Gossip Girl

I started to watch this series last month on Netflix (2015), and was so hooked I couldn't wait for the next episode. I also agree with all the positive comments. Being born and raised in Manhattan, I loved that it took place in my city. Even though I was not raised in affluence, The series made me imagine that I did. The acting was so superbly done by everyone, especially Ed Westwick and Leighton Bleester. Their chemistry was so intense and real, it seemed amazing they didn't get together in real life. I'm so sorry that it's over, but happy that I can play it over again whenever I want. I think that we will be seeing a lot more of Ed Westwick in the future; he is an amazing talent.

Almost 8 years have passed since I finished watching Gossip Girl. Missed it since very much.

It was a fun ride where I got to see and witness beauty, loveliness, memorable moments, naivety, sophistication, devilish and mischievous acts brought to life by a hord of extremely talented actors and actresses. Every one of them shone and played with near perfection. They brought me happiness and sadness. They brought me smiles and tears. I had the pleasure to live with them.

Who doesn't love the Upper East Side, its everyday life, surrounding and sceneries?

Who doesn't like the glossiness of the show varnished with devilish plots?

Who doesn't like the opulence of their everyday life?

And who doesn't like Blair Waldorf AKA Queen B?

She is my favorite character of the show. Beautiful, funny, mean and sensible at the same time, ever complaining (so sweet), always plotting mischief after mischief in ways that only she can pull it with ease, beauty and glory. Played by the ultra talented, glowingly beautiful and award-winning Leighton Meester who dazzles everyone with her smile, brings the series to life, gives it embodiment and makes it an unforgettable experience for all viewers and fans.

She is the epicentre of the show around whom all the others keep rotating and gravitating.

She is the one without whom the series wouldn't exist.

If you haven't watched it yet, please do so. Embrace its life like it's yours, let its current take you to the confines of the Upper East Side with its beauty and mystery and fully appreciate it.

XOXO

The show has nothing to do with reality nor common sense, but I still love it. It's a nice escape from my every day life but I sometimes am bothered by all the very unrealistic events and characters. All the characters for example, have an incredibly high tolerance for remixing, reworking and rehashing the drama in their own lives. There were times when I felt fed up with all the new characters and the drama which created disjointed mess but there still are high points within the seasons. I miss Jenny and Vanessa as characters, especially Jenny who was one of the most down to earth characters. I love how things go with Chuck Bass and Blair but somehow I have the feeling that the character of Dan is missing the point. I'm not sure if it's the actor who's playing him or the screenwriters who slowly but very certainly 'kill' Dan's personality. And of course, there's Nate whose existence on the show I still can't figure out. All the critics aside, like I said in the beginning, it's a really enjoyable show which does its job - it entertains us.

The show Gossip Girl is an insider's guide to the life of the elite. It is filled with teenagers acting like adults and adults acting like teenagers, with one person exposing their every move with the help of the entire Upper East Side. Secrets and betrayals are two things that this show revolves around, along with putting friendships and relationships to the test. If you are not interested in on going drama that seems to always circle back around to where it started, I would not recommend. However, if a show filled with interesting characters, dramatic plot twists, and an appealing setting, you will be hooked.

I binged this show on Netflix and found it quite addicting, even when it became increasingly farcical in the later seasons. While the characters and story lines could be silly at points I have to say the acting was better than on most teen shows. Leighton Meester, Ed Westwick, Taylor Momsen and Kelly Rutherford were particularly strong. I loved the fashion, the NY setting, and the music. I adored the copious film references as well. While the non-stop bed hopping and relationship merry go round got annoying, one of the main couples has the best chemistry I've seen on any television show in years. These two are reminiscent of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara, a touch like Bonnie & Clyde and very Beatrice & Benedick. This one relationship really carries the show emotionally and makes it worth watching until the end to see how it is resolved.

There are a large number of negative reviews on IMDb so I also feel compelled to offer some warnings: It's not a realistic TV show. It's hyper-realistic. A fantastical soap opera if you will. If you're the type of person that gets annoyed over characters traveling from Brooklyn to the UES in 15 minutes don't watch. You'll go mad.

It's not a show with warm fuzzy ethical teen show protagonists like Sandy or Seth Cohen. I was a big fan of The OC. This show has some similarities but is much darker and much more satirical. The characters on Gossip Girl that you expect to be the moral center (the "poor outsiders") end up being quite devious while the clearly wicked rich bad characters end up being the most emotionally compelling. Every lead character is gray. If you need a show with clearly delineated heroes and villains don't watch. You'll hate everyone by the end.

It's not a show with a moral code. It neither reflects traditional conservative values nor progressive liberal values. If you need a show that promotes "good values" of either kind, I'd stay away.

It deviates wildly from the books. If that matters to you, stay away.

But if you want a glossy glitzy glamorous guilty pleasure filled with beautiful people like Chace Crawford and Blake Lively, tons of drama, fashion, and some over the top but emotionally compelling characters and relationships? Give it a shot.