2x18 Age of Dissonance
Finally got a chance to watch this. Now I just need to catch up on Dollhouse and BSG before I get spoiled.
I didn’t find this episode to be horrible, but it wasn’t that great either. Centering the episode over The Age of Innocence was a bit of a cop out. From the first episode in season one it was pretty clear that this was a Edith Whartonish society so it seemed a bit cliché for the writers to chose that as a theme. Blake Lively’s acting in this one seemed a bit flat. Usually she does much better with the material as painfully written as it is. I think the biggest surprise was Chace. His acting is definitely improving. LOL Not nearly as monotone as normal. Still not a Vanessa fan. I wish I could like her, but I just can’t. Dan was more tolerable this episode. I enjoyed watching his idealistic view of Rachel get destroyed. It should teach him not to put the woman he cares about on pedestals. Sadly I don’t think this lesson will take. It was so nice not to have to deal with Dan/Serena. I like them so much better when they’re not whining about their relationship.
As always Leighton was brilliant. I hate to be unfair or prejudice, but I really think she acts her little heart out playing Blair. It is hard to take a character that most would find unlikeable and make it sympathetic. The last scene with her and Rachel felt like a shout back to the "There's a price to pay" Blair and Jenny scene in 1x16 All about My Brother. It was interesting to note the differences. I think I need to find that scene in Season One and watch it again because it is particularly poignant and the parallelism between the two scenes attests to Blair's development.
I loathed the Elle storyline and not because Chuck can only be with Blair. I just agree with writers on Chuck’s actions/motivations at all. It makes no sense for him to be the wide eyed innocent getting his heart broken by a gold digger. I hate that they are using this as a way to push him back to Blair. It feels like a cheap cop out and totally ruins his decision to see her at the end of the episode. The Chuck Bass I know would have seen right through Elle. Since when is he trusting of other people? He is a cynic at heart who questions the motivations of everyone he knows. For example when Carter first came to town in Season One. It made no sense for him to be all consumed with rescuing the damsel in distress. It doesn’t help the squick factor that she slept with his Dad either. The whole thing feels unnatural and I’m glad the storyline is over. The whole Chuck realizing he already has a good woman who cares made my stomach turn. I don’t like how that ended with him waiting at her place.
I loved Blair’s scenes in the bar. First with Serena and then with Carter. I loved the little pat Serena gave Blair before leaving and her parting words about being her friend. I love Carter’s approach and the way the camera panned out on the two of them his hand on her thigh. Leighton and Sebastian have incredible chemistry. I would love to see Carter/Blair developed a bit. Unfortunately I think they are going to drop it next episode with her and Nate getting closer. As for Nate/Blair it doesn’t bother me in the least. It makes perfect sense for each of them to return to the familiar and comfortable after the life changing events they have had. Besides it gives them the closure they have been seriously lacking. I love B/C and ultimately want them together, but I want it done right. I think we both agree on that. :D
I have such a love/hate relationship with this show.