Based on the bestselling YA series of novels by Cecily von Ziegesar (now there's a good character name), Gossip Girl recounts the misadventures of wealthy New York teens in and around their upscale prep school. Blake Lively stars as flamboyant party girl Serena van der Woodsen, returning to Manhattan following a stint in boarding school. Serena's best friend, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), has mixed feelings about her gal pal's reappearance since Blair has been Queen Bee during Serena's absence and isn't ready to relinquish her recently won position on the social ladder. Also bothering Blair is her suspicion—eventually confirmed—that Serena had a fling with her longtime boyfriend, Nate (Chace Crawford). The whole school gets the 411 on such goings-on thanks to “Gossip Girl,” an anonymous blogger who seems to be everywhere and knows everything. Compiling all 18 episodes from the 2007-08 debut season, Gossip Girl starts to really gain traction towards the end of the season with the introduction of Serena's archenemy, the cruel and manipulative Georgina Sparks (Michelle Trachtenberg, cast against type but cattily effective), who not only figures in some devilishly clever schemes but also brings some camp appeal to the series. DVD extras include a downloadable audio version of Von Ziegesar's initial book (read by Christina Ricci), behind-the-scenes featurettes, a pair of music videos, and a gag reel. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
Gossip Girl: The Complete First Season
Warner, 5 discs, 1,024 min., not rated, DVD: $59.98 Volume 23, Issue 6
Gossip Girl: The Complete First Season
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