Gossip Girl - TV Fanatic

Gossip Girl Review: Daring to Dair!

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:52:53 EST

The spirit of Valentine's Day was in the air on Gossip Girl Monday night, but did "Crazy Cupid Love" tug at our collective heartstrings, or did it flatline amid high expectations?

There was plenty wrong with the episode, but at least Dan went there. He did it!

There's no longer any doubt about how Gossip Girl's underdog non-couple feels about one another. Dan's feelings may be stronger (or at least less complicated, with no dowry looming over Rufus) than the reverse, but they're mutual. He kissed Blair and unlike the first time, it wasn't just Dan doing the kissing.

On the contrary, she was all for it. That was awesome.

Whether you're rooting for a Chair series endgame or for unrequited Dair love, you have to concede that the show has short-changed both twosomes of late, and that something had to give one way or the other.

Blair probably should have run off with Chuck last week. Or the week before, during the now-infamous pre-wedding confession. But she didn't, and Dan subsequently remained in the romantic picture.

Tonight, he decided to make the most of that opportunity, and give the Hump credit for having giant cojones. Sadly, crazy Georgina was creeping nearby and engineered the ultimate c--k block on Dair.

I didn't think he'd actually do it, or that she wouldn't pull away. The long-awaited kiss was worth the wait for those who have watched Dan and Blair grow together and experience so many near misses.

The evolution of their relationship has been an enjoyable constant in recent months, culminating in Blair's recollection of all the reasons "Serena" should love him. That scene was as heartfelt as it gets.

How adorable slash hot was that kiss, too? Leighton Meester was typically wonderful in conveying the mixed emotions of feeling forbidden to do such a thing but at the same time wanting it SO badly.

While this chapter was cut short, the love story remains an open book.

Make no mistake, Dair is no longer just a momentary obstacle or a blip on the radar. Blair and Chuck may indeed end up together in a year or so, but after this? Dair is the real deal, and all bets are off.

The fallout should be interesting, with Georgina holding the infamous photo as blackmail, Serena bitter at her BFF for moving in on Dan, and Chuck apparently for revenge against Dan for moving in on Blair.

The juiciest part of all of this is that the Dair kiss has dealt a serious blown to Chair and Derena ... and Blerena and Duck. No one will be able to wrap their minds around (or get over) this one anytime soon.

At least I think that's Chuck's motive. His random hookup with Alessandra was preceded by an unintentionally hilarious request for info on Dan's book. What could she possibly reveal that would hurt Dan?

Therein lies the problem with Gossip Girl these days. Dair did all they could to salvage this installment, but they can't stop the majority of the plots from feeling disjointed and patched together haphazardly.

Take Blair's return to N.Y. for example. Needing a way to push Louis out of the picture for one week, but still have him looming over Blair, they give a "minder" ... who's conveniently absent at exactly the wrong time.

Then there's Georgina's desire to break a mega-scandal because she's ... bored? Until Dan outs her, because she has the loudest cellphone ring ever, so she can't? But she magically gets her hands on Blair's prenup?

Or Nate's desire to woo Lola at a party Gossip Girl told him he's throwing, which can't happen because she won't cater Spectator events, but shows up at when Chuck moves the shindig to his place spontaneously?

It doesn't make a lot of sense. Even if you're entertained by it all (and for the most part I am), you can't escape the fact that the show tries to strong together seriously convoluted plots with 2-3 lines of dialogue.

What else did we learn Monday? Where do we even begin. Some of the major developments:

Ivy's been staying in the Hamptons with Cece, who is totally the frontrunner in this spring's Gossip Girl death pool if she wasn't already. Ivy ran into Lola, who she'd bet before in Florida. Obviously.
Lola's a cutie who's playing hard to get, which only causes Nate to want her more. Love it. Also love that she's apparently clueless about everything that's gone on. Time for some recon/payback!
B's minder has a thing for Louis or is a serial murderer intent on offing her. Or a bit of both.
Fair, young Dorota was once wooed in a Polish beet field. Too bad that story was cut short.
Serena pines for Dan and broods a lot. Not too much else going on in the land of S of late.
Georgina employs various minions, including Nate's random Vanessa look-alike assistant.
Phillip and Milo? Say a prayer for those guys.

