DVD Review: Gossip Girl Season 3

You know you love it. I even know plenty of guys that drop what they’re doing to “chill” with their girlfriends on Monday nights in front of the TV for it. They won’t admit it – but it’s a guilty pleasure for them too. And it’s not hard to see why when you watch it. There’s something for everyone. I wouldn’t file it in the girly category at all. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s a devilishly delicious look into the world of the beautiful, privileged, and upper elite who are living the life we’re all so curious about.

The only real disappointment (in my opinion) with Gossip Girl Season 3 was Chuck and Blair. For me, these two are the reason I watch. Their inappropriate flirting, undeniable charm, and ravishing good looks make it impossible to look away. The are-they-aren’t-they dance from Season 1 and 2 sparked my original love affair with the couple, but this season they fell into a bit of a boring pattern. What has always made Blair and Chuck so hot? Simple, it’s the games they played with each other. And while of course, we all crave healthy relationships for ourselves in the real world – we can’t help but indulge in the completely unhealthy relationships in our prime-time dramas. Blair and Chuck became healthy this season (well at least in the first half), and they in return, bored me. Season 4, you have a lot to make up for on this front!

As for all the other characters on the show. I honestly hate them. But it’s a love/hate relationship. Like a drama-filled train wreck you can’t look away from. The writers do such a great job with this show and creating these storylines. It’s a guilty pleasure you can’t help but give in to. This season marks the transition from high school to the real world. And I have to say, this series has made it a smooth and successful transition whereas other shows have struggled with it – and most have ultimately met their demise because of it. The O.C. anyone? Josh Schwartz got it right this time around (Though I should note I’d still be watching The O.C. if it was on! I was a huge fan.).

As for special features, you can check out an interactive viewing experience for Episode 16, a featurette on how to throw a Gossip Girl style party, music videos, a gag reel, and un-aired scenes.

Synopsis of Season 3: Though high school may be behind most of them, you can be sure a future of love, scandal and, of course, secrets awaits. Based on the best-selling series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, this drama is told through the eyes of an all-knowing blogger — Gossip Girl — who, via constant, avidly read text messages, is determined to uncover and fuel every scandal possible on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where gossip rules, and affluent young people find themselves with the money, access and appetite to explore all the temptations New York City has to offer. Keeping track of the shifting friendships, jealousies and turmoil in this wealthy and complex world isn’t easy; that’s why there’s Gossip Girl. Executive produced by Josh Schwartz (Chuck, The O.C.) and Stephanie Savage (The O.C.), Gossip Girl has won a legion of devoted and fashion-forward fans.

Grade: B+

Official Site URL: www.gossipgirltvondvd.com

Review By: Emma Loggins