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Episode Recap: "Seventeen Candles"
So what was the best part of Blair Waldorf's 17th-birthday party? The fun Asian theme? No. The Guitar Hero smackdown between Serena and Vanessa? Not quite. Any scene between Blair and Chuck? Most definitely yes. As cute as Dan and Serena are, Blair and Chuck are my new favorite couple. And they're not even officially a couple... yet. Or possibly ever.
Now we know for certain what some of you suspected last week: Chuck likes Blair. As in, really likes her. To the point where he can't sleep, he can't stop thinking about her, and for the first time he feels this unfamiliar "fluttering" feeling in his stomach. It was surprising how vulnerable he let himself be in front of her. I loved Blair's reaction to that, when she was finally waking up to the fact that Chuck was acting like a "jealous boyfriend" and she explained, "You know that I adore all of God's creatures and the metaphors that they inspire, but butterflies have got to be murdered." Aww, Blair was showing her sweet side. Their scene on the balcony kept swinging back and forth between mean to adorable – well, as adorable as possible for people like Blair and Chuck. But I still think there's something irresistibly cute about them. If Dan and Serena are all soft and cuddly like Dan's oft-mentioned Cabbage Patch Kid, then Blair and Chuck are more like a couple of Sour Patch Kids — both sweet and tart.
I'm glad this show didn't simply transform Chuck into a good guy overnight – that wouldn't have been believable. He's a newly lovesick teen, but he's still a jerk. When Blair didn’t say she felt butterflies too, he defensively told her the sex wasn't that good. And after giving her some good "face reality" advice regarding Nate, he proposed a wager in which Blair would have to spend the night with him again if she lost. Typical Chuck. Yet Blair and Chuck are pretty much on a level playing ground, and it seems like she may be the only girl who can really handle him – and manhandle him, like when she grabbed his head. One question remains, though: Does Blair have feelings for Chuck, or is she just using him because he’s there? I can't be sure yet. But that last scene where he gave her the diamond necklace she wanted – wow! He really knows how to surprise and impress her. As for their makeout session afterwards – Blair was very vulnerable at that moment, having finally realized her breakup with Nate was real, and Chuck may have been taking advantage of that. But he was also sweetening up what had been a pretty sucky birthday for her up until that point.
As for missing birthday guest Nate, he too had a piece of jewelry for Blair: the family heirloom ring. But he never gave it to her, despite his parents' relentless prodding. Good for him. I like Nate best when he's standing up to his parents, because those two are just ridiculous. Nate was the only one making sense in the family's conversation with the lawyer, and his mom dismissed him by telling him, "This is a conversation for adults." Adults who think banking their financial well-being on their teenage son’s future engagement is a solid plan. It was a great scene when he threw the ring on the table and told the captain, "You better hope for your sake that they don’t call your son to the stand." No doubt Chuck's advice ("If you're done with Blair, be done. Don't cave to your parents' wishes if their not your desires") helped Nate make this bold decision. (And there's no doubt that Chuck's advice, while good, was also a bit self-serving.)
Nate was not the only kid dealing with his parents' problems last night. His new late-night walking buddy Jenny took it upon herself to help patch up her parents' crumbling marriage. After learning of her mother's affair last week, she brought her mom home, so we finally got to meet Alison Humphrey. Apparently, Alison made a lot of sacrifices for Rufus' music career early on in their relationship, and recently she discovered that she needed some "me" time. She probably didn’t have a whole lot of time as a young adult to find herself, because from the looks of things, she and Rufus must have gotten married and starting having their kids at what, 18? (Seriously, Alison and Rufus look like they could be playing Dan and Jenny’s older siblings instead of their parents, and the same could be said about Nate’s mom.) But Alison and Rufus make a pretty couple, so I'll let that go. At first, Rufus seemed rather hurt and unforgiving (as was Dan), but by the end of the night our favorite art dealer/rocker was in a very forgiving mood. So what does this mean for the state of the Humphrey marriage? Will Alison be moving back with her family? I'm not sure. I feel like we still don't know much about Alison yet. She seems a little... flighty. But maybe she's sincere about getting this need to explore out of her system. I guess time will tell. But for the moment, Alison and Rufus seem pretty happy, as does Jenny.
