TV tonight: Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski star in The Gilded Age

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"Julian Fellowes's 'The Gilded Age' Struggles to Captivate in Its Third Series"

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The third series of Julian Fellowes's period drama 'The Gilded Age' continues to air on Sky Atlantic, but it has not managed to capture the audience's full attention as anticipated. The show, set in New York, struggles to balance its historical context with engaging storytelling, often leaving viewers feeling disconnected. Key characters like Ada, portrayed by Cynthia Nixon, become embroiled in the temperance movement, a subplot that conflicts with the interests of Agnes, played by Christine Baranski. This tension adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, yet the overall narrative lacks the depth and literary weight that might elevate it beyond the realm of a typical costume drama. Critics note that the dialogue often feels clichéd, resembling a parody of classic period pieces rather than offering fresh and compelling writing. Additionally, the storyline surrounding George's railroad plans introduces elements of conflict but fails to build sufficient suspense or intrigue, leaving the show feeling somewhat lackluster in its execution.

In contrast to 'The Gilded Age,' other programming options for the evening showcase a mix of nostalgia and real-life drama. BBC Three features a nostalgic look back at extravagant birthday parties of affluent American teens from 2007, tapping into early 2000s culture with a focus on fashion and memorable events. Meanwhile, BBC Two presents a serious narrative involving a domestic dispute that has escalated to violence, showcasing the tense atmosphere as police respond to the situation. ITV1 offers a historical crime drama set in Tudor times, presenting a familiar character dynamic amidst a unique backdrop. Lastly, Channel 4 airs a documentary that revisits the mysterious death of British nurse Helen Smith in Saudi Arabia, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her death and the potential cover-up by authorities during a politically charged era. Together, these diverse offerings highlight the range of storytelling available to viewers, contrasting the struggles of 'The Gilded Age' with other more engaging alternatives.

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9pm, Sky AtlanticJulian Fellowes’s New York-set costume drama continues to underwhelm in its third series. Somehow, it’s never quite racy or absorbing enough to excuse its lack of literary weight, plus some of the dialogue feels like a parody of period potboiler tropes. Ada (Cynthia Nixon) has become heavily involved in the temperance movement – which isn’t suiting Agnes (Christine Baranski) at all. Elsewhere, George’s railroad plan is in danger of hitting the buffers.Phil Harrison

7pm, BBC ThreePrepare for 00s nostalgia at its finest with this throwback batch of episodes documenting the birthday parties of some super-rich US teens of 2007. First up, there’s fashion-lover Amberly’s gloriously OTT runway-themed bash, before a young, pre-music and acting fame Teyana Taylor plans an 80s old-school skateboard party to remember.Nicole Vassell

9pm, BBC TwoA domestic dispute has left a mother and daughter with serious stab wounds, but Worcester police are entering a volatile situation. There are children in the house, tempers are running high and the woman’s partner claims to have acted in self-defence.PH

9pm, ITV1An uncompromising lawyer, his cocky assistant and their impatient boss: the regular template for many a crime drama. This one just happens to be set in Tudor times. Shardlake faces mounting pressure from pushy John Barak to rush the case after Goodhap mysteriously vanishes. But he’s determined to uncover the truth.Ali Catterall

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9pm, Channel 4The death in 1979 of the British nurse Helen Smith at an expat party in Saudi Arabia had wide-ranging ramifications that are explored in this documentary. Smith’s apparent fall from a balcony was ruled an accident but was she murdered? And, with Margaret Thatcher’s government fixated on oil deals with the Saudis, did the British authorities turn a blind eye?PH

10pm, BBC TwoThe BBC warms up for Glastonbury by offering highlights of the festival through the decades. We begin in the 70s, when Glastonbury was a very different, somewhat wilder affair. Expect appearances from future holders of the Sunday legends slot including Dolly Parton, Al Green, ELO and Barry Gibb.PH

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Source: The Guardian