we've still got a long way to go

[distantemotivo]

Gossip Girl is trying to win me back.  It might succeed.

Dan and Blair bantering in a car.
Dan and Blair bantering in Connecticut.
Dan and Blair bantering while doing dishes together (and discussing french films).
Blair pointing out how hopelessly devoted Dan is to Serena, and Dan choosing not to follow Serena wherever she's going.
Dan and Blair discussing their plan of action in her bedroom (her on the bed, him with laptop in his lap on the floor).
Conclusion: Clearly, Gossip Girl writers have been reading Dan/Blair fic.

Besides all that, though, this was actually a really solid episode, which makes two in a row in what seems like forever.  And even though I hate what they've done with Vanessa and I think there were definite moments so far where they completely wasted Katie Cassidy, these two episodes, like previous season premieres/finales, make the mistakes a little more bearable.

Also, the fact that they continue to maintain "Dan/Nate BFFs!!!!" as a actual thing that cannot be denied nor torn asunder by shared interest in a certain blonde damsel in distress is a thing of beauty.  

• Who did Nate call when he couldn't get in contact with Serena?  Dan.  
• Who stood to help Dan clear the dishes after he complained about doing everything in preparation for their (Blair, Serena, and Chuck were there, too) dinner? Nate (It was so domestic).  
• Who apologized for not being able to tell Nate what was going on with Serena immediately? Dan.  
• Who was ready to cut Serena out of his life for the foreseeable future after thinking she was trying to play him against his friend? BOTH OF THEM.

Seriously, if Dan/Blair actually happens, I'd be almost willing to put money on Dan/Nate in Season Five.  I mean, since the show's finally doing (almost) what I want them to and everything.

Final note: There was this great moment when Nate, standing between Dan and Blair, said something in that soft way that Chace Crawford has of speaking sometimes, and it was just really nice.  Also, before washing dishes (and talking about french films), Dan said he would be stuck in the city with Blair.  She pointed out that Nate would be there, too, and that she'll share custody.  I know they've already established on this show that threesomes with your friends don't work, but they should re-evaluate that.