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Episode Recap: "A Thin Line Between Chuck and Nate"
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Wow. This Blair-centric installment was great. Not exactly full of happy-go-lucky moments, but it was chock-full of arguments, backstabbing and a some true acts of friendship – Gossip Girl at its best.
Where to start? I guess with the fallen one herself, "maybe I am a total bitch" Blair. From the moment we net her, she sat on a lofty perch at the top of the food chain at school, and she was a perfectionist (just last week she referred to herself as "the perfect one" to Miss Queller and as Nate’s "pure and honest girlfriend" to Chuck; this week Serena commented that Blair acts like she’s in a movie about her "perfect life"). Considering the fact that she’s human, her inevitable fall off of that pedestal was a mighty steep one. However, if Blair had never set herself up to be so perfect, she probably wouldn’t have been judged as harshly as she was. True, she’s often selfish, rude, manipulative and downright mean to some people, but no one deserves to be punished the way she was tonight.
It all started to crumble when she was in denial about possibly being pregnant, and though she eventually dodged that bullet, things only got worse from there. In the end, she was totally alone and had absolutely no one to lean on, until Serena came around. And before she was frozen out, those closest to her kicked her while she was down – and some of them really seemed to enjoy doing so.
I don’t know if I can rank who treated Blair the nastiest, but Nate was certainly one of the top offenders. Which is so disappointing after he was such a good guy last week regarding the whole pool-party incident. Yes, he was surprised and upset when he found out that Chuck and Blair slept together – that’s understandable. But saying he wanted nothing else to do with Blair was an overly rash, over-the-top reaction. Nate did exactly what Blair did when he slept with Serena last year, so he needs to get off of his high horse. Isn’t Blair allowed to make mistakes too? OK, Nate may have not slept with Blair and Serena in the same week, but he kept going after Serena for weeks after she got back into town – while he was still going out with Blair. And, not to get all Ross Geller-like, but Blair and Nate technically were broken up when she and Chuck hooked up.
As for Chuck...you really don’t want to get him on your bad side, as Blair found out the hard way. Sex basically ruined their friendship – after their brief affair ended, Blair had been nothing but cruel to him, and he returned this favor by blackmailing her. But Blair calling him one of her biggest "mistakes" to his face really set him off. His text to Gossip Girl set in motion Blair’s public dethroning and ended her relationship with Nate – the two things that could hurt Blair most. I can understand him no longer offering to be there for her during their scene at the bar, because clearly she was just using him at that point, turning to him as a last resort. But he went beyond cruel with the things he said to her at the bar (the horse comparison – ouch!).
Like Chuck, Jenny had also been treated badly by Blair lately. And like Chuck, Jenny retaliated. Apparently, you don’t want to mess with her either. Armed with privileged knowledge (thanks to eavesdropping) that she had no business sharing, Jenny spilled the secret to Nate that Chuck was the other guy in Blair’s bed, in effect twisting the knife that Chuck had stabbed Blair in the back with. (As an added bonus, her news ended Nate and Chuck’s friendship as well.) And just like that, B was out of the in crowd and Little J was in. Jenny once told Dan that she knew who she was and that wasn’t going to change by hanging out with Blair’s crowd, but Jenny has become just as cruel and manipulative as the masters, Blair and Chuck.
Jenny seemed to recognize her old self in little Elyse, the newest wannabe taking Jenny’s place as she graduates to the inner circle – the eager library-book-toting E even had a hat similar to one Jenny wore, while Jenny was now sporting a Blair-like headband. The question is, does Jenny recognize how much like Blair she was willing to become to get into that inner circle? Clearly, all she wanted was the popularity, she never really wanted to be Blair’s friend – if she had, she wouldn’t have turned her back on her on the steps at the Met. I was torn during that scene: partly proud of Jenny for recognizing that Blair’s threat of ruining her was empty and giving Blair a dose of her own medicine, and partly disappointed because she was being so cold.
