The sophisticated plots running though this show take a second seat to the amazing visual nature of the show. As the rich, entitled factions try to outdo one another, with the new and the old in conflict and hanging on for dear life, we are brought inside an almost sickening disregard for the people who have given so much to them. Russell is a man with little regard for anything but show, and he would sell out anyone to keep a little bit ahead. His wife is battling with the status quo and is starting to make a dent in it. At the center is the "new" Metropolitan Opera which will now allow those who have been snobbishly closed out by old money, to attend major works. Even if the only reason for going is to show off, it is one of the few places where they can crack the veneer. There is so much money. There is a conversation about simply buying palatial mansion without even thinking about the cost. It will be interesting to see how this can be sustained. We have seen that one slip can sink these ships within a fortnight.