All in all, this week was very much up and down for me. The Georgina/G.G. and dowry angles are all over the place and on the verge of being mishandled to the point where it's hard to take them seriously.

That said, Dair continues to carry the show, just as Chair was once the reason to tune in. Which of the two couples has a brighter future romantically? Will Serena sabotage Blair before Chuck undermines Dan?

Can't wait to find out.

Before we turn it over to your comments, here's next week's promo for "Cross Rhodes." Blair looks like she wants it bad. Again. Consider this a 20-second glimpse of the next round of fan wars about to erupt ...

Gossip Girl 'Cross Rhodes' Promo

What did you think of this evening's Gossip Girl episode? Discuss below!

Are Dan and Blair soulmates?

Gossip Girl Photo Preview: "The Princess Dowry"

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:16:23 EST

As we previously reported, Gossip Girl is about to welcome back Billy Baldwin as Serena's dad.

The circumstances surrounding his return to New York City? They're not good. They never are.

According to the official episode synopsis from the CW, a “family crisis” brings him back. It's unclear what that consists of, but we have a feeling it may be related to the unnamed, upcoming death on Gossip Girl.

Meanwhile, Blair thinks that Cyrus may have found a potential loophole in her prenup with Louis, Chuck and Georgina partner up in a scheme, and Chivy looks like she has some serious explaining to do.

Take a look at the photo gallery from "The Princess Dowry" below ...

Gossip Girl Caption Contest 194

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:36:51 EST

Welcome to the 194th Gossip Girl Caption Contest at TV Fanatic, where readers submit their best caption(s) for a photo from the CW drama! Ready to flex your creative muscle? Let's do it up, folks.

Follow the link to see who won last week's edition, then get ready to give it your best shot again with a Gossip Girl picture featuring a scene from this week's episode of the show, "The Backup Dan."

All you have to do, Gossip Girl fanatics, is think of your best caption(s), click "Comments" and send in your efforts for the picture below. Ready? We thought so. Now go show us what you've got:

Gossip Girl Episode Synopsis: "The Princess Dowry"

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:20:07 EST

"The Princess Dowry" airs February 27 on the CW. It's the 17th Gossip Girl episode of Season 5, following "Crazy Cupid Love" (February 13) and "Cross Rhodes" (February 20). What goes down on the 27th?

According to the CW's official synopsis:

Blair (Leighton Meester) thinks Cyrus (Wallace Shawn, who does not appear in the episode) may have found a potential loophole in her prenup.
Chuck (Ed Westwick) and Georgina (Michelle Trachtenberg) decide to partner up in a scheme, but it has an unpredictable outcome.
Meanwhile, a family crisis brings William van der Woodsen (Baldwin) back to the Upper East Side. '

What do you think brings William back, and what are Chuck and Georgina up to? Will Blair find a way out of the ridiculous dowry conundrum just as quickly as it was introduced? Comment below!

This Chuck photo is from the Feb. 20 episode. We'll post pics from "The Princess Dowry" when they come out!

Gossip Girl Sneak Peek: A Surprise For S ...

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:37:36 EST

St. Vincent makes an appearance at the Valentine's Day party, and Blair has a big surprise waiting for Serena in this new clip from Monday's episode of Gossip Girl, entitled "Crazy Cupid Love."

Based on the producers' preview we posted earlier today, we have a pretty good idea what that surprise consists of. Whether Dan has any idea he's involved in this ruse is another story.

Or maybe we're wrong. What do you think Blair's surprise for her BFF might be?

Check out the scene from B's "simulation" Constance/St. Jude's party below:

Gossip Girl "Crazy, Cupid, Love" Clip: Surprise!

Gossip Girl Fashion Recap: Airport Chic!

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:09:53 EST

So, what do we know after this week’s Gossip Girl?

