The Gilded Age is quickly becoming one of HBO Max's best new series. Starring an impressive cast led by Christine Baranski and Carrie Coon, the show explores the intricate dynamics of New York society circa 1880.
A major part of the formula involves the lives of the so-called downstairs characters, meaning the servants who work for the series' rich characters. Indeed, The Gilded Age pays as much attention to them as it does to their upstairs counterparts, shining a light on their lives. And while some of these figures are outright unlikable, others have earned the audience's favor, becoming instant fan favorites.
Turner
Turner is one of The Gilded Age's main antagonists. She is Bertha Russell's ambitious lady's maid, a cynical young woman determined to escape her low station by any means necessary. Turner plans to seduce George Russell, becoming his mistress, but her efforts have been unsuccessful thus far.
Turner might be the single most unlikeable character in the show. She acts as though she's above her fellow staff members, often treating them with indifference at best and contempt at worst. Turner is also a hypocrite, faking loyalty towards Bertha while actively trying to wreck her marriage. Time will tell if Turner will redeem herself or become even worse, but the character certainly has the potential to become one of the [tldr_position]best television villains in recent years.
Bannister
Bannister is the Van Rhijns' butler, a stoic man who takes his responsibilities very seriously. He runs a very tight ship and takes great pride in his status as butler to one of New York's most ancient and respected families.
Like Turner, Bannister is profoundly annoying and unlikeable. His self-aggrandizing attitude renders him nearly insufferable, as evidenced by his visit to the Russell house, where he spends the entire time criticizing Church's ways. Bannister acts as though he's better than the Russells' employees because he works for an old-money family, sowing discord instead of trying to find common ground in the similarity of their stations.
Mrs. Bruce
Julian Fellowes' Downton Abbey gives the downstairs characters plenty of screentime, even those who might seem unimportant at first glance. Naturally, its American sibling, The Gilded Age, does the same, slowly giving glimpses into the servants' lives. Mrs. Bruce, the Russells' new housekeeper, hasn't received a ton of screentime so far, but her interactions with other characters reveal a lot about her personality.
Mrs. Bruce holds a significant position in the household, and she takes her duties very seriously, which explains her somewhat cold behavior. She has a lot to prove, so she prefers to remain professional and fulfill her obligations without any distractions.
Watson
Two-time Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris plays Watson, George Russell's steadfast valet. Like other characters from the show, Watson seems to be hiding something and hints at his tortured past. However, he remains loyal to the family and optimistic about their prospects.
Watson mostly keeps to himself, but he always offers a word of encouragement when approached. Future episodes will surely reveal more about Watson's past and the character's likable behavior more than justifies an increase in prominence.
Mrs. Bauer
The Gilded Age might not be one of the most wholesome shows on television, but it does have its fair share of endearing characters. One fine example is Mrs. Bauer, the Van Rhijn's German cook, who serves as a mother figure for the house's staff.
Mrs. Bauer faces some problems with debt that lead her to commit theft, but the guilt eats her alive. Time and again, she shows she's deeply committed to the household while also caring for her fellow staff members. She even takes young Bridget under her wing, comforting her as the young woman deals with her past traumas.
Jack Treacher
Jack Treacher is the Van Rhijn's footman/jack-of-all-trades, a young man who eagerly does his job with a sincere smile on his face. He isn't the ideal option for any position, so he takes whatever job is available without any complaints.
Like the other staff members at the Van Rhijn house, Jack has a healthy appetite for gossip but never comes across as mean-spirited. He also has a romantic interest in Bridget and is confused by her refusal to see him. However, Jack never pushes her into a relationship, confirming him as a decent young man and one of the show's sweetest characters.
Bridget
An Irish immigrant, Bridget pulls triple-duty at the Van Rhijn house, acting as a housemaid, kitchen maid, and lady's maid. She may seem naive, but she knows more about the hardships of life than she shows. Bridget has low expectations for her future due to traumas of her past that are slowly coming to light.
Although she initially comes across as defensive, Bridget is really a sensitive young girl. Her blossoming relationship with Jack is also one of The Gilded Age's most endearing storylines, providing ample opportunity for her likablity to flourish.
Church
The Russells' butler, Church, is a sensible man who cares about his staff. He treats everyone fairly but isn't afraid to be stern when needed. Church is obviously hiding something, but the show hasn't revealed the nature of the secrets that haunt his past.
Still, Church is a very agreeable man. He is loyal to the Russells, often defending them before the many criticisms they face. Church also excels at his job but is still open to improvement. He takes great care of his duties and those under his charge, proving himself as one of the show's most likable characters.
Peggy Scott
Peggy Scott is a unique character. She comes from a wealthy Brooklyn family but refuses to live with them because her father disapproves of her writing ambitions. Peggy takes a job at the Van Rhijn house as Aunt Agnes' secretary, effectively becoming part of the house's staff.
As such, Peggy could be considered both an upstairs and downstairs character. It doesn't really matter because she's the show's most likable character by far. Peggy is inspiring, resilient, clever, self-sufficient, and modern, representing all the progressive ideas that are slowly changing New York. Peggy is also supportive and encouraging, kind and selfless, yet firm in standing up for herself. The Gilded Age is one of the best television shows with great female leads, largely because of Peggy.