nr Most people in America will never hear this story, so do keep that in mind. I'm sorry, and you are meant to be the evaluator, or the ambassador speaking house for Japan because by jove does it sound like it. You aren't scaring anyone, Japan is a vacation for american don't forget that, wealth is on a whole entire level with Anerica in what they turned it into, they don't need a story to make their impressionistic showcases work, just looking at it solves that. Japan is a hilarious mix of insane youth and disgruntled tradition that would be far more charming if they weren't unbecoming sheltered fiends who despise anyone that isn't themselves.

[@slytherinlannister942]

I like how George was amused that Marian tried to haggle with him. I think he likes her. I bet that he'll ship her with his son, when she and Larry get more serious.

[@margo3367]

Her lawyer likes her too. He’ll present some competition I daresay.

[@seanbraley2772]

She wasn’t haggling she was makeing a joke her stuff was something like 5 to 10 cents eatch and he gave her 100 for that time it’s the equivalent of 5 or 6 thousand dollars she wouldent be asking for more then double that, on top of the amount of money she flat out tells his son she’s on his side I think there are two or more stalls after hers it was hard to tell from the shots if he paid her up charges he’s have to do it for them two and I doubt he brought that much money on him

[@22espec]

This man really loves his wife, it hs been a while since we see someone like him.

[@prettynerd4779]

I LOVE how Marion did not make Larry feel bad or embarrassed by his fathers actions like some would. You could tell Larry was embarrassed and nervous but Marion reaction put him at ease

[@jacqeulinebourbon3618]

Ugh I love them lol

[@jitkavalkova7951]

Marion is such a weird character.. not believable at all … she has absolutely nothing, and has the audacity to talk back to her aunt?! And her friendship with Peggy…you must be kidding me!!!

[@luisclaudiosalvador]

@@jitkavalkova7951 whats wrong with their friendship?

[@luisclaudiosalvador]

there's nothing to feel embarassed, his father did the right thing.

[@jitkavalkova7951]

@@luisclaudiosalvador - it’s definitely not historically possible.

[@seniorordenanza2387]

This was such a big power move from Mr. Russel. And he did it for his wife. She put energy and effort in just trying to be nice. Sure she might’ve been trying too had. But no they had to be snooty. So Mr. Russel basically said “fine, we’re not playing anymore”. They finally made a big impression, maybe not the type they intended but the others forced their hand. The lions came into the den of sheep and quickly pronounced themselves king and queen.

[@dannyhernandez2203]

Wait until Old Money strikes back! Mrs. Astor is the one that will lead the way. Mr. Russel will meet his match soon enough. His weaknesses are his wife and children. The dumbwitted kids will soon be devoured by Old New York.

[@1rjona]

@@dannyhernandez2203 this is fictionalized version of how the Vanderbilts entered New York society. New money trumped old money in the end

[@jankanu1]

@@dannyhernandez2203 That's where you're wrong Astor don't have the amount of money the Russell's have. Just an old relic.

[@Ronkyort0dox]

And that's how we got Andeeson Cooper

[@davidcostello455]

@@Ronkyort0dox Don't forget Timothy Olyphant

[@udb1987]

I don't like using this phrase but after watching the third episode, they are truly a power couple. I got chills when she gave him the go ahead in making a big gamble with their family fortune. She said we built our wealth before and we can do it again. The faith and trust you have to have in your man to say yes to that! Talk about a power move!!!! Then him acknowledging her by asking for permission to even do that and spend the night with her! CONSENT 😍😍😍!!!!! He is the living embodiment of B.D.E.!

[@wallflower1852]

The Russels had been poor before so they wouldn't have a hard time adjusting to it, the 'Old Money', well that's another story- they'd die of shame.

[@udb1987]

@@wallflower1852 Oh I know!

[@MeliDMR93]

They're seriously my favorite part of the show

[@wallflower1852]

@@MeliDMR93 Same. I'd love to see the Russels defeat Mrs. Astor... And based on thr trailer, I bet it'll be based on them hosting a ball at the Russels' mansion. I've also theorized that John Quincy Adams III will be the downfall of the Van Rhijn family name, especially to Oscar. He's against Oscar settling in as a married man.

[@tracys169]

That scene just blew me away, her confidence in him and even if it didn't work, it's obvious that she wouldn't blame it on him because she had every faith that they would rise up again. They were 'without' so they could rebuild again. Man, what a pair!

[@TisHotMessHistory]

Does Mr. Russell have a brother? Asking for a friend.

[@marymiller6188]

😂😂😂

[@jankanu1]

I love how he loves and respects his wife.

[@Rina-fr2op]

What about a cousin? I'm asking for another friend.

[@TisHotMessHistory]

@@jankanu1 me too!

