It’s extremely fitting that, for his latest glistening but somewhat creaky period drama, Julian Fellowes (the creator of “Downton Abbey”) selected Gilded Age New York, the historical stomping ground of obscenely wealthy robber barons and their socially ambitious, upstart wives. Much like our own, it was an era of excess and extravagance made visible, of luxury goods flaunted in order to advertise one’s own wealth and status. The economist Thorstein Veblen, having observed the spending habits of the socialite class during the Gilded Age, coined the term “conspicuous consumption” to describe them. The term “gilded” itself suggests that the order of the day was not exactly value, but the appearance of it — a thin veneer of opulence over something worthless.

Perhaps it would be a bit harsh to describe “The Gilded Age” itself this way, though the comparison does spring to mind. As a show, it’s fascinated with wealth and its visual trappings. We both adored the luxuriant draped satins and swishing bustles, the architectural hairstyles, the lavish interiors, Carrie Coon’s velvety voice, the ball. (Above all, the ball.)

The substance was a bit less flawless. Some elements were gripping, in particular the single-minded but compelling quest of Bertha Russell (Coon) to dominate the New York social scene the way her husband George (Morgan Spector) dominates the railway business, and the journalistic ambitions and hidden heartbreak of Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), the daughter of an affluent Brooklyn family who works as a secretary for a white society matron while pursuing her impractical dreams.

Some of the other key characters failed to add up (the age, personality, and true desires of romantic heroine Marian Brook, played by Louisa Jacobson, somehow remain a mystery), and the dialogue is often threadbare. The plot threads are endless, many of them wispy or dangling, and the perspective can be so contemporary that it’s more jarring than relatable. There aren’t many depths to plumb in the show, especially in the society scene where most of the action takes place.

But a soap is a soap, and it can offer an immense amount of fun. As “The Gilded Age” found its legs, there was plenty of that. And some of the best machinations and set-pieces — like George Russell’s successful attempt to squeeze his business rivals to save his fortune (and ruin theirs), and the tense negotiations between Old New York social maven Mrs. Astor and arriviste Mrs. Russell over invitations to Gladys Russell’s debutante ball — were drawn from real Gilded Age events.

In this week’s pod, we nerd out about some of the historical figures and events behind the characters of the show, dissect our reactions to the key characters and plot points, and discuss how the show explores class and social change during an time much like our own.

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We’ve been reading…

“Rethinking Sex: A Provocation” by Christine Emba, a WaPo columnist (and old college friend of mine!). Emba’s book takes on the miseries of today’s heterosexual dating and hookup scene, arguing that while consent is a necessary legal concept, it is insufficient to establishing a sexual ethics that would truly promote the wellbeing of its participants. In part, she argues, the greater sexual freedoms we’ve fought for have left us without a shared understanding of what a mutually comfortable sexual encounter might include. Some thoughtful guardrails, she suggests, might actually increase pleasure, just as basic etiquette can make a dinner party more fun. She talks to women made wretched by an app-fueled dating scene, where consensual but unfulfilling sexual encounters are plentiful and committed relationships seem impossible to secure, and makes a case for embracing a sexual culture not based solely in consent or even enthusiasm, but in mutual care. I haven’t yet finished, so I don’t want to offer half-baked responses, but so far it’s a thoughtful addition to a necessary discourse around what would help more people have more joyful, pleasurable sex. -Claire

I’m still making my way through “The Season,” the book about the social history of the debutante by Kristen Richardson, at Claire’s suggestion. I’m learning so much and having a very throwback-to-college experience of underlining things and making notes in the margins. -Emma

We’ve been watching…

The heaving bosoms of “Bridgerton,” of course! Our pod on the new season is coming next week. -Claire

Disappointingly, Bravo’s “Summer House” out-hornied our Regency-era smutty fave “Bridgerton”! But I did watch them both. -Emma

We’ve been listening to…

The same old stuff. It’s been so long since I’ve had time for a good old-fashioned afternoon of house-cleaning that I’m actually behind on most of my podcasts and haven’t started any new ones lately. Just trying to be transparent! -Claire

I caught up on the last two episodes of Jo Piazza’s podcast, Under The Influence. I know I’ve recommended it here before, but I really enjoyed these episodes, about mental health and fertility Instagram/TikTok. Jo manages to do such a skillful job of exploring why these spaces exist in the first place, and how they can both provide relief and support, and do harm. -Emma

We’ve been buying…

These cropped black Luxe Leggings from Girlfriend Collective. I have an old pair in the longer inseam, which I have worn a million times. They’re hands-down my favorite leggings: thick, velvety soft, with the sleekness of a workout legging and the elevated look of an anywhere legging. The only problem: the extra length bagged at my ankles. I was very excited to finally use some Girlfriend points and treat myself to a cropped pair. -Claire

My friend Liv alerted me this week to the fact that comfy shoe brand Aerosoles is having a big heading-into-spring sale. I hadn’t perused the Aerosoles site since I was in my early 20s and trying to purchase sensible office shoes, but to my surprise and delight, they have some really cute stuff! And the sale is *good.* I sprung for these Dada platforms (which are on sale and come in a bunch of great colors) and these Ebba velcro (!!!) sneakers. -Emma