We knew Elizabeth Hurley was going to be spending a few episodes snuggled into the world of Gossip Girl, but she's starting to look like a regular player.

Last week, Dan had a meeting of the minds regarding the dish on his book, but this week on Gossip Girl, his relationship with Serena is going to be put to the test and Diana has a launch to get underway.

On this week's new episode of Gossip Girl, "Fasting and the Furious," It's time to celebrate Yom Kippur but Blair and Louis run into a little problem where Louis' family is concerned.

Elsewhere, Diana runs into a little glitch launching the New York Spectator and Serena is faced with choosing between her job and her relationship with Dan.

Gossip Girl season five fashion >>

Check out a preview of "Fasting and the Furious" and then watch the full episode on Monday night right before Hart of Dixie...

The CW officially describes "Fasting and the Furious" as the following: "In the midst of celebrating Yom Kippur with family and friends, Blair and Louis find themselves in a power struggle with Louis' family. Serena's boss puts Serena in the awkward position of choosing between her new job and her relationship with Dan . Diana prepares to debut the New York Spectator, but an unfortunate last-minute surprise delays the launch and Diana expects Nate to do whatever it takes to save the day."

Look like a Gossip Girl >>

With November approaching fast and Gossip Girl well into the season, we want to hear from you -- what has been your favorite episode so far?

Head over to our comments section and sound off -- we want the dish!

Photo courtesy of the CW

More on Gossip Girl

Look like a Gossip Girl
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Photo credit: WENN.com, WENN.com, Adriana M. Barraza / WENN.com, C.Smith/WENN.com

It wouldn't be a Gossip Girl wedding without a little bridesmaid competition. Who will end up as Blair's bridesmaids? Keep reading to see who's in the running!

On this week's all-new episode of Gossip Girl, "I Am Number Nine," Blair chooses her bridesmaids in true upper east side-style -- with a competition that includes Charlie.

Elsewhere, Nate uses Charlie to prove a point about keeping his relationship with Diana a secret and Serena works overtime to secure the film rights to Dan's book.

The CW officially describes "I Am Number Nine" as the following: "Blair makes all of her former minions and Charlie compete to secure the coveted bridesmaid spots in her upcoming royal wedding. Nate is tired of keeping his relationship with Diana a secret, so he decides to use Charlie to make Diana jealous. Serena's boss is determined to acquire the film rights to Dan's book, so Serena must put her personal feelings about Dan and the book aside in order to close the deal."

Check out a preview of "I am Number Nine" and then head over to the CW Monday night to see the full episode...

With the CW heading into November sweeps and shows like The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle preparing for a small holiday hiatus, we recently got a sneak peek as to what we'll see in the coming weeks.

The CW also revealed its 2012 lineup, which includes the final season of One Tree Hill.

We know it's a devastating loss, but with so many great shows coming out of the network there will be no shortage of ones to replace it -- it will just take time to fill the void.

Don't forget to check out Gossip Girl Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the CW

Masks, mysteries and romance. It's just the average, everyday lives of our favorite privileged gang from Gossip Girl.

Elizabeth Hurley is still going strong in her guest starring role and this week her character Diana is taking things to a new level where Gossip Girl is concerned.

CW reveals 2012 lineup>>

On the all-new episode, "The Big Sleep No More," Diana switches her focus to Serena in order to complete her mission of ruining Gossip Girl.

Is anyone else loving Elizabeth Hurley's role on GG?

Elsewhere, a few characters are donning some masks and taking in the theater, which leads to unexpected romance.

Let's not forget Dan, who's out on a book tour that doesn't seem to be going the way those closest to him think.

Check out a preview of "The Big Sleep No More" and then head back to the CW Monday night for the full episode...

The CW officially describes "The Big Sleep No More" as the following: "Several of our favorite Upper East Siders attend a performance of Punchdrunk's provocative theater experience, 'Sleep No More,' which translates to masks, anonymity and some surprising romantic twists by the end of the evening. Meanwhile, Diana sets her sights on Serena in her quest to ruin Gossip Girl. Dan is out on his book tour, but things aren't exactly as they appear to his friends and family."

CW November sweeps >>

Have you been following the dish on Gossip Girl?

What is your favorite part of the show -- the gossip, the fashion or the steamy romances? Head over to our comments section and sound off! We want to hear from you.

Photo courtesy of the CW

What's a boy, or two, to do when they're not invited to a bridal shower? Spend the day lost in "distraction" if you're Chuck and Dan from Gossip Girl.

With Serena in full bridal shower planning mode, it's not going to be easy keeping the deets from Blair, so what's a gal to do? Plant false info, of course. Yeah, nothing could go wrong with that plan.

CW casts Gregory Harrison in Ringer>>

Why Dan and Chuck would even be surprised their manly presence would be allowed at Blair's bridal shower is beyond us, but apparently they'll need a little "distraction" to get over it.

CW reveals 2012 lineup >>

Check out a preview of "All the Pretty Sources" and then head over to the CW Monday, Nov. 21 to catch the full episode...

The CW officially describes "All the Pretty Sources" as the following: "Serena is hard at work planning a dream bridal shower for Blair , but it should come as no surprise that Serena has to plant some false information about the shower in order to keep Blair from finding out all the details. Chuck and Dan decide to spend the day together to distract themselves from the fact that they didn't make the invite list for Blair's shower. Nate and Serena find a silver bullet in Diana's war against Gossip Girl, but struggle about whether to use it or not."

The boys of Gossip Girl>>

What do you think of Serena's bridal shower plans? Do you think they'll go off without a hitch or will they go down in true Gossip Girl flames?

Head over to our comments section and sound off!

Photo courtesy of the CW

Roll out the high society welcome wagon -- it's time to officially declare Charlie a part of the Upper East Side scene.

