Never Been Marcused

Just two notes. All I'm gonna say. Kept being reminded of that Vermeer painting (Yeah, I saw GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING years ago) when Blair is on the screen with the pink ribbon in her hair, wonderfully off-setting the blue eyes and brunette hair. Must be the flattering scene Other Reviewer Martha refers to. I'm not so much a Blair Waldorf nut, Serena is the rose for me (Jenny being a different matter altogether!) but big score for Leighton Meester this outing. Classic beauty!

As for Serena on the beach, Blake Lively, I am reminded re a childhood memory. Raquel Welch being likened to a full-blooded racehorse. Some local publication decades ago. Blake, no better description, your wild mare is delightful.

Johnny-come-lately on DVD. Worth the wait.

There are some flattering shots of Blair in this episode, and Serena is quite provocative when she sucks on a chocolate coated strawberry.

Chuck has good movement, and it's really a pity that he didn't challenge Dan back the various times they have confronted each other.

The 40-year old Catherine 'Duchess' Beaton who helps Nate out financially in return for sexual favours is a good concept, but playing with her step-son as well makes you lose sympathy for her. I can understand Nate going from Blair to Catherine, and I can understand Catherine wanting younger flesh in addition to her husband. But the step-son and his false British accent lacks credibility.

I think Blair is better off with Chuck as he knows her better than she knows herself, whereas Nate doesn't quite know himself or the women he's with.