The Age of Dissonance

Season 2, Episode 18, Aired
EDIT

Episode Summary

The Constance Billard and St. Jude seniors have the production of "The Age of Innocence". Serena has a crush on the play's director, Julian, and enlists Vanessa's knowledge of theater to help her get the guy's attention. Blair receives bad news about her future that leads her on a witch-hunt for the person responsible. Dan and Rachel agree to stay away from each other in the aftermath of being discovered as more than teacher and student, but find it impossible to keep that promise. Chuck find help on an unlikely friend, Carter Baizen.

''

''Chuck is dealing with his father's trouble past. Dan seems to have no grief from his break-up coming from his actions.moreless
7.6
out of 10
EPISODE RATING: Good
260 votes
  • Your Rating: 10
    "Perfect"
  • Your Rating: 9.5
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 9
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 8.5
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 8
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 7.5
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 7
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 6.5
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 6
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 5.5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 4.5
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 4
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 3.5
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 3
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 2.5
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 2
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 1.5
    "Abysmal"
  • Your Rating: 1
    "Abysmal"
Rate It

Watch Online

Netflix
Subscription
Amazon
Buy
iTunes
Buy
VUDU
Buy/Rent

Cast & Crew

See All EDIT

Fan Episode Reviews (14)

See All

  • 218

    7.0
    "Good"
    By Canogaparkcindy, Apr 20, 2011 Report Abuse
    Gossip Girl returns to form after weeks of mediocrity. Now I wouldn't go as far as saying this was the show's comeback but we finally got at least some interesting dynamics here. I kind of knew that Chuck's strange story line would push him back to Blair, but now that Carter is in the picture, it definitely complicates things.

    Nate & Vanessa actually do something? Whaaa..? In all seriousness, there story line wasn't that great but at least they had a story line. These characters just became so useless after a while. Serena moved on fast apparently. The director being gay was unexpected.

    The final scene of the play was when everything came to a boil which was definitely my favorite scene of the episode. Rachel out to get Blair the whole time? Another unexpected occurrence. Now that most of the unlikable story lines have closed (including the Yale story line), I wonder what Gossip Girl will bring to the table. Good episode.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 0

  • Sweet, sweet satisfaction is in the air. After four long and torturous weeks, our beloved Gossip Girl returns.

    8.0
    "Great"
    By tripllle, May 03, 2010 Report Abuse
    In the original run, Gossip Girl off the air for a month before this episode was shown, and it was surely back with a vengeance. The UES's most famous high schoolers staged "The Age of Innocence" for Constance and St. Jude's. Now, I'm sure I missed more than a few delicious satires last night, as I am much like Serena and Nate in the fact that I've never read the book or seen the movie, but I'll try to hit on all the key points..

    Let's talk about Chuck. Is he still in school? All signs point to no, seeing as his father's friend that he met at lunch seemed to know that young Charles was learning the ropes of the family business. Yet Nate mentioned earlier in the episode that Chuck got a doctor to excuse him from completing the senior requirment of the play by diagnosing him with "acute stage fright." Riiiiiight. And the faculty at St. Jude's believed that. Also, wasn't he expelled earlier this year for being habitually absent and having a major drug problem? And speaking of drugs, why has Erik, of all people, been the only one to have ever gone to rehab? And can we just end this stupid "Elle" plotline already?

    Great...on to Blair and Dorota, the true heriones of this show. I loved the moment when Dorota is attaching the extension to the back of Blair's head and she gets transfixed by imagining it on her own head. Oh poor Dorota, your snazzy red cape is just not enough! Miss Blair needs to give you a better uniform. And speaking of that, how awesome was it when Penelope realized she was wearing the same outfit as Dorota! Perfect.

    Ok, Vanessa. This character often elicits the most fury from loyal fans, because she's just so lame. This week, she was better, but mostly because the writers started feeding her meta-self-deprecating lines, such as when she says "I'm totally annoying!" but doesn't really mean it. We mean it, Vanessa. We mean it. Still, she was better this week. She got some major points for being one of the only girls to know that Julian the director was a huge tool (the other was Blair, of course), and even more points for how confident she was when she explained the phone mix-up to Nate. Serena would have grabbed his wrists and pleaded but V just laughed it off. It was pretty cool of her. Ok, but that's the last compliment she gets because she was doing another documentary. Really? Really!?! She's becoming the girl version of Mark from Rent.

