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GOSSIP GIRL was one of those defining CW shows and I never made it to the end (though I remember bits of the finale).
Time to rectify that and see how this goes. Spoilers ahead.
Time to rectify that and see how this goes. Spoilers ahead.
101/Pilot
Oddly, this episode actually works really well if you’re intending for Dan to be revealed as GG.
It’s the only reason he should be involved in the online narrative AND the scene at the computer.
But dude gives creepy stalker vibes from the jump.
Oddly, this episode actually works really well if you’re intending for Dan to be revealed as GG.
It’s the only reason he should be involved in the online narrative AND the scene at the computer.
But dude gives creepy stalker vibes from the jump.
Serena and Blair are both wonderfully defined in the pilot. The scene on the MET stairs sums them up so perfectly.
I’d forgotten how sympathetic they both were in the pilot and how much they both have such incredibly nuanced points of view.
I’d forgotten how sympathetic they both were in the pilot and how much they both have such incredibly nuanced points of view.
The biggest misstep in the pilot 100% has to be Chuck Bass.
There is zero defense of his conduct and as charming as the character becomes, he’s is 100% trash and probably should be in jail.
I’m curious how his redemption arc plays out during this rewatch.
There is zero defense of his conduct and as charming as the character becomes, he’s is 100% trash and probably should be in jail.
I’m curious how his redemption arc plays out during this rewatch.
102/The Wild Brunch
I do admire that the show doesn’t just let go of what Chuck did to Jenny, but it’s amazing that he ever survived as a character on this show.
That said, he and Blair have some amazing chemistry. No surprise we all fell for them as a couple.
I do admire that the show doesn’t just let go of what Chuck did to Jenny, but it’s amazing that he ever survived as a character on this show.
That said, he and Blair have some amazing chemistry. No surprise we all fell for them as a couple.
103/Poison Ivy
Dan remains a giant prick, even without considering the weird mind games he’s playing as Gossip Girl. And the Dartmouth joke...oh man.
This might be the first time “I’m Chuck Bass” didn’t seem creepy. Even if he is a creep.
Plus we get this Blair/Serena fight.
Dan remains a giant prick, even without considering the weird mind games he’s playing as Gossip Girl. And the Dartmouth joke...oh man.
This might be the first time “I’m Chuck Bass” didn’t seem creepy. Even if he is a creep.
Plus we get this Blair/Serena fight.
A few more notes on Dan:
- this dude is truly being cruel as Gossip Girl (as is Jenny, for using it to help her climb the social ladder).
- This dude is so incredibly aggressive to anyone who has any bit of happiness.
- Aren’t the Humphreys rich based on, uh, everything!
- this dude is truly being cruel as Gossip Girl (as is Jenny, for using it to help her climb the social ladder).
- This dude is so incredibly aggressive to anyone who has any bit of happiness.
- Aren’t the Humphreys rich based on, uh, everything!
104/Bad News Blair
It’s the #FalconAndWinterSoldier
crossover episode of #GossipGirl, as #Bucky 
infiltrates the Upper East Side to take down future SHIELD agent Nate Archibald.
I mean, that’s what I took away from this episode.
It’s the #FalconAndWinterSoldier
crossover episode of #GossipGirl, as #Bucky infiltrates the Upper East Side to take down future SHIELD agent Nate Archibald. I mean, that’s what I took away from this episode.
Dan remains the worst, but luckily Blair and Serena manage to persevere in spite of him.
It’s nice to actually see the three of them together and the grudging respect that Blair has for Dan.
Chuck also isn’t a total scumbag and Nate continues to be naive in interesting ways.
It’s nice to actually see the three of them together and the grudging respect that Blair has for Dan.
Chuck also isn’t a total scumbag and Nate continues to be naive in interesting ways.
105/Dare Devil
I do like that Blair is still...Blair. Even if she’s a bit softer, she’s still as absolutely cruel and spoiled as ever. That makes for a compelling anti-hero. She’s clearly a bully & bad & the show doesn’t let you forget that she’s the devil on Jenny’s shoulder.
I do like that Blair is still...Blair. Even if she’s a bit softer, she’s still as absolutely cruel and spoiled as ever. That makes for a compelling anti-hero. She’s clearly a bully & bad & the show doesn’t let you forget that she’s the devil on Jenny’s shoulder.
