When Gossip Girl debuted three years ago it looked like it could be as good and interesting as that film Cruel Intentions with Sarah Michelle Gellar and Reese Witherspoon. It was sold as a peak into the “world of Manhattan’s elite” and all the twisted games they played. My favorite character quickly became the spoiled and tormented Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick). I also really liked how Chuck would torment Leighton Meester’s Blair and how she eventually succumbs to him.
As for the rest of the cast I found them way too “Melba Toast”. Blake Lively’s constant moaning, Penn Badgeley’s brooding and don’t get me started on Taylor Momsen. I thought Chace Crawford’s Nate could get more interesting if he was allowed to get sucked in with Chuck. I also liked the idea of an outsider in Jessica Szohr’s Vanessa.
The parental pairing of Matthew Settle (Rufus) and Kelly Rutherford (Lily) worked for me as well especially given their history. But the merging of the families was disastrous of the show.
SOLUTION: KILL OFF THE HUMPHREY KIDS
The show has too much Melba Toast-type boring characters. All the Humphreys are that way I think, Serena and Nate and Vanessa are that way. So by killing off Dan (Penn Badgley) and Jenny (Taylor Momsen) that would fix that problem. It would also bring the sort of dark edge to Rufus that he desperately needs. He’s so boring but has a very interesting and eclectic past that the writers aren’t allowed the play with. Kill off Jenny and Dan and then send Rufus back to his rockstar/songwriting roots. And after Dan and Jenny are buried bring in some fresh meat. Or expand some already delightful subordinate characters like Michelle Trachtenberg’s Georgina or Sebastian Stan’s Carter or Willa Holland’s Agnes. I mean these three characters alone are more interesting than either Dan or Jenny.
The show needs a major restructuring that will rip it down to it’s core. You just have way too many boring characters, you need characters who can play in this world and give Chuck a run for his money.
