Gossip Girl – Episode 2-2 Review

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Yet another Gossip Girl episode that opens with a hookup. Dan and Serena are seen lying on the beach together, unsurprisingly half naked. Awkwardness ensues and the two, although both wanting to get back together, make a vow to take some time to think about it all, away from one another. Yeah, I’m sure that will happen…

Blair, on the other hand, is trying to convince herself and Serena, unsuccessfully mind you, that she loves her new guy Mark, an English lord. But oh wait, here comes the twist. Nate’s older fling Catherine is none other than Mark’s stepmother, the Duchess. In an attempt to impress Mark and his mother, Blair puts together a last minute party….and a boring one at that.

Nate has more problems than unknowingly sleeping with his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend’s stepmother (got that?). He gets news from his mom that the government is seizing their estate and belongings because of the embezzlement and drug charges his dad faced last season. Chuck secretly gives Nate’s mom a loan and Nate is not so pleased when he finds out. Nate searches for someone to talk to about it all and ends up visiting Vanessa. Ugh. I knew it wouldn’t be long until she was back in the picture. While she is obviously still into Nate, he’s got other things to worry about. And, I’m sort of hoping it stays that way.

Over the summer, Vanessa opened Rufus’ art gallery. When he comes to see it, he reveals to her that he wants to go back on tour, despite being gone all summer. Those plans are quickly questioned when he comes home to Dan and Jenny, and a whole mess of sumer memories he missed. Now usually I wouldn’t bring this up, but this is Gossip Girl we are talking about here. So, was it just me or were Rufus and Vanessa stirring up some sexual chemistry? I know, really gross, but hey, would we all really be that surprised? To be honest, I’ll take a “Runessa” hookup over a Nate and Vanessa reunion any day.

While Serena and Dan are on their way back to the city from the Hamptons, their little pact to stay away from each other goes awry and they end up hooking up on the bus back and later at that boring party. I wonder how long this will all last.

Meanwhile, Chuck is scheming to get Blair back, and to my surprise, Nate offers him advice. Being Chuck Bass, he befriends Blair’s new beau and the Duchess herself. When Chuck shows up to Blair’s party with this mystery girl, Blair quickly insults her not knowing that it is the one person she ought to be impressing. But, Catherine and Blair’s verbal sparring ends when Blair catches her hooking up with Nate. Oh, the blackmail. Catherine puts on a good face for her son and Blair in fear that everyone will find out about she and Nate’s relationship. They continue their affair and she gives Nate money after learning about his family’s financial troubles. Seems you’ll be having more trouble than just money, Nate…

Next week will be a pivotal episode as we see a steamy Blair and Chuck hookup…Finally! Stay tuned!

Sharon Tharp is a freelance writer who has contributed to a variety of publications including HotIndieNews.com and the Web sites of both Marie Claire and CosmoGIRL! magazines.

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