[@TisHotMessHistory]

@@Rina-fr2op it's so nice to see us women here, just looking out for our friends. 😁

[@Shave-ice]

$100 in 1880 is equivalent to handing out 3k today.

[@Ares99999]

Since he's supposed to be a Vanderbilt expy, Russel likely has tens for millions to his name. This is cheap change for him. Which is probably part of his point.

[@anon2143]

I'm not sure it is that 100 from the Glided Age today.

[@Biskeezy]

The Rich People Petty Olympics and The Russells just scored the gold metal!

[@MsClutchedPearls]

I cackled when I read your comment! That's exactly it! LOL

[@moviegal6000]

I loved this scene. I loved Mr. Russell for doing this and I hated that these women just didn’t use the ballroom. Especially when you find out that it was Mrs. Morris specifically who objected to using the ballroom and not Mrs. Fine and she was like “we should’ve done that”. Mrs. Morris was so against including Miss Russell in anything that she shot herself in the foot and I absolutely think they deserved everything that came to them. I have to say I was on the fence about Mrs. Russell but now I really think I’m a fan of her and I understand what she’s trying to do and she’s getting insulted by these women at every turn. I also wasn’t a huge fan of Mr. Russell but I am warming to him especially because it’s very obvious he did this because they unnecessarily insulted his wife.

[@sonnythomas]

Mrs. Morris gets a pretty sharp kick to the teeth in episode 3.

[@2011blueman]

@@sonnythomas She gets a sharp kick in the teeth by Mrs. Russell, and THEN the ending of episode 3.

[@decusq]

What a power move, this man loves his wife so much he bought everything out of spite to shut down their entire event. Worst part is the hostesses can't argue back because its supposed to be for charity but you can tell they use it as an excuse for clarity in the upper class.

[@louisefarrar6037]

Mr and Mrs Russel are the EPIC power couple. ‘Sweetie, you look a little down this morning? Who do I need to destroy to restore balance to the universe?’ Also it’s an impeccable power move - technically no one can complain because it’s the most financially successful charity bazaar ever, but the Russell’s hit them where it hurts, because they know it’s not about real charity, but about being seen to be doing charity. They show everyone who they really are 😂😂

[@zannia5510]

This was a great scene! Lol he has that BIG HUSBAND ENERGY!!

[@SOCCERNUT32]

you mean BIG DADDY XXXK ENERGY ! lol love it.

[@degree5638]

Am I the only one who wants Marion and Larry to be together so badly?

[@jon-michaelharris5840]

George Russell is my favorite character. He loves is family, wants his wife to be happy and reach her goals, even though he doesn’t think those goals are important. Yes, he is cut throat in business, but he isn’t a sociopath about it.

[@katherinebeebe8293]

George is a handsome character, indeed!

[@caronstout354]

Love that subtle smirk on Mrs. Chamberlain's face as she watches the "old money" wives get their comeuppance!

[@SOCCERNUT32]

Daddy Russell got them together real quick ! 😍

[@shaad6824]

AHAHAHAHA

[@inmytravelstoday]

He is gorgeous and does protects his family at all costs!

[@anonymousannoyance2915]

I love Marian and her interactions with the Russells

[@yankeeangel26]

A small thing compared to the larger points of the scene, but does anyone else just LOVE Bertha Russell's outfit here? THAT HAT!!!!

[@youcanthavemyname3]

What an epic scene, I absolutely love this show 👏

[@henrylockett2020]

There's nothing to stay for. The lion has roared. LoL!! Love it😁

[@antman5972]

Shade in the Gilded Age 💅🏽

[@henrylockett2020]

@@antman5972 Yes indeed!

[@kristinaparker5597]

I LOVED this scene when I first saw it!! George Russell doesn't play when it comes to his wife and now all the women of the old guard know it! 🤣🤣🤣

[@chercher304]

Christine Baranski is doing a fantastic job here!! I only wish i could attain her level of snobbery someday!!!

[@mk202]

‘Why don’t we all just go outside and roll around in the gutter? It will save time.’

[@johnboy32064]

I love how he reads Mrs. Morris for filth. She’s a petty, weak snob and deserved that comeuppance. The scene in episode three where her husband makes her beg for mercy from Mrs. Russell is DELICIOUS. Katie Finneran plays Mrs. Morris so well…her pathetic, nervous laughter when she’s forced to beg to save her husband’s hide is just too good.

[@mk202]

‘I’m not asking you. I’m TELLING you! Otherwise you’ll have no position, no house, and nobody left to BOSS AROUND!’ 🤣

[@johnboy32064]

@@mk202 YAAAASSS! That was effin’ awesome!!!!

[@shawoLynn]

I applaud Mr.Russell during this scene. The lion has roared.