    Rachel, Rachel, Rachel. What is wrong with you? Just because she is from Iowa, she is incredibly naive gets totally used by all the rich UES kids? No, that totally wouldn't happen. But you know what, I'll forgive it. Because without dear Miss Carr, we would have never been treated to Dan's best line of the entire series as he passed by Blair: "Oh and we had sex in the costume closet, so do whatever you want with that." Dan Humphrey, I might just love you again. Also, I have note how much I loved the self-awareness of the show that when it panned over the top of the audience at one point, there were numerous bright blue and white blobs shining out of laps. Props for that, only there would be so many more cell phones if that were truly a high school production. But then again, that crowd was pretty old, and nearly the entire cast of the show was in the play, so I'll let it slide. But where was Erik? He didn't come see his sister act? And Lily is not the best mother in the world, but she didn't come to see her daughter either? No wonder Serena was lusting after the unavailable gay director.

    And let's face it, the play was terrible, but its abrupt end provided Gossip Girl with a great voiceover: "As Shakespeare said, 'All's well that ends well,' and sometimes it just..ends." Where would this show be without Kristen Bell and her fabulous writers?? And while I'm breaking the fourth wall here, let's talk about the sponsorship last night. No, it wasn't Axe Bodyspray or Neutrogena, or even one of John Krasinski's Blackberry Storm ads. No. It was X-Men. Um, seriously? I know that the show isn't watched entirely by teenage girls, but I have to guess that the X-Men movie could have reached a much better audience if they had aired that ad at the same time on CBS while The Big Bang Theory was on..

    And so finally we come to the final scene with Blair and Carter Baizen. One terrible thing about the internet is the fact that nearly every diehard Gossip Girl gossip fan had seen or heard about this drink between Blair and Carter. (Sidenote, it was doubly fun to watch since Sebastian and Leighton are dating in real life!) The second that Elle told Chuck he should love someone who cares, I knew that even his cold heart would eventually realize that that is Blair. So of course the perfect juxtaposition occured as Chuck sat waiting, with beautiful flowers in hand, for Blair to return, while she finished a scandalous martini next to Chuck's long lost nemesis Carter Baizen. If Gossip Girl taught us anything this week, it's that this is merely March, so Chuck and Blair (Bluck? Chair?) have two more months to dance their tempting tango before the beloved May Sweepsmoreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    2 0

  • A bit disappointing

    6.0
    "Fair"
    By Gossipmoi, Mar 27, 2009 Report Abuse
    This episode didn't feel like it really accomplished anything. Sure Chuck realized he "Blair" now but he would have anyway. Carr was finally removed but she had served her purpose and was leaving anyway. I doubt the writers will let Blair grow that much because let's face it the series would be a lot more boring if she did. Nate and Vanessa were the only thing really did it for me this episode. Finally some relationship development between these two. That was nice to see. And I also enjoyed the Serena Vanessa friendship development because damn it Vanessa needs more air time and it's nice to see them having more than on friend.moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    0 0

  • finishing things up and opens a new door. and, this episode is somewhat funny

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By tk_atiqah, Mar 22, 2009 Report Abuse
    Yeah, finishing things up. That's what I call for this episode.

    Goodbye Rachel, Goodbye Elle. Vanish into thin air along with the other side characters (at least for now) like Marcus, Catherine, Aaron, Jack, Georgina and, I don't know, Bex, Becky, Lexi?

    Still wondering what happened to Lily and Eric as they don't appear at all in this episode.

    One thing I can't deny, this episode was funny. The Vanessa & Serena on the phone, Blair & Dan on the play. Also, the "Serena, I'm gay part. Dorota in her pink robe and, bunny slippers? Very cute.

    Rachel less annoys me in this episode.

    But Elle? What a faker. Chuck should have seen that one coming, like the rest of us did. That old woman is a slut. Good thing she's gone, they make the story dull.

    One thing new is Blair will start to explore her dark side. Partly thanks to the "They HATE you", "You will NOT be attending Yale", "Betrayal's in your nature", "I don't know what I've become".

    Poor Chuck. Still walking in the dark searching for the right path, and uh, finally, ended up at B's house. Get back together, C! I can't take this angst crap anymore.

    Can't wait for the next episode.

    XOXOmoreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    2 0

  • This episode was not a comeback... It was "normal"....

    5.5
    "Mediocre"
    By Mena07, Mar 21, 2009 Report Abuse
    I expected something else but the only important thing that happened was that we finally got rid rid of annoying Teacher Rachel, she was just so annoying. And to call Yale and to send info to Gossip Girl, she was acting like a total child and poor Blair! shes not going to Yale...that b!tch Nelly Yuki is (Im starting to hate her, dont know about you).

    How could Srena like that director...he seemed guy since the begining but it hit m until Nate left from dinner. And Nate and Vanessa are getting prtty boring. And I dont know how Chuck went after Elle...If Blair doesnt go back to his arms he totally deserves it...but Blair and Carter what the hell is that?