Downright chilly is the only way to describe the response Blair’s so-called friends gave her. I wasn’t quite sure why they were so upset by Blair’s actions, because what she did didn’t affect any of them directly. But then again, we’ve never really gotten to hear the details of Blair’s conversations with them. Based on what they said while telling her off, she’s self-righteous and very judgmental with them. So, if the situation were reversed and one of them had been involved in a scandal like hers, I guess she would have turned her back on them as well.
Luckily, Blair Waldorf has one true friend: Serena van der Woodsen. And Serena is a damn good friend to have (excluding the sleeping-with-Nate thing). Like Dan said, she never gives up on Blair. She initially took a public bullet for Blair with the pregnancy-test photos; she pressured Blair to take the test (loved the "My First Response would be that the sky is a Clear Blue, Easy" line regarding the weather); she forgave Blair for her nasty tirade regarding her "low-rent" boyfriend and bad reputation; and she went after Blair and convinced her not to run away. That final scene at the airport between the two of them was truly touching...the teary eyes, the hug, the song that was playing – it all came together so well.
I thought maybe they were going to leave us with a cliffhanger, not knowing if Blair got on the plane to France or stayed. Thankfully, we know she stays, but it is a bit of cliffhanger in that we have no idea how’s she going to get revenge and start her climb back up to the top.
Were there any subplots? Oh yeah, Rufus and his many B-named women. I know he asked Dan and Jenny if they were ready for him to date yet, but he didn’t ask me, and my answer is no. I’m still getting over the whole Lily thing – it’s too soon. Maybe give him a band reunion story line instead. And Dan said those three important words to Serena, to which she responded "OK." That response was kind of funny. It reminded me of another show that once had a similar plot – I think it might have been The O.C., where Ryan responded with "Thank you" when Marissa told him she loved him – it was something like that. "Thank you" is a little better than "OK," but thanks to Eric’s insight Serena was able to eventually work through her issues and respond with a sincere "I love you" too.
And so my fellow Gossip fiends, that brings us to the last pre-strike episode of this terrific new show. When I first read about this series, I thought I was going to like it, and that’s why I volunteered to blog it. But I had no idea I was going to like it this much! And now I’m going to miss it so much. Well, at least we have the repeats. And there’s also always clips from Gossip Girl in our Online Video Guide to help get us through this long no-new-episodes dry spell.
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Jan 9, 2008 11:54 PM
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It was fantastic
i love Blair she is the best
she is the best bitch and they will pay for what they did to her
i love Serena she is such a good friend
i really like Rufus he is fantastic
i hate the way Nate reacted to the news,he is not anyone to judge
and i dont know why i think nate said what he said to Blair so he can be friends with Nate again
i dont hate Jenny,everyone is being unfair to her
and remember payback´s a bitch
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Jan 10, 2008 12:26 AM
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Agreed, agreed, and agreed on oh so many good stuff in this episode and this series. So why, oh why, am I still preoccupied with the dangling question of what was the actual cause of the vomiting Eleanor heard Blair committing early in the episode?  
Thanks for the great blog, especially the Friends reference. Personally I'm constantly reminded of Heathers by this series (including visually with Blair's penchant for bows and plaids reflecting the Heathers' preference for the same), even more so with how quickly the new queen replaced the dethroned one in this episode. Also, kept seeing undertones of Dangerous Liasions tonight, while acknowledging that Blair is far more sympathetic than Glenn Close's character, and Chuck far less than John Malkovich's.
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Jan 10, 2008 12:28 AM
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Regarding Nate and his response, just last week Blair had told him that they were starting over, clean slate and all, meaning whatever he had done in the past was forgiven. Nate thought all this time that it was his fault and he made the big mistakes, but when he found out that Blair had made mistakes too, and didn't tell him, he got mad that she was letting him take the fall when they were both reponsible.
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Jan 10, 2008 12:42 AM
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I'm amazed on how amazing the show was yesterday. Probably one of the best episodes of Gossip Girl yet.
