‘Gossip Girl’: Play or get played

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On ‘Gossip Girl,’ it’s often difficult to tell which characters have the upper hand in a situation. It changes with every stroke, just like a really good game of tennis. After a few lobs and backhands, there’s usually a victor, who barely gets a moment to gloat before the next challenge begins.

Monday night’s episode had a few good rallies. Jenny, at first, looked to be spiraling out of control after her greatest supporter, Agnes, turns on her. I always knew Agnes had a little psycho in her, so it wasn’t a surprise that she would light a garbage can filled with Jenny’s designs on fire. What surprised me was that Jenny just stood there and watched. Where was the bold, tough girl we’ve seen and loved in the last few episodes? She would have knocked Agnes on her behind! Instead she gets kicked to the curb. But just when you think you can count Little J out, she turns around and reassures you she’s got gall. Rufus looks ready to welcome her back into the loft, but if she gets legally emancipated, would the offer still stand?

My favorite match was between Blair and Cyrus Rose. As Eleanor’s new love, Cyrus defies all of B’s expectations (‘I expected Cary Grant and instead I got Danny DeVito!’) therefore he must be brought down. He’s short, has a catchphrase (‘not enough!’) and loves to hug, all the hilarious qualities for the ultimate Queen B adversary. The show couldn’t have picked a more perfect actor to play Cyrus than Wallace Shawn (if you haven’t seen ‘The Princess Bride,’ Netflix it now!). He and Eleanor make an odd couple, but I think that’s what makes him charming. From his touching story of his past loves to buying Cyndi Lauper for Blair’s 18th birthday party, Cyrus’ win over B was well-played.

I was happy to see that Dan didn’t get himself played while pursuing his own ambitions. The idea that New York magazine would employ a high schooler to write an expose on one of the city’s real estate moguls is utterly ridiculous, as is the thought of a man such as Bart Bass feeling threatened by Dan. The story did end sweetly, though, with Bart and Chuck having a long-deserved heart-to-heart.

In other matters of the heart, Serena looks to be the one on the path to losing. All the romantic gestures in the world can’t hide the fact that Aaron is somewhat of a player. Granted, a true player wouldn’t tell his conquests that he’s seeing others, but he clearly has the upper hand in this relationship. He’s already got Serena doing crazy things like taking a walk in the park in a silk nightie.

Is Aaron good or bad for Serena? Do you think Jenny will go through with the emancipation?

xoxo

-- Enid Portuguez