87 replies to this topic

[TWoP Howard]

From Comcast.net:

Diana and Jack may be harboring another secret, and Chuck and his pals want to unearth the details. Meanwhile, Dan gets the opportunity to spend the summer in Rome on a fellowship.

This thread is set to unlock right after the episode airs, but in the last week that hasn’t always happened as it should. If 8 pm Central passes and the thread doesn’t open, go ahead and start another one. I’ll tidy things up when I get home later tonight.

[Philharmanic]

LOL. Shark jump. Bart Bass is alive.

Totally offensive to have Blair hanging at a brothel with her two former pimps, but glad she doesn't seem torn at all about Chuck.

[name234]

The second Blair reacted to what she was seeing in the room, I knew, "Bart's alive..." and not long thereafter, ".... I think this show has jumped the shark"

Granted, I will, on another thread, be more than willing to be schooled on when the show jumped the shark...

I don't think multiple life times of therapy will be enough for Chuck. Jack could still be his father and Bart is alive....

I am sure there is a logical explanation for Bart faking his death.... and a body?

ETA: Philharmanic - I am on reading the first line of your post, having not seen it prior to posting mine, laughing out loud and now its mellowed into simply tittering. ITA, the serene calm with which she returned to Dan bodes well for Dair.

Edited by name234, Apr 30, 2012 @ 8:14 PM.

[Brinny]

Okay, so I get that GG is supposed to be all melodramatic and soapy and not totally realistic. Fine. Sister-cousins and incestuous step-siblings and princes and lords and duchesses (oh my!) and fifteen-year-old fashion designers? I can deal with all that. People coming back from the dead? Uh-uh. Give me a break, show.

On the plus side, Nate had the best line of the night. "I just played clueless." Oh, Nate. Sweetheart. Yes, you just "played" clueless.

[TrishPike]

I think since his death in season two I've been half expecting them to bring back Bart Bass at some point - it's been pointed out quite a few times how they kind of rushed through it. After Blair's reaction I knew it had to be Bart as well, but I was kind of expecting him to be in a wheelchair or something debilitating. I guess Diana was at the hospital the night of the accident donating... Bart's blood to Chuck? She delivered it somehow?

I bet Bart's disappearance has to be connected to the roving brothel somehow - there was a picture of a young Diana Payne/India in Bart's files that she destroyed, and we know Bart had been going to the club for years. Maybe somebody found out and was going to take Bart down, so he had to "die" to prevent the secret from getting out?

[nilyank]

With Bart not being dead, doesn't that nullify the Rufus and Lily's marriage?

[KissedByARose]

I was excited to see Bart Bass and then I laughed and then I got confused and then logic took over. Like most things in GG-land this will be hurried, rushed and we here at TWoP will mercilessly poke holes in this plot line.

I would pay money to see Lily's reaction to this. Does this mean she doesn't really have Bart's money and that she's not married to Rufus and Bart has been sitting somewhere watching his empire go up in flames?

Dan- Blair is rich with nothing to occupy her time. I'm almost certain she would've visited him so this whole plot had me rolling my eyes.

Nate is still adorable. I like how he just let's Blair's many insults roll off him. I don't really like him with Lola (or Lola at all actually. She still comes across as Vanessa 2.0)

Also why even give the laptop to the real Gossip Girl? They could've tossed that shit into the Hudson and be done with it.

Edited by KissedByARose, Apr 30, 2012 @ 8:29 PM.

[Noname42]

I was spoilt about Bart being alive, but still, I think we can say that this was the episode where the show officially jumped the shark. It has been dramatically declining since season 2/3, but that was too much. It reminded me of my days watching Prison Break when one moment Dr. Sara's mutilated, yet completely recognizable head was delivered in a box, and the next season she was alive again.

This episode was just a clusterfuck. Way too much going on, and none of the SLs made any sense. It started off so promising too. Blair was happy and content with her life, the njbc were together and making fun of Nate. The OGB "Original Gangsta Blair" LOL. There was minimal Rufus and zero Lily. All was good. Everything went haywire though when they reached the brothel.

I was hoping for one big njbc scheme, but instead everyone just ended up in the same place dealing with a bunch of separate confusing and poorly executed SLs. I have no idea how any of these people can still be in the same room as one another let alone be friends. Nate and Lola are just the worst. I love Nate, but when he's with Lola he just becomes so unlikable to me. I'm not a fan of Serena, but I've hated the way he's treated her lately.

Poor Chuck. Hopefully this will now finally put an end to the tedious 3-season-long "who's your daddy/mommy" arc though. About time.

