Author: Michael Smith
Spotted: Dozens of Occidental students dashing to the common room at 9 p.m. on a Monday night. An overwhelming excitement fills the room with the airing of an episode from season three of “Gossip Girl.” Modeled after the books by Cecily von Ziegesar, this show delivers all the Upper East Side scandal one can imagine. Referred to as “every parent’s nightmare” by the Boston Herald, “Gossip Girl” takes viewers on a swift ride into the unrealistic, yet highly engaging, lives of Manhattan’s glitterati.
In seasons past, the show has generated controversy with plot lines including eating disorders, same-sex relationships and the high school hierarchy. Although it may seem like this constant controversy would give the show a dull quality, any semblance of weariness is combatted by a novel plot line and fascinating characters.
“Gossip Girl” features the youthful denizens of NYC whose jaw-dropping lives appeal to viewers in the real world. The published writer, wavy blond model and billionaire bachelor employ stellar looks and witty lines to develop unwaveringly exciting episodes. Clever episodes like season two’s “The Age of Dissonance,” in which “Gossip Girl” characters are related to characters from Edith Wharton’s “The Age of Innocence,” bring a rejuvenating zest to the show. Hopefully, the show’s plot lines and personalities will remain strong as the show faces new challenges with the characters’ transition to college.
Although the season has begun with a relatively slow start, the character developments and college atmosphere provide the show with more than enough interest to compensate for lackluster plot lines. The mystery behind Gossip Girl’s true identity (she is never seen, only heard) keeps viewers hooked, as her voice stirs up moral dilemmas for the show’s main characters.
Each character’s progression is already apparent in the new season. Serena’s (Blake Lively) resilient search for her father, strangely aided by the paparazzi, adds a rare endearment to her persona. A twisted relationship is already forming between Dan (Penn Badgely) and Blair (Leighton Meester) at NYU, where Dan’s popularity has quickly risen as Blair’s social status falls. Nate (Chace Crawford), who engaged in a May-December romance with a Duchess at the start of season two, doesn’t seem to be breaking character by jumping into bed with a billionaire at the start of season three.
Darker character developments include the return of the manipulative “Jesus Freak” Georgina (Michelle Trachtenberg), as well as the return of Dan’s half brother (a relationship only the audience is aware of) Scott (Chris Riggi). These sharp characters bring form to an otherwise skeletal show. As the season progresses, the antics of constant characters will work in tandem with the introduction of new faces to sweep “Gossip Girl” to new heights.
Scandal is sure to befall the characters this season, which promises drama at the very least. Hilary Duff will star in an episode arc as Olivia Burke, a famous actress attending college at NYU, and when “Lizzie McGuire” meets “Gossip Girl,” you can expect television gold. Other stars gracing the show this season include talk show host Tyra Banks, the band “Sonic Youth” and designer Tory Burch.
Clearly, “Gossip Girl” has exploded back onto the social scene with a new fervor for scandal. I recommend this show to anyone who wants to escape into the most appallingly enjoyable lives of New York society. Always will you leave this show saying, “You know you love me, xoxo Gossip Girl.”
“Gossip Girl” can be seen Mondays at 9 p.m. on The CW.
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