Georgina thinks she is Gossip Girl, Serena is continuing to blindly pine for Dan, while Dan and his Muppet hair fawn over Blair, who is insanely in love with Chuck, who would do anything - including paying a whack dowry - for B, yet remains second fiddle to Louis, who everyone hates (including Eleanor) and is irrelevant.

Also, a once in a lifetime vision, Blair wore a T-shirt!

While the runaway bride's trip to the airport made for a lack of style this week, at least we have Valentine’s Day look forward to next week, not to mention the return of Chuck’s signature scarf!

A gorgeous dress hides under an even more gorgeous brocade trench. Way to go S, stealing the show the only way you know how.

Actual Coat: Burberry London Lace Trench

Steal Coat: Marc by Marc Jacobs Python Trench Coat

Two things: 1. Blair would never take a commercial flight, not even in an emergency (see seasons 1-4 for reference, there is even helicopter usage). 2. She would rather stay in Vera than change into leggings and a t-shirt.

However, do what you must - she pulled off airport casual chic rather well - and you looked pretty cute, B! We would have opted for a Vince cashmere sweater and some Ferragamo flats, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Actual Shirt: I LOVE NY T-Shirt

Steal Shirt: BEBE Logo New York Tee

Actual Leggings: Airport Leggings (ew)

Steal Leggings: LNA Basic Leggings

While we all screamed as Blair descended down the stairs in idiocy, I noticed her very unflattering, boxy Carolina Herrera. Now, we know B is under marital stress, but this is bad – for that matter stick with the leggings girl!

Actual Dress: Carolina Herrera 2011

Steal Dress: Black Halo Jackie O Belted Dress in White

Gossip Girl Episode Preview: Who's Crazy? Cupid? In Love?

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:12:17 EST

Gossip Girl producers Joshua Safran and Austin Winsberg tease the show's upcoming episode in their week's preview video, and unlike some weeks, they actually included some interesting tidbits this time!

Namely, who the title, "Crazy, Cupid, Love," references:

Cupid is Blair, determined to set up Dan and Serena. Interesting. Of course, we know who Dan's really into, and this week's Gossip Girl promo hints that he might make a move ... on Blair.
Love is for Valentine's Day in general, but specifically what Nate is starting to feel for Lola, who's doing an awfully good job of playing hard to get. That only makes him want her more.
Crazy refers to Georgina Sparks, obviously ... but there's a new twist this week. We now know Dan sent the video of Chair to Gossip Girl, and that she plans to hold this over his head.

St. Vincent also appears and performs as a musical guest. How do you see things playing out between Dan, Blair and Serena? How will Georgina's leverage over him potentially impact events?

Watch the preview and find out what to expect below!

Gossip Girl "Crazy, Cupid Love" Producers' Preview

Who Will Die on Gossip Girl?

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:06:14 EST

Here's a spoiler for you: Someone will die on Gossip Girl this spring.

That's according to TV Line's Michael Ausiello, who writes in his weekly spoiler column that "there's a significant death coming up later in the season." That's all we have for now, but there are numerous possibilities.

The definition of "significant" is open to interpretation, of course. It could be anyone from Diana Payne or Jack Bass to Ivy and Lola, and is almost certainly not one of the core five (below) or Lily and Rufus.

Still, it makes you wonder who it is and what that storyline might entail as the fifth season heads down its home stretch. Anyone else thinking Louis might meet his end? Or the most obvious choice, CeCe?

Who do you think it is and why? Share your comments and theories below ...

Regarding next week, Ausiello adds: "Dan finally opens his heart in next week’s Valentine’s-themed episode, and Blair has a surprising reaction to his catharsis. Or not, if you’ve seen the photos floating around."

Gossip Girl Round Table: "The Backup Dan"

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:07:54 EST

Welcome to our weekly Gossip Girl Round Table discussion! Below, our panelists gather to break down Monday night's episode (see our official Gossip Girl review from last night) in even greater detail.

In a Q&A session below, TVF CEO Eric Hochberger (Gossip Guy) editor Steve Marsi (Mister Meester) and staff writers Courtney Morrison, Christina Tran and Leigh Raines discuss "The Backup Dan."