I felt sorry for Dan too. I actually believed him when he told Rufus on the phone that he was worried about Blair. He seemed so genuinely concerned. His insecurity is going to end up hurting him though. And I really can't blame him. Blair running off to a brothel with the Basses given their history would trigger my alarm bells too. I could see that he was going to turn down Rome, but from the preview it looks like next week it will be back on anyway.

Another bit of poor writing that really bothered me:

"I love you, you know that right?"
"I do now."

WTF? 5x16:

Blair: "Dan loves me for me".

Oh Gossip Girl.

[Flamingo5]

With Bart not being dead, doesn't that nullify the Rufus and Lily's marriage?

Of all the ramifications, this might be the best. I love when the pot gets stirred with that mess.

How about Nate, making schemes, setting traps, telling lies? I guess with all of those seasons of his just sexin' and being generally dumb as a brick, the writers some how tripped into making Nate the most together character on the show. Yes, I laughed myself silly when Nate said he was "playing clueless," you know, for obvious reasons. But as far as I can tell, he's the only character left on this show who hasn't spiraled into a complete mess of a mess (maybe just for lack of story line, but still).

[Lila82]

Well. I really thought the cliffhanger would be the reveal that Diana is actually Bart Bass.

Otherwise? Blair looked amazing in that blue dress, Dan is a moron, and Serena and Rufus should face off over whose existence is more pathetic.

ETA:

I find the Bass obsession with brothels and hookers to be so, so creepy. What is the deal with these men? Do their family reunions consist of contests to see who can be creepier and more degrading to his bought sex partner? How do they all not have Hep C at this point?

Edited by Lila82, Apr 30, 2012 @ 8:41 PM.

[Orwell1984]

This episode i think has some writing on the wall re: the end of Dair. Dair was always the "good" relationship compared to the unhealthy Chair but now we see that Dan is keeping secrets and Blair/Chuck have moved past that stage. Plus there was the anvil of Dan's conversation with his Dad about how they haven't said they are in love yet.

[dreamdair]

OMG. I'm just confused as ever. What does this all mean now that Bart is alive. What does this mean for DAIR? I'm clueless about DAIR after tonight. Does this mean that Blair will choose Chuck in the finale? Seeing Bart just threw everything off. I mean come on. Does anyone get the sensation that most of the time Blair is with Chuck it feels "dark" and with Dan, it's calms you down and bring you back to reality. So the casino between Blair and Chuck is in the next episode?

[swatymyers]

Pure, unadulterated camp? Yes. Thoroughly enjoyable? Yes.

I'll take my last two episodes with a side of double crossing and scheming please.

[L star]

Well I guess they just took care of Rufus and Lily's marital problems. Now he really can pout in Brooklyn forever.

Rufus bugged me even more than usual this ep. His hovering around Dan felt intrusive. Find your own life dude. Dan really needs to stop letting Rufus in his head. He blew his problems with Blair way out of proportion over little to nothing. I liked their end scene though.

The lamest part of the Bart Bass reveal was how predictable it was. As soon as Blair was shocked I figured they were actually really going there. I'm of a split opinion on this. On one hand, soap opera bullshit anyone? On the other, I loved Bart Bass, all his interactions and particularly, I adored Bart/Lily and the Van Der Bass dynamics. So I'm mostly looking forward to this. ITA with whomever said they would pay to see Lily's reaction. Considering the state of mind she's in after last ep her reaction should be epic.

I like Lola and I like Nate and Lola. Her glee at being part of the scheme was adorable. I also like that she's quick. Nate sure wasn't the one who came up with the Gossip Girl scheme. Though why they gave that laptop to Gossip Girl I don't know. Serena is pathetic.

[Brinny]

The OGB "Original Gangsta Blair"

Okay, maybe Nate's line about playing clueless was second best. I forgot about this. Definitely got a good giggle from me. Especially since Penn's delivery was almost deadpan. All, "Oh, yes. OGB. Original Gangsta Blair. I have fond memories of that little rapscallion kicking my books down the hall. Such good times. I miss her."

Another bit of poor writing that really bothered me:

"I love you, you know that right?"
"I do now."

WTF? 5x16:

Blair: "Dan loves me for me".

Oh Gossip Girl.

YES. Why did it have to be "I do now"? It couldn't have just been "I know"? (Or is that too Han Solo? Do Gossip Girl and Star Wars have a huge crossover in fanbase? Eh.) I'm pretty sure that almost every character (including Blair in the quote you referenced above) has mentioned that Dan loves/is in love with Blair. So why the awkward phrasing, Gossip Girl? Gah.