Charlie might be blending into her surroundings as a New York socialite, but Lily wants to make sure she gets the welcome she deserves on this week's new episode of Gossip Girl, "Riding In Town Cars With Boys."

While Lily is busy planning a "welcome to New York" society party for Charlie, someone else is busy throwing a kink in Charlie's future -- her ex.

Elsewhere, those secret feelings Dan has toward Blair are screaming to get out, but will they? We'll have to wait and see.

Check out a clip of "Riding In Town Cars With Boys," then head over to the CW to watch the full episode on Monday night...

The CW officially describes "Riding In Town Cars With Boys" as the following: "Lily throws Charlie a party to officially introduce her to New York society. Meanwhile, Charlie's ex-boyfriend, Max , throws a wrench into Charlie's future as an Upper East Side princess. Dan decides it may be time to tell Blair the truth about his feelings for her."

Gossip Girl's 100th episode will air in January and the cast was recently seen celebrating the big event in style in the Big Apple.

What do you think of the story and style on this season's Gossip Girl? Is the fashion and scandal of the Upper East Side intriguing?

Head over to our comments section and sound off!

read on for more gossip girl

Michelle Trachtenberg was almost Bella

2012 CW lineup

The boys of Gossip Girl

Photo courtesy of the CW

Hey fashion fans! It's me, Whitney, again! Just checking in to let you know about all the fun stuff we've done so far at New York's 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The Rock & Republic show was super cool. Just as I'd hoped, I ran into my Gossip Girl crush Ed Westwick, and as an added bonus, Penn Badgley.

From there, I scrambled over to the SheKnows party to meet the amazing Toni Braxton and check out the highly anticipated sock dress, designed by Michael Costello.

Saturday, we woke up early to check out Christian Cota's new line and then rushed over to Lincoln Center to catch another show. Over at Tibi we sat down with Plain Jane host Louise Roe, who filled us in on all the looks she's loving from the streets.

So far, it sounds like what's in right now is bright prints, florals, and here's a fashion curveball, baseball caps.

This morning, thankfully, it's been a little less hectic, but it's not going to stay that way. Right now we're headed over to the Savage Senses jewelry launch and then the Tracy Reese afterparty at Stone Rose Lounge.

Just talking about it is making my head spin!

Gotta jet now, but I'll check back in with you guys tomorrow. Rewind and check out our day one fashion week report and be sure to check back tomorrow for the dish on Badgley Mischka, Bebe and Pamela Rolland.

Ciao!

Penn Badgley is a huge fan of The Hunger Games. The Gossip Girl actor, an outspoken supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement, even believes there are ties between Suzanne Collins' novel and what's happening in the world today.

"It's the one percent [killing the kids],"Penn Badgley explained of The Hunger Games' plot, which centers around The Capitol's rich citizens watching children from other "districts" fight to the death for entertainment. "I think you'd have to be blind to not see that. I was shocked to see all that in there."

"I thought it was just going to be the games," Penn Badgley said of his presumption about The Hunger Games. An idea that turned out to be true -- but also so much more than the 25-year-old anticipated.

Movie review: The Hunger Games>>

Continuing to explain his reaction to watching the movie Penn Badgley added, "But then I realized, and I thought, 'If this doesn't end in revolution, it's irresponsible, because of everything it's bringing up.' If Katniss doesn't become a f*****g revolutionary, then I don't know what they're doing. And as it went on, I went, 'F**k! That's what they're doing!' Which is cool."

One has to wonder, if Penn Badgley was just introduced to The Hunger Games through the film, has he not read Suzanne Collins' books? There's a whole lot more this Gossip Girl actor is going to love if it's revolution he's got a taste for!

The Hunger Games: Fan fever reaches new heights>>

Do you see ties between The Hunger Games and Occupy Wall Street as Penn Badgley does?

Image via WENN

We were surprised to learn that Blake Lively and her Green Lantern co-star Ryan Reynolds made their relationship official Sunday with a wedding in South Carolina. However, we figured those in her inner circle — like her Gossip Girl co-stars — would know about impending nuptials.

Not so, says co-star Penn Badgley: He learned about Lively's new status as a missus like we did.

Blake Lively named face of new Gucci fragrance >>

"I actually didn't know until last night, but I think it's fantastic," he told People on Monday. "I couldn't be happier for her."

Kind of a surprising reaction, given that Lively and Badgley dated for three years. However, both sides seemed to stay friendly after the 2010 breakup.

"Every relationship you have, you're learning and growing and taking something from that," Lively told Glamour in 2011. "So for me, it's never been too dramatic of a thing when something ends."

Badgley expressed similar sentiments in an interview with JustJared Jr. in 2010.

"Women have a different path to cut out for themselves and they have different hurdles to leap and she’s doing it with such grace and such a wonderful way that it’s a really amazing thing to be a part of," he gushed of his ex.

Sounds like two years hasn't dampened his enthusiasm for his 25-year-old ex, despite not being invited to the intimate nuptials at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

"I'm so happy for her," he told People on Monday. "I think it's everything that it should be."

Image courtesy Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

Do you think Penn Badgley is being sincere about his good wishes for ex-girlfriend Blake Lively?

Don't let the smiles fool you: Gossip Girl is bringing the drama. A lot has changed since the last time we saw our favorite Upper East Siders. One person in particular has undergone a huge transformation.

Gossip Girl set to kick off sixth and final season>>

In the latest promo for the sixth season premiere, Chuck, Blair and the rest of the gang are crashing a party. Whose party? It's Serena's — or should we say Sabrina's?

We don't know the specifics, but it looks like Serena's getting hitched. And her groom is none other than 7th Heaven alum Barry Watson. She claims to want a fresh start, but her friends aren't buying it.