Likewise, Dan, Serena and Vanessa are becoming quite the happy threesome. OK, I'm overstating things a bit. That opening scene with the three of them in the restaurant was the definition of awkward, and Vanessa was getting annoying again, especially when she invited herself to Blair's party. But just as Dan hoped, she and Serena did eventually bond. Yet there's something about Vanessa — she comes off as very mature, always offering some sage observation. And her only flaws are that she's annoying and overly pushy. But this usually works out for her in the end anyway (like at the party she tagged along to last night). Everyone around her appears to be so much more realistically flawed, and that makes her come off as a little too perfect and one-dimensional. Maybe this is because she's a newer character on the show, and, just like Alison, we still need to get to know her better.
Unfortunately, we're not going to get a chance to know any Gossip Girl characters next week, because a repeat is airing (the second episode titled "The Wild Brunch," in which Dan punched Chuck – good stuff). It will be Thanksgiving Eve, a night when a lot of people aren't home or are busy making preparations, so a repeat is understandable. But don't OD on turkey and stuffing to the point where you can’t even think about it anymore, because there will indeed be a Thanksgiving-themed episode of Gossip Girl, airing on Nov. 28. See you then!
Check out clips of Gossip Girl in our Online Video Guide.
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Nov 15, 2007 12:29 AM
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I LOVE THIS SHOW SO MUCH
I FELT BAD FOR BLAIR
SHE REALLY DOES LOVE NATE
BU I THINK SHE IS USING CHUCK TO GET BACK AT HIM
WICH IS HORRIBLE BECAUSE CHUCK REALLY LIKES HER
I LIKED THE TALK BTW NATE AND JENNY
JENNY SEEMS REALLY NICE
I REALLY HATE ALLISON
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Nov 15, 2007 12:56 AM
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This episode had numerous "wow" parts
Blair confessing to the priest...lol
I never thought Blair would be that confused and desperate for advice regarding her actions from the previous night that she would be looking towards the higher power.
When Serena thought Dan called her Vanessa by accident
Those two lovebirds having been making out like crazy lately that Serena's reaction to that was just classic
Jenny is crazy...bringing Mom home
We finally met Alison...Jenny & Dan have themselves a couple of cool folks. I think Rufus is the cooler of the pair who doesn't get mad at their kids regardless of what they do and just rolls with things which is what he did with Alison.
Nate's parents are really delusional
The fact that his mom is just making excuses and hanging onto false hopes and that his dad is just acting like he did nothing wrong...poor Nate. Then they were so desperate to ask Nate to make a sacrifice and to give Blair the ring. The nerve of them to ask him that.
Blair trying to keep on a straight face
She was just still planning her party like nothing was wrong. I loved it though when Nate called her and she got all excited and started saying thank you to God.
Dan's not really thrilled about Mom's return
I loved his way of letting his Mom know what was going when he threw in the date rape and other things.
Chuck nervous and thinking Nate was going to confront him...lol
Another humorous scene..Chuck was trying to act like he wasn't there and then when he opened the door, he was ready to defend himself against Nate. Unfortunately, Nate knows nothing about anything Chuck & Blair did the night before so he was safe.
Loved the Asian theme for the 17th birthday party
One has to wonder where they come up with these themes...keep them coming though
Dan giving advice to Vanessa about not jumping in with the sharks
It was funny because it is a world she despises yet she was all willing to dive in head on.
Blair's talk to Chuck about his "butterflies"
Blair let Chuck know that wasn't going to happen and said those butterflies need to be murdered!!
Jenny was avoiding Nate...lol
I guess after someone kisses you thinking you are someone else and confides true feelings in you, I would avoid them to.