This episode i think has some writing on the wall re: the end of Dair. Dair was always the "good" relationship compared to the unhealthy Chair but now we see that Dan is keeping secrets and Blair/Chuck have moved past that stage. Plus there was the anvil of Dan's conversation with his Dad about how they haven't said they are in love yet.

I really hope they don't go back to Chuck and Blair. And not just because I'm a fan of Dan and Blair relationship (I think it's Badgely and Meester's giant brown puppy eyes of happiness when they're in scenes together that does me in), but I just don't know where else they can go with Chuck and Blair as a couple. I did like seeing them interact positively this episode and I wouldn't mind them being friends/in each other's orbit again, but I just thought they were so toxic together.

[Philharmanic]

I really hope they don't go back to Chuck and Blair. And not just because I'm a fan of Dan and Blair relationship (I think it's Badgely and Meester's giant brown puppy eyes of happiness when they're in scenes together that does me in), but I just don't know where else they can go with Chuck and Blair as a couple. I did like seeing them interact positively this episode and I wouldn't mind them being friends/in each other's orbit again, but I just thought they were so toxic together.

I don't think Chair are reuniting any time soon. They haven't even hinted at Blair having feelings for Chuck or being torn since she's been with Dan. She's helping him next week, but obviously, she just found out this HUGE news about Bart. I don't think they'll turn things around in two episodes for Chair. I do think Dair are doomed for the finale, but I think it's for more angst in S6. I think Chair are just getting to a good place as friends.

[Red Soled Shoes]

I think Chair are just getting to a good place as friends.

This excites me. As sad as it might be, a part of me will always have a soft spot for Chair, even though I'm really enjoying Blair with Dan. I want them to be friends, or friendly, if nothing else. I think they are in a good place. Blair is happy with Dan and Chuck is accepting that. He's not scheming to get her back, it's the least he can do. However, I do think that if Chuck and Blair do truly become friends again, I definitely think they'll be endgame. After everything they've been through, those feelings will no doubt re-surface, right or wrong.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying Dair for however long they last. Even though I loved the Non Judging Breakfast Club finally interacting again - it felt like vintage Gossip Girl. *sigh* those were the days. OGB indeed.

I had heard the rumors of Bart Bass being alive but it honestly didn't occur to me that that's what had Blair so shocked. Shark, jumped. but since they only have one season left, and hopefully Josh Schwartz will be back in charge since Safran is going to Smash, I think it'll be campy and ridiculous and so entertaining. Sure BH90210 and countless other soap operas have done it before, but that doesn't mean this story won't be at least fun to watch.

[mysticowl]

So, Bart is Chuck's mother, right?

I can see it now: Dan will spend an episode agonizing over the fact that Blair didn't say "I love you" back, will end
up assuming she doesn't, will find a way to get back into this fellowship, Blair will find out from Alessandra that he gave it up in the first place, and will fly out to Italy to meet him and get him back.

There was a shot, when the gang catches Serena in the elevator, in which Lola is positioned so that she takes Serena's spot in the NJBC while Serena is now the outsider.

Lonelyboy was truly lonely in this episode, eh? And back to being the outsider, he was the only member of the gang not invited on the adventure.

[Noname42]

I don't think Chair are reuniting any time soon. They haven't even hinted at Blair having feelings for Chuck or being torn since she's been with Dan. She's helping him next week, but obviously, she just found out this HUGE news about Bart. I don't think they'll turn things around in two episodes for Chair. I do think Dair are doomed for the finale, but I think it's for more angst in S6. I think Chair are just getting to a good place as friends.

Exactly. To be honest I don't think this episode spelt great things for either ship romantically speaking. Throughout all the madness and confusing plots, there was one thing that I could personally see clear as day: Blair cares a lot about Chuck, but could care less about him romantically anymore. This episode had everything that could bring back any buried feelings that Blair had for Chuck. A scheme, the njbc, a sex club, Jack, an emotionally wounded Chuck...basically everything that has ever tied CB together. And yet, at the end of the day she just went and saw Dan to tell him about it all like it was the most natural thing in the world. I personally saw no hint of romantic feelings between CB at all. Blair seemed almost maternalistic with him.

I also think this episode made it clear though that Dan will most likely be the one to either leave for Rome without Blair, or break up with her and I'm expecting it to happen in the finale. Blair is perfectly happy and content, while Dan is secretly going insane with insecurity. I'm expecting that Blair will have to keep the secret of Bart being alive for Chuck, which will force Blair to be secretive and spend a lot of time with Chuck. With this along with Serena's involvement (from the preview), I'm only expecting Dan's insecurity to get worse. With Dan so sure in this episode that Blair doesn't love him back, I'm almost expecting a situation in the finale where Dan thinks that Blair has chosen Chuck and leaves for Rome without her only for it to be a misunderstanding.