Isn't it ironic that this promo was released a day after Blake Lively's real-life wedding to Ryan Reynolds? Talk about good timing.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively got hitched!>>

Serena isn't the only person getting some loving. Chuck and Blair are back to their old ways. They're hitting the sheets and causing trouble. So where does that leave Dan? Judging from the trailer, he's a little bitter. Both Blair and Serena slap him after he spews a few saucy comments. Can they blame the guy? He's been emotionally used and abused. Dan's not the best company right now.

Also, watch out for the return of Michelle Trachtenberg's Georgina. She lays down the law and declares everyone must be exposed!

Check out the preview below:

Gossip Girl returns Oct. 8 at 9/8c on The CW.

Photo credit: Patricia Schlein / WENN

Charlie Sheen and Ashton Kutcher

Maybe it’s all that tiger blood that made Charlie Sheen’s claws come out so much this year. While there aren’t many people he hasn’t picked a fight with, there is only one we’d particularly like to see go toe-to-toe with the Anger Management actor at the Emmys: his Two and a Half Men replacement, Ashton Kutcher. There’s plenty of bad juju between these two. In February, Charlie told TMZ he was “tired of pretending Ashton doesn’t suck.” In May, Ashton signed a new contract with Charlie’s old show for a raise that was paltry in comparison to his playboy predecessor’s astronomical pay rate.

L image courtesy of FayesVision/WENN.com, R image courtesy of Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

Kris Jenner and June Thompson

Filled with everything from sex tapes to marital woes, the past year has been plagued by scandal for Kris Jenner. In classic Kris fashion, however, she’s chosen to focus on what she considers her own personal PR nightmare: having a ratings face-off with TLC’s surprise smash Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. Please, please, please for the love of all things salty and prepackaged, let Kris have a red carpet run-in with Honey Boo Boo’s mama bear, June Thompson. We’ve only got one piece of advice for you, Kris — you’d better redneckognize!

L image courtesy of WENN.com, R image courtesy of WENN.com

Penn Badgley and Ryan Reynolds

In the wake of Blake Lively’s surprise South Carolina wedding to Ryan Reynolds, the thought that crossed many minds was of Blake’s cutie-pie ex and Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley. They may have called it quits in 2010, but the two have remained chummy on set… and the three-year relationship was the last long-term affair for the actress before tying the knot. So do we buy it when Penn claims that — despite discovering Blake’s new marital status online like the rest of us — he “couldn’t be happier for her?” Nope! And what would be so wrong with Penn throwing a couple punches Ryan’s way? Naturally, both guys would need to take their shirts off for the tussle. Oh, c'mon... it could totally happen .

L image courtesy of Stefan Jeremiah/WENN.com, R image courtesy of PNP/WENN.com

Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey

It’s official! Nicki Minaj will, in fact, be bringing her “Super Bass” to American Idol. But not everyone is over the moon about the “Starships” singer’s newly minted place on the panel — pop diva Mariah Carey is reportedly fuming over the new addition! Apparently, drama has been brewing since rumors first broke that the rapper was on the short list for the job, which prompted Mariah to abandon all phone etiquette and hang up on producers mid-call about Miss Minaj. While we’d hate to see anyone break an acrylic nail, this would be a catfight of epic proportions… and definitely worth tuning in for.

L image courtesy of B.Dowling/WENN.com, R image courtesy of Curtis Sabir/WENN.com

Jennie Garth and Tiffani Thiessen

For a girl who looks so wholesome, Jennie Garth sure does make a lot of enemies. Perhaps it’s just the curse of the notoriously catty TV zip code from which the actress hails. Her sordid past with her hothead costar Shannen Doherty was certainly no secret, but who knew Jennie no longer plays nice with White Collar sweetheart Tiffani Thiessen? After sharing screen time together on 90210, Jennie and Tiffani became BFFs — Tiffani even played a part in Jennie’s now non-operational marriage to Peter Facinelli. Today, the ladies aren’t even on speaking terms!

If any scuffles do break out, we'll have a front row seat!

We'll be on the red carpet, keeping an eye out for awkward moments and potential brawls. So, be sure to check out SheKnows Goes to the Shows throughout the night on Sunday, September 23 to hear what the stars have to say about their competition, see what they're wearing, and more!

L image courtesy of FayesVision/WENN.com, R image courtesy of Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

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I like mornings in the Upper East Side according to Gossip Girl. Serena wakes up before noon and not hungover, but in the bed of some guy who didn't even know her real name until a week ago. Nate wakes up with a pixie-like "journalism student." Blair pops up from under her duvet and immediately starts scolding Dorota. And Dan opens his eyes to find Georgina staring at him. Again.

And where's Chuck at 7 a.m.? Already suited-up and scheming, of course.

Chuck Bass has s*** to do — he's desperately trying to figure out why his father faked his own death and what he was up to while away. As always, Lily is convinced Chuck is trying to ruin their marriage. Never mind that Bart is perfectly capable of doing that himself. He slept with what's-her-name before he "died," but Lilly seems unconcerned.

Meanwhile, Blair has her own scheming to do when she finds out the reporter assigned to write about her fashion collection is none other than Nelly Yuki. Blair only tortured her for most of their lives . Then, Blair sends her minions to spy on Poppy Lifton's line and finds out they're using the same fabric. Havoc ensues.

While everyone else is dressed for business, Serena flutters around Manhattan in a maxi-dress. This, and coffee with Nate, is her idea of being a grown-up. While they're out, S and Nate spot Nate's new girl, Sage, with Serena's boyfriend/whatever, Steven . Eek.