Blair finally saw how Vanessa looked
And she had some snide comments about it to Serena...Blair is always very observant
"Blair bet on a Bass...silly girl"
As said by GG and I couldn't agree more
The Guitar Hero competition
Talk about random...I guess there had to be some form of entertainment.
Dan really does need to start telling Serena everything
I get he is new at the whole girlfriend thing but he needs to get on top of things ASAP.
Serena doesn't want to compete with Vanessa
It is great she is mature and won't stoop to that silly level.
At least Nate finally found someone that he doesn't have feelings for to confide in
When he was talking to Serena last week, obviously he didn't have much of a choice. I think Jenny & him can grow to be good friends but nothing beyond that.
Where's Eric at?
Haven't seen him for a while now...
Damn Gossip Girl moves fast
The picture was taken and sent to her and everyone had it on their phones before you knew it. At least Jenny's face wasn't in the picture.
Nate put his foot down
And I couldn't be more proud...his parents want to live on fantasies and not face the truth so be it but he ain't going for the ride
Vanessa & Serena finally bonded
It is about time they had a real conversation without Dan around..I think the friendship can work.
"Is that our sex tape?"...lol
You know Chuck is wishing he had footage of the eventful night before....he has really fallen for Blair though and springs the diamond necklace on her.
"Guess Chuck is the gift that keeps on giving...lol"
Gossip Girl cracks me up
In 2 weeks: S saw B w/ Chuck and confronts her about her. It looks like the claws will come back out!! Can't wait!!
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Nov 15, 2007 1:19 AM
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Thanks for the recap, Jennifer.
I am just loving Gossip Girl. I like how each of the characters are developing, showing different sides. I'm glad that Serena and Blair are staying friends.
Rufus may seem like the "cool" parent, but I think it's really dangerous for Jenny, who is only 14, to be running all over town by herself at night.
I like Blair and Chuck as a couple. It's sad to long for someone who isn't in love with you, so I hope she can get over Nate. At least he is starting to get a little more interesting.
Am I the only one who didn't really like what Serena wore to the party?
Can someone please explain Guitar Hero? It looks like a lot of fun.
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Nov 15, 2007 6:12 AM
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Another fun episode. This is such an enjoyable hour of television. Total escapism. I especially liked the Guitar Hero scene after Serena did so well. Dan was pointing to her with pride yelling "That's my girl!" So Cute. Does anyone know who the actress is playing Allison? She looks familiar but I can't place her. I hate it when that happens.
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Nov 15, 2007 8:30 AM
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I hate to be one of those people who say I told you so but I said from the beginning if vanessa & Serena got a chance to get to know one another they would probably become friends. I like Vanessa maybe because I like the actress I was so disppointed What About Brian got cancelled and we didn't get to see what could develop with Brian and Laura(jessica Szohr). if Vanessa and Dan aren't going to be together I hope they will give Vanessa a love interest. I'd like to see the character expanded more get to know Vanessa oputside of being Dan's friend.
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Nov 15, 2007 8:51 AM
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I liked this epi a lot. I am really digging Chuck and Blair together, but want them to keep their edge -- If they went all Serena and Dan, it would not work.
I wasn't wild about Allison. Actually I find the youth of the actresses that play Allison and Nate's mom to be distracting -- I just can't believe they are the parents of these teens. When the show started, I kept expecting (& hoping) that it would come out that it was Nate's stepmother -- that I could believe.
And I agree that Vanessa is not written very well. If she is so mature and wise, than duh, surely she would know not to let on the girlfriend that she and Dan had talked about sex and that she gave him advice in that respect. She just bugs me.
I am so bummed that we have to wait 2 weeks for a new episode!
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Nov 15, 2007 8:54 AM
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arrakis, Guitar Hero is the lazy man's Dance Dance Revolution. The game uses real rock songs by popular artists and you need to hit the colored notes as they appear on-screen and it is tons of fun.
As for the episode, I don't know what to make of Chuck being the rapist with a heart of gold. We shouldn't like him cause he's a major creeper buts its pretty hard not to. Though I suspect his way of treating women in the past will come back to bite him in the bum when he tries to pursue a relationship with Blair.