Weigh in with your take on the following topics after reading ours!

-------------------------------

1. What was your favorite quote from the episode?

Courtney: “You think I would be insulted by someone with a Samsonite?” Nailed it, Blair. Nailed it.

Christina: As always, there were so many choices. I’m handing this one to the airport passenger who so frankly said: "Now that I get a better look, you're not nearly as pretty as Blair Waldorf. And he's terrible!" I’ll always love Dan jabs, and the runaway bride hasn’t exactly been the B we once knew.

Leigh: Blair had a lot of good airport one liners. I'd say it's a toss up between Eleanor's face being like an emoticon and saying it was about to get like Bieber fever up in there.

Steve: Dan sarcastically telling Blair he'll be leaving "now that your real friends are here." Ouch. The truth hurts, and B responded, adding a new dimension to their relationship. Who knew D had it in him?

Eric: Blair's entire apology to Dan. Mostly because she still managed to get in a dig at the mop. Best characters ever. More on that shortly...

2. How awesome are Dan and Blair?

Courtney: They have become the two most likable characters, especially considering they used to be disliked a lot. They play well off of each other and it just shows how much more intellectual and witty they are than anyone else. Definitely a 10.

Christina: Oh, Dair. I’ve always liked their banter, and it was kind of awesome when B said that she couldn’t have survived the past month without Dan.

Leigh: I didn't really buy their awesomeness until Dan located his balls last night and they got into the fight in the hotel room. They are a hilarious old married couple.

Steve: As I said in my review, I'm enjoying them more and more each week, and they were the best thing about this episode. Blair's flustered comments and Dan's expressions at the airport were all priceless. I wish they had fled to the D.R. together, and hope that in the coming weeks, they continue to be a focal point.

Eric: They were already at a 12 as far as I'm concerned. I mean, you're pairing the two wittiest characters on the show. Now that Dan finally stood up to Blair forcing her to show an honest side with him? 14.

3. Which Blair excuse for rejecting Chuck is worse, the pact with God or last night's ... whatever that was?

Courtney: Whatever last night was. Like others have said, it’s an excuse to keep them apart until the end. We know they are endgame. Blair can be married to Louis; doesn’t mean she can’t have some fun with the Basshole on the side.

Christina: Blair’s pact. That was just ridiculous on all levels. I actually get that her freedom is not something to be bought. As silly as the dowry plot is, let’s face it: Chair desperately needs a real, fresh start.

Leigh: Blair's pact with God. I understand her not letting Chuck pay for her freedom. She knows it's her mistake and doesn't want to be indebted to anyone or put out the people she loves.

Steve: Last night. The pact I can chalk up to their near-death experience and the fact that Louis hadn't done anything really wrong at that point. Now he's revealed his true colors, Chuck's offering her an instant way out and she still won't follow her heart? Who cares if you're indebted but the person is your soulmate? Ridiculous.

Eric: Whatever last night was. I'm not here to come between someone and their beliefs. I am here, however, to point out one of the most contrived reasons to keep Chair apart for one more season. Look, I'd be happy if this was about having a real love triangle and giving Dair a real shot. But we know they won't, so stop this silliness Blair. You're not earning your freedom by staying married to a different man. As Chuck said, what century is this?

4. Worse idea: Trusting Rufus Humphrey with a secret or threatening Eleanor Waldorf?

Courtney: Threatening Mama Waldorf. The apple does not far from the tree. Plus, she is so much taller than everyone else (besides Serena); it’s totally intimidating.

Christina: I’m going with the latter. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this show (who am I kidding, we’ve learned a LOT, right?!), you do NOT mess with a Waldorf or family for that matter.

Leigh: Can I pick both? You can't really blame Rufus at this point. He spills when it's important. And Eleanor... Well I said it last week and I'll say it again: Eleanor Waldorf MVP. Princess Sophie: Step off bitch. No one cares about your antiquated dowries. This is New York.