Today, Dan is only slightly less inappropriately dressed. As he and Georgina hit up various magazines looking to publish Dan's "tell-all," Dan sports some frat-boy chic with faded jeans and an untucked button-down. Classy, Humphrey.

In the end, everything comes out at the Central Park Conservancy Gala. Blair goes head-to-head with Nelly and Poppy and discovers they weren't trying to sabotage her after all. They knew she'd do it on her own. Nate and Serena find out Steven and Sage aren't cheating together. Sage just happens to be Steven's 17-year-old daughter. Gross on so many levels.

Finally, acting on the advice Nelly offered him at the Gala, Dan forgoes serializing his tell-all with the bigger magazines. Instead, he hands it over to Nate for Spectator.

Oh, and we still have no idea what Bart Bass was up to while he was dead.

Other important things from this week:

The hair: Technically, Dan and Chuck have the exact same haircut. Difference: Dan's looks like it's been ravaged by a tornado. We're supposed to want to run our fingers through it, but we're too afraid they'll get stuck. Nelly's hair at the Gala was the strangest thing ever . Is that what the stylists think "loser hair" looks like? Also, someone please tackle Serena, wash her hair and then give the girl some fresh highlights.

Serena's dress at the Gala: What? No.

Chuck's safe: No. Chuck is smarter than to use his mother's birthday as the combination. Also, did anyone else notice the books in his safe? What do you think they are? We're betting two of them are first editions of The Art of War and The Age of Innocence.

There's no way even one designer would choose that awful fabric. Not even Poppy, much less Blair.

Barry Watson and Serena as a couple is still incredibly disturbing. The Rev. and Mrs. Camden would never approve.

Batman Chuck threatening Daddy-Bass: So hot.

Finally, Blair has a week to create a new clothing line. Where is Jenny? Where is Jenny?Where is Jenny?!

Images courtesy of The CW

Gossip Girl fans have waited years in a painstaking tug-of-war between wanting to know how everything would end and hoping the show would last forever. Who would end up together? What friendships would make it to adulthood unscathed? Would the Van der Woodsens ever get their lives together? We may not have all the answers until May or June, but we might know a thing or two...

Here's what we know for sure:

Chuck and Blair are 99.9 percent getting married! Earlier in October, photos from the set found their way online. Blair isn't wearing white, but is that really surprising? Instead, she's covered from clavicle to toes in a seafoam-green lace dress. It's very retro and absolutely gorgeous. Also spotted is Chuck in a white tux with matching beachy green lapels. Since the only other time matching a tux and a dress is acceptable is at a prom or homecoming, it's safe to say they're dressed for a wedding!

We don't want to make promises we can't keep, of course. We've also found sneaky papz pictures on WetPaint of Chuck boarding a Bass Industries airplane and leaving Blair on the runway. Then, again, another set photo shows Chuck spinning a gold wedding band around his finger.

Maybe it's wishful thinking, but it seems like a legitimate time to start hearing wedding bells.

Here's some added speculation:

Real life's own Gossip Girl, Perez Hilton, recently posted pictures of Serena and Dan standing in front of a minister, as well. S, never missing the moment to rock something ridiculous, is in a white ball gown draped in gold lame. It's gorgeous and absurd and so very Serena. Beside her is Dan in a charcoal suit. It's nice and a bit boring and so very Humphrey.

We're not ready to call odds on a happily-ever-after between Serena and Dan just yet. It's been an incredibly bumpy road for the couple. Even if they're getting married, it doesn't mean that it's real or that it's for love. After all, it's Serena.

The only thing 100 percent certain is that the final season of Gossip Girl continues to look like the best one yet!

Images courtesy of WENN.com

Gossip Girl's third episode of the season — “Dirty Rotten Scandals” — left us feeling worse than Nelly Yuki being dissed at the bar by Dan Humphrey.

Maybe it’s fitting that we focus on "Nerdy Nelly" first since she is the freshest thing going in Gossip Girl’s final season, and all signs point to her playing a crucial role down the stretch.

Nelly Yuki made an innocent appearance late in the show as the muckraking journalist intent on destroying Blair Waldorf’s fashion empire. But, Nelly saved her best for last in the show’s closing montage while making the juiciest proposal on Gossip Girl since Hilary Duff’s character asked for a threesome with Dan and Vanessa.

After Dan confesses the reason he's drinking alone and without a place to shack up for the night , Nelly swoops in to offer her bed.

You know, because that’s what old high school friends do, right?

And just as her plan looks to be coming together, Humphrey is approached by a swanky-looking redhead and leaves a despondent-looking Nelly by her lonesome.

The resurrection of Nelly Yuki begs the question: Why bring her back in the final season?

Is it just to humiliate her?

Is it to show what a pompous jerk Dan have become?

Is it because she was listed in one of Mitt Romney’s binders?

Or is it because Nelly Yuki is the real Gossip Girl?

I know, I know. It’s far-fetched. And yes, maybe I’m reaching out in frustration over the past couple episodes. But why not Nelly Yuki?

Once a prominent character in the second and third seasons, she took the brunt of Blair’s bullying through high school. Yet, Nelly eventually overcame her awkward looks and geeky glasses to steal Blair’s admissions spot at Yale, proving Nelly could scheme with the best.

And let’s not forget her high school bond with Dan Humphrey as the ultimate outsiders armed with the brainpower to take down the Upper East Side. It’s no coincidence Nelly reminded Dan of that twice already this season.

For a show that once focused on Gossip Girl’s omnipotence to mess with the lives of our favorite Upper East Siders, the mystery behind the pseudonym has become lost in a plot that’s become more twisted than Lombard Street.

Just look at what’s happened to the show’s main players in this week’s episode.

Serena is forming a “new family” with Steven , her sugar daddy we know dangerously too little about, and his 17-year old daughter Sage, who, oh by the way, sleeps with Serena’s pal, Nate .

