The Age of Dissonance

Season 2, Episode 18, Aired
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7.6
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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
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Fan Episode Reviews (14)

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  • 218

    7.0
    "Good"
    By Canogaparkcindy, Apr 20, 2011
    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

  • 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
    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

  • A bit disappointing

    6.0
    "Fair"
    By Gossipmoi, Mar 27, 2009
    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

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

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By tk_atiqah, Mar 22, 2009
    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

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

    5.5
    "Mediocre"
    By Mena07, Mar 21, 2009
    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
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  • TRIVIA (7)

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    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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?

    • Rachel's reply-note, which contained a key from her apartment, says: "Dan- Tonight. My Place. I can't wait to see you. Rachel"

    • Dan writes Rachel a note, which has been delivered by Jenny: "Rachel, I need to see you - alone Write back where and when Dan"

    • Mail that Nelly Yuki receives from Dean Berube says: "CONGRATULATIONS! Dear Ms.Yuki, It is with great pleasure that I offer you a place in the Yale University Class of 2013. Based on your strong academic record, wide range of extracurricular activities, and glowing personal recommendations."

    • Nelly Yuki has a new phone and it's BlackBerry Storm.

  • QUOTES (20)

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    • 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.

    • Carter: Hello, beautiful Blair: Carter, what are you doing here? Carter: Buying you a drink

    • 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.

    • Gossip Girl: Sometimes, the hero finally makes the right choice, but the timing is all wrong.

    • Serena: You know, I don't know why I ever had a crush on you. Julian: Serena, I'm gay.

    • Nate: (To Julian) I hate pretentious asshats who try to steal other people's girlfriends.

    • Gossip Girl: Don't worry, B, when God closes a door, he opens a play.

    • Blair: Aren't you so tired of brooding artists? Serena: (About Julian) Well, he does brood in the sexiest way.

    • Serena: Yeah, Bette Davis. I love her eyes... her hair is Harlow gold.

    • Gossip Girl: (closing voiceover) In life, as in art, some endings are bittersweet. Especially when it comes to love. Sometimes fate throws two lovers together only to rip them apart. Sometimes the hero finally makes the right choice but the timing is all wrong. And, as they say, timing is everything. Looks like this story might just have a second act. Let's hope it's not a tragedy. XOXO. Gossip Girl.

    • Dan: Hey, Blair, it's Rachel that's been messing with you. And ... we had sex in the costume closets. You can do whatever you want with that.

    • Gossip Girl: (voiceover) Shakespeare says, "All's well that ends well". And sometimes, it just ends.

    • Blair: Do you know how hard it is to get revenge when your enemy is changing every five minutes? Dorota: You need to calm nerves and warm vocal cords. You want tea? Blair: No. I want Dan Humphrey's head on a platter.

    • Serena: Everything you've done, spreading rumors about who I've had sex with, what alley I puked in or telling Dean Barrowby that I killed Pete Fairman, I forgave everything all because I thought one day you'd grow up. But putting up a Gossip Girl blast about Yale and the press release ... Blair: Serena, I didn't put out the blast. Serena: At least have the dignity not to lie to my face. Blair: But I'm not lying. Serena: Only two people knew about it, you and Dan. And Dan would never do something like that. I always want to believe the best in you, Blair, but the bottom line is, betrayal's in your nature.

    • Vanessa: Serena, I know you like him, but as your friend, Julian is the most self-absorbed pompous person I have ever met. All he does is go on and on about classic movies and it's totally annoying. Serena: You were keeping up with him pretty good there. Vanessa: Yeah. And I'm totally annoying.

    • Nelly: What is your problem? Blair: My problem is a two-faced, four-eyed, devious little snipe in a fat-suit. Did you really think you could rat me out to Yale and get away with it?

    • Gossip Girl: (voiceover) Every actress eventually finds the hook into her character. Even if sometimes life has to give her a little push. But don't worry, B, when God closes a door, he opens a play.

    • Gossip Girl: (opening voiceover) On the Upper East Side, all the world's a stage and the men and women merely players. But once a year, Constance St Jude's students shed their usual roles and take on new ones for the Senior Class play. This year's pick? "The Age of Innocence". Before Gossip Girl, there was Edith Wharton, and how little has changed. The same Society snobs still reigned, only in corsets and horse-drawn carriages.

    • Gossip Girl: Poor Miss Iowa caught playing Mrs Robinson. Looks like the teacher just got schooled.

    • Blair: Everone's jealous of me, because my life is perfect and you've always been the most jealous of all. Nelly: People aren't jealous of you, Blair. They hate you.

  • NOTES (4)

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    • International Episode Titles: Czech Republic: Věk proradnosti (The Age of Perfidiousness)

    • 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

    • 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.

    • Music in this episode: "Hong Kong Garden" by Siouxsie and The Banshees "North London Trash" by Razorlight "Kiss Me At The Gate" by The New Monarchs "Overture From Don Giovanni" by Mozart "Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No. 21 In C Major, "Elvira Madigan", K. 467: II. Andante" by Mozart "La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee (from 'Carmen')" by Bizet

  • ALLUSIONS (4)

    ADD ALLUSIONS

    • The title for this episode is a play on words of the 1993 movie "The Age of Innocence".

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Serena: Yeah, Bette Davis. I love her eyes. Her hair is Harlow gold. "Her hair is Harlow gold" is a line from the song Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes. The song spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard charts in 1981.

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