[@adriennepender673]

What a power move, I LOVE the Russels! It's great to see a couple respect and appreciate each other AND be clearly in love, instead of the stereotypical unhappy, bickering couple that would have reduced this to poor soap opera. Bertha and George are both focused and driven, a perfect match.

[@allisoffmusic]

The Russells are amazing as characters. Most of us are rooting for them. The mom is a fabulous actress that makes the character so likeable!

[@malcolmjames1161]

mr russel made one of the old money men commit suicide.

[@jitkavalkova7951]

She acted like a commoner .. she is a different class ( no class to speak off ) no wonder the ladies wouldn’t have anything to do with her till one man literally killed himself ..

[@allisoffmusic]

@@jitkavalkova7951 clearly she's not the best person in the world. I'm talking about the character and how interesting it is to see their story

[@shahjehan]

Mess with the bull and get the horns.😂

[@dereklwashington1132]

He's so hot when he's defending his wife 🔥

[@SS-qx7nh]

He’s just so hot. 😂

[@wilhelminavonbismarck370]

Aaaa! Mr. Russel buys EVERYTHING! Good(!), now the charity has LOTS of money for the cause! He is a gangster and I LOVE how he adores his beautiful wife even though he apparently likes the company of men as well! GO RUSSELS! ❤️👍

[@mk202]

‘Mrs. Morris…this sort of stunt impresses everyone…’ 🤣🤣🤣

[@neripotts6047]

Boss moves!!! George always leading with BDE🙂

[@danielburmad382]

This sort of stunts impresses everyone

[@SOCCERNUT32]

ladies and gentlemen that was what we would call " 1800's SHADE " ! lol Love the Russells . the boy is fine but the girl as sweet as she is , I think is not cast right.

[@Davao420]

I love this scene. And I love how mrs. Astor knows a lion when she sees one.

[@lillithanne9704]

Loving this show. There sure better be a season 2, 3, 4 +++!

[@Rosen___]

They just got renewed for a season 2!

[@KitKat17700]

5, 6, 7…….

[@sosh732]

​@@KitKat17700maybe not seven that's a curse

[@smg2175]

One of my favorite scenes so far. This drama is getting better and better with each episode.

[@dorothysurry1368]

I am really enjoying this series, at first I thought it’s not as good as Downton Abbey but it’s growing on me. I love the Russell.

[@whaaat3632]

I estimate 12 tables on the room. How impressive that Russell would have $1200 in his pocket - - probably more than most houses cost at that time!

[@Ares99999]

You actually could buy a modest house. But the value of a dollar was tremendously higher. He's pretty much giving a huge donation to the poor - which no one in the that room can fault him for - while putting the stuck-up New York aristocrats in their place. He may come from humble beginnings, but he is the equivalent of a multi-billionaire, far surpassing all of them in wealth.

[@jesusbb2]

3:10 No evreday you see Sherman marching to se sea... hahahahaha.

[@donrog5035]

The balls on this man !!!😅

[@amyferguson8258]

This scene was simply brilliant!

[@rezadaneshi]

Every man and every woman’s dream to have a memory of such formulated and well executed allies enrollment party

[@softball4evalex]

I wish you'd upload the scene where Mrs. Russell is reading the newspaper in bed and then LAUNCHES the breakfast tray in anger😂😂😂😂 I'm sure it's supposed to be a serious scene, but I honestly can't help but DIE of laughter every time!!! But what I love about this scene, in reference to the one I mentioned, is that Mr. Russell absolutely defends his wife's honor and compensates for her outrage, and even her HURT when she tried throwing her first event in episode 1.

[@LauryneAmanda]

I already loved this series, but this scene SOLD ME!

[@JasonAlredge]

Now there was a man right there! George Russell did an awesome thing.

[@williamraymusic]

This is the scene where I knew I was gonna get addicted to this show.

[@midnightblack07]

This scene was ICONIC!

[@kena.8003]

BOSS move! What a way to make a mark.

[@mikecalderon9441]

I hope season 2 has longer episodes. Love the show!!!

[@DianaAmericaRivero]

One of my favorite scenes on this show. "And that'll teach you to be mean to my wife!"

[@marshallross]

My favorite part so far! And love the podcast!

[@orighomisandediare4990]

It seems money talks then and now

[@jeebsunabia7972]

This is a Pretty Woman moment, isn't it? Or at least, the Gilded Age version of Pretty Woman.

[@jinchuriki7022]

Mr russel doesnt play about his wife.

[@annebrown60]

Bravo Mr. Russell, I couldn’t have done better myself 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@helenstrub]

I'm looking forward to rewatching season 1 before season 2 premieres. This show was a surprise favorite.

[@ExiledExia]

The lion has roared

[@genxx2724]

“All you women go straight home post haste. The event is over; you no longer have a respectable excuse for being outside your husbands’ houses.” BAM!

