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'Gossip Girl': "She's Determined to Become a Woman on my Watch"
On last week's Gossip Girl, Little J stripped down to her skivvies, made out with Nate and generally made us all extremely uncomfortable. Nate, on the other hand, can now count Jenny as yet another satisfied customer of the Upper East Side's favorite, saddest prostitute. (For those of you keeping track, other happy clients include Blair, Serena, Vanessa, the Duchess, and that chick at Yale. So you know who's next: yep! Lily Van Der Bass, come on down!)
Little J at Mood, getting ready for ProjRun, perhaps? The Mullet and her wee Cory Kennedy manque madly sew and style, preparing for Jenny's secret show tonight. Meanwhile, her brother and her lover wander down the street, trying to decipher mysterious text messages from Jordan, the Yalie TA. Nate, bless his shiny mane, has forgotten who she is and that he slept with her. Ah, youth. Or, as Dan points out, "it's good to be Nate Archibald." It's going to go swimmingly when he walks in on this one groping his little sister. But, dense as Dan is, he sends Nate to find out why said sister is acting so secretively. The two walk into the loft to find Agnes and Jenny madly wheeling out racks of clothes and cackling about how angry Eleanor will be. Whoops. Jenny begs Dan to not tell Rufus for a few hours, and spills the beans about her guerilla fashion show, featuring Agnes and friends.
Blair and her ill-advised highlights sip tea with Serena and a prominent Yale donor; the donor prepares to meet her friends from Bryn Mawr and lock up her little daughter Emma with a bowl of ice cream and a children's book. Chances that Emma is a 14-year-old? High. Extremely high. Oh, look, there she is, and Blair has been assigned babysitting duty. Serena leaves, and runs into Aaron in the courtyard; she begins to invite him to a charity gala but is interrupted when a girl runs up and kisses him on the lips. Upstairs, Emma tries to leave the hotel room in a hideous...I don't know. Tie-dyed cropped banded muumuu? Whatever she's wearing, she'll be removing it soon, as she is off to deflower herself with the aid of a lacrosse captain. Blair tries to stop Emma, but Emma threatens her with Yale exclusion. Blair runs to Serena for help, but Serena is busy cooing over camp pictures of herself and Aaron as children. Blair decides to distract Emma with the charity gala, and Serena opens her closet for the occasion.
Vanessa serves Dan coffee and advice to give Jenny some room; she also inadvertently reveals that she's still in love with Nate. Oh, so Dan AND Vanessa are going to walk in on Nate and Little J doing...I can't even...just gross. Nate chases after Jenny and she tells him to prove his feelings for her by accompanying her to her show. Emma, dolled up in Serena's sequined whorehouse finest, runs into Chuck in the foyer and asks him to take her "for a ride." Chuck gives the butler a licorice ring to give Serena, and to tell her that it was left at the concierge; then he and Emma get into the limo. Serena has just posted an APB on gg.net for Emma and Chuck when he strolls into the foyer, all plaid suit, and complains that Emma assaulted him. He assures Blair, however, that the back of his limo is sacred after that night at Victrola. Awwwww. That's kind of sweet, in a disturbing sort of way. He tells the girls that Emma took off in a cab and a huff just as Iz texts S that Emma is at 1Oak. Blair drags her best friend and her love off to find her charge.
Nate and Jenny stand outside the charity gala and oh of COURSE this is where she's staging her guerilla fashion show. Oh, Eleanor is going to be pissed. Nate gently suggests that perhaps her target audience is...younger that his mother. She says she's here shopping for financial backing; besides, she's made him a suit! Nate is distracted, as always, by the shiny and the new. Chuck and the girls spot Emma, but she slips away with Eurotrash named Serge. Are they always named Serge? Jenny discovers that the gala is being thrown in Lily and Bart's honor, and gives her name as Erika Van Der Woodsen. Clever little thing. Nate changes into his suit and Jenny suddenly realizes that she's going to ruin Lily's night. She babbles on until Nate shuts her up with a kiss; unfortunately, a little thing with a Elph snaps a pic of the buss, and you know where she's sending that.
Chuck, Blair and Serena realize that the credit card at 1Oak was not, in fact, used by Emma: it was used by her mother, over there in the corner making out with some random not-her-husband. Seriously? At 1Oak? Blair snaps a pic with her phone and sighs in blackmail bliss. Serena tries to make Blair rescue Emma from "Humbert Humbert" before busting Emma's mom; then, Serena takes her leave and flees to the Palace.