Blair was CRUEL to Chuck the entire episode, so I was definitely on Chuck's side this episode. I understood why he told Gossip Girl. Notice he didnt say which two guys Blair slept with...that was all Jenny's doing. Totally understandable what Chuck said to Blair in the bar. Blair basically came to him in the last resort..which probably pissed him off even more after already being hurt how his friendship with Nate ended. CB and NB defnitely not over and can't wait for more drama next season. (How hot was the CB flashback of the limo scene again?? They showed a little bit more that they didn't show in victor/victrola).
I also find Jenny really annoying. I can't wait till Blair gets her revenge on this girl. Didn't anyone else think she looked evil in the end of the episode??
Could care less about Rufus in this episode but I LOVED Serena/Dan. They are officially the cutest couple on television!
I can't wait for Gossip Girl to come back. This is definitely a show that ended on top before the writer's strike hit.
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Jan 10, 2008 1:14 AM
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I loved this episode too. I am glad Blair's not pregnant.
As far as the vomiting- it's already been established that Blair was/is bulemic. I believe they even mentioned her being in rehab for that. So, that is what her mother was referring to and why it didn't even cross her mind that something else was going on.
Even though Chuck is deplorable the actor has a way of making me sympathetic towards him anyway. There's been comparison between Chuck and Logan (of Veronica Mars). While Chuck is no Logan, and will never be to me, he can still make me feel for him when, after everything he said to Blair, he still looked after her longingly.
Yeah- Serena's "Ok" totally reminded me of Ryan's "Thank You". Too funny.
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Jan 10, 2008 7:44 AM
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Blair got everything she deserved. You can't judge and treat people the way she does with out it coming back around on you. Maybe, but I doubt, she will open her eyes.
Jenny is the cutest little thing but boy does she have an evil look to her when she wants something and sees that she can have it.
What is the deal with Rufus having this problem with Dan and Serena all of a sudden? It is like he can't have her mother so he doesn't want Dan to have her daughter?
Things are going to get interesting.
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Jan 10, 2008 9:00 AM
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I have really enjoyed this show. Sadly, I havent' seen a new episode since Blair slept with Chuck but managed to watch last night. I can not wait for the season to come back in reruns.
The one aspect of this show I could do without is Rufus. Apart from having a cool name, he just bores me to death. The rest of the parents are somewhat entertaining but Rufus is just another whiny art guy. I really wish they would shelve him as a lead character.
I am sad to see this season end.
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Jan 10, 2008 10:12 AM
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Best episode yet. The series of scenes that led to Blair breaking down on her mother's lap were almost tough to watch. Chuck's comments to her put it all over the top and made me feel for the queen b. And Jenny...sweet little Jenny...I like her. Any girl her age would do the same thing in her position. She's been an obvious social climber from day 1 so why have a change of heart now? Maybe Serena's brother can bring her back down to earth.
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Jan 10, 2008 11:02 AM
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Another great ep.
I wonder if Nate and Jenny will date as they do in the books. Of course, in the books Nate's main attraction to Jenny is her big bosom...
Does Blair know that Chuck is the one who tipped off GG?
Yes, Chuck's "ride them hard and put them away wet" comment was HARSH!
Wait till B finds out Little J has taken her place.
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Jan 10, 2008 11:25 AM
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Jenny did what she did for payback. Her and Nate have a history, he kissed her when he thought she was Serena so she came to him with the information. It was the fight between Nate and Chuck following this that confirmed to everyone who the two guys were that Blair had slept with.
Serena's brother Eric really came through with the conversation he had with his sister! So glad that things ended up where they did!
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Jan 10, 2008 11:32 AM
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I totally thought of Ryan and Marissa when Dan told Serena he loved her and she was struggling with how to respond!
Excellent episode and I can't believe how much I will miss this show. Stupid strike...
Did we actually see Blair's negative pregnancy test? For some reason I kept thinking that she was just telling everyone she wasn't pregnant but had not actually taken the test.
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Jan 10, 2008 11:32 AM
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Definitely one of the best GG episodes to date! Shame it had to be the last one for now. Anyway some thoughts & comments
Eric goes to Dan's school now?
