REACTION: Gossip Girl Spinoff Episodes 7, 8 & 9
REACTION: Gossip Girl Spinoff Episodes 7, 8 & 9
The “Gossip Girl” spinoff returned on Thursday with part 2 of its first season. Specifically, HBO Max released episodes 7-9, with 10-12 set to drop next Thursday.
Episode 7 is called “Once Upon a Time in the Upper West.” The official description states: “As Zoya scrounges up guests for her annual Friendsgiving feast, Julien and Obie cover their tracks. Meanwhile, Kate and Jordan face an ultimatum from Rafa that threatens to bring Gossip Girl down once and for all.” This installment was written by Elaine Loh and directed by the show’s creator, Joshua Safran.
Episode 8 is titled “Posts on a Scandal.” The official description is: “While an accusation from Gossip Girl throws Julien’s life into a tailspin, Zoya takes matters into her own hands. Kate faces backlash from her colleagues. Obie and Aki take a stand. Max navigates foreign emotions.” It was written by Eric Eidelstein and directed by Kenny Leon.
And episode 9 is “Blackberry Narcissus.” That official description reads: “When Gossip Girl turns the city against her, Julien leans on Zoya in her search for the truth. Meanwhile, Kate and Jordan attempt to outsmart their coworkers, Audrey and Aki open their minds, and Max tries to find his voice.” This one was written by Amos Mac and directed by Satya Bhabha.
Shall we dive in? Let’s…
Gossip Girl Spinoff Episode 7, “Once Upon a Time in the Upper West”
I must begin by saying I ADORE THAT DOG! I mean, that Yorkie just stole my heart. Want, want, want!
I loved that shoutout to Paul Mescal and his beauty. See: “Why Teen Drama Fans Should Watch ‘Normal People.’”
It was interesting how they emphasized more than once that Max, at 17, was at the age of consent to hook up with Rafa. They were definitely trying to downplay the “ick” and criminality factors.
How and when did Rafa manage to master Gossip Girl’s voice to post in place of Kate?
It wasn’t clear to me that Julien and Obie actually slept together until it came out toward the end of the episode. Prior to that, I wasn’t sure if they just kissed and had naughty dreams about one another.
In part because I’m a sucker for angst, I was feeling chemistry between Julien and Obie.
I loved the use of Taylor Swift’s “This Is Me Trying.”
It also still isn’t clear to me whether Katherine was in the hospital because of a suicide attempt (and if that was another reason why Audrey hid the knives). I feel like they keep beating around the bush here instead of providing clarity.
Now that I’m watching “Ordinary Joe,” it’s interesting seeing Elizabeth Lail here. She can definitely act, but I’m not a fan of her characters on either show.
I thought Kate and Jordan followed Max’s mom and pops in the cab? How did they end up at Zoya’s before Saskia and Roy did?
I have to admit I never wondered about Max’s mom and who she was and how she figured into things before she was introduced in this episode.
I liked this line: “Separating art from the artist is complicated.” See: “Separating ‘One Tree Hill’ From Mark Schwahn.”
Max talking about hooking up with Rafa in front of everyone at dinner was kind of shocking, as was Aki saying in front of everyone that he’s going to have sex with Audrey and Max, as was Zoya talking about Julien and Obie sleeping together in front of everyone. It was like no one remembered these were high schoolers.
I remain interested in Davis and Nick’s history and appreciate getting more info.
When Rafa becomes the moral conscience, that is just more evidence that the teachers-as-Gossip-Girl thing is wrong, wrong, wrong.
And with Rafa resigning, does that mean he won’t be seen anymore?
Gossip Girl Spinoff Episode 8, “Posts on a Scandal”
I love Alisyn Camerota! What a nice surprise to see her here. I’ve broken my CNN habit since she left “New Day” and moved to the afternoons.
I don’t recall those other teachers knowing about Kate operating Gossip Girl before this.
Those teachers are falsely claiming the moral high ground with Kate when the actual right thing to do would be stop running Gossip Girl entirely. The problem isn’t Kate having a conflict of interest. The problem is that they’re doing Gossip Girl… period.
Did we know Max was Jewish before this?
We got another piece of the Nick / Davis puzzle. It says a lot that I’m more interested in that than the current-day stuff.
I miss those BlackBerrys. I just had to give mine up in September and I am still adjusting.
So Davis… is a serial date rapist? How does the character come back from that?
Of course, on the original “Gossip Girl,” they still tried to turn Chuck into a romantic hero despite his rapist tendencies. See: “Chuck and Blair: An Abusive Relationship?”
Gossip Girl Spinoff Episode 9, “Blackberry Narcissus”
Just like her fellow teachers in the last episode, Kate can’t claim the moral high ground either. I mean, she did a lot of shitty things as Gossip Girl up to this point. She’s really no better than them.
Of course “always and forever” made me think of Naley.
I love straight hair (it’s my preferred style), but bring back Monet’s braids or curls! She looks so good with them!
Just when I feel Aki and Audrey are starting to have some chemistry…
And what is it Max wants exactly? To date them both?
It was surprising Zoya reached out to Obie for help.
Now Roy wants to get back with Gideon? I thought the whole thing was that Max’s pops didn’t want to be with his dad anymore.
Aki has keys to Audrey’s apartment?
That was a great use of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor” at the end.
I can’t say I feel the show has gotten better. I just feel… used to it? It kind of feels like it’s going nowhere, or going around in circles, with Zoya and Julien alternately being allies and enemies, Max going in and out of getting between Audrey and Aki, Kate wrestling with being Gossip Girl, etc. Perhaps the only progress is that the predominant storyline by the end of these three episodes isn’t about the teens’ relationships with one another, but how one of the parents’ storylines is affecting the kids. Is that what we want, though?
It’s hard to believe the season will end next week with the final three episodes. I wonder what made them switch to a binge format instead of continuing with weekly drops that would’ve lasted the rest of the year. (For what it’s worth, Safran said on Twitter that the three-three split was not the original plan but rather “Decided later but I support it!” Also, you should read his tweets for a ton of other details.) The show / HBO Max was in no hurry with the first half of the season and now it’s like they’re just trying to get the rest of it overwith. Which is weird for a show that has been renewed for season 2.
And when will that season come? Next summer? A year from now? I guess I’m getting ahead of myself. Three more episodes to go first…