The Gilded Age Season 3 premiere introduced viewers to the Temperance Movement and showed Cynthia Nixon’s Ada joining it. Accordingly, fans are wondering what the Temperance Movement is and why Ada has become a part of it. The third installment of the historical drama series has shifted things up by introducing new costumes and relationship dynamics, while also teasing greater stakes for the main characters. Moreover, Season 3 quickly addressed lingering questions and plot threads from the sophomore season.
So what is the Temperance Movement established in The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 1? Why has Ada joined it? Here are both queries answered.
What is the temperance movement in The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 1?
The Temperance Movement is a cause that had been active for a century by 1884, which is when the events of The Gilded Age Season 3 take place. The movement originated from society’s push to ban alcohol production for religious reasons.
Temperance groups, which were connected to Protestant churches, first urged moderation, then encouraged drinkers to resist the temptation to drink. Eventually, the movement demanded that state, local, and national governments prohibit alcohol outright (via PBS).
Temperance groups lost traction during the Civil War but regained popularity following Reconstruction.
Many of the groups that were part of the Temperance Movement were led by women. Women were among those most affected by alcoholism and its associated behaviors. They experienced increased violence and saw their husbands waste time and money on alcohol instead of using those resources to care for their families.
Why does Ada join the temperance movement?
Ada joined the Temperance Movement as a way to honor Reverend Luke Forte’s memory and to cope with his loss. She was romantically involved with him in Season 2 until his tragic demise.
Agnes points out to Ada that Forte served wine at communion. Since wine is alcohol—and therefore against the principles of the Temperance Movement—Ada is not exactly honoring Forte’s memory.
The Gilded Age Season 3 airs new episodes every Sunday on HBO.
Julian Fellowes created the series. Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Simon Jones, and Jack Gilpin make up the main cast.