Also, googling “Gossip Girl Dare Devil Gif” pulls up this image.
I do actually like the way Dan and Serena are confused about their first date. It really makes sense that they wouldn’t know what each other wants.
And it reaffirms that Serena is pretty decent.
And it reaffirms that Serena is pretty decent.
In @TheAJMendez’s INCREDIBLE book “Crazy is My Super Power”, she expresses her distaste for V Neck tees.
And, well, Rufus on Gossip Girl makes her case pretty well.
And, well, Rufus on Gossip Girl makes her case pretty well.
However, Lily mentioning “unless Dan Humphrey is an alias” only furthers my theory that Gossip Girl is a prequel to Netflix’s YOU.
106/The Handmaiden’s Tale
I just realized we had no Chuck or Nate in the last episode. Huh.
Nate’s in a similar position to Whitney from Smallville or Luke on The OC - they’re meant to be broken up with and don’t feel like endgame for anyone.
I just realized we had no Chuck or Nate in the last episode. Huh.
Nate’s in a similar position to Whitney from Smallville or Luke on The OC - they’re meant to be broken up with and don’t feel like endgame for anyone.
I’m also a sucker for a good masquerade ball episode of, honestly, anything.
Gimme high fashion, big emotions and even bigger masks. I’m in.
Gimme high fashion, big emotions and even bigger masks. I’m in.
Speaking of characters in tough situations, I feel like Vanessa is introduced to play the spoiler and, not unlike Nate, has a harder path to finding a place in the series.
So this is the first episode where Dan as Gossip Girl starts to fall apart for me.
He’s surprised by a Gossip Girl post - do did Jenny post it? Does he have someone else working for him? Is he in so deep that he has to act surprised by it?
He’s surprised by a Gossip Girl post - do did Jenny post it? Does he have someone else working for him? Is he in so deep that he has to act surprised by it?
I mean, Dan Humphrey seems like a C-Level Batman villain and so I buy the idea he’s so committed to kayfabe that he’s acting surprised by his own actions.
...I might’ve just made myself a Dan fan.
Oh wait, nope, his stupid lies to Serena and Vanessa. Back to normal.
...I might’ve just made myself a Dan fan.
Oh wait, nope, his stupid lies to Serena and Vanessa. Back to normal.
Really interesting to see Jenny/Chuck in this episode.
The last few episodes had played Chuck as more of a lesser evil and ally to Nate, but this episode very much references the pilot incident and I guess it’s a step in the right direction, but playing it for comedy feels odd.
The last few episodes had played Chuck as more of a lesser evil and ally to Nate, but this episode very much references the pilot incident and I guess it’s a step in the right direction, but playing it for comedy feels odd.
107/Victor, Victrola
Interesting to see the pivot to Blair/Chuck. I’m curious if this was always the plan or if Ed Westwick’s performance changed things.
They’ve been softened since the pilot, but they’re still not heroes - and it’s fun to see the bad guys be bad together.
Interesting to see the pivot to Blair/Chuck. I’m curious if this was always the plan or if Ed Westwick’s performance changed things.
They’ve been softened since the pilot, but they’re still not heroes - and it’s fun to see the bad guys be bad together.
I do think it’s worth recognizing that, just like The OC, this show does a great job of casting and developing the parents.
Eleanor, Rufus, Lilly and Bart all have distinct identities and motivations. They’re also all FUN.
The Archibalds are admittedly less interesting to me.
Eleanor, Rufus, Lilly and Bart all have distinct identities and motivations. They’re also all FUN.
The Archibalds are admittedly less interesting to me.
Blair and Chuck definitely have the most undeniable chemistry on the show thus far.
They’re also the characters who spark the most when paired with anyone, but together they’re explosive.
I distinctly remember them being the reason the show clicked for me back in the day.
They’re also the characters who spark the most when paired with anyone, but together they’re explosive.
I distinctly remember them being the reason the show clicked for me back in the day.
108/Seventeen Candles
Might just be my bias, but this feels like the episode where Blair and Chuck become the leads of the show. Their story has all the fire and sparks you want in teen drama.
Plus, a really great opening with Blair and her act of confession.
Might just be my bias, but this feels like the episode where Blair and Chuck become the leads of the show. Their story has all the fire and sparks you want in teen drama.