[@cynthiagoldstein1133]

Where spilling the tea, literally and figuratively, originated. I love this show.

[@muckymucks]

$100 in 1882 is $3,000 in 2023. Mr. Russell is a G.

[@Olivia-ek9ib]

We stan a power couple like the Russells.

[@CatotheE]

Mr. Russell is rapidly becoming one of my favourite TV characters. What a goon.

[@sheismymom]

I'm hooked on this show

[@countanimeavenger6536]

You can rather see this as a power move or a man pleasing his wife

[@udb1987]

Both!!!!

[@JumbledEye]

Yes, both. And he does it again in the next episode, since these people didn't learn their lesson this first time

[@paulielamont6739]

BDE Coach!

[@jungefrau]

Why does retro from the 90s keep coming back but it's never the 1890s??

[@dratzlogic]

I love the Russels. I can only think they would have been generous friends if the others didn't treat them so cruelly. I can't wait for Season 2!!!

[@strugglingcollegestudent]

Characters like this are why I have such high standards in men Everyone is impressed by this sort of stunt!

[@mirelaprodan1536]

That's BDE right there

[@robertbarnier45]

Great show.

[@suchasongbird]

Wow I LOVED season 1. Can’t WAIT for season 2!!

[@BBCKatsu]

Mr. Russell always of the order of everything, Money is all about Everything! 😅

[@MITdork]

This is satisfying af... Thx hbo!

[@aliciareynolds3342]

SO iconic

[@jaquelinetavares6410]

"Ostentação fora do normal... "💲💵💵

[@ericeverettpearson3980]

I love this show

[@sergeayissi939]

$100 must have been some serious money at that time!

[@mikeoxmaul45]

mans got some serious Bruce Wayne energy right there

[@meliabelle0910]

When Big Bank takes little bank 😬

[@Warped9]

Great scene! I’m loving this series!

[@Aeolusdallas]

It's not everyday you see Sherman March to the sea. Lol

[@TeXXicJA]

Oh, this looks delicious!

[@sonnyroy497]

That was awesome.👍

[@brucemoodley]

Amazing show - cant wait to see more

[@Godschild02068]

I think I am in the minority but I don't like Ms. Russell why is she trying to fit where they clearly don't want her and her husband ruining the other man's business for not wanting to sell to him I ain't feeling them

[@percyweasley9301]

BAZAR is a Hindi word.. Do you all know That? 😅😅

[@shlokamsrivastava6782]

Yes 😂

[@K_F_P]

Jeez even this character is more like the original Miranda

[@unicornlens]

When Astor bails, party’s over.

[@allisonyoung4285]

It was an entrance soon not forgotten. A bit selfish and arrogant. But bucks are bucks

[@19ashe86]

George is the best

[@Bee-n3h]

Great scene....... Shades of Dynasty.

[@zimzimzalabim]

The Russells grew on me during Season 2. S1 were about trying hard to get accepted and showing off their wealth at any chance that they had. S2 has them in a more comfortable place. I actually rooted for Bertha, and no doubt thanks to George's devotion for her.

[@santodigno]

Well roll in the gutter!😂

[@Bergen98]

All the sellers understand what he is doing but genuinely could care less for some rich people's arguments as long those craze money keep flowing.

[@milkachugina]

Bec of this, i became a morgan spector fan

[@FC-hj9ub]

I wonder how much 40 dollars was at the time. They look like the ultra rich

[@mk202]

One dollar in 1880 was worth 22.00….so 100 dollars was approximately worth 2200.00.

[@shlokamsrivastava6782]

Don't like the Russells at all.

[@Agent00KK]

Whats with all these ai generated comments

[@JoesCoco]

I remember seeing this scene and was super confused by the charity. It was to raise funds for war widows. What war did their husbands fight in? The show takes place in 1882. We're almost 30 after the civil war. And the Spanish-American war starts in 1898. So how old are these widows theyre raising money for? If they got married as teenagers during the civil war, they'd be close to their 40s.

[@pendorran]

Military widow's pensions were not the norm until the end of the century. Possibly that's a factor. I don't know for certain, but vaguely recall a scholarly book about it. The sort of pre-Social Security debates. "Protecting Widows and Orphans' was I think the title.

[@AlexS-oj8qf]

Well Joseph, the thing is, just because times goes by, doesn't means war widows are dissapearing or losing their status. Even grandmas who lost their husbands in a war is considered as War Widows.

[@JoesCoco]

@@AlexS-oj8qf thank you for opening myself to a new perspective. But military widow pensions have existed since 1858. Back then, half the pension was paid to widows and orphan children. At least until the children turned 16. That pension must be extremely small then. Warranting the needs of these charities