In the meantime, Dan halts their frantic search for Jenny when they see a GG blast featuring Jenny's location and a picture of her making out with Nate. Dan slams his laptop closed so that Rufus and V don't see the picture, but Vanessa is suspicious, as the three make their way to the Palace in a cab (who knew they could afford such things?!) Dan's phone rings, and he lets Jordan from Yale go to voicemail. Lily and Bart spot Rufus while the kids run in to the party. Dan finds Nate and throws him against a wall and then holds him there - one-handed! - while shoving the cameraphone picture of him exploring Jenny's tonsils in his face. Wow, that one game of soccer Dan played that one time must have been a really good workout. Nate has the good grace to look - well, I guess he just looks confused - before he tells Dan he has no right to judge him. Dan tells him to pack up and leave the Humphrey abode.
Blair screams at Emma to let her in to Serge's hotel room; finally, Emma is swayed by the fact that her best frenemy lost her virginity too, and made it on to Gossip Girl. Serena taxis to the gala while calling Aaron, whose outgoing voicemail message is directed at Serena, saying he doesn't have a girlfriend. However, while Serena leaves him a charmed message, a girl named Tamara picks up his phone. Wait, how? It's...is it a landline? I'm so confused. At the Palace, Nate tells Jenny that he has to leave, and that her family knows about them; she begs him to stay. The emcee congratulates Lily and Bart just as the lights go out and a godawful Ramones cover takes over the PA: the models trot into the ballroom and begin dancing on the banquet table, throwing out polaroid "business cards" for J Humphrey Designs. The gala attendees are inexplicably charmed. Nate and Jenny exchange delighted looks, and he picks her up and kisses her: Vanessa, of course, sees, and Jenny goes screeching after her.
After the show, the models are escorted out by security while Rufus and Dan search for their wandering parakeet. Dan gets a call from Jordan the Yalie TA who tells him that the professors found his writing "anemic." Serena spots him and tries to comfort him, thinking that he's worried about Jenny. He tells her he isn't going to get into Yale. Meanwhile, Blair and Chuck limo Emma back to her hotel, and Blair tells her Emma that her first time should be with someone she loves, like Blair's was. She tells Emma she knows something about trying desperately to get a self-centered mother's attention. They walk into Emma's hotel room to find Emma's mother waiting up for them. Blair rethinks her blackmail plan, even though Emma's mother assures her she will block Blair's acceptance into Yale.
Rufus grabs Jenny by the arm and screams at her; Lily interrupts, and Jenny apologizes to her. Lily tells her that although the evening wasn't what she expected, that Jenny is an inspired artist. Rufus points his daughter out to the police, asking him to arrest her; Lily steps in and pulls rank, telling the officer that she owns the hotel and won't be pressing charges. The next morning, Chuck goes to visit Nate at his house and finds it abandoned; Chuck tries to talk Nate into coming home with him. Serena attempts to rouse Blair with coffee, and tells her that there are schools other than Yale. She answers Blair's cell to find the Dean of Yale on the other end: Blair picks up while an attendant lets Serena know that Aaron is waiting in the foyer. Aaron tries to explain who all of the other girls are, but then tells Serena that she needs to just trust him. He invites her to dinner and reveals that the ring he sent up was his from nine years ago. Blair bursts in shrieking that Emma told the Dean that Blair is the one person, living or dead, that she'd most like to have dinner with. Over breakfast, Dan tells his father that he's finishing his "Charlie Trout" story for wicked old Noah Shapiro. Ooh, who's drinking the Ayn Rand Kool-aid now? He walks out, but not before telling Rufus to look in Jenny's room: she appears to have moved out. Nate wanders down the street with a duffel bag, dropping a letter to Jenny in the mailbox.
Next week: everyone screws over everyone, and Agnes melts down.
A lot, obviously, to talk about this week. But all I want to say before handing it over to y'all is this: VOTE. Vote for whomever you want (unless it's Ralph Nader - that got problematic last time) but get out there and celebrate the fact that you have the privilege to exercise your franchise.
well, jordan, you got your wish! no one can comment though cuz they are all out voting! i voted early so kudos to me, right? heh heh.
eeeeewwwwww mr. pouts-a-lot- new-poor aren'tchabald making out with cindy lou who is strait nasty. i hope nate leaving means that dan (in addition to dan not going to yale like errybody else) is out of the show for good! he he he...and how v stormed off and lil j is gone--gasp! they have finally rid the show of all the lame characters! hoorays are in order! lets hope they stay gone.
well, a jolly election day to you all! to secretly tell who i voted for, i will show distain for both candidates so i won't get hate mail while still expressing myself!: nobama an mcpain for pres! he he he i fooled u!