    Im waiting for the next episode...maybe the writers will redeem themselves. ;)moreless

    DO YOU AGREE?

    4 1
 

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

See All

  • Trivia

    ADD TRIVIA
    • Goof: Towards the end when Rufus is eating ice cream he picks the ice cream lid up, then in the next shot it's down on the counter again and in the shot after that it's in his hand again and he puts it on the counter. Edit
    • Gossip Girl's message about Serena: "e-blast #872 Yale's hallowed halls have gone to hell. S got accepted, but not for her SAT scores. Allowing a PRESS RELEASE was her only prerequisite. Edit
    • Gossip Girl's message about Blair: e-blast #870 Wanna hear the sickest scandal ever? Remember B's Lord? Turns out he was giving the royal treatment to his own Queen Mother. And the worst part? B knew, and ignored it! How desperate can you be, B? Edit

  • Notes

    ADD NOTES
    • International Episode Titles: Czech Republic: Věk proradnosti (The Age of Perfidiousness) Edit
    • International Airdates: Latin America: April 15, 2009 on Warner Channel Norway: May 13, 2009 on TVNorge Greece: June 6, 2009 on Star Turkey: January 5, 2010 on CNBC-e Poland: January 31, 2010 on TVN7 Czech Republic: April 10, 2010 on Prima COOL Australia: May 6, 2010 on GO! Slovakia: June 20, 2010 on Doma Edit
    • During the dinner Vanessa mentions that Serena's obsessed with Betta Davis. In fact, in real life Leighton Meester (Blair) has recorded Kim Carnes' Betta Davis eyes. Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • Grandfather: So, tell me Nathaniel what's your plans for next year? Nate: Well, I'm waiting to hear back from colleges. The only thing is, when everything went down with my father, it was around the time applications were due. So I didn't exactly knock the essays out of the park. Grandfather: Another unfortunate byproduct of that regrettable situation, which, I might add, you handled admirably. Nate: (pleasantly surprised) Admirably? I thought you were ashamed of me. Grandfather: On the contrary, I've never been more proud. You stood by your mother, you got your father to do what was right. I used to worry that you got her looks and his brains, but you proved me wrong. You're a part of this legacy too, Nathaniel. Edit
    • Carter: Hello, beautiful Blair: Carter, what are you doing here? Carter: Buying you a drink Edit
    • Blair: The head mistress told me my Yale at fate is sealed, so the question is - how do I make your fate as bleak as mine? Rachel/Ms. Carr: : I don't know what has happened to me. I... I don't know what I've become. I'm... so sorry. Blair: Well, you're punishment is... just live with it. I should know. It's not easy. Edit

  • Allusions

    ADD ALLUSIONS
    • The title for this episode is a play on words of the 1993 movie "The Age of Innocence". Edit
    • Gossip Girl:All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players. This is the beginning of a famous speech told by Jaques in Shakespeare's play As You Like It. Edit
    • Gossip Girl: Poor Miss Iowa, it looks like she got caught playing Mrs. Robinson. Mrs. Robinson is one of the main characters in the 1967 movie The Graduate. The movie starred Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft and was about a college graduate who has an affair with an older woman and ends up falling in love with the woman's daughter. Edit

Show Forums

See All
Last Activity
Replies

Watch Gossip Girl Full Episodes

See All

Related Shows

Season 2 Episodes

See All
Ep 25
The Goodbye Gossip Girl
Ep 24
Valley Girls
Ep 23
The Wrath of Con
Ep 22
Southern Gentlemen Prefer ...
Ep 21
Seder Anything
Ep 20
Remains of the J
Ep 19
The Grandfather
Ep 18
The Age of Dissonance
Ep 17
Carnal Knowledge
Ep 16
You've Got Yale
Ep 15
Gone with the Will
Ep 14
In The Realm of the Basses
Ep 13
O Brother, Where Bart Thou?
Ep 12
It's A Wonderful Lie
Ep 11
The Magnificent Archibalds
Ep 10
Bonfire of the Vanity
Ep 9
There Might be Blood
Ep 8
Pret-a-Poor-J
Ep 7
Chuck In Real Life
Ep 6
New Haven Can Wait
Ep 5
The Serena Also Rises
Ep 4
The Ex-Files
Ep 3
The Dark Night
Ep 2
Never Been Marcused
Ep 1
Summer, Kind of Wonderful

Contributors

Become a contributor
More
Less

TV Listings

Full Listings
BROWSE | Shows | Videos | News | Listings | Forums | People | Photos | TV.com Blog

CBS Entertainment | About TV.com | About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Ad Choice | Terms of Use