Read on for Morgan Spector‘s thoughts on The Gilded Age‘s Season 1 ender, including what those final developments could mean for the show’s future:.

We were really waiting, like, “When are we going to find out?” As much as everyone thought, “Of course you’ll get a second season — it’s Julian Fellowes and HBO,” I’ve heard that before, and I’ve never been on a show that’s gotten a second season.

They have a wonderful partnership, and that sustains them in their various campaigns against fellow ruthless robber barons and society ladies.

TVLINE | I didn’t know much about robber barons before watching this show, but now I feel like I kind of get it.

Obviously people can be evil and do evil things, but a lot of the time people are just maximizing their own self interest.

When you look at robber barons, these people are just trying to keep their firms alive and dominate the market place.

TVLINE | To that end, the look of smug satisfaction on the Russells’ faces when the Astors showed up was just perfect.

I think the show sets that up, because as much as you might think that robber barons are so dark and exploitative, the social strata that they’re replacing is even worse!

TVLINE | And that party — people were leaving in broad daylight!

TVLINE | George was told that he’s “no gentleman” this week.

TVLINE | Since we’re getting a second season, what are you hoping to explore.

That has to be one of the central conflicts that George and people like him are dealing with at that time!

I also love the sheer eccentricity of this group of people — Mamie Fish and her outlandish parties, the way these people are always trying to top each other in terms of extravagance.

TVLINE | And now that new money and old money are mingling, are you hoping for scenes with people like Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon.

Your thoughts on The Gilded Age‘s first season.