Gossip Girl: The Debarted

Looks like I got my Christmas wish: a Chuck-centric episode of Gossip Girl. The Upper East Side's most dapper tycoon had his heart set on being dramatic during the one-year anniversary of his father's death. This drama included being cold to Blair, drinking himself into a stupor and considering buying a building and thus evicting its current tenants. All the while, the ghost of Bart Bass was looming over Chuck's shoulder, offering bits of not-so-fatherly advice.

Meanwhile, Tripp left Serena at his cottage while he met with Maureen, who intended on using Mr. Van Der Woodsen's letter to blackmail Serena into being Tripp's secret mistress so Maureen could be the Jackie to Serena's Marilyn. None too pleased with either Vanderbilt, Serena demanded to be taken home and Tripp drove into a pack of wolves and wrecked the car. (Seriously.) To cover it up, Maureen and Tripp moved Serena's body (so it looked like she was driving the car) and fled the scene, causing Nate to show up and punch Tripp in the face. Later, Maureen showed the letter to Rufus, who went to talk to an attractive woman from the co-op at a fancy bar. (I honestly doubt anything will come of that.)

When everyone converged on the hospital to visit Serena, Dan told Vanessa how she felt and she dismissed him as being grief-stricken. (Wha?) Jenny and Eric seemed to make up after he tried to undermine her by giving awesome purses to her friends, but who knows how long the pleasantries will last? (I mean, really? That was Eric's plan to take down Queen J? Surely there's more coming.) Plus, I don't think he'll appreciate Jenny's new hobby: selling drugs.

Finally, Chuck needed comfort after being in a hospital made him relive the night of Bart's death. He and Blair made up and she convinced him to finally visit his dad's grave. Upon arrival, Chuck spotted a woman who can only be his mother, laying yellow roses (her favorite) on Bart's grave. Intrigue!

Thoughts:

- I doubt moving someone's body would really convince the cops that there weren't two drivers in the car. There's a small matter of the blood stains and cracked windshield on the passenger side, but whatever. I'm sure the Vanderbilts will succeed in their cover up for now.
- I don't know how I feel about a new woman in Chuck's life. I like having him turn to Blair for emotional comfort - their relationship has become my favorite part of the show.
- I'm glad Nate's finally doing something interesting again. Unlike Dan, who had to deal with Willa, the weirdo drama girl.

What did you think of "The Debarted?" Was it enough to tide you over until Gossip Girl returns in January?