‘Gossip Girl’: Little J no more

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

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