Warning: Some spoilers for The Gilded Age season 3, episode four.
As the drama of The Gilded Age season 3 unfolds, fans of Downton Abbey may notice some exciting parallels that could pave the way for a potential crossover between these two historical dramas created by Julian Fellowes.
In particular, the events of episode four, titled “Marriage Is a Gamble,” set the stage for a connection that might bring characters from both worlds together.
Gladys Russell’s New Life in England
In episode four, after a tumultuous period of being forced into a marriage with the Duke of Buckingham (played by Ben Lamb), Gladys Russell (played by Taissa Farmiga) finally walks down the aisle.
Her marriage is arranged through a financial deal between her parents, Bertha and George Russell (played by Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector), but Gladys and the Duke’s journey is just beginning. After tying the knot, the couple sails off to Sidmouth Castle in England, where they plan to start their married life.
This new life in England offers a perfect backdrop for moments that Downton Abbey fans will immediately recognize. Gladys will face the challenges of learning what it means to be a Duchess, navigating the complexities of life in a grand estate, and living with her new sister-in-law, Lady Sarah Vere (played by Hattie Morahan).
The Familiarity with Downton Abbey Vibes
The new setting and dynamics in The Gilded Age certainly evoke memories of Downton Abbey, where we saw similar themes of grand dinners and tensions between the upstairs and downstairs factions.
The aristocratic lifestyle that Gladys will experience in England mirrors much of what we saw in Downton Abbey, and for fans, it’s easy to imagine a seamless blend between these two worlds.
Julian Fellowes himself acknowledges that although The Gilded Age is set in the 1880s and Downton Abbey takes place between 1912 and 1926, certain characters from Downton Abbey could exist during the events of The Gilded Age.
In fact, Fellowes hints at the idea that a young Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (the role famously played by the late Maggie Smith) could appear, suggesting that her younger version would be running around during this time.
Fellowes said, “If we got back into Downton Abbey in 1880, we find Violet at a young age, running around… it’s not the people we know that we would find at Downton Abbey.” He clarified that while Violet would be around, it would be a very different version of her than the one we saw in Downton Abbey.
Potential for a Young Cora to Appear in The Gilded Age
Another potential connection between the two shows is Cora Crawley, the future Countess of Grantham, played by Elizabeth McGovern. In the timeline of The Gilded Age, Cora is still a teenager living in Ohio, which means she could easily be passing through New York City at this point.
This opens up the possibility that Cora could make an appearance in a scene, perhaps attending a ball or opera, before eventually marrying Robert Crawley and making her way to England.
Fellowes Teases the Possibility
While Fellowes has shut down crossover rumors in the past, he teased the possibility in an interview with Deadline, saying, “Maybe. We’re not done yet, so we’ll see.” This leaves the door slightly open for fans who are eagerly awaiting the chance to see some familiar Downton Abbey faces appear in The Gilded Age.
The Cast Weighs In
Actor Harry Richardson, who plays Larry Russell, the brother of Gladys, is open to the idea of a crossover. He expressed his excitement about the potential for the Russell family to visit England, saying, “It’d be incredible. I’m hoping that they bring Larry out to England as well… I want to come visit my sister.”
Could Violet Crawley Make an Appearance?
While the idea of an official crossover remains uncertain, it’s not hard to imagine how a Downton Abbey character could make a subtle appearance in The Gilded Age.
Perhaps Violet Crawley or another Crawley family member could appear in the background of a grand ballroom scene or as part of a lavish dinner hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Buckingham. Even young Cora could have a fleeting moment in New York City or Newport, further intertwining the two beloved series.
As we continue to see more of Gladys’ journey and her life in England, it’s possible that future episodes of The Gilded Age will continue to introduce familiar elements from Downton Abbey. Whether or not we get an official crossover remains to be seen, but for now, fans can enjoy the many parallels between these two historical dramas.
Whether or not a Downton Abbey crossover happens, it’s clear that The Gilded Age is heavily influenced by the world Fellowes created in his previous show.
From Gladys’ journey in England to the historical backdrop of 1880s New York, there’s ample room for fan theories and exciting possibilities. As both shows explore the nuances of the elite class, it would be thrilling to see them collide in a future storyline.