Blair, meanwhile, remains forever scheming. She’s been handed the keys to her mother’s fashion empire, but botches her first public appearance when she casts — as a favor to Serena — Sage in the lead role.

Gossip Girl takes this opportunity to remix its top hit because nothing beats a Blair/Serena feud. And we all know nothing serves as a better recipe for disaster than a fashion show, especially one showing a 17-year old ripping off her dress on the runway to reveal a midriff that would make Christina Aguilera jealous!

Serena once again upstages Blair, this time by storming out of the fashion show taking the rest of the crowd with her.

We’ve seen the Serena vs. Blair story line unfold before. It’s stale and boring; and this latest feud seems headed nowhere — unless, of course, you’re Blair, which means right into the pin-striped arms of Chuck Bass .

Garnering less screen time than usual, Chuck plays a pivotal role in this week’s chapter by helping Blair coordinate the last-minute details of her fashion show. What else would you expect from a guy whose socks always impeccably match his pocket squares?

Chuck also finds — in a boxing gym no less — a potential breakthrough while investigating his father's seedy affairs in Dubai. He'll focus his efforts next episode, with Blair's help, on finding the mysterious "Lady Alexander."

At least for now, Chuck and Blair seem content teaming up, but dodging each other’s lips.

The rockiest relationship on Gossip Girl belongs to Dan and his dad, Rufus . Once the moral compass of the show, Rufus’s character is in the most violent tailspin of all, spiraling now into the arms of the half-his-age, vilified con artist Ivy Dickens .

Rufus’s sultry moment in bed with Ivy provides Dan with the perfect backdrop for the first installment of his tell-all exposé, which Dan sells to Nate for the publication in the Spectator. Somehow Gossip Girl learns that Rufus plans to sue Dan for libel, which is news to father and son.

But not for Ivy who seems confident in manipulating Rufus. If it wasn’t weird enough that Ivy once tried to commit suicide plus extort millions from the van der Woodsen clan, Dan reminds Rufus that Ivy once tried to sleep with Dan while pretending to be Serena.

Like son, like father… I guess?

And poor Nate is caught right in the middle, somehow as he always is, of everyone’s drama. Stabbed in the back by Dan, Nate loses the rights to Humphrey’s serial articles when Dan makes a powerplay to take his work to Vanity Fair. Nate gives his one-time pal the boot, setting the scene for the decisive moment between Dan and Nelly Yuki in the bar.

With many of its characters and story lines stuck either in neutral or the absurdity, why not sit back for the remainder of Gossip Girl’s final season and root for the underdog — and not Dan Humphrey — to expose the truth about the Upper East Side once and for all.

Root for Nelly Yuki.

Images courtesy of CW Network

Executives from The CW network deserve a lot of credit for how they handled their programming last week while the entire Northeast braced for Hurricane Sandy. CW execs opted not to air Gossip Girl’s fourth episode of the final season last Monday, instead showing a rerun of the season premier. It was the right call and show of good faith.

Sadly, wise decisions by the network brass could not make up for yet another disappointing episode. The weeklong postponement did little to salvage a show that is floundering. With too much happening too fast, storylines continue to elude viewers while crossing into the realm of absurdity.

In Episode 4 — "Portrait of Lady Alexander" — we’re spoon-fed a typical Gossip Girl recipe for drama that unfolds at a high-society event where we get to see a lot of rich people in fancy outfits doing rich people stuff that only Upper East Siders know how to do.

Most of the usual gang convenes at an equestrian meet where we find Nate spending quality time with his jailbait girlfriend’s father, Blair and Chuck hot in pursuit of “Lady Alexander,” while Serena and her mother argue over the revelation that they share more in common than blonde hair.

Oh, and somewhere in Brooklyn, Rufus and Ivy are still making out.

The lone bright spot in Episode 4 is the script, which delivered more quick-witted puns than an Obama cross-examination.

So, since Gossip Girl’s sixth and final season appears to be stuck in a horses and bayonets era, let’s find some bright spots while breaking down, in no particular order, the five most memorable quotes from “Portrait of Lady Alexander.”

"I heard they lost a fortune in Facebook stock.” – Blair

Show creators/writers Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz show their pop culture savvy by taking dead aim at Mark Zuckerberg. Coming out of Blair’s mouth, the economic jab at the social media tycoon is smoothly delivered in a Waldorf kind of cool that oozes Upper East Side eminence.

“I’m dating your ex and that cancels out any sirs.” – Steven Spence

The episode’s biggest bombshell is the scandalous disclosure that Serena, who is in love with Steven, dated Nate, who is hooking up with Steven’s high school-aged daughter Sage. Steven discovers the creepy connection while perusing Dan Humphrey’s most recent exposé, which is not read in the Spectator since Dan sold Nate out for Vanity Fair. Inspired to discover the truth, Steven demands Serena share their previous romps for, you know, the good of the relationship.

This only foreshadows disaster, but for the time being Steven demonstrates he’s willing to give Nate a chance, and we later see the two sharing a chummy moment while discussing sports at the equestrian meet. All appears well until...

“Dad, seriously. Gross.” - Sage

Steven’s plan for full disclosure backfires when Lily van der Woodson crashes the horse-riding party. As if it’s not bizarre enough that Steven’s dating his daughter’s boyfriend’s ex, we find out he once shared a wild night at some European ski resort with his girlfriend’s mom that involved a lot of whiskey and painkillers. Yikes!

Yet no matter how many variables you insert into this lover's quadratic formula, Serena’s commitment to Steven is emboldened by the bizarre turn of events, and by the end of the episode, they’re able to “make new images” and put the weirdness behind them.

