Ep 22. Raiders of the Lost Art

As the penultimate episode of season 5, "Raiders of the Lost Art" takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of the Upper East Side as the various characters face ever-shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals. The central plot centers on Blair's desperate last-ditch effort to secure a crucial piece of artwork for her fashion show, which becomes a symbol of her outsized ambition and relentless drive.

Along the way, viewers get a glimpse into the turbulent dynamics between Serena and her ex-lover-turned-best-friend Dan, who are slowly inching their way back towards each other despite the many obstacles in their path. Meanwhile, Chuck finds himself unexpectedly drawn to a new love interest, only to discover that his new flame may have more in common with his past than he realized.

As always, Gossip Girl's trademark wit and cutting commentary make it clear that no one is safe from the all-seeing eyes of the anonymous blogger who carries the torch for the world's most elite and glamorous socialites. With the stakes higher than ever before and the show's many entangled relationships more tangled than ever, "Raiders of the Lost Art" is a fittingly intense precursor to the much-anticipated season finale.