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October 18, 2011

Gossip Girl S5E04 - Memoirs Of An Invisible Dan

No one likes to see one of the Gossip Girl leads completely destroyed more than I do and this episode delivered in every way.
I didn't think Dan's book could be this engaging but it led to some amazing revelations. Not only through some classic throwndowns but also through the eyes of the book that made a lot of fans a whole lot happier.

When we return to the beginning, Dan's story, which was a big part of the entire show, was always about being an outcast looking in. Though that obviously changed throughout the years we revisited it by this book that mocked Dan's life and much of everyone in it. It was kind of perfect to see Lonely Boy return to his roots and be the same cynic he was all those years ago. The difference, which was also one of the stronger parts of the episode, was his love interest. Way back when it always felt as if Dan and Serena were meant to be, back when I believed there was such a thing on this show. Now that very relationship was brought up again like it was some vague dream I once had.
The trick that made it work was Serena. It's easy to see her the way Dan portrayed her in his book and I think a lot of fans still see her that way, but she has changed. She has indeed grown up and owned up to all of what she has done. In the midst of all the drama it's easy to overlook that Serena is in fact an adult now, and more importantly, a three-dimensional character. Her conversation with Dan might be the first time I sincerely respected her, which only fired up my hatred for Dan. I can't feel sorry for him. He might not have ever wanted the book to be published, but he wrote it anyway. And now it's out, he can only think about how no one should complain because HE gets off worst. For real. But that wasn't even the lamest prank he pulled, no, when his ex, a girl he once loved, asks for a grown up conversation, all he thinks about is the girl he loves this week. I didn't think Dan's feelings for Blair ran this deep but him prioritizing her over Serena cleared up a lot. Kudos for Blair for pointing out exactly what his chances were. But that doesn't even come close to how Rufus reacted. It was the final nail in Dan's coffin, one I personally didn't expect.
This was also the first time I actually respected Rufus, which is a miracle on itself. The dude is so pointless his bracelets could carry more storylines than him. Anyhow, he was seriously offended and that gave him some much needed backbone. Chuck, meanwhile, continued his road of redemption by seeking help from the only person who was ever truly loyal to him: Lily. I don't know if it's because they have no legal binding whatsoever but they feel like mother and son and they're awesome. If anyone can help Chuck be the man he is destined to be, it's her. I kind of loved how he pointed out that he can't always be the villain. Wonderful television.
But not as wonderful as Nate being mad at Dan for having to share a role with Eric. Pride much? The episode was far from the best showdown of the series but it was a very welcome one. It put things into motion that are truly exciting and I can't wait for Dan to become the lonely boy he so deserves to be.

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