Here’s where you have to give show creators Savage and Schwartz credit for pushing the boundaries of incest on a teenage drama while at the same time managing to eclipse the Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphries relationship for plausibility.

 “Suck it up, Humphrey. They have pills for that.” – Georgina Sparks

Dan , once the show’s moral crusader, is seen throughout the fourth episode relishing in his newfound fame. With the aid of Georgina , Dan begins a quest to align himself with suitable bedmates — the Ivy League types — to broaden his writing and marketing appeal.

Even with Georgina challenging his manhood, Dan seems disinterested, and his subplot plays a minor role in this week’s installment. That is, until the end of the episode, when in somewhat of an effective plot twist, he shows up at Blair’s apartment looking for a place to crash.

Where’s Nelly Yuki when you need her?

We just hope Blair suggests Humphrey visit the barber before Episode 5 for a Chuck Bass-like haircut . And speaking of Chuck...

 “Sorry. International affairs are not my area of expertise. Well, at least not this kind.” – Chuck

It’s only fitting we end on a Chuck Bass zinger since the episode centered around Chuck and Blair’s quest to track down Lady Alexander.

After receiving a tip from a random dude in a sweaty gym during the previous episode, Chuck and B’s search sends them from a hipster art gallery to the posh stables of a Princess Jasmine lookalike.

Lady Alexander turns out to be a thoroughbred purchased by Bart Bass from a Sudanese sheikh. Together, Chuck and Blair uncover that the elder Bass used the horses as part of an elaborate money-laundering scheme to hide his profits in an illegal oil deal. The horses were all part of Bart’s Houdini act to stay out of federal prison.

You have to hand it to Gossip Girl once again. It’s the only show on television that teaches you international law and relationship advice while reminding you that nothing’s more absurd than life on the Upper East Side.

Images courtesy of CW Network

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We thought we had it all figured out, didn't we?

Those pictures of Dan and Serena dressed up like the bridal version of Barbie and Ken had us all believing in a happily ever after for Serena. Perhaps we were just being delusional, though. Between Dan's nasty publishing deeds and Serena's creepy new boyfriend, things have certainly looked rocky. Still, in the words of Dionne Warwick, we kept "wishing and hoping and praying and thinking."

Then they gave us the preview for tonight's episode!

Serena, taking a cue from Blaire , decides to investigate her boyfriend, Matt Camden Steven . While riffling through his belongings, Serena happens on a surprise: a huge diamond ring! It's massive. To the point of being gaudy, really.

Blaire's alter ego, Audrey Hepburn, would absolutely agree. Holly Golightly said it best in Breakfast at Tiffany's when she told Paul, "It's tacky to wear diamonds before you're 40." While it's safe to assume Holly would make an exception for engagement rings,  there's really no way to overlook this monstrosity. Serena's never had much taste, though, so she's beyond stoked.

Steve's daughter , Sage , feels quite the opposite about their deepening relationship.

She turns to Blaire for help in destroying her father's relationship with Serena. Since Blaire and Serena still aren't on BFF terms, Blaire obviously can't help but agree. By the end of the 30-second promo, it's Sage who ends up opening a ring box.

It's easy to jump to the conclusion that the ring Sage opens belongs to her father and is meant for Serena. But does Sage know that? Just because she knows Steven and Serena are getting closer, it doesn't mean she's seen the ring.

Will she know every in and out to Blaire's latest scheme or will Sage think that ring is actually intended for her?

Images courtesy of WENN.com

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Why drag things out? Here's the basic gist of everything that happened on the latest episode of Gossip Girl:

Steven bought a ring because he's "in love" with Serena . Serena was thrilled. Sage was not.

So, Sage and Blair worked together to come up with a scheme to delay Steven from proposing to Serena.

Meanwhile, Blair called Lily and played the concerned BFF. She reminded Mrs. Bass how S has a tendency to fall in love with every guy she dates. When Steven showed up to get Lily's permission, she could no longer offer it.

That's OK, though. It wasn't needed.

First, Steven decided he didn't care what Lily thought. He still wanted to marry Serena. How noble.

Except that when Sage realized her big plan wasn't working, she changed gears. She swiped Georgina's phone, which was loaded with scandalous footage of Serena and Humphrey . Then, she had it play on the big screen during the cotillion. That's one way to skin a socialite.

Of things Steven was willing to overlook, this wasn't one of them. He dumped Serena, claiming she had too much baggage. Well, duh.

Sage's date to the cotillion, Nate , was also unimpressed with Sage's antics.

"You may be legal," he said. "But this is way too high school for me."

Yes, it was high school! And that, dear Nate is exactly what we've been missing. C'mon! They're not that old. If they're going to keep making the same mistakes they've made since high school, they ought to be allowed to play the same pranks.

The ages-old video of Serena and Dan also brought the end of whatever was going on between Dan and Blair. He made a valiant effort to persuade her to like him and choose him over Chuck . But when she finally called things off for sleeping with her best friend, he didn't seem all that concerned.

Why did Blair care that much, anyway? She's supposed to be in love with Chuck. Perhaps because her on-again-off-again BFF has slept with her boyfriend once again? First Nate, now Dan.

There was a brief moment when B & S made up at the cotillion. They bonded over Serena being beautiful and Blair being conniving. But, after the video, Blair wrote her off yet again. Making Serena seemingly alone.

Enter Dan. Again.

The ex-lovers head to a diner for burgers, fries and milkshakes. The last time we see them, they're reminiscing over Humphrey's underwear. Those two are so hooking up.

Meanwhile, Blair showed up at Chuck's place.

"Thank you for never sleeping with Serena," she sulked.

"My pleasure," replied her future husband and father to her future gorgeous and spoiled brat.

