Denée Benton’s character Peggy Scott may have found the perfect romantic match she deserves in the form of Dr. William Kirkland, portrayed by Jordan Donica, in Season 3 Episode 2 of The Gilded Age titled “What the Papers Say”. Peggy, who falls ill and requires medical attention, is cared for by the charming Black physician Dr. Kirkland, sparking a potential love story.
Despite Peggy’s illness, it becomes evident by the end of the episode that Dr. Kirkland has developed feelings for her. Will this lead to a satisfying and well-deserved happy ending for the talented and elegant Miss Scott?
**Spoilers for The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 2 “What the Papers Say,” now streaming on MAX**
The previous installment of The Gilded Age Season 3 concluded with Peggy falling unwell due to a severe cold. Initially, Aunt Agnes, played by Christine Baranski, planned for her personal physician to treat Peggy, only to discover that he was a racist who refused to provide care. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Aunt Agnes acknowledges the need to summon Peggy’s family, who operate a pharmacy in Brooklyn. In the subsequent episode, Peggy’s parents and their acquaintance, Dr. Kirkland, come to her aid at 61st street.
Dr. Kirkland is not only able to speed up Peggy’s convalescence, but also see what an incredible woman she is, despite her illness.
“I think it’s a tribute to Peggy’s genius and her intellect,” Jordan Donica said, when asked what sparked Dr. Kirkland’s devotion. “And obviously those eyes. I mean, you can’t escape these eyes. Can you? Look at them!”
“Look at them,” Denée Benton echoed, blinking her eyes coquettishly.
“‘Who me?’” Donica said, in a cutesy voice.
“Even when they’re like, respiratory-illnessing at you,” she joked.
“Yeah, but I think beyond that, what he falls in love with from the jump is her ambition, her intellect, and her storytelling. He falls in love with her through her writing,” Donica said.
“Also he comes in with a deep love for her father, too. He didn’t even know of Peggy’s existence before, so he’s coming in with the respect for her family already. And then you’re telling me that this man who inspired me to become the doctor that I am has an equally, if not more, brilliant daughter? I must know more!”
If Jordan Donica’s heartfelt answers made you swoon a little, bear in mind the actor is best known for his romantic turns on the Broadway stage. He first made waves on the Great White Way playing Raoul in Phantom of the Opera and Freddy in My Fair Lady. He’s also played the dual roles of Lafayette and Jefferson in the touring company of Hamilton and earned a Tony nomination for playing Lancelot in Camelot. He’s currently appearing opposite recent Tony winner Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theater through July 20.
Over the past three seasons of The Gilded Age, we’ve seen both Peggy and her bestie Marian (Louisa Jacobson) cycle through love interests. Is Dr. Kirkland going to stick around or is this just a passing fancy for the physician?
“I think every layer that Kirkland peels back about Peggy, everything he learns about her just makes him fall more and more in love with her on a deep intellectual, spiritual, and physical level,” Donica teased.
The Gilded Age returns on Sunday, July 6 at 9 PM ET on HBO and MAX.
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