Lots of spoilers below.

#1 Forgiveness & Repair are an Essential Part of a Relationship

This group of five (ish) teenagers goes through a lot; most notably, they date within their group. But one thing that happens again and again is they hurt each other, sometimes in ways that seem irreparable, especially Serena and Blair. But they do repair.

I think a lot about relationships, romantic and otherwise. Dr Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist who discusses parent-child relationships. As with many things in life, her wisdom applies to all relationships, especially the emphasis she puts on repair. We are going to mess up. That’s part of the human experience. Often, we hurt the people closest to us the most. But how we show up for repair is what counts. I have seen this time and time again in my long-term relationship, and it is portrayed so well in the show.

We mess up, we show up, apologise, make amends and do better next time. Or at least we try.

#2 Men & Rich People – Definitely Rich Men Get Away with Things

On the note of repair, though…I have very complicated feelings towards Chuck. As I often do, I remember the words of Dr Brene Brown, who reminds us that multiple things can be true at the same time.

So here are these multiple things.

Chuck is very handsome and charismatic, which makes him easier to like. Chuck had a rough childhood, and you would be hard-pressed to find many young men who wouldn’t have made similar decisions. Chuck loved Blair in a way that was true and good – mostly. Chuck became a better person as the seasons went on.

And:

Chuck hurts people often and gets away with it because of his money. While hurt people hurt people – to the victims, intentions shouldn’t matter. Chuck – and most of the characters, to be honest – have massive substance issues, especially with alcohol.

Now, many of these things could also be said for Lily. It is not fair or right, but it is also a reality; money is power, and people with money often don’t get the comeuppance they should.

#3 I Hated Blair & Dan Together

Why couldn’t they have just been friends? I hated it.

On the same note, I hated Rufus and Lily together. Initially, I was rooting for them, but Rufus changed with her. He was no longer his own person and barely objected as Lily did numerous things, like falsely imprisoning a man and withholding her cancer diagnosis from him. In the end, I was happy that they broke up.

#4 The Writers Know How to Grab You

The storyline with Juliet. The storyline with Chuck’s mum. The storyline with Bart. The storyline of Lola and Charlie.

So. Good. 

#5 I love New York

I have a lot of other thoughts, including: Serena has serious daddy issues, and why do I low-key love Georgina now? But they can wait, perhaps for a re-watch. For now, I will say this: After spending a month in my beloved city last year, I loved revisiting it through this show. So, despite how superficial and wild this show can be, I will re-watch. Because it’s cliche, I know, but I love New York.