XOXO: Gossip Girl's Ultimate Face-Off - Serena vs. Blair
It's 8:00 PM on a Wednesday night in 2007, and you just got a BBM message on your Blackberry that the book-to-TV series, Gossip Girl's latest episode on The CW just dropped. It's time to watch two of the worst (white) bitches go head to head time and time again for the coveted title of: Queen of the Upper East Side.
I didn't watch the show when it aired, but every girl in my class was tapped in. It's a staple in 2000's pop culture and my experience last summer of binging the show from start to finish was one of the best decisions I'd ever made.
The iconic series that captivated audiences with its drama, romance, and scandalous secrets, introduced us to two central characters who became synonymous with Upper East Side intrigue: Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf. Now, let's set the stage for the ultimate debate: Serena vs. Blair – who takes the crown as the worst it-girl in Gossip Girl?
Serena van der Woodsen: The Flawed "It Girl"
Serena van der Woodsen, the epitome of the Upper East Side "it girl," dazzled audiences with her beauty, enigma, and undeniable flaws. From her dramatic return to New York after a mysterious disappearance to her tumultuous romantic entanglements, Serena's journey is a rollercoaster ride of impulsivity and self-destructive behavior. And let’s not forget she was kind of an idiot when it came to men which is the reason for about 60% of the problems the characters faced.
Some of Serena's most flawed moments include her reckless partying, such as the time she slept with Nate Archibald, betraying her best friend Blair, and sparking a series of conflicts. This led to her mysterious disappearance, which rocked the Upper East Side and left her friends and family searching for answers, highlighting Serena's tendency to flee from her problems rather than confront them head-on. Serena almost always came out of a tough spot on top though. And with a last name like van der Woodsen, you can smell the privilege from a mile away.
Blair Waldorf: The Queen Bee with a Dark Side
Meanwhile, Blair Waldorf, the queen bee of Manhattan's elite, is known for her ambition, cunning, and unwavering pursuit of power. Her Machiavellian tactics in her quest for social dominance and her turbulent relationships reveal a character driven by ambition, loyalty, and vulnerability amidst the glitz and glamour of the Upper East Side.
Blair's manipulation and control showed itself in her attempts to coerce Dan Humphrey into sleeping with her at the masked ball, where she went to great lengths to orchestrate a romantic encounter. Another memorable instance is her relentless bullying of Jenny Humphrey, where Blair's manipulation and ruthlessness are on full display as she torments the younger girl to maintain her status as queen bee.
A Comparative Analysis: Serena vs. Blair
Contrasting Serena and Blair's character arcs reveals the evolution and development of two distinct personalities shaped by their experiences and choices. Serena's impulsive nature often leads to chaos, as seen in her infamous affair with Nate Archibald, while Blair's calculated maneuvers leave a trail of destruction in their wake, such as her relentless bullying of Jenny Humphrey.
It's effortless for Serena, while Blair tries way too hard and ends up being a true dickhead in the process. Yet, Blair’s ambition and intellect are admirable, making her the go-to girl when the gang needs a savior. Additionally, viewers naturally root for the underdog, which might explain why Serena's luck in success can be irksome. But is that really my girl's fault?!
They both were terrible people if I’m being real, but the verdict comes down to this. Blair is the worst of the two and Serena was, is, and will always be the true queen of the Upper East Side.
As for the worst character on the show? Well, that's a whole nother 500+ words that I don’t have the time for. Vanessa was one of the only kinda sorta black girls on the show and she got on my last nerve (they were smart to send her straight to hell or wherever she went). And Jenny? She could’ve died, and I would’ve been popping a bottle of Cliquot. Tim Gunn, who guest starred in an episode, said she was also miserable behind the scenes! Talk about method acting, amiright? I'm happy that the actress decided to pursue her career in music and leave my tv screen for an extended period. But the all-time worst character of all is the messy, broke boy known as Dan Humphrey. He did all that judging hating from outside the club, and then when he got in, he was still pissing me off!
And do NOT get me started on Chuck Bass. My boy went from his little scarf on rapey "I chime in with the haven't you people ever heard of, closing the gotdamn door? NO" vibes to a successful businessman and kiiiiiind of a good guy. But the North remembers. If I'm being honest there isn't a character on that show that didn't send me into a rage.
So whose side are you on? Let me know in the comments and on social media @EJGWRITES! And if you haven't already be sure to check out what Gossip Girl would be like if they were in Chicago.
You know you love me. Xoxo, The G.