'Gossip Girl': A Bass from the past

After last night, "Gossip Girl" should decree that the first episode in December will always be "the episode in which Chuck Bass gets emo." It was the one-year anniversary of his father's death, and though nothing could ever come close to Chuck's intensely dramatic performance after Bart Bass' demise last season, it seemed like a good time for another peek into his psyche. 

A lot has changed in a year -- Chuck has allowed Blair into his heart, and he now has commendable ambitions and achievements -- but the same shadows haunt him. Even when alive, Bart Bass loomed over his son with a furrowed brow and his signature air of disappointment. He was no different in death, except his taunts and criticisms were only for Chuck to hear.

At first, Chuck listened as his father's ghost attempted to dictate his business dealings and mocked his relationship with Blair. Bart's spirit took control, and it wasn't until the end that we learned why Chuck acquiesced. On the night of Bart's death, Chuck took one look at his father lying lifeless on a hospital bed and bolted. Not saying goodbye left him with a lifetime of expectations to fulfill along with a deep fear that he would never be the man his father wanted him to be. Thank goodness Chuck has Blair, who lovingly reminded him that he was becoming a greater man than Bart ever was -- it was a soon-to-be-classic Blair-Chuck moment. The ghosts from Chuck's past, however, haven't completely gone. During a visit to Bart's grave, he received a surprise. His mother is alive! I can't wait to see how her story unfolds.

While Chuck brooded, Serena was in the midst of a Kennedy-style scandal. She and Trip had run off to the country together, but he couldn't hold up his end of the bargain. Soon Maureen was paying S a visit with Dr. Van der Woodsen's letter in hand and a proposition to make: She keeps her marriage while Serena stays on as Trip's mistress. It was a no-brainer, but who wasn't scared for a minute that S would agree to it? Her judgment has been more than impaired lately and Maureen is certainly a master at getting what she wants. If it weren't for the wolves that caused Trip's Range Rover to swerve, I'm convinced Serena would actually have reconsidered. Hers was the only head injury I have ever cheered for.

Meanwhile, Nate waited patiently in the wings. He'd been competing for scenes with potted plants earlier this season so I'm glad he stepped up to become this hero for Serena and a reliable bud for Dan. Barring any other sleazy politicians or questionable older men, Serena and Nate will have their moment to shine.  

Lily and Rufus, however, are going to have to work to keep their spark lit. Lily's collecting secrets about her ex-husband, and in time Rufus will lose his patience. I will be very disappointed if this coupling implodes so soon after their wedding, but I wouldn't mind a showdown between Rufus and Dr. Van der Woodsen. My money's on Rufus!

Speaking of money, Jenny's outdone herself with the drug-dealer act. It's so blatantly obvious that she'll get caught, arrested and learn her lesson down the line, but she needs something to do, right? Whatever happened to after-school activities like sports and debate team? Yeesh.

Time for your thoughts, folks. What were your favorite moments of the episode? What do you think brought Chuck's mom back from hiding? Who's in favor of Serena and Nate? 

xoxo

--Enid Portuguez

Related:

'Gossip Girl': Turkey with a side of secrets
'Gossip Girl': The beginning of a bad romance
Complete 'Gossip Girl' coverage on Show Tracker

Photo: The ghost of Bart Bass (Robert John Burke) pays Chuck (Ed Westwick) a visit on "Gossip Girl." Credit: The CW.

Comments

[Balaji1212]

Without doubt the best episode of the season and one of the best in the series history Gossip Girl is back.

Without doubt the best scenes were Chuck and Blair ones they stole the show for me especially the hospital scene was Epic to say the least,i thought last year Ed Westwick was Phenomenal but actually he has gotten even better what a performance,for this episode alone he deserves a emmy Period.

Nate and serena are alright but still besides Nate being head over heels in love with her there doesn't seem to be much else in their relationship and anyway who would love a dumb whore like serena is beyond me.

And as far as the cliffhanger is concerned though i am always for more Chuck storylines but still bringing back his mother from death is a little too day time soapy for my liking i wish they could recapture the feel of the show in season 1 with Chair together of course.

Finally WTH CW 3 months for the next episode whats wrong with them i hate that completely.

[Griscel]

I am totally in favor of Serena and Nate. They are cute together, but I am not sure if we have seen the end of Trip. I also love Chuck and Blair. :)

[Karl Dahlquist]

That episode should have been called "Trip-a-quiddick." While the Twitterverse was all afluster with the Hamlet-inspired flashbacks from the Ghost of Bart Bass Past, I particularly enjoyed it....especially the mystery woman graveside at the end of the episode. Chuck's mother? Remember, he was told she died during his childbirth.

Also, I particularly liked the homage paid to Twilight with those wolves showing up everywhere.

Little J will end up in celebrity rehab and probably come face to face with Georgina Sparks.

[Skye]

Chace Crawford is such a bad actor!! But he's so damn hot to watch it doesnt matter. Best scene is any with Blair in it!

[EMMY 4 ED]

Best Gossip Girl episode this season, if not the series. And, as always, Westwick's performance was top notch. I totally agree with the review of Ed's performance. And must add: Give Ed the Emmy! Best Dramatic Actor! He was ROBBED last year!

I'm convinced that the producers of Footloose gave Chace acting and not just dancing lessons. He is doing great this year. Timing. Emotions. Delivery. And still looks hot! Bonus! He is switching between comedy and drama so effortlessly, too. Same episode he delivers comedy/drama bookends, "He's a douche" and "You stay away from her!" Awesome.

[Christina]

I'm all for Serena and Nate. Nate's deep burning feelings for Serena play a major part in my love for this show. I'm hoping the writers will allow them to grow together in a supportive, loving relationship, but since Chuck and Blair are the resident stable couple of "Gossip Girl", Serena and Nate are sadly doomed.

[Tess]

Chuck and Blair were easily the highlight of this episode -- they really elevate this teen soap into something more -- and I personally can't get enough. Their scene had me on the verge of tears, and I love their new in-a-relationship dynamic. It's even more intense than previous seasons, I think.

I'm beyond glad that Trip is gone, though it'll be a shame to see Maureen leave, she was wonderfully bitchy. I didn't really care for Serena's story line this episode, though.

It's a shame we have to wait for a whole 3 months after such a brilliant episode, but I will if it means more of Ed Westwick's amazing portrayal of a brooding Chuck Bass, and those wonderful, angsty, loving Chuck-Blair scenes.