Either way. I didn't feel this episode was positive for either ship romantically speaking.

[dreamdair]

Dan thinks that Blair has chosen Chuck and leaves for Rome without her only for it to be a misunderstanding.

... I too had that idea but Josh Safran did say that the finale will be the end of /C/B/D "triangle." I take it to mean that it'll be official and we don't have to guess anymore. Basically, this SL will end in the finale. S6 will be probably be more Chuck's family issue and whatever is cooking for Serena considering the finale will be more about her than the others.

[Light of Night]

I thought Bart being alive was too OTT; I was wrong. I'l let the writers explain, if they can, how it's possible. But I think I was right about another point: when the sex club appeared the first time (2.17 & 2.18), I suspected it was a cover for something quite different.

A minor point, but a nagging one: in three years, wouldn't the lockbox combination have been changed (because Chuck knew it, if for no other reason)?

[dreamdair]

I guess if Bart can be alive anything can happen. Who knows, maybe Ivy fooled everyone. Maybe she has more money than what the writers led us to believe. Maybe Ivy could be Chuck's sister :-). Which explains why she's helping Chuck in a scheme.

Okay, back to reality. I believe that Dan will give up on Blair because of his insecurity (credit to Noname42). I don't blame Dan for feeling this way as should anyone. Seeing your ex hanging out more than usual will make you wonder.

This episode does intrigue me as to what become of Serena in the finale.

I would like to thank Noname42 because her perspective about DAIR makes total sense especially tonight's episode. As Josh had mentioned, Dan's insecurity is another obstacle for DAIR but these are just obstacles like what we've been seeing in the past episodes. What matter the most in the end is that they each know the love for one another. The cliff hanger will be the misunderstanding (thanks Noname42) which leaves Dan in Rome alone without Blair. I agree that the arc for C/B/D will end in the finale which Josh also stated. Again, this is my perspective and everything could be the opposite.

It's interesting that Ivy will help Chuck with a vendetta and this could mean a possible loving relationship for Chuck. I could see it happening.

Edited by dreamdair, Apr 30, 2012 @ 10:46 PM.

[xCosmicLove]

This was by far the best episode of Gossip Girl in a long time. Possibly since early season 4. It had everything that GG used to be: NJBC, expert scheming, scandal, shock and awe, and the best part? Blair is back!

I loved seeing her get her HBIC on, being all momma bear about the people she has always loved most. This episode sealed to me that Chuck and Blair will get their chance to live a healthy, happy life together. "No more secrets" said so, so much.

Bart is back! Can't say I'm shocked, but I am very interested to see how Chuck handles this. This isn't the first time he's had a parent return from the dead, but it's different because he actually mourned the death of his father to the point of a downward spiral, where he came close to losing everything (he lost the most important thing to him though: Blair, of course). I would imagine that Bart coming back would be almost as difficult as losing him in the first place. Poor Chuck. It must seem to him that people who love him can only do so from afar.

I feel extremely certain that Blair and Chuck are going to make a big come back soon.

Now if only they would fix Blair and Serena's friendship. Serena has lost a lot this season as well and it's sad they aren't able to help each other through their tough times.

Nate is so awesome lately, I can't stand it. And for the first time in awhile, I can't wait for next Monday.

[snarkmachine]

This episode jumped a Beluga whale. Round 23409834098423 of Chuck's poor little rich boy manpain issues coming up because we all know how riveting they are.

[minneapple]

So you're telling me:

That everything with Bart's death and Chuck's lameass downward spirals and Jack and the inheritance and Elizabeth and I don't even know what other stupid, contrived, idiotic plots that the writers have come up with regarding Chuck's daddymommy issues meant not a goddamn thing.

Why am I not surprised? And I hate you, writers. This is beyond low, even for you. I can't decide which is worse, this or the God pact.

I find the Bass obsession with brothels and hookers to be so, so creepy. What is the deal with these men? Do their family reunions consist of contests to see who can be creepier and more degrading to his bought sex partner? How do they all not have Hep C at this point?

Seriously, it is so disgusting. What is up with this show and prostitution? It's like the writers have some kind of obsession with prostitution and pimping and women being treated as property. STOP IT, WRITERS. JUST STOP.

