Someone gets lucky on 'Gossip Girl'
I'm usually a laid-back sort of TV viewer, content to let the action unfold. But I gotta admit that tonight's Gossip Girl was testing my patience when it came to waiting to see what lengths Blair would go to when she discovered Nate's perfidy.
Spoilers in fishnet stockings undulating nostalgically on stage.
While much happened this episode, let's get to the Blair issue first. Nate demonstrates that like his dad, he's lousy at saying he's sorry when he botches his apology to Jenny, whom he had mistaken for Serena and subsequently hit on during the masquerade ball. Add that to the fact that Blair is angry at little J for crashing the party, and Jenny is in a bind with this secret.
Blair's waxing poetic about Nate and his expected proposal is too much for J to take though, and it shows on her face. She spills her secret and cold, traumatized Blair can only say, "You're dismissed, Jenny ... for good." Oh, poor little rich girl and her bows. Blair bides her time reacting though, smiling uncomfortably at a Waldorf-Arcibald get-together.
Even when she confronts Nate, it's so polite and controlled. Well, that changes when she visits Chuck at his first business venture, a little burlesque club called the Victrola. With just a little prodding, she's on stage, seductively removing that prim headband and making eyes at the crowd ... and a very delighted Chuck. And finally, what we've all been waiting for, Blair and Chuck hook up. Whether or not this means she gives him the big V isn't certain though.
Speaking of pesky virginity, things are going well between Serena and Dan, except that our boy feels massive pressure because all signs point to sex, and he's still sadly untried. Well, the fact that he still has his Cabbage Patch Kid doll Cedric and football-print sheets is a dead giveaway.
How great was it to see him trying to bone up (heh, sorry) on what to do by watching porn and reading up on sensual massage? Ah, but in the end, they're both really on the same page because despite her experience, Serena also wants "it" to mean something. And so they wait ... but for how long?
The dads were in fine form tonight as well. Bart Bass showed surprising depth by deciding to commit to Lily (who's misinformed by Chuck that Bart has cheated on her) and then actually backing Chuck's burlesque business venture. In contrast, Howie Archibald is lying to his son and eventually gets busted by the police for cocaine possession, embezzlement and fraud. And lastly, the sensitive Rufus Humphrey is jaded by his broken marriage to Allison, who, unbeknownst to him, has been invited back to New York by a wide-eyed Jenny. She's a brave one, our little J.
Some highlights:
- Blair was looking awesome, first as a a modern-day Snow White with red hair bow and yellow lapel edging, and then later in her Victorian-inspired look that fit in perfectly at the Victrola.
- Bart to Chuck: "What's with the business formal? Are you being arraigned for something?"
- When Serena says that 20 minutes is "plenty" for sex. Ah, youth.
- Drunken Chuck to Nate's voicemail: "Your position in my esteem has been replaced by your voicemail."
- Scary Blair to Jenny: "Why are you not happy for me?"
- When Nate turns his dad in to the cops and says, "Check his pockets while you're at it." That'll teach you to betray, lie to, use and then hit your son.
- Blair to Nate: "You should deal with your father. He needs you. You know what? I don't."
So, what do you think of Blair's actions? Nate's?
Nate gained points with me by turning his father in. He had this "poor me" vibe that I didn't like but he finally looked alive tonight.
Blair is stealing the show away from Serena. She's so good with the emotional crisis, but she's cold and creepy, too. I love and hate Blair at the same time.
I'm glad she got rid of Nate (for now at least.) But getting with Chuck so soon... Hm, while hot, this can't be good for her since she's a control freak.
Loved This Episode!
Jenny keeps getting dumped by Blair!
Wow. Talk about one episode not to miss. I'm thinking Blair definitly gave it up ( or so next week's spoliers want you to think.) but is she really the type of girl to do the deed in the back of Chuck's limo? Curiosity is about to kill this cat.
Not to mention the waters been a wee bit too smooth for S & 'lonely boy'? He's not so lonely now. Looks like it's time for Vanessa to make some waves.
And when is Eric going to get released? S seemed pretty close to her little bro but as the tables turn, he gets left in the back drop a tad too much if he's supposed to be the reason she came home. Interesting.
Blair and Chuck, the Evil Empire, can finally let their weird fashion dominion become public. I understand Hanh, you adore her outfits, and maybe it's my rural upbringing, but I'm just not feelin it. Serena looks much better, and dare I say, normal. That Snow White outfit reminded me of a flight attendant.
Anyway, I thought the Serena and Dan situation played out nicely, and I agree Vanessa is about to dial it up. Only someone needs to tell her Joey Potter is an old character.
Jenny had so much blossoming fire, to see her wilt in front of Blair doesn't ring as true. She seemed like the rising power as Blair faltered due to domestic troubles. Blair keeps having moments of vulnerability and humanity, and ultimately it would be cool to see Jenny grab the throne stealthily.
I also agree with Halo- Nate joined Blair in the "hey, I actually am alive" camp. He usually acts so hollow.
I know that seems all critical, but I love. Despite myself. lol
@ Caspar
Ah yes, I don't expect many people to agree with me about Blair's outfits. I love them for their very costume-y quality. Ditto Chuck. It's doubtful I'd wear them in real life.
Serena looking normal? Objectively, I know she looks good. But in the hyper-real world of 'Gossip Girl'? I'm bored.
But hey, I just celebrate all the over-the-top stuff in the show. Bring it on. I hope there are many more visits to the Victrola.
Yes, Nate finally grew a pair instead of being whiny and emo. But next week, with his apparent reconciliation with Blair, I wonder if he will give in to the dark side.
This was definitely the best episode since the pilot. I'm glad they didn't stretch out the whole virginity storyline for Dan, since we already have something similar with Blair wanting to wait.
To CASPER: I also made a comment in last week's blog that the writers are making Vanessa look like the "Joey Potter" for a new generation. Personally, I find Vanessa more interesting and more attractive than Serena's character, but to each his own.
I loved how Blair threw away her goody two shoes look as she was stripping at the Victrola. For the first time, I actually saw some chemistry between Blair and Chuck. I don't see much chemistry between Blair and Nate, since he's always acting so sullen.
I could have sworn that The CW promos that have been running prior to this episode stated that "Blair would have her first time with one of these three guys". The promo showed pictures of Dan, Chuck and Nate. I ***umed that Blair did it for the first time with Chuck, based mostly on that promo from the network. However, now I'm just as confused as some other viewers are.
Vanessa irritates me.
But the rest of the episode was great!
WOW talk aboute an episode not to miss that was one fired episode but I am glad that nate fineally told his dad he needs help hes just trying to do the right thing I mean he is a good kid
@ Hanh,
I dig it. I can't imagine why a superhero would wear spandex, in a pragmatic sense, but I do check them out in the movies and such. The show doesn't resonate sartorially with me the way it does with you, 's all. But I get it- seeing Smallville's Clark in red and blue flannel makes logical sense, but you wonder when he gets the cape and tights.
@ Paige,
I call seconds on the Joey thing then- glad someone shares the notion! I mentioned a few weeks ago, Serena just grew on me from episode to episode. But other than Vanessa acting as the Dan's deus ex buzzkill, she hasn't brought anything to the show. The book version from what I've heard about would really have shaken the show up.
Let's all remember also that Dawson waited for Joey to cash in the V chip.
I was a fan of the Creek but Penn already starred in Do Over, I'm sure he would like something new.
Oooh, due to the strike, could they be using old DC plots?!
Peace!