At the begining of the episode, E had on a uniform similar to Dan & Serena's own....I wonder
Aww Dan loves Serena either way
It was nice that Dan said he loved Serena even if she was pregnant. Great to know that Dan is that guy who wil support his girl no matter what
When Jenny called Blair "B"
The second that letter came out of her mouth, I was like no she didn't!! J is crazy
I loved B acting like nothing was wrong
She was just living in a movie about her perfect life like Serena said. I don't blame her. For someone in her position, sometimes you just have to do that to stay sane.
When S said you & Chuck having a baby I definitely cringed. The thought of Chuck reproducing....creepy
Poor Chuck just having B flaunt herselfB was just putting a show on being super lovey dovey with Nate while glaring at C.
Damn!!...on the pill since 15!!
Just makes me want to know even more about crazy Serena's past
Dan was so cute during dinner
It was such a simple date but wanted to know what Serena was worrying about so they could worry together was cool of him.
Lil' J really needs to mind her business When she was just standing there eavesdropping, I just wanted Dan to catch her or something.
Rufus has no game...lol
The fact that he didn't know a lady was flirting with him was humorous...poor R
The second Chuck opened the door I knew he would make a brother comment
I just knew it had to be Serena on the other side
S needs to stop being so trusting of everyoneCome on...trusting Chuck...what the hell was she thinking?
R asked his kids permission to date...lol
Poor Rufus looked as uncomfortable when he the lady asked him out for drinks. And the fact that he couldn't come straight out and say it...lol
B still having bulimia slips
Blair is still battling it and writing it off to stress just isn't wise at this point.
C tipped GG off about B
When Chuck whipped out his phone and send that detailed text to GG about B, I was like No he didn't!!!
B is no longer Queen B
Poor Blair got dethroned due to Chuck's tip. I felt sorry for her. Such a scandal
Lil' J snitched to N
As a freshman, Jenny really is trying too fast to become popular. Ratting out B to Nate...harsh much.
Poor C is lonely again!!
Chuck can never get the longer straw. I think he will be ok though. He has many random places to go drink & party at
R did the name flop
Rufus didn't even officially go out on the date yet and he couldn't keep the names straight...sad
B's posse spoke back to her
All it took was a scandal to get them to turn their backs and speak back.
Lil' J is silly if she thinks as a freshman she can stay at the top
Come on,,the girl has to be delusional is she assumes she can keep the throne for a while...she will only get kicked off and it will be a long, hard fall.
D picked the wrong time to say it again!!
Dan said I love you for the 2nd time at a horrible time...poor kid needs training
S went to E for advice
Serena turned to Eric when she just didn't have the right word to reply to Dan's 2nd attempt..so cute.
"Rode hard & put away wet"
When those words came out of Chuck's mouth...my jaw just dropped!!
Elyse is the new J
Now Lil' J has 1sthand experience of exactly how it feels to be in that situation.
I loved how this episode really showed the difference between gossip and a scandal. I can't wait for B to start taking people down!!
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Jan 10, 2008 12:39 PM
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I love Jenny. Sorry I do. After being Blair's servant all season, she beat the prissy beyotch at her own game!
That being said, I love Blair too. She's done some really awful things but somehow I find myself l rooting for her to get her act together. Leighton Meester plays B with perfection and I can't wait to see her big "comeback"!
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Jan 10, 2008 2:26 PM
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This was just as good as Ed Westwick said it would be. The scene which really got me last night was when Blair, abandoned by everyone, broke down in front of her mother. Margaret Colin is a wonderful addition to the cast and I hope to see her when the strike ends and we get more new episodes. Also it was nice to see the sibling bonds again - Eric/Serena, Dan/Jenny.
Ooh Jenny. While I am worried about her, I did enjoy her brushing off Blair's threat to take her down, and her cool retort. Still she wavered a bit at the end with the newly minted member of the group and she did seem uncomfortable and look quite guilty when Blair was getting trashed by her former friends.
Chuck. I can't say I was surprised by his harsh comments to Blair in the bar but they still made me wince when they came out of his mouth.
If/when the strikes ever ends, this will set up an very interesting last half of the season.
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Jan 10, 2008 3:46 PM
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