Good for Nate standing up to his parents, its going to be some Thanksgiving in that house. But I still don't really find him interesting. We've known Vanessa for 2 eps. and I'd rather see more screen time with her. Silly Jenny should have realized that walking off with Nate instead of going to Blaire's party won't really help her get back into the IN crowd.
And I really don't see the Humphrey parents staying together for very long. I agree that she seems flighty and I think she's sticking around for the sake of her children.
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Nov 15, 2007 9:12 AM
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arrakis, in NYC it's pretty common for 14 year olds to be going all around the city. Public transporation is excellent and while many neighborhoods quiet down at a certain point, there are always people around.
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Nov 15, 2007 10:18 AM
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Considering it was supposed to be Blair's birthday party episode, she was in it suprising and annoyingly little. I feel bad for Leighton, maybe it's because I read the books or just because I like her, but she's not in the show too much. I like Blake and Serena, but come on, it's not all about her! As for this new Nate/Jenny couple, ewww!!! Does he really like her, or is it because she's a lot like Serena?? And I like Blair/Chuck, but can't we have Chuck/Nate fight over Blair??
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Nov 15, 2007 10:27 AM
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realityjunkie: Alison is played by Susan Misner (sometimes goes by Susie Misner). I know her as former nun Theresa on "Rescue Me," but it looks like she has a long list of guest-starring credits.
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Nov 15, 2007 12:21 PM
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Always enjoy your recap Jennifer! And Adam do we share the same brain because you pretty much hit on every comment I wanted to make? I will add though, that I think Nate has become much more interesting since he hasn't given into his parents ridiculous demands. And I like this new friendship with Jenny. Chica, I don't think last night was meant to be the pair as a new couple, but rather, Jenny has become Nate's confidant. She is, other than Blair of course, the only one who knows he still has feelings for Serena after the masquerade incident. And she actually listens to what he says and gives him honest advice. Jenny has not been completely corrupted by money or crazy parents or any of the above, so she sees things from a different perspective. In my opinion I think Nate finds that refreshing. Especially after, everytime he tries to talk to Blair, she is either unavailable planning a party or just completely cuts him off once she gets her way as evidenced by their phone conversation about getting back together.
I dig Chuck and Blair as a couple. But again, agree with Adam, karma is beyotch and I think it may bite Chuck in the arse.
I was glad to see Alison come home so that, whether or not she stays, there can be some resolution for Rufus, Dan and Jenny. I have to say, I missed Rufus and Lily though. I still don't want to see them together romantically(yet anyway!) but I missed their interaction.
I could go on, and on, and on, as I already kinda have(!). I so thoroughly enjoy this show. Such fun!! See you the 28th!
Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!!!!!!
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Nov 15, 2007 12:31 PM
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Thanks, Jennifer. I went to IMDB and realized I had seen her in The Kill Point and Vanished. Otherwise that would have bugged me all day.
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Nov 15, 2007 12:39 PM
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Nate's parents are completely out of control! Kicking him out of the room because "this is a conversation for adults," but then basically forcing the non-adult to propose to his girlfriend to save the family?! Ludicrous.
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Nov 15, 2007 2:11 PM
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ok so i completely understand that to make a tv show work it can't be exactly like the books, since those are 2 completely different mediums. however, i have read all the gossip girl books and am a big fan and ive been watching the show every week, but i just can't seem to get into the show as much as the books. does anyone else feel the same? for one thing, the actors on the show just arent matching up to the characters in the book well enough. serena is supposed to be a lot ditzier and just not as normal and down to earth and blake lively is playing her. and blair is not as big of a bitch in the books. nate's not right either. and its been a while since ive read the first few books of the series, but i'm pretty sure that the tv show is barely using any of the same storylines as the book. the first episode used some of the same, but i dont see why they are changing so much. there were some good plot lines in the book that they really should carry over. does anyone else who have read the books agree with me?
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Nov 15, 2007 3:30 PM
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