Welcome back to the Upper East Side, GG fans! It’s been way too long since we last saw the Constance Billard gang, and, as we saw from last night’s third season premiere, they’ve been getting into all sorts of dish-worthy news. Let’s catch up with their summer activities, shall we?
Chuck and Blair are finally together. Yay! They even used his past philandering ways to spice up their relationship. Yes, some good ol’ fashioned role playing with Chuck as the cheating cad and Blair as the scorned girlfriend. They even visited go-sees (model-ese for auditions) to find prospective suitors. Kind of cute, kind of twisted. But when Serena warned Blair about the perils of an open relationship like theirs, they stopped these faux threesome shenanigans and kept with the role playing, just on their own. Okay, no need for details. Moving on…
They aren’t the only lovebirds in town. While traveling Europe, Nate found himself a cute Columbia masters student named Bre (played by the always lovely Joanna Garcia) only to find out she’s a Buckley—the arch political nemesis of the Archibald family. I’m digging this Romeo and Juliet plotline. It’s a good change for Nate; that Vanessa love story was such a bore!
Ironically, Vanessa is also sleeping with the enemy—Scott, a.k.a. Rufus and Lily’s lovechild. He’s ready to stir up some trouble and Vanessa (who looks better with longer hair, by the by) was his ticket in. He convinced Vanessa to take him to a charity polo match so she could reconcile with Dan (the two haven’t been getting along since Dan has been rolling in the dough of his new rich family), but more so, so he could meet Rufus. And when he did, we got the best line of the night when Scott explained that he recognized Rufus because he’s a big fan of his music. Ha. Nice try. I don’t think anyone is a fan of Rufus’ music.
But Rufus was too busy keeping an eye on Serena to notice any funny business. You see, Serena has become a paparazzi magnet thanks to a wild summer in Europe. What most everyone thinks is that the debaucherous trip was just your average post-high school graduation hurrah—gallivanting around St. Tropez and Barcelona, dancing on bars and hooking up with soccer players. (I spent that time working in a sandwich shop, but to each his own.) The real story, though, is that Serena has been trying to connect with her estranged father and used the pictures as a constant reminder for him to see. And Carter, the only one who knows the truth, isn’t afraid to drive home the point that daddy chose not to see Serena. But did he do it just to have sex with her in the forest like some fairy tale porno? Because that’s what it seemed like. And while we’re on the subject, can we talk about the imagery of Serena and Carter riding off into the forest on horses and doing the deed in that picturesque setting? It was a bit too romance novel for me. I can’t wait until they head back to the city so we can get back to their usual stomping grounds.
So let’s tally the lovefest: Chuck and Blair; Nate and Bre; Vanessa and Scott; Serena and Carter; Dan and…well Olivia (Hilary Duff), his new love interest, is coming soon. But let’s be real, this is GG and everything is going to be turned upside down starting next week, starting with Grandpa Archibald’s plan to take down the Buckleys at Nate and Bre’s expense. Oh, and how can we forget the crown jewel of the show, Georgina? She’s back next week—as Blair’s roommate!
So what did you guys think of the season premiere? Are you liking the Chuck-Blair dynamic or do you miss their limbo? How do you feel about the Carter-Serena link? And are you excited for the Scott storyline?
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Comments (1-30) of 74 Add your comment
I’m not really sure how I feel about the season yet. I feel like this episode didn’t really have the spark that the best “Gossip Girl” episodes have. I’m slightly worried about what college is going to do to our beloved characters.
Where is Tim Stack? This recap was not what i was waiting for. I felt like Vanessa made the “I will never serve coffee again” comment was directed at Tim. He would not have let that pass by unnoticed
I agree Kasper! Where is Tim? Tuesday mornings was always coffee with Dan and Tim. He’d right about the ridiculous antics and I’d laugh. Where is he?!
I totally agree Kasper! When I heard Vanessa say that the first thing that popped into my head was: “The line was written just for Tim Stack!”
Thank you for this recap … much appreciated … but where’s Tim Stack? We miss his snark and fashion commentary.
I agree with Devin. Hope it improves in the weeks to come.
Where was Lily? I know that Kelly Rutherford is on maternity leave, but saying Lily was on a trip while CeCe is dying and Serena is becoming queen of the tabloids rang very false to me. They should have pre-taped telephone scenes between Lily and Rufus/and or Serena.
I think it was stated that Lily was with CeCe. I’m pretty sure Eric and Jenny talked about it.