Plus, a really great opening with Blair and her act of confession.
In all this, it’s easy to overlook how good Blake Lively was as Serena. That character could’ve easily been unsympathetic but she infused an incredible amount of charm into every scene.
Chuck realizing he has feelings for Blair - and her horror - is absolutely hilarious. Ed Westwick delivers big time in his continuing reboot of Chuck Bass.
There’s really no way to reconcile this version - who seems to have a conscience - with the character from the pilot.
There’s really no way to reconcile this version - who seems to have a conscience - with the character from the pilot.
Chuck is still a bad guy - the specifics he wagers with Blair are not the sign of a good guy even if he’s not going as far as the pilot.
Also, Dan remains shitty at everything - especially communication.
And Serena continues to be awesome.
Also, Dan remains shitty at everything - especially communication.
And Serena continues to be awesome.
Gossip Girl Identity Logic Update:
So, Dan or Jenny get sent the image of Nate and Jenny...and then post it in the middle of Blair’s party? And then text her directly?
These Humphreys are the worst.
So, Dan or Jenny get sent the image of Nate and Jenny...and then post it in the middle of Blair’s party? And then text her directly?
These Humphreys are the worst.
109/Blair Waldorf Must Pie
The episode opens with more of Dan’s YOU obsession with Serena.
Then we cut to Dan guilt-tripping his mom and being basically useless to his family.
This all tracks.
The episode opens with more of Dan’s YOU obsession with Serena.
Then we cut to Dan guilt-tripping his mom and being basically useless to his family.
This all tracks.
I like that Serena and Blair are still not 100%. It makes sense for Blair to revert to bad habits when backed into a corner.
And she has Lex Luthor as her father.
And she has Lex Luthor as her father.
It’s interesting to contrast the joyous soap opera of Dan & Serena’s family meal with the seriousness of Blair’s eating disorder.
The latter was set up really well and I appreciate that they treat it with gravity without our imposing judgement on Blair.
The latter was set up really well and I appreciate that they treat it with gravity without our imposing judgement on Blair.
110/Hi, Society
Ah yes, Debutante Balls. A thing I’d never heard about before The OC.
And most importantly - Carter is back!
Dan is so committed to his covert life as Gossip Girl that he pretends not to know who Carter is or what he’s done.
Ah yes, Debutante Balls. A thing I’d never heard about before The OC.
And most importantly - Carter is back!
Dan is so committed to his covert life as Gossip Girl that he pretends not to know who Carter is or what he’s done.
I’m also impressed by how well the show continues to world build, adding Serena’s grandmother and more wrinkles to Rufus & Lily’s history.
Plus, Chuck and Blair continue to be a delight because no one in the show is trying to make them out to be the heroes.
Plus, Chuck and Blair continue to be a delight because no one in the show is trying to make them out to be the heroes.
This is also probably the episode that most epitomizes how I remember the show - fun, flirty and full of drama but not cruel.
The world feels so lived & bigger than the pilot, with wonderfully ridiculous stakes and situations.
Also, love that Lily thinks Serena doesn’t drink.
The world feels so lived & bigger than the pilot, with wonderfully ridiculous stakes and situations.
Also, love that Lily thinks Serena doesn’t drink.
But, real talk, the end of this episode is that Rufus realizes he loves Lily after being bullied by her mom AND Lily realizes she loves Rufus after recognizing his son as a good boyfriend to her daughter?
THAT combo of events does it?
Perfect.
THAT combo of events does it?
Perfect.
111/Roman Holiday
I love teen drama holiday episodes and the CW is especially good at ‘em.
I do think Chuck going to Monaco is exactly the kind of ridiculous soap opera decision that makes this show work.
It’s so unnecessarily dramatic and so Gossip Girl.
I love teen drama holiday episodes and the CW is especially good at ‘em.
I do think Chuck going to Monaco is exactly the kind of ridiculous soap opera decision that makes this show work.
It’s so unnecessarily dramatic and so Gossip Girl.
Rufus and Alison’s break up is incredibly mature. Nothing dramatic. Just adults being adults.
Similarly, the Eleanor & Roman scenes are especially excellent. There’s so much nuance and history there that’s perfectly expressed.
I wish we’d got a crossover with The OC parents.