Steve: Trusting Rufus. You knew that phone call to dad was just a plot device to make sure Blair's whereabouts would eventually be uncovered. Should have kept it to yourself, Dan, no matter how much you love your dad and want to keep him in the loop. Dan lied so well (for him, anyway) to Serena too.

Eric: Threatening Eleanor Waldorf of course. Now we'll never have to wonder where B got it from again.

5. Georgina as not-the-real-Gossip Girl: Major letdown or major relief?

Courtney: Major Relief. The plot holes are entirely too big for her to be the real thing. Plus, I like the idea of thinking GG is someone we see creeping in the background of scenes and may have never noticed.

Christina: It’s a MAJOR relief, for sure. I know I may be in the minority when I say this, but I’ve never cared too much for Georgina. She’s always conveniently at the right place at the wrong time, and I’m hoping the real Gossip Girl shows up soon because I’m asking the same question as Chuck did last night: doesn’t she have some hole to crawl back into?

Leigh: Major relief! Love Georgie, but it would have been impossible and a copout.

Steve: Major letdown. This week just cheapened the big 100th episode reveal so much. While there would be 1,000 plot holes involved in making Georgina the real G.G., it would at least be a bold writing step for the show to go there ... but we know they're diametrically opposed to such things these days.

Eric: Major saw-it-coming. I for one would have loved G to actually be GG, but I knew they'd never actually reveal it. That is one secret she'll never tell. Xoxo.

6. Did Dan send the blast? Will that come back to bite him?

Courtney: Nope. Nate would never do it, even Chuck wouldn’t. Serena would so Dan could see he has no chance but she claims she didn’t. Wouldn’t be too surprised if Queen B did it herself.

Christina: Not everything is ever what it appears… especially on Gossip Girl. What if Eleanor was the culprit? She wants nothing but happiness for Blair and a mother does whatever it takes for her daughter.

Leigh: I'm not sure if he did. Nothing is ever really how it seems on this show.

Steve: As Eric says, don't mistake that shot of Dan brooding during G.G.'s voiceover as proof of anything. Maybe he was just brooding? Also, when would he (or Serena for that matter) have sent it, given the role he played in the wedding? It's got to be someone else altogether who's responsible.

Eric: Oh please, if I fell for a camera pan every time a mystery was meant to be solved on Gossip Girl I'd be kicked off this Round Table.

7. What is Lola's deal?

Courtney: She is now on the radar of Nate the investigator and her aunt. P.S. Who else thought it was kinda strange that Lily called Nate in the first place?? Anyways, it looks like she is really there just for school and will be surprised these people are her family. Her mom really must have messed her up for her to call herself Lola. Personally, I would rather listen to Chivy’s raspy voice then go through this story again.

Christina: It is only a matter of time before Lily and Nate figure out who Lola really is. I also think that she might be honestly clueless and am hoping for a throwdown between her and Chivy.

Leigh: I think Lola might actually be clueless. I also think I might really like her as an addition to the show.

Steve: Agree with Leigh 100 percent. I'm starting to like her a lot, and if she were truly caught in the crossfire without some shady agenda, that would make her a lot more interesting.

Eric: First off, I'm glad she has a second nickname so I don't have to confuse her with Chivy. Plus, Lola trumps Charlie as a nickname for a girl any day. Nicknames aside, I welcome the real Rhodes to the UES any day. This way Nate can continue the trend of keeping it in our little incestuous family.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments!

Gossip Girl Spoiler Pics: Major On-Set Kiss!

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:07:35 EST

Is Gossip Girl's favorite non-couple finally taking things to the next level?

Penn Badgley and Leighton Meester, a.k.a. Dan and Blair, were spotted filming a very public kiss on the set of the show in New York City this week. Looks like one way or another, there's a big Dair kiss coming!

Dair was certainly the focal point of Monday's episode (see our Gossip Girl review of "The Backup Dan") and next week's trailer hints at some big developments too (see the CW promo for "Crazy Cupid Love").

Of course, not everything is what it appears, and this could be but another dream sequence. What do you think? Do you think they'll kiss - and get together - for real, and do you want them to? Sound off below: