Ep 1. Pilot

As one of the most iconic teen dramas in television history, Gossip Girl revolved around the privileged lives of a group of wealthy teens living in New York City. The show's first episode, titled "Pilot," opens with the mysterious and omnipotent Gossip Girl (voiced by Kristen Bell) introducing the audience to Manhattan's elite. Gossip Girl's voiceover narration sets the tone for the entire series, as she proclaims, "You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

The show's main character is Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), a stunning blonde who has just returned to the city after mysteriously disappearing to a boarding school in Connecticut. As the episode begins, her former best friend Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), the queen bee of their social circle, is preparing for her annual "Kiss on the Lips" party. Blair is still reeling from her recent breakup with her boyfriend, Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford), and is desperate to win him back.

As Serena makes her triumphant return to Manhattan, the episode hints at a possible romantic history between her and Nate, which clearly makes Blair uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), a scholarship student from Brooklyn, is introduced as a more grounded character who is not a part of the elite Upper East Side circle. Dan has a crush on Serena, and he and his friend Vanessa Abrams (Jessica Szohr) decide to crash Blair's party in an attempt to meet her.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the characters' extravagant lifestyles, including elaborate parties, designer wardrobes, and expensive cars. It's clear that these teenagers are accustomed to a level of luxury that most people will never experience, and the show doesn't shy away from highlighting their opulence.

As the party gets underway, tensions between Blair and Serena come to a head, and it's clear that their friendship is strained at best. Meanwhile, Nate is still unsure about his feelings for Blair and seems to be drawn to Serena.

Towards the end of the episode, we learn that Serena was, in fact, kicked out of her Connecticut boarding school after a mysterious incident, and her return to Manhattan was not entirely voluntary. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the show and sets the stage for plenty of drama to come.

Overall, the "Pilot" episode of Gossip Girl is a perfect introduction to the series. The characters and their relationships are established quickly but effectively, and the show's glamorous setting is on full display. The episode sets up several intriguing storylines, hinting at plenty of juicy drama to come. For fans of the show, it's a nostalgic return to the beginning of a pop culture phenomenon, while for new viewers, it's a welcoming entrance into a world of wealth, power, and high-stakes drama.