Similarly, the Eleanor & Roman scenes are especially excellent. There’s so much nuance and history there that’s perfectly expressed.
I wish we’d got a crossover with The OC parents.
Dan Humphrey lovers, I’ve got good news - I really like his story in this episode besides him once again trying to shame Serena for being rich.
I definitely enjoy emo boy writing the story about the girl wrapped in a Christmas aesthetic.
And their mutual gift shopping was fun.
I definitely enjoy emo boy writing the story about the girl wrapped in a Christmas aesthetic.
And their mutual gift shopping was fun.
112/School Lies
It was good to get a break from Chuck for an episode - which makes his return more welcome here.
It’s interesting how much the show had stopped reminding us that Chuck is a scumbag - and now he’s blackmailing Blair.
And making bizarre incest jokes to Serena.
It was good to get a break from Chuck for an episode - which makes his return more welcome here.
It’s interesting how much the show had stopped reminding us that Chuck is a scumbag - and now he’s blackmailing Blair.
And making bizarre incest jokes to Serena.
The main plot is a nice change from the normal drama - it’s a nice nod back to the circumstances that led Serena out of town and forces the cast to form some unusual alliances.
They even find a way to work Vanessa into the drama and...she’s not as annoying as I remembered.
They even find a way to work Vanessa into the drama and...she’s not as annoying as I remembered.
While the Bass men are incredibly creepy, the Humphrey men reclaim their crowns as the most judgey.
Serena rightfully calls out Dan for not having faith in her (despite him ultimately being correct) & Rufus doesn’t seem to understand why Lily might have some conflicted feelings.
Serena rightfully calls out Dan for not having faith in her (despite him ultimately being correct) & Rufus doesn’t seem to understand why Lily might have some conflicted feelings.
113/The Thin Line Between Chuck and Nate
Just listen to that opening. It’s Dan and/or Jenny writing.
They are BAD PEOPLE.
They’re also so committed to the character that they’re both shocked by the news THEY POSTED to Gossip Girl.
About Serena. That caused her pain.
Just listen to that opening. It’s Dan and/or Jenny writing.
They are BAD PEOPLE.
They’re also so committed to the character that they’re both shocked by the news THEY POSTED to Gossip Girl.
About Serena. That caused her pain.
I also treat every Amanda Setton appearance as Brooklynn Quartermaine from @GeneralHospital undercover for...reasons.
Look, it makes more sense than Dan as Gossip Girl.
Look, it makes more sense than Dan as Gossip Girl.
“Why are you taking his advice? He’s old and alone.”
Jenny is also the worst but she’s hilarious too.
Jenny is also the worst but she’s hilarious too.
Also, @jillmflint is back as Bex. Love when guest stars return. Makes everything feel more important and connected.
Chuck continues to be trash and he’s not aging well in this series at all.
Blair and Nate have a messed up relationship, but Chuck continually crosses the line.
(Again, remember that Dan and Jenny are Gossip Girl)
Blair and Nate have a messed up relationship, but Chuck continually crosses the line.
(Again, remember that Dan and Jenny are Gossip Girl)
114/The Blair Bitch Project
Nate is low key maybe the only kinda decent guy so far (though Lily remains the best character on the show) and tries to talk sense into Jenny, who is firmly on her path to being the worst in different ways than her evil brother.
Nate is low key maybe the only kinda decent guy so far (though Lily remains the best character on the show) and tries to talk sense into Jenny, who is firmly on her path to being the worst in different ways than her evil brother.
I really do love the Blair/Serena friendship.
It feels more mature, nuanced and lived-in now. The fights are less ridiculous now, thankfully.
Strong writing for sure, but that casting is lightning in a bottle and elevates it all.
It feels more mature, nuanced and lived-in now. The fights are less ridiculous now, thankfully.
Strong writing for sure, but that casting is lightning in a bottle and elevates it all.
Also, did Dan or Jenny post the Gossip Girl news about her stealing the dress? Like...why? How does this benefit them?
115/Desperately Seeking Serena
Lily Montgomery is all grown up into...Georgina Sparks.
This storyline feels like the spiritual successor to the Oliver Trask story on The OC - and also much better from what I recall.
It also helps to further position Chuck as a lesser evil.
Lily Montgomery is all grown up into...Georgina Sparks.
