There’s no denying it: The CW’s Gossip Girl has been a little uneven and — I’ll just say it — downright weird this season. (Isolating Nate storyline, unbelievable Dan-Georgina pairing, disappointing Joanna Garcia performance, etc.) But it gets weirder. Case in point: Just take a minute to gawk at the Gossip Girl promotional shot there on the left, which served as the cover to a press screener for next Monday’s episode featuring Tyra Banks and Hilary Duff.
Freaked out yet? Confused at who you’re looking at? Concerned for the safety of any small children or ponies who may be nearby? Or does this inspire you to similarly tease your hair, slather on a terrifyingly dark shade of lipstick, and hang some door-knockers from your ears?
The boys look normal and — yes, I’m looking at you there, sexy Nate, with your carelessly untied bowtie — actually rather dashing. But that’s usual for these fellows.
But what, exactly, is going on with the girls? Especially Jenny and Vanessa, there in the back row. The pair look like they’re leaving a screen test for an unbeweaveable Dynasty reboot or have just gotten unfortunate makeovers on America’s Next Top Model or — dare I say it? — RuPaul’s Drag Race. (Don’t they look like they’re trying so hard to “smize”? And Jenny looks particularly “iced out,” yes? But they could also be prepping to “lip sync for their lives,” right?)
Granted, with Banks in the episode — she plays a wacky actress alongside Duff — the over-the-top Top Model vibe might seem sensible. But as one who’s viewed the episode, I can tell you that at no point does the cast ever look like this. So what gives?
I understand the desire to have fun during a photoshoot, and there’s no denying the sheer batshit-crazy and fabulousity of this photo, but methinks this dressup might have gone too far. Or, the CW might have just thought you viewers would never see this photo. What do you all think of it? Crazy — or crazy fun?
More on ‘Gossip Girl’ from EW.com:
‘Gossip Girl’ recap: Chuck and Blair try to outbit and outbed
Exclusive: Hilary Duff joins ‘Gossip Girl’
‘Gossip Girl’ exclusive: Chuck Bass goes gay?
Is that Gaga next to Chuck?
I agree about the photoshot is weird and unecessary, but I´m enjoying this season a lot. I adora Joana Garcia and Dan-Georgina sort of worked. My only complaint is too much Vanessa. She should just go away.
I’m so over Jenny in this photo. Why didn’t they tell homegirl to tone it WAY down? Also, Blair’s got a bad case of “dead eyes.”
I second Blair’s “dead eyes”, and Serena looks like her typical boring, cheesy self.
Momsen is taking that whole vampire craze a little far – she looks one of the undead. Maybe ANTM was onset when this was shot b/c I can practically hear Miss Jay screaming, “More shoulder, more weave!”
Oh, poor Jenny and Vanessa! This photo proves once again that all the show’s beauty budget goes to Serena and Blair. Jenny looks like an albino Fraggle Rock puppet and Vanessa looks like a drugged-up drag queen! Please either dump those two from the show or get them better make-up artists and hair stylists!
lol this gave me my first laugh of the day and it was a loud hearty one…thanks
at least the guys look HOT!! *sighhh*
Oy Jenny, I hate you. I’m glad she gets no screen time, but I’m sure that’ll change.
It looks ridiculous and not flattering. Taylor and Jessica look like the makeup and hair people were playing a practical joke.
Jenny looks like the mutant offspring of a questionable pairing from Courtney Love and Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran)
You made me spray tea all over my moniter!!!!!!! I was cruising thru the comments to see if anyone else noticed how much space Momsen takes up in that pic. Since with her arm out she takes up more real estate than Lively or Meester. Part of why I can’t stand the character is the actress. (This truy shows my age but more & more I wish we could go back to when we DIDN’T know every detail about an actor’s life/personality, etc.) It always seems to me she (cough>wishes<cough) thinks the show is about her not an ensemble show with a few breakout stars (and she's NOT one of them).
i couldn’t agree more! when this show is cancelled, momsen won’t go anywhere. i suspect she will become a lindsay lohan type, always partying and complaining that no one takes her serioulsy.
This season has been disappointing so far. They need to show more Jenny & Eric, and less Blair/Georgina (or just less Georgina period). Just like most high school shows that transition to college, GG is struggling. Hopefully they’ll hit their stride soon, or I may have to break up with GG.
I enjoy the fact that we are all giving our opinions on this photo as if the each individual actor chose their outfit and look. Be real people! There are stylists to hang for this entire scene!
Tyra “plays” a wacky actress? Tyra IS a wacky actress. She is wacky, and her acting is wack.
Tyra IS wacky. It’s the “actress” part that I’m having trouble with.
I agree, that photo is HORRIBLE. They all look ridiculous. I’m really sad at how bad this show has gotten. It used to be such a good guilty pleasure. Now all the pleasure has been taken out of it.
oh yeah… they are scary. Poor Vanessa is so pretty but she always looks kinda odd, even on the show. Same for Jenny.
This photo is crazy weird! Overall, I kinda like it even if it has nothing to do with the episode! But I actually think the one who does really fit in is Serena. The other girls are doing gothic high fashion and she’s just doing blah commercial. And the boys are all chiselled good-lookingness which isn’t bad at all! Mmm!