IRL, Kelly R. wasn’t able to leave California to film in New York when they started shooting this season, because the courts told her she had to stay.
Not a great episode. There’s always next week.
A disappointing episode, especially after such a long break.
And silly Tim, thinking Nate would actually have a conversation with Bre to learn more about her! All he does with his dates is giggle and make out.
Silly, Ali: this recap wasn’t written by Tim. Where’s Tim?
Where’s Tim Stack???
Exactly! I was eager to read his takedown of Vanessa and Jenny’s hideous hairstyles and Serena’s glorious grecian goddess Polo match dress!
I thougth Serena’s polo dress was gorgeous, but was it really appropriate for the setting? I thought Blair (despite the odd pink hat/mint green dress combo) was more appropriately dressed for an outdoor sport.
Seriously? You *liked* Vanessa’s hair? Um, yuck. It looked like it was dirty and almost dreaded.
Couldn’t agree more! Vanessa’s hair looked like a muppet mop of yarn! The beauty budget of the show must go only to Blake and Leighton ’cause all the other girls looked like crap! OK episode, Serena was really annoying, as was Vanessa. Love Chuck and Blair together!
I wish we could have GG without Serena. She is so fricken annoying. and can she please close her mouth? just once? it’s like she’s channelling J. Simp.
i understood what they were trying with vanessa, i feel like they just forgot to brush it out cause it was all curled…
BUT JENNY’S hair looked like the cheapest, dreadiest extensions they would find.
furthermore, i hate the serena of the show because at least the one in the book was so dumb she was sweet; this one ACTS like she has some intelligence, then goes on to betray that sentiment and does dumb stuff like this, and whines and whines, and talks with that weird husk. shes gorgeous, though: one redeeming quality.
By the way, the actress who plays Jenny has stated multiple times that she styles her own hair…duh. Oh, and that she doesn’t care that it doesn’t exactly fit with the character.
V’s hair was a disastrophe! Where’s Tim Stack? He would not let this pass.
Agreed! What about Dan’s comment about Vanessa always hanging out at the coffee shop!
I loved Dan’s comment about Vanessa working in the coffee shop! That made me think the writers must read Tim’s recaps. Vanessa’s hair looked awful — those are some of the worst extensions ever.
Agree completely — Vanessa’s hair was absolutely hideous!!! It looked like she had at least 3 hairstyles going on at once (all of them unattractive and unkempt). I found it so heinous that I actually had trouble focusing on Vanessa’s lines (ok, so I didn’t try all that hard. BOOOORING!). Seriously, GG — can’t you save just a FEW pennies for someone else from the Make Blake Lively Look Young And Lush, Even Though She Actually Looks Really Weirdly Old Fund??
I think Nate and Bree didn’t meet until the plane back to NY, so it’s understandable neither one would talk about their families. They were probably only together for 6 hours or so.
I miss Tim Stack!
Was anyone else distracted by Vanessa’s heinous extensions?
Yes! And it was weird how inside the coffee shop they looked like dreads, but outside when she caught Dan getting in the limo she had soft curls, and then the dreads returned again for the rest of the episode. I rewatched it just to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me.
I agree! Her hair the whole episode was ratty except for the moment she watched Dan get into the limi, then it looked curly and fantastic.
Glad to hear someone else saw it too! Thought I was going crazy!!
Not my favorite but solid start. I am enjoying Chuck and Blair. Love that they are still themselves but soft for each other. One of the best couples on TV.
Totally agreed. I love them together and love that they can still be themselves!
While yes, I liked Vanessa with longer hair, was she supposed to have dreads? I wasn’t really sure what was going on there. It didn’t look good.
Absolutely dreadlocks. And so dang ugly.
omfg. loving c & b. and carter is totally hot. maybe even hotter than regina george.. i mean chuck bass. xoxo.
Loved Vanessa’s dress at the polo match. But her and Scott are so boring is crazy. That storyline about Scott being Rufus long lost son will fizzle. He’s too boring. LOVED Serena and Carter. I hated whiny, desperate Serena. They have good chemistry and I hope they end up having one of those push pull relationships. HATED Chuck and Blair. Blair just seemed so desperate like she wanted to please Chuck so badly. I know Blair is really a wounded little girl but they can have her too desperate. Need Lily back, badly! Glad to see Nate might be getting a good storyline.
Even weaker recap.
yeah. i felt like it was all recap and no commentary. hello? take a position and let loose with the snark already!
