Gossip Girl's Second Season: What We're Loving (And Hating)
What we love about Season Two:
*The sexual tension between Chuck and Blair is off the charts. We don't know how the actors do it, but Ed Westwick and Leighton Meester have managed to dial up the chemistry a notch -- and that's saying something after some of Season One's hot Chair scenes.*Some of our favorite Chuck/Blair scenes this season? Chuck revealing why he skipped out on Tuscany: "I didn't want you to see." "See what?" "See me." Then there was the clothes-on seduction at Blair's party: "Where does he... put his hands?" And finally, the almost-getting-it-on bedroom scene where Blair refused to say those three little words... and then Chuck refused her. For now, at least.
*She only appeared for like, five seconds, but Evil Queen Bee Serena was deliciously fun to watch. Remember that scene when she robotically tied a scarf around Blair's neck? And what about when she effortlessly convinced the entire school to shun Dan in the courtyard? S may be flighty and sweet most of the time, but when she wants to be, she can out-bitch the best of them.
*Nate's really coming into his own. Crashing in Brooklyn, sleeping with a cougar-turned-duchess, bonding (in more ways than one -- and we'll get to this in a minute) with the Humphreys -- Nate really evolved this season. We don't remember him doing much more than dumping Blair and palling around with Chuck in Season One, but this year, he's gone from Park Avenue to paper plates in just a few episodes. Forgive us if we confess to a little tug at our heartstrings in the last new episode when Nate held his mom as the FBI led his shady dad off to jail. The poor kid's put up with so much! And he's so PRETTY. Is it just us, or does Nate look even better this season?
*Most polarizing character of the season award? We're thinking that one has to go to not-so-little-anymore Jenny Humphrey, whose school-skipping, dress-stealing, shirtless-dancing and Nate-kissing new ways had the fandom abuzz with both support (She's growing up! this is her time! she deserves to give fashion a shot!) and scorn (She's a spoiled brat who thinks of no one but herself!). Whether you loved her or hated her, you've got to admit that Jenny certainly kept things interesting this season.
*Serena and Dan are broken up. Yeah, they were cute in the first season -- sometimes cloyingly so. But by episode 3 this season, their elevator fight had us screaming right along with them. This is one couple that will seriously benefit from some time apart. As Serena said to Dan, "Why do you always get to be right?" Why, indeed!
Read on for what we're NOT loving so much in Season Two... and what would make it better!
What we don't love about Season Two:
*Serena's wardrobe. It has to be said. In the first season, our resident blond It girl rocked blazers, boots, scarves, and Chanel -- sometimes all in one outfit. But lately, she's looking less and less like someone we'd want to emulate. That horrid gold-and-red satin dress? The orange mini? The cut-down-to-THERE socialite gowns? They scream LA starlet, not New York socialite. Bring back boho-chic Serena!*The lack of relationships. Sure, the season started with a bang -- Nate and Catherine were hot and heavy, and both Serena and Dan and Blair and Chuck teased us with possibilities, only to fall flat within an episode or two. Then we got Blair and Marcus, a relationship with all the spice of white bread, and the very short-lived (like one episode's worth) Nate/Vanessa Nate/Jenny back-and-forth. Season One was all about relationships and dramatic love triangles (think Vanessa/Dan/Serena, Serena/Blair/Nate, and Blair/Nate/Chuck), but we haven't had half as much relationship drama this season.
*The lack of SEX! For a show that advertises itself as a parent's worst nightmare and "very bad for you," the characters have been downright G-rated lately. Okay, Gossip Girl was never quite as scandalous as its advertisers want us to think it us, but what happened to good old-fashioned getting it on? We saw plenty of it in Season One (think Nate/Serena wedding flashbacks, Nate/Blair in "Hi, Society," Blair/Chuck in the limo, and Rufus and Lily on her wedding day), but with the exception of Nate and Catherine's romps, this season just hasn't brought the sex. Blair and Chuck came close, but somehow managed to show restraint. Writers, please, give us just one steamy sex scene -- and please don't make it between Serena and Aaron.
*Speaking of Aaron: bland guest stars. Catherine kept things interesting for a few episodes, but Marcus and Aaron just don't do it for us, and we can't imagine what kept Blair and Serena sticking around. Our Gossip Girl heroines are gorgeous, witty, and well-dressed, but the same cannot be said for the love objects Season Two presented them with. We love seeing the girls with some new guys, but at least make them worthy of B and S's affections!
That's our take, but we know we haven't touched on everything -- not even close. That's where you come in! What do you love and loathe about Season Two? Are you as hooked as you were on Season One? What would make this season even better -- and what should not be changed at all? Tell us all in the comments!
Comments
I really want Dan and Serena to get back together. I like how they are both learning and growing as individuals. Their chemistry is just too amazing for them not to get back together. I really don't like Aaron's character, it does not work with Serena at all. It's also about time Chuck and Blair get together.
Posted by: Megan | December 7, 2008 5:34 PM
Give acting course to Blake and Chace. They can barely act. More chuck and blair. My friends and I watch gossip girl because of them. Serena and dan are cute but so boring. Aaron is not hot at all.
Posted by: choueti | November 29, 2008 5:41 PM
Less guest stars and more interaction between the series regulars is what is needed!
Serena hasn't spoken to Nate since the second episode of the season! That's crazy.
Posted by: Sam | November 29, 2008 7:42 AM
I sometimes wonder, based on Marcus and Aaron, if they're afraid of casting recurring male guest stars that might wind up being more charismatic, and/or better looking, than the regulars...
Posted by: Charstin | November 28, 2008 1:12 PM