Gossip Girl RECAP: "The Dark Night" (Season 2 Episode 3)

Things heat up in during a New York blackout on the most recent episode of Gossip Girl. This seems to be the week of the undeniable passion and the profession of love between the cast members.

Blair is finally willing to admit that her Mr. Prince Charming isn’t all that he is cut out to be. She tries to come on to him, when she is quickly shot down. Although he is perfect in every other area, the fact that he hasn’t tried to come on to her is nagging. Meanwhile, Chuck is entertaining a different woman every night; he even goes to lengths to bring in a Tokyo whore.

As everything unfolds we discover that it has been less then satisfying, meaning only one thing…that he is still in love with Blair. Determined to avoid his feelings Chuck confides in Serena, that one more night with Blair is the only thing that can ‘fix’ him. Serena tries to make him see that he can not use Blair as “liquid draino”, but there is no compromising with him.

Meanwhile, Dan and Serena continue gallivanting around the city as if no one is going to notice that they are back together. Unable to maturely discuss their problems, they choose to ignore the past and forge ahead thinking that the physical relationship will solve everything. It is quite unfortunate when a random girl catches a picture of the two of them making out and immediately alerts Gossip Girl. Although, perhaps the strangest part of the episode is when Dan’s Dad shows his enthusiasm regarding their reunion…. When did he sign up for the Gossip Girl updates?

Last week, we view the budding love between Vanessa and Nate, while this week we see that it is in full bloom. I am not sure where this storyline came from, as it seems completely out of left field. Also, how that she continues working in an empty coffee house/café is beyond me! Nonetheless, Vanessa assures Nate that he can confide in her regardless of his family problems. He is reluctant to tell her what is really going on; that he is being used as a show pony for the infamous Duchess.

It isn’t until the Duchess catches Nate and Vanessa kissing, that the plot really starts to boil. Knowing who her true allies are, the Duchess immediately contacts Blair hoping to work out some sort of solution. Blair is happy to oblige meeting Nate and Vanessa at the empty café to invite the two of them to one of her parties.

It is obvious that Nate is unhappy in his current situation with Catherine, after many attempts to voice his opinion. He is seemingly conflicted about the fact that his family needs the money and that Catherine is willing to offer it in return for ‘favors’. Nate knows that he has an obligation first and foremost to his mother so he blows off Vanessa to attend the party, knowing that the Duchess is going to be there.

Everyone is gathered at Blair’s for her party when in an instant the lights go out and the party falls to the darkside. Chuck comes up behind Blair stroking her, trying to remind her how good she felt against him (like no one at the party, including Marcus, witnessed the PDA?!?!). Blair undeniably attracted to Chuck has a hard time resisting his attempts, in light of the fact that Marcus doesn’t’ want to be passionately involved with her.

Vanessa shows up at the party and is forced to confront Nate when she sees him and Catherine holding hands; lights out and Nate grabs Vanessa to talk in the hallway. Vanessa demands to know everything, which Nate obliges to, and then professes her undying love for him. She is willing to wait for him. Nate then leaves to find Catherine in order to break it off with her, when unexpectedly Catherine reaches Vanessa first. Catherine reveals that she knows where Nate’s dad is and isn’t above going to the police. Obviously in more words then one, Vanessa begins to understand that if she truly loves Nate that she must sacrifice her love for his family! (aww)

Scandal continues to unfold when the blackout traps Serena and Dan in an elevator together. Unable to deny it anymore they are forced to talk about their lingering problems. Although they apologize, neither one is ready to forgive and forget the past. When the energy returns Serena steps off the elevator, but not before Dan can tell her one last time that he still loves her. I’m sorry, but if you are so in love with each other, what can be so complicated that you are choosing to continually break up?

Lights back on, Marcus walks in on Blair and Chuck together making out in her bedroom. Disgusted he runs downstairs as she trails along trying to convince him that she thought it was him that she was kissing. As if the darkness can completely allow us to forget the way our lovers kiss! Blair insists that if he loves her then he will ‘help’ her know the difference…..

And finally, throughout the entire episode we see little Jenny putting her foot in her mouth again and again. While fitting a dress for a Waldorf design, Jenny tells the model that she thinks the cut is all wrong. Unbeknownst to her, Mrs. Waldorf is standing right behind her. (Flashback to The Apprentice: You’re Fired). Of course, in the end Jenny proves herself to be a valuable asset to the Waldorf designs. She has the passion of a great fashion icon and the eye of an adolescent; everything Mrs. Waldorf whishes she still had. Jenny is fortunate to redeem herself and earn her job back.

We continue to be caught in a vicious love triangle this season. Dan and Serena are made for each other, Chuck and Blair have unquestionable passion, and Nate and Vanessa now have an unspoken undying love for one another.

What do you guys think? Tell me where you think the season is going.