This storyline feels like the spiritual successor to the Oliver Trask story on The OC - and also much better from what I recall.
It also helps to further position Chuck as a lesser evil.
Again, Dan writing about the misery of his girlfriend is...YOU territory.
On the plus side, Vanessa and Nate both remain delightful. Maybe it’s how little we got of them recently but they both are a breath of fresh air in their scenes.
On the plus side, Vanessa and Nate both remain delightful. Maybe it’s how little we got of them recently but they both are a breath of fresh air in their scenes.
This episode gets close to the version of Chuck that the show probably wants you to remember - definitely not a good guy but not the absolute trash he’s been for most of the series.
You can see him trying to be not so terrible and actually help Serena with Georgina.
You can see him trying to be not so terrible and actually help Serena with Georgina.
Gossip Girl deserves a lot of credit for how much it made Serena such a strong lead - there’s so many ways the role could’ve gone wrong but the writing + Blake Lively really make her a wonderful character even when she’s making (understandably) dumb decisions all episode.
116/All About My Brother
I give the Gossip Girl true identity stuff a hard time, but it actually kinda works here as part of Dan/Jenny’s plan except for the part where they try to ruin Jenny’s rep or reveal Asher’s betrayal.
Love the meta joke about Eric being Gossip Girl, tho.
I give the Gossip Girl true identity stuff a hard time, but it actually kinda works here as part of Dan/Jenny’s plan except for the part where they try to ruin Jenny’s rep or reveal Asher’s betrayal.
Love the meta joke about Eric being Gossip Girl, tho.
“Do you believe everything you read on Gossip Girl?”
Dan and Jenny arguing about sending tips to GG only furthers my theory that they black out when they commit their GG crimes.
Seriously, they’re early 00 Batman villains who would’ve debuted in Robin.
Dan and Jenny arguing about sending tips to GG only furthers my theory that they black out when they commit their GG crimes.
Seriously, they’re early 00 Batman villains who would’ve debuted in Robin.
Georgina’s plot is kind of ridiculous but it’s definitely super weird how easily Dan centers his life around “Sarah.”
She might be the only one as cruel as Dan and Jenny with their blog.
She might be the only one as cruel as Dan and Jenny with their blog.
This is also the episode where Eric comes out and I won’t pretend I can really speak to if it’s well done or not, but I’m glad Serena is immediately accepting because there’s no reason not to be accepting.
This episode is definitely a product of its time.
This episode is definitely a product of its time.
Again, not my lane, but both the first Fast & Furious and this episode both use THAT F slur in ways I’m not sure we’re required for the story (especially the former).
I wanted to bring it up for anyone jumping into the series because that word is so hurtful to so many people.
I wanted to bring it up for anyone jumping into the series because that word is so hurtful to so many people.
Hard pivoting, this episode continues the redemption tour for Chuck (who is Eric’s confidante) and Blair (who actually tries to but hurt Eric).
Unlike Dan, who is just super shitty to Serena and continues to be devoted to “Sarah” in weird ways.
Unlike Dan, who is just super shitty to Serena and continues to be devoted to “Sarah” in weird ways.
117/Woman on The Verge
Honestly, these are basically the same image, aren’t they?
Honestly, these are basically the same image, aren’t they?
“You can be a pretty judgemental guy.”
Thank you Rufus.
Now fix your awful serial killer son, please.
Thank you Rufus.
Now fix your awful serial killer son, please.
Dan continues his streak as the worst by trashing his girlfriend to “Sarah”and then posting about it on Gossip Girl.
Chuck remains..not great but it feels like the show has chosen him as a leading man and are reigning in his worst characteristics to soft reboot him.
Chuck remains..not great but it feels like the show has chosen him as a leading man and are reigning in his worst characteristics to soft reboot him.
Don’t forget Dan finding Serena, clearly traumatized, and making the situation about his pain, about his needs and about her needing to prove herself.
The only surprise is that he didn’t post about it immediately on Gossip Girl.
The only surprise is that he didn’t post about it immediately on Gossip Girl.
Dorota is a true MVP in this series.
This gif isn’t from this episode but she steals every scene she’s in.
This gif isn’t from this episode but she steals every scene she’s in.
I did genuinely laugh at the “I’m Chuck Bass” line when the group is considering the terrible things they’ve done.