Normally, I wouldn't mind pairing up Dan's younger sister and one of his classmates, but I don't like the Nate/ Jenny romance. In real life, Taylor Momsen is only 15, while Chace Crawford is 23, so it looks inappropriate when the actors have to kiss each other on screen. :-( Also, I wish Taylor would go back to her old haircut and color!
Sorry, but I think that Dan and Serena's storylines were boring. Although, I'm sure things will get interesting when Dan tries to bring down Bart, while Chuck plot against him.
My favorite parts of this episode were the Chuck/Blair scenes. It's funny how Blair admitted to Emma that she loved Chuck, but blair would never want to admit it to him. Great news for Blair when the Dean at Yale called her. :-)
By the way, does anyone know the name of the actress that played Emma? I have never seen her in anything before GG, but I swear she reminded me of a younger Jennifer Love Hewitt (when she was Sarah on Party of Five). I know the two actresses aren't related in real life, but they could play sisters on TV!
I spoke with my vote.
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Paige, I thought Chuck and Blair mutually recognized their feelings last week. However, they won't say the words because it would take their relationship to the next level and are terrified of it ending badly. I <3 them.
Stella Maeve is the actress who played Emma. She was great. Her resume is mostly L&O guest spots and indie films, most notably a role in Transamerica.
.........
I don't know about Aaron. On one hand, he's sweet and thoughtful; on the other, he's a hipster playa.
I actually wanted Nate and Jenny together last year. Remember the sweet talk on the steps outside Blair's bday party. But now he is the accidental manwhore. Hence his perpetually confused look. Stay away from Little J.
I love Lil' J's clothing but I'm worried about her attitude. I understand what it feels like to be held back by practical, loving, well-intentioned parents. And the desire to run away from home. But then you grow up and realize they weren't trying to hold you back and as much keep you from crashing and burning.
My love for Chuck/Blair and Lily/Rufus is really what keeps me tuning in. Everything else is just icing.
Kalena | Nov 4, 2008 10:55:58 AM | #Gotta agree with the mom that the dress that emma had on (from Serena's closet) was hideous -- it looked like something an ice dancer would wear.
I find nothing remotely attractive or appealing about Aaron. And the scarf he wears constantly just looks pretentious -- he doesn't look like he is wearing it to keep warm but to in order to project some "artiste" image. Blech.
Rufus needs to chill somewhat; Jenny is not out doing crazy things, she is focused and working hard on a career goal. Granted, crashing a benefit is not a great idea (neither is lying to dad), and I know Rufus wants her to stay in school, but can't he be a little proud of her?
Allie | Nov 4, 2008 10:58:04 AM | #Oh, I totally forgot my nitpicks for the night:
1. Nate would never be able to drive that van in NYC traffic. If he even knows how to drive, he has probably only done it out in the Hamptons.
2. We all get that Serena is kind of a free spirit, but when she is told by the butler she has a visitor and goes out to great him (Aaron) in a blue silk nightie that barely covers her hoo-ha and provides an ample view of her cleavage? Really?
I had others, but seem to have forgotten them!
Allie | Nov 4, 2008 1:27:27 PM | #i used to watch this show on the sunday night encore but they don't show it at that time anymore. on monday, it's up against Terminator: TSCC and Dancing with the Stars, good luck! i always watch 1st choice Term and 2nd choice DWTS, so i haven't been able to see GG for a while now. (why are all the shows i want to see on at the same time?) anyway, i miss GG, thanks Jordan for your informative and entertaining recaps!
p.s. I VOTED TODAY! my name was inexplicably purged from the voter roll (same place where i voted the last 2 elections). where did my name go, hmmmm? seems democrats are getting purged in this red voting district (it's a red county in a blue state), hmmmmmmm...anyway i voted provisional....
1. Where is Little J heading to live in a crack house with Agnes? Ohh that lil Hobo. Why doesnt she go live with her mom?
2. Why is Nate sending a letter...
3. So sure Dan is jealous but would hes also a self-righteous nark, so he never would of allowed Jenny to take everything she owned and not tell her dad until way leter while earlier in the ep he freaks out because shes taking a rack full dresses.
Tyson | Nov 4, 2008 6:30:33 PM | #The show's getting desperate when Chuck and Blair are the best thing going for it. They have absolutely no redeeming qualities and are still fantastic to watch together. I particularly like the Britney Spears Womanizer promo for Chuck. Funny, true and clever.
Lil J, for all her vaunted talent, still has a lot of growing up to do. Let's hope she survives it somewhat unscathed.
Why introduce a character like Aaron who is not even remotely interesting to look at? All the other guys, even Dan in his nerdy way, have some great looks and we're supposed to believe that Serena is seriously interested in this guy?