Chuck told Blair she'll have to wait just a little bit longer. Just as they're about to kiss, Darota texted and told B to come home quickly. The drama? First, someone is asking for the pattern to the "Sage sex dress." Second, Miss Eleanor is on her way home. Uh-oh, B! Mama's coming to take back her fashion throne.

Basically, a whole lot of nothing happened during Monstrous Ball. On another level, things have been put into motion. Nearly everyone is back where they belong and that's a comforting feeling for Gossip Girl fans.

Images courtesy of The CW

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All is well in the Gossip Girl universe now that Dan and Serena are hooking up again.

After losing our interest on frivolity like the Spences and horses named Lady Alexander, Gossip Girl finally got back on track in this season’s sixth episode — “Where the Vile Things Are” — rewarding loyal viewers by digging into its nostalgic past.

How can we not start with the reincarnation of Dan and Serena? And for the heck of it, why not call them one of those cool couple nicknames, like "van der Humphrey?"

We know by now that Serena van der Woodsen gets over her men faster than Jenny McCarthy’s hand moving toward a Justin Bieber butt cheek. After nearly saying I do to Steven Spence the previous week, Serena and Dan spend most of this episode escaping the paparazzi plus gallivanting at their high school hangout spots.

As we stroll down memory lane with van der Humphrey, we even gather some helpful dating advice for both sides.

Women: It’s OK to hustle your date at billiards — as long as you look like Blake Lively and not Minnesota Fats.

Men: Women cannot resist a man who drives a Vespa like Jason Bourne.

Couples: When your relationship turns south, head for an elevator.

Yep, Serena and Dan get stuck in an elevator again.

This challenges us to dig back to a Season 2 episode when van der Humphrey is trapped during a summer blackout. Dan and Serena emerged from those closed doors a split pair. But during elevator lockdown Round 2, the only doors opening are straight to Serena’s bedroom.

For all they’ve been through, it’s hard not to wish for Dan and Serena to finish the series a happy couple. Whereas other Gossip Girl couples consistently choose separation, van der Humphrey exudes determination.

Heck, Romeo and Juliet had it easier! Their parents may have wanted the other’s blood, but at least Mr. Montague didn’t marry Mrs. Capulet.

If, by the end of the series, Dan and Serena’s stars end up crossed, then all our romantic hope hinges on the shoulders of Chuck and Blair . Surprisingly, the two do not share a single scene in this week’s episode.

While Chuck and Blair are busy sorting out their mommy and daddy issues, we see them tap into bygone behavior that made them Chuck and Blair in the first place.

Chuck is still persistent after proof his father brokered an illegal oil deal. And that leads him to some scheming with his good buddy Nate . It’s not a Bass-Archibald plan if it doesn’t involve alcohol and half-naked call girls.

It’s nice to see Chuck and Nate hatching plans together again, even if it only serves the purpose of a shameless corporate plug for the new Windows 8 phone. Ultimately, the two besties are outmaneuvered at an art auction by the slippery Ivy Dickens.

Yes, the Upper East Side’s most annoying charlatan is still lingering. And as long as she holds the proof Chuck covets, Ivy and her big 80s hair aren’t going anywhere.

Speaking of hair, how fitting that Blair’s plot to save her stake in mom’s company is yet another Gossip Girl throwback?

Blair spends most of the “Vile things” episode brooding and sulking while her mother condemns her dark side behavior. All seems lost until an epiphanic rendezvous with the most underrated Gossip Girl blast-from-the-past, Nelly Yuki .

The fact Queen B meets Nelly on the New York Met steps — the place where she once ruled her high school kingdom — is a symbolic retrogression to the show’s golden ages of knee-high socks, plaid skirts, and, of course, headbands for everyone!

While Nelly Yuki deserves some credit for the hair accessory idea, Blair emerges from the Met steps as the hero having found her pièce de résistance.

Headbands for everyone!

Naturally Blair Waldorf plans to revolutionize an entire line of girl’s high school uniforms. Apparently, there’s a market for that, and girls will be lining up to buy B’s outfits like they’re extinct Twinkies.

For a show that’s strayed far from its original path, what better way to reconnect Gossip Girl with its roots than the “B-Line” heading to an Upper East Side boutique near you.

Headbands for everyone!

Images courtesy of CW Network

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The end is near for Gossip Girl fans. On the up side, as the series finale draws closer, the scheming on Gossip Girl returns to its glory days. Sage's role on the show finally begins to make sense as she brings the return of high-school antics to our favorite Upper East Side gang.

Last week we watched as Dan and Serena finally reunited, bringing a glimmer of hope to the lives of GG fans. This week, the couple learns that if they want to be taken seriously by their friends and family, they must own up to their past mistakes. Dan needs to fix the damage done by his writing. Meanwhile, Serena must apologize for... being a drunken, self-centered girl?

It looks like Serena will make amends by helping Blair in her final attempt to prove herself to her mother. It isn't all about wheeling and dealing, though. It looks like the two might actually return to being BFFs! All is right in the world. Especially when this week's awesomely cryptic promo begins with Blair advising Sage.

"If they don't do what you say," says a shifty-eyed Blair, "You spill their secrets."

Be honest: You know you let out an evil cackle at that line. Blair knows a thing or two about controlling others. She's been telling people's secrets since the dawn of time . So, why is Blair giving advice to Sage? Blair's going to need Sage to assert her power over her friends this week as she uses the high-schooler's fashion sense when she makes her case to her mother. Eleanor Waldorf must continue to let Blair run her business.

The latest promo isn't all fun and games, though.

During one gasp-worthy scene, Chuck whisper-speaks to Blair, "We can't be together."

Will Chuck really call off his quasi-engagement to B or is this just some editing trickery from The CW? There might be a few panic attacks during "Save the Last Chance" as we all wait and see.

