‘Gossip Girl’ has the dirt

(Published April 24, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Moneyed teens figure in catfights and mini-scandals in the popular American show “Gossip Girl,” the latest series about young romance, social cliques and petty rivalries. Some gorgeous up-and-comers make up the cast, the new characters easily memorable because of the actors’ distinct good looks. But substance-wise, while the teen drama’s pretty predictable--a few shows before it have examined high school hi-jinks quite elaborately and entertainingly--it’s still quite addictive because of its hip take on superficiality, complicated friendships and sexual intimacy.

In the show, a famous website reports juicy details on the escapades of Manhattan’s young elite. The anonymous Gossip Girl is voiced by Kristen Bell (of “Veronica Mars” and “Heroes”), who impeccably narrates with just the right balance of sarcasm and curiosity. The blog-worthy subjects include the “Mean Girls”-ish rivalry between self-centered Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) and former wild girl Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively), and their fluctuating relationships with family and friends.

The lives of rich kid Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) and Serena’s longtime admirer Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley) also liven up the technology-aided rumor mill. Dan and his sister Jenny (Taylor Momsen) are the wealthy kids’ new schoolmates, good-natured souls slowly getting assimilated into a world where shallow catfights, spending sprees and duplicity seem to be commonplace.

“Gossip Girl,” inspired by a series of books, is cleverly written; its dialogue is mostly contemporary but has the potential to age well. It also utilizes classic teen show story formulas. There are defining love triangles, for instance, among them one that involves the reformed Serena, her former paramour Nate, and his girlfriend Blair. Another working formula centers on the transformation of an unrepentant bad boy, Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), into a lovesick pup. His backfiring machinations elicit guaranteed sympathy! And problematic parents--sometimes more messed-up than the kids--are tried and tested elements that give the young characters needed definition or contrast.

The cast is an appealing ensemble with obvious, cookie-cutter roles, but the actors fit them seamlessly. However, Matthew Settle plays a dad to two teens, but he looks only a few years older than co-star Badgley! Still, the actor is competent and has a working chemistry with Kelly Rutherford (“Melrose Place,” Home Front”), who plays Serena’s single mother. Their characters figure in two love triangles, too!

Despite having dramatic scenarios that inevitably result in, yes, ruined parties, balls and soirees, “Gossip Girl” manages to push the right buttons. A working symbiosis with its soundtrack helps (key scenes were aptly flavored by Angels and Airwaves and One Republic). This new show already feels like it learned from the better episodes of “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Dawson’s Creek” and “The O.C.,” in that a couple of storylines mostly offer speedy, mature resolutions. Whether it’s reflective of how youngsters in that scene act and react is anyone’s guess.

Regardless, a few things are happening way too fast, so hopefully, it doesn’t burn out and exhaust story ideas before subsequent seasons. For now, though, “Gossip Girl” has the dirt on these heartthrobs and heartbreakers, and you can’t help but keep yourself updated on the latest scoop.