BORING. After such a long break I expected snap and sizzle. I got flop and fizzle. Where’s the excitement? Where’s the drama? Why is Serena chasing her father and why is this such a secret? Verdict – SNORE.
Could someone update Tonight’s Best TV??? There’s no comments section over there. But all the listings are for last Tuesday. C’mon, people, it’s fall. You really want to pay attention to that part of your site now.
I have to admit, I love Chuck and Blair! They are definitely the most entertaining part of the show. I HATED Vanessa’s hair! It looked like a rat’s nest that she never washed or brushed! Can you say dreads? BTW- anyone notice how all of the girls were wearing maxi dresses? (With the exception of Blair, the ever unique individual!) I just can’t wait for the next episode.
I did notice the maxi dresses! Love them! I made a point to show my fiance that they aren’t ‘moo moos’ as he so eliquently puts it. Here are my random thoughts; V’s hair is hideous (I’m glad she had a scene outside a coffeeshop!) S needs a new plotline- there is no happy median,either she’s ridiculously whiny OR over the top bat crazy(loved her dress though) Also, please give B her spine back, this syrupy version of B is unbecoming. I’m glad Nate has a half decent storyline this season, and Jenny has not yet annoyed me. All in all I feel it was one of those throwaway episodes to set up the storyline, I hope next week delivers the GG witty banter of last season! oh and I heart CB!!
OMG! Thank goodness I was not the only who who hated Vanessa’s hair and she usually looks great! and yes, when she went out to watch Dan leave, her hair looked 10X better, then she went back into the coffee shop and it looked ratted up and dirty.. what were they thinking? and I agree, they must save the beauty budget for S and B.. cuz Vanessa looked bad last night.. I hope they don’t keep her looking like that all season.. it’s just not a Gossip Girl look AT ALL..
Loved Carter and Serena, make Sebastian a regular, he and Blake have great chemistry. All the rest sucked.
My favorite scenes as usual are Blair and Chuck scenes I can do without Serena…I also agree about Vanessa hair…Is Blair the only one with a comb
Vanessa and Jenny’s extensions were awful. Blair and Chuck make the show. Serena is getting on my nerves. It’ll be interesting to see how Dan adjusts. I’m not sure I like where it’s heading.
Forgive me, I missed some details…is Scott older or younger than Dan & Serena?
He’s supposed to be older by a few years…sure doesn’t look it, though.
Where *is* Tim Stack. I usually don’t mind when subs do the commentaries b/c it’s their job, but Tim wouldn’t have let this slide…
Vanessa: “I’m done making coffee for a while”.
You can’t tell me that remark wasn’t directed at Tim Stack’s commentaries last year. I about fell out of my chair! It was genius!
I love Chuck and Blair! They are the only couple on TV that could pull off the role playing and have it feel natural! Serena is boring the crap out of me. Who cares if she can’t see her father? She has always been so independant and on her own, this story just seems false to me. Scott is a BORE! Hopefully that storyline fizzles out fast, and I actually thought Vanessa was the whiny one this episode! She kept whining about Dan, but never really made a point. He still acted like himself to me, but she just kept whining about it to Scott. If I was him I would have told her to shut the hell up. What kind of guy would put up with the girl he is dating constantly whining about another guy?
He’s only with her to get to Dan and his family.
Yup – Scott got close to V to gain access to the Humphrey’s and Van der Woodson’s. This allows him to get to know his family before revealing himself. I guess he doesn’t realize that they looked for him and that Rufus had no idea until recently.
Actually it was just beyond average as always when they’re out of the city(remember last season premiere). Can’t wait for the beginning of terms!
Scott s/b at least a year older than Dan and Serena, assuming that D & S were conceived shortly after Scott’s birth. In theory, if Scott’s birth was in Jan/Feb, Serena could have been born later the same year and they would be in the ‘grade’ in school. My bro and I are only 9 1/2 months apart in age and the kindergarten cutoff date kept us out of the same school year.
They’re not in the same grade so it doesn’t matter. He transferred from another college.
I normally love Blair and Chuck…but I HATED their storyline. I was hoping that they’d have a “normal”relationship…well, I was expecting kinky sex, but it annoys me that they had to involve third parties.
i thought everyones new hair dos looked crazy..wasnt a great episode either.
Seriously! “Vanessa (who looks better with longer hair, by the by)” – what was this person thinking. Her hair looked wretched, almost dreadlock-like. Terrible. She was also dreadfully annoying.