'Gossip Girl': Little J no more

Jenny Humphrey came out of her shell in a big way on last night's "Gossip Girl." Not only did she defy Eleanor Waldorf and quit to start her own clothing line, she also won hottie Nate's heart. Perhaps it was the punk-inspired 'do and makeup or the influence of this new girl Agnes--whatever it is, this new Jenny is a lot more interesting. Her separation from Eleanor was a long time coming. Jenny's green dress was the star of Eleanor's fashion show, so it was only a matter of time before the more senior designer realized she could exploit her star intern.

Anyone familiar with the fashion industry would know that designers work a season ahead. Eleanor, therefore, should have already finished the next season's collection and wouldn't have needed Jenny to hurriedly design a dress. But we'll ignore that little fact just to see that showdown between them. Jenny's rebellious new image amplified her newfound confidence and moxie, and it made Eleanor look so last season. You go, Little J! It actually would make sense for Jenny to break off onto her own. Agnes had some good points--if you already have standout designs, all you need are cool models to wear them around town and photographer/bloggers to capture it.

Since Nate has been attracted to fringe characters lately, I suppose I see the attraction with this new Jenny. There was a hint of it last season, but it came a bit out of nowhere last night. A shirtless run-in in the bathroom is supposed to make us believe he sees her as more than a little sister? I need to be convinced a little more, especially since every one of his actions (minus the kiss) bordered on the big brother side.

What didn't need an explanation was the ongoing push-pull between Chuck and Blair. These two have unbelievable chemistry, and it's almost as if they know we're watching. We want them to get together to satisfy that need for a perfect pair to unite, but we also don't want them to ruin the tension and anticipation. If they did get together, they'd be "Chuck and Blair go to the movies" and "Chuck and Blair hold hands." Basically, Chuck and Blair would be boring. I know this strategy is for our benefit, but in real life, intentionally stifled love either fizzles or explodes. By keeping Chuck and Blair from expressing their true feelings for each other, will it eventually blow up in their faces or even worse, slowly wither and die?

Speaking of withering and dying, it looks like it's time to give up on Dan and Serena for now. You know your relationship is kaput when you can tell your ex-boyfriend about another guy asking you out. Aaron Rose was cute in that hipster, arty way that S would likely be into, but he didn't exactly blow me away. The fact that he and S share childhood memories adds a little more context to their coupling, so we shall see where this romance leads.

And now your thoughts. What did you think of this new, edgier Little J? Do you think she and Nate make a good couple? And would you want Chuck and Blair to get together, or does their sexual tension keep things exciting?

xoxo

--Enid Portuguez

Comments

[AW]

Blah. If the next couple episodes are going to be centered on Jenny's rebellious streak I would rather sit them out--she just doesn't do it for me. And the Nate-Jenny connection is sort of silly. I hate to say it, but I would much rather see him with Vanessa than Jenny.
Last night was good, but I think things are sort of slowing down for me in terms of every episode hitting it out of the ballpark. The moment between Chuck and Blair was the night's most poignant, per usual, and I like that they pointed out the realization Chuck has about them becoming boring if they give in to their affection for each other because it parallels the dilemma the show will face if they do--it might lose one of the central conflicts that is keeping it going right now, so they clearly want to drag it out a bit longer. I was pissed at Dan's interference though.
AND, why are all the side love interests never that attractive? Aaron was the best so far, but sort of a poor man's Josh Hartnett, really.

[Jenny]

Actually, Eleanor didn't have Jenny make a dress at last minute. Jenny made that dress for herself for the after party and Blair ended up switching the dresses at the show. So Eleanor did have a last dress. :)

[joe]

i loved little j last night...totally agree with your assessment. and yes, the whole nate thing was totally left-field...what about him and 'that troll vanessa' lol. i can't even remember what happened with that it was so long ago...although they did exchange an awkward glance at one point during the episode.

also, why was it dan's fault that blair 'screwed everything up' with chuck? i thought it was really crappy of serena to blow up at dan when he a) doesn't even like blair, and b) he can't stand chuck. then the best part was that serena could've cared less about it all as soon as aaron came up in the convo...all of dan's sins that were put on him because he's the dumping ground of the show had been absolved. he really needs to grow a pair.

[Johnny Crush]

Edgier Little J is good. I'm curious to see how well Dan takes her hookup with Nate. Next week's trailer showed some shoving, so things should get interesting.

It may not make sense, but I'd like to see Dan & Blair have a go. I mean, the Chuck/Blair dynamic is awesome, but last night's ep basically killed any momentum they're budding relationship may have had. Any dalliance between Dan & Blair would be short-lived, but imagine all the dramz that their pairing would create in the Gossip Girl world.

[Sarah Nathan]

I thought the writers were very bold bringing the Blair/Chuck subtext right to the surface last night, but it's a neat post-modern way to play the romance-denied (or delayed) dynamic - tipping a wink to the genre-savvy audience.

Eventually, though, I will want to see Blair and Chuck combust into flaming passion and then *actually* date - albeit Chuck and Blair-style. Yes, I am seeing a whole twisted version of 'Mad About You'. They certainly have enough strong non-romance storylines to augment it.

An actual romance would need some serious plotting out beforehand, but I do believe there are many twists and turns to be had in Blair and Chuck's relationship. I would hope that one of the disapproving parents threatens to disinherit the errant offspring if they continue dating. This might break them up for a minute then push their love underground. Nothing like a good dose of pretending not to be dating when you're dating to keep the interest alive.

And I especially love the irony of the dark prince and princess being the ones to live some-kind-of happy ever after... writers: please, please, please make it so!

Yes, there are a few niggles as you picked out: Little J and Nate hooking up so fast. And some scenes seem to freeze at the end. Four scenes later you pick up a pair almost exactly where you left them, as if they're waiting for the audience to come back. But, really, the caliber of storytelling is so high and the drama so satisfying and engaging that it doesn't really bother me. There's a saying in television: "If that's what they're upset by, then we've lost them." Not a chance...