[jr352]

I think you're right on, Noname42. Either that or they're not giving Leighton Meester any direction and she's making it up as she goes along (a possibility). She seemed perfectly content during the Dair scenes and wasn't shooting sparks during the Chair scenes. I still find it hard to believe the show would give up it's biggest love triangle going into the final season so I'm still not buying the season finale will actually put an end to it.

I really would to be a fly on the writer's room wall when someone first pitched the "Bart Bass Lives" storyline. Could they have done it with a straight face? I imagine someone said it jokingly and Safran ran with it.

[Light of Night]

My fears for Carol are being realized. Presumably she's still in jail, and nobody cares, not even Lola.

[Prinnie]

I loved this episode! Probably my favorite of the year. I enjoyed the NJBC together again and the Bart reveal was really well done. The scenes with Chuck and Blair were amazing. I loved her getting jealous of the prostitute and how upset she was once she realized the secret. I was nervous at first that she was going to lie to Chuck but I like that Blair stayed honest. Glad to see the story turning. I thought at the end Blair's stone cold reaction to Dan's I Love you was maybe the most awesome part of the episode. I feel like Dan is being season 2 Nated. I swear I expect him to rush out and buy an apt for the two of them.

Nate loves Serena. Nate also loves being awesome. I still find his lip distracting but I enjoy how much he was helping Serena and did not tell her secret. I want Nate/Serena back together so bad.

Dan was pretty pathetic this episode. Stalking and lying are always really attractive traits. I was expecting the Rome thing to be more romantic and selfless but basically he isn't going because he knows that if he leaves Blair she will hook up with Chuck. He must constantly remind her of their relationship or it is over. Its interesting that they both left to find their inspiration. Dan got into a prestigious writing program and Blair found it by being with her friends and helping them scheme. As much as Dan pretends he is all about the supportive relationship he actually could not handle it and pretty much stalked her and gave up his to monitor her on hers. Dan is inspired by his work. Blair is inspired by scheming and helping friends and family which does not include Dan. I wish I could bet money on things like "Dan will try to get his inspiration by forcing her to give up hers" Is this Dan/Blair disaster over yet?

Serena was more of a challenge. I am glad they finally spelled out at the end of the episode that she is acting out because of Blair/Dan. I feel bad for her. I think she seems very alone and sad. Its interesting that Blair who is her closest and best friend seems to be clueless. I am not feeling good about the chances for SB this season. I think this is all leading somewhere and my guess it is to Serena finally just telling Blair they aren't friends anymore. The fact that Serena has mourned them so much and Blair barely remembers she exists means that I would expect Blair has a shock coming.

[grumpygoddess]

But I think I was right about another point: when the sex club appeared the first time (2.17 & 2.18), I suspected it was a cover for something quite different.

This was probably the worst storyline in season 2 with the dreadful Elle. Even Carter Baizen's involvement could not save that s***. So I don't know why we're going back here again. Next thing you know, Aaron Rose and Scott will be back!

I think the return of Bart is great, even though it is beyond ridiculous, but I always thought they might bring him back. This means both Lily and Blair will have to choose between the Bass and Humphrey men. Since Lily has turned into a complete ice queen since Cece died, maybe she'll go back to Bart? He does have all the money. As for Blair, I don't know what's going to happen with that. I think the 'I know now' was just a way for her to get out of saying 'I love you' back. I don't know if she realises what Dan means to her yet. I think she will when he's gone.

And I did love Serena's distress at GG's post about Dair at the end. I really want her to talk to Blair about this. I feel bad for her being all Lonely Girl. Dorota needs to talk to Blair.

Edited to add: Also, Bart still being alive means that Dan and Serena are no longer stepsiblings. I do NOT want them to get back together, but maybe this is where this is leading.

Edited by grumpygoddess, May 1, 2012 @ 5:49 AM.

[Philharmanic]

I loved her getting jealous of the prostitute

This is exactly what I don't want for Blair. Jealous of a prostitute? Back to that place where she feels she is worth no more than a prostitute (3x17 callbacks)? Just...no. Blair needs to get some dignity if she's truly jealous of a prostitute. Luckily for me, I didn't see it as her being jealous t all, as evidenced by the fact that a few minutes later she was like, "Meh, Chuck go on ahead with the prostitute." It was obvious to me that it was part of the setup so she can Chuck could go explore the rest of the castle.

I thought at the end Blair's stone cold reaction to Dan's I Love you was maybe the most awesome part of the episode.

I thought her reaction was cute and not at all stone cold.

Nate loves Serena.

I thought Nate sold Serena out with Lola's help?