We've got less than a month until Gossip Girl passes on her last juicy tidbit. We want everything to work out perfectly, but we'll just have to wait and see

Images courtesy of The CW

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Let’s try something new this week shall we?

As I watched Monday’s Gossip Girl episode — “Save the Last Chance” — I kept a running diary of the key scenes, funny jokes, and questions that burn deeper than my disdain for Ivy Dickens.

Enjoy.

8:02 MT— We’re quickly whisked into Serena’s bedroom where her and Dan look like they’re recovering from a busy night. Van der Humphrey just wishes they could stay like “this” forever. The “this”, of course, means hanging out in secret rather than public exposure. It’s actually not that bad an idea for Dan and Serena, Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez, or anyone for that matter.

8:03 — Bart Bass is done ransacking his son Chuck's apartment in search of the stolen microfilm  — or as Chuck cracks — his missing Viagra. The touching moment is ruined when Ivy Dickens  enters with a plan to use the microfilm as bait. I can't even focus because I’m developing a gag relax for every scene involving the con artist turned harlot. Her character has become more loathsome than previous Gossip Girl villains Agnes Andrews and Juliet Sharp combined.

8:04 — Has anyone ever looked as good fist pumping in a suit on Central Park West as Nate Archibald ?

8:05 — Serena shows up at Blair’s office declaring peace as she's dressed in a skirt that flies so high it nearly crosses into restricted air space. Nelly Yuki drops by to poke fun at Blair's new clothing series and steals the scene as she's done throughout the entire season of Gossip Girl. Keep stealing, Nelly. Because you're one of the few bright spots this season. Especially when dissing Blair with Katniss Everdeen references.

8:08 — The return of Serena’s father William is the first bombshell of the night. Let’s take a moment to get this whole thing straight. Ivy, who at one point pretended to be Serena’s cousin Charlie, has been hooking up with Rufus, but is now making out with the real Charlie’s father plus scheming to take down Lily van der Woodsen, who is the former wife of both guys Ivy’s sleeping with? Gag. And I thought the Kristen Stewart-Robert Pattinson relationship was hard to keep up with.

8:13 — Back from the commercials, and I nearly threw up in my lap after Ivy climbs in William’s lap.

8:15 — Dan apologizes to Nate and Chuck as part of Humphrey's soul-searching mission. Apparently, Dan’s also been searching for the deepest V-neck sweater in Manhattan to expose his growthy chest hair.

8:18 — You knew this one was coming. Rufus spots Ivy smooching a mystery man and then gives us a classic Rufus stare down. Meanwhile, I’m scrambling for a rag to clean up the chunks off my keyboard during the commercial break.

8:24 — Blair calls a meeting of the “Five Dons,” — a group of Manhattan’s most powerful coeds. Sage is present as Blair asks for the Dons' support at the clothing line debut. The meeting begs two questions:

1)   Do high school girls really dress like this?

2)   Do they really know enough about the Godfather trilogy to refer to each other as Dons?

8:27 — Dan’s soul searching takes him back to Brooklyn for a heart-to-heart with Rufus. They’re interrupted by Ivy’s nauseating, “Honey I’m home!”  Gag. No vomit this time. Just Ivy packing her bags with a smile on her face.

8:29 — Sage walks down the street yacking away on the phone about how she’s going to spoil yet another of Blair’s schemes. I don’t care. I just want to know: Do high school girls really dress like that???

8:34 — Back from commercial break to see the Dons arrive at Blair’s fashion outing. Seriously, do high school girls really dress like that?????

8:35 — Blair and Chuck are back on screen together for the first time in two episodes. It’s slightly awkward, which means we’re bound for another Blair and Chuck meltdown before the end of the night.

8:37 —“Take off your clothes! Strip!”  Yep. That’s the classy Ivy Dickens for you! Always getting older men to undress. Except this time it’s Bart Bass unbuttoning.

8:40 — Line of the night brought to you by Bart while half-nude in front of Ivy: “I’m fine being your Eliot Spitzer scandal.”

8:47 — Bart Bass brought his A-game tonight folks! After returning from a commercial break, we see Bart, Chuck, and Ivy squabbling. As Bass Jr. departs, Daddy Bass taunts his son asking, “Does Blair need you to come over to kill a spider?” 

8:48 — Blair’s outing is a huge hit with teenyboppers fighting over hair accessories like it’s Black Friday. Serena tells us Blair’s about to get everything she’s always wanted. Except Blair pauses...Don’t say it Blair! ... Don’t say all you want is Chuck! … Yep, she said it.

8:49 — Lily tosses the microfilm Ivy used as bait into the fire, as Chuck painfully looks on. Hopefully that’s the last we ever hear of microfilms on this show. And I mean, ever.

8:54 — Last segment of the show starts with drunk Nate who sounds a lot cooler talking s*** to Bart Bass than sober Nate.

8:55 — The moment we’ve been waiting for, err — expecting, err — knew was coming all along just happened. Chuck tells Blair they can’t be together because he’s failed at his insanely implausible, convoluted mission to defeat daddy. No, really. That’s his excuse. I hope this puts an end to Chuck and Blair. I hope Jenny Humphrey comes back for another crack with the Chuck.

8:57 — The juxtaposition from Chuck and Blair to Dan and Serena is striking. Dan professes she’s the “One.” Serena goes to get champagne to celebrate.

8:58 — Almost an entire Gossip Girl episode's gone by without Georgina. Darn. Well, maybe Dan’s not the stand-up guy he’s leading us to believe. A mysterious phone call from Georgina provides an ominous ending to yet another underwhelming episode in Gossip Girl's final season.

Now please excuse me while I purge all thoughts about Ivy Dickens.

Images courtesy of CW Network

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