I, too, was completely puzzled by the let's go see my guest in my nightie scene. But since the show's writers are no longer giving Serena any credible acting to do, I suppose she has to do something to pass the time.
The most unbelievable moment of the whole episode, though, is Serena and Blair giggling like school girls over the Yale catalog. Since when have Serena and Blair ever acted their age or like real school girls? Are they regressing? Please, someone save this show from itself.
Emmasmom | Nov 5, 2008 9:15:25 PM | #RE: Emmasmom | Nov 5, 2008 9:15:25 PM
Emmasmom, Chuck and Blair have ALWAYS been the main appeal of this show, as a couple, or solo. And save the show??? I believe you're watching an entirely different show my friend.
Ron | Nov 6, 2008 5:41:28 AM | #This ep was a good one, but, I must admit, not as good as last week's.
So much to say. Great recap, btw.
I don't have a problem with Jenny and Nate being a couple, actually. It seems like an interesting pairing. They seem to be doing that a lot to Nate lately -- giving him interesting pairings. Makes you wonder which way his love life will finally go.
Hopefully it'll "go" in a better direction and stop him from setting up shop in an upscale whorehouse on Park Ave.
Poor Dan. He's had two episodes now where he's come off as extremely flakey. First Blair was bad news, then good, then bad and then good again. Then Nate's good, then bad, then, well, I guess he's still bad in Dan's estimation.
His concern for Jenny and Rufus' concern for Jenny is fine, and all, but it comes off as a bit desperate and melodramatic at times. If I was Jenny I'd be chomping at the bit to get away from them too.
But, then, her attitude continues to grate. She's constantly making triumphantly snarky speeches to her father about how he can't stop her from doing what she wants.
Whatever. The whole Humphrey clan is beginning to leave me cold.
Anyone else catch the uncomfortable dynamic when Rufus, Lily and Bart were at the gala together? Yup! I'd like to see that storyline develop.
I greatly enjoy the new storyline between Serena and Aaron. I also think Aaron's very appealing and super sweet. I loved his scarf in their final scene together. I also loved the sexy way he locked eyes with her and smiled when she agreed that there could be romance happening between them.
He almost looked Johnny Depp-esque when he told her not to eat the ring because it was 9 years old ...
Yeah, so my secret's out. I like scruffy arty guys. So sue me.
Personally, I think she should trust him -- give him the benefit of the doubt -- until he proves her otherwise.
So he had plans with someone when she wanted to ask him out. And?!? What was he supposed to do? Be chaste and wait by the (land line) phone for her to call? She can't expect him not to have a present or a past just because she's interested in him now.
On the other hand, though, I did sympathize with her point about his 'harem'. Some guys just seem to have a lot of women around them and a new one every time you see them. Maybe they're "playas" maybe they just like women and women just like them. Maybe, maybe.
My point here is that I think she should give him a chance. Jumping to conclusions and judging too soon are death to relationships. We'll see what Serena does.
Blair and Chuck are light comedy relief to me. What a ridiculous pair. Their love story is filled with attempted pathos and clumsy one-liners.
Don't get me wrong. I think they're entertaining. But I certainly don't tune into the show for those two!
Berlin | Nov 6, 2008 11:45:22 AM | #I'm just curious, but what does everyone think of Drew Barrymore and Ed Westwick as a couple? They are reportedly dating in real life even though she is ~12 years older than he is.
Does this reduce, increase or have no effect on how you view Ed Westwick?
Rishi | Nov 7, 2008 2:23:12 AM | #say it ain't so, rishi! that's gross!
vicious circle | Nov 7, 2008 7:16:58 AM | #nothin' wrong with that! no way, you betchya! (wink)
I would like Nate to stay in the city and the Humphrey clan to move to Iowa.
Jen | Nov 10, 2008 3:33:39 PM | #1. Ew Nate & Jenny, ew.
2. Aaron makes me melt.
3. Jenny needs to shut up cause it's just getting annoying now, cut your dad some slack bitch.
4. Haha, Blair and Chuck are funny.
5. Lily & Rufus story line is old.
6. Need some more action from Dan in a fun way, not a nagging way.
7. Who the hell decided to put Bart on the show?
8. Bring back the Nate and his dad story line so it can get finished and he can go back to his awesome life.
9. Anyone else secretly seriously wanting another Nate and Serena hookup? Eh? Eh? ;)
10. I think I like Jenny's new style, it's suiting. She needs new friends, exciting friends.
Yay for me!
Lou | Nov 10, 2008 6:00:51 PM | #I think blair is hot as hell!!
Q | Dec 8, 2008 6:05:15 PM | #
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