Ep 21. Seder Anything

Blair Waldorf is getting ready for her college interviews, which happen to land on the same day as the exclusive Constance Billard/St. Jude's annual fund-raising gala, and she's determined to have everything go accordingly. In the meantime, Serena van der Woodsen is taking a break from the glamorous lifestyle that she's become accustom to in order to spend some quality time with her family as they celebrate Passover, but has other things on her mind when she runs into old flame, Gabriel Edwards.

Nate Archibald is continuing to distance himself from his wealthy grandfather, William van der Bilt, who he acknowledged cut off his inheritance last episode. Rather than continue living his high society existence, he and his best friend and occasional love interest, Vanessa Abrams, attempt to debut their own gritty, socially conscious documentary, with an advanced screening at the Seder to catch the attention of a well-respected producer in attendance.

Meanwhile, Dan Humphrey is still coming to terms with his own feelings for Serena after confessing them to her a few episodes prior. At the same time, he's fighting off the advances of sophomore Jenny Humphrey, who, as usual, is looking for ways to insinuate herself into a more mature social circle. Both of these things come to a head when the Seder service at the Humphrey's apartment is turned upside down, and the night takes on a level of drama that none of them prepared for.

"Gossip Girl" continues to deliver juicy drama and scandal, as each character navigates their way through the expectations that are placed upon them by their families, their peers, and their own aspirations. The characters all find themselves at the crossroads of growing up and holding onto the privilege of their youth, with some maybe being a little too attached to the latter.

While "Seder Anything" is certainly not the most action-packed episode of "Gossip Girl", it does offer important insights into each of the main characters, offering a deeper look into the motivations that drive them. It also shows the push and pull of each character's emotional state as they try to balance their own wants and needs with the demands of their families and social circles, with many of them ultimately realizing that the two are often at odds.

The episode features some excellent performances from the show's ensemble cast, particularly Leighton Meester as the always-determined Blair, who's constantly trying to win at every game she's playing, and Chace Crawford as Nate, who's struggling with his own feelings of responsibility towards his family's legacy while trying to forge his own path. The chemistry between Meester and Crawford is palpable, as their characters have shared a complicated past and present, and the episode offers some much-needed resolution to their tumultuous relationship.

Overall, "Seder Anything" is a strong entry into the series that will leave fans eagerly anticipating what comes next for each character. With the show's signature blend of high drama, fashion, and scandal, there's something for everyone in this episode, which deftly balances the competing interests and desires of its many, complex characters. Fans of the series won't want to miss a minute of this captivating installment.