Greetings, Upper East Siders! So far, this season of Gossip Girl has been quite the bittersweet one for us Chair fans. On the sweet side, we have Chuck and Blair displaying just as much love, adoration, and passion for one another, as they always have. Each time they were together on screen was more electric than the one before.
Even when Chuck and Blair were apart from one another, it was clear that they were never far from one another’s minds. Donut Dan Humphrey, perhaps, said it best, when he said of the pair, “You two have some strange force field effect on eachother. Physicists should study it.”
All of the amazing things Chuck did this season . . . from adopting Monkey, to becoming active in local charities, to sacrificing his own happiness for Blair’s . . . Donut Dan’s . . . and even that cyborg asshat, Louis-bot’s . . . he did them out of love for, and in honor of, one very special Queen B.
As for Blair, her continued doubts about her relationship with Louis, and whether the so-called fairytale ending she had finally earned was all it was cracked up to be, all seemed to lead her back to Chuck Bass. It was his face, she sought out, at the end of nearly every episode. It was his voice she needed to hear on the phone. It was his hand, she wanted to caress her face, when all hope seemed lost . . .
What’s amazing about seeing Chuck and Blair together in Season 5, is how much they both have grown, both as individuals, and as a couple, since Gossip Girl premiered, back in 2007. Both have had their hearts broken, more times than they can count. Their experiences have made them somewhat less impulsive than they used to be, and less willing to give their hearts to others, out of fear that their love won’t be returned.
But these same experiences have also made them kinder, gentler, more selfless people. Chuck and Blair started the series as headstrong, manipulative, somewhat selfish individuals. Now, they are adults, who are ready to enter into a mature, honest, and intimate relationship with one another, and maybe even start a family together.
It sounds pretty perfect, right? But, alas, all was not well in Chair-land this season. First of all, we were saddled with that marble-mouthed, personality-free cyborg, Louis-bot . . . the only character capable of uniting Chair and Dair fans in mutual hatred.
He ate up precious Chair screen time with his inexplicable verbiage, lame schemes, and ridiculous 8:54 apologies for whatever odious thing he did to Blair that week.
Due to his presence, and the existence of his evil spawn inside Blair’s belly, Chuck and Blair were frustratingly tentative, throughout most of the season, about sharing their true feelings for one another.
And when Chuck and Blair finally did receive their much awaited, and deserved happy reunion, it was ripped away by a nearly fatal car crash. Thus proving that these two long-time lovers are just as starcrossed, as they always have been.
I guess some things never change . . .
But the holidays are not a time for regrets, complaints, or petty accusations. They are time for spreading happiness, limo sex and for giving and receiving love and bar-mitzvah sex.
And in that spirit, I proudly present to you, my dear Chair fans, my picks of the Top Ten Chuck and Blair Moments from Season 5, so far . . .
10. “I wanted to move on, to give you the happy life that you deserve.”
Episode: “Rhodes to Perdition” – 5 x 9
Setting the Scene:
Blair’s realization that Chuck has returned the engagement ring he once bought for her, causes our Queen B to have some shocking and disheartening revelations about herself, and her relationship with Chuck . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
CHUCK: “Dr. Kirby thought you were upset I returned the ring.”
BLAIR: “He has too many PhD’s. They cancel each other out and make him a moron.”
CHUCK: “I returned it because you asked me to let you go . . . I wanted to move on to give you the happy life you deserve.”
BLAIR: “All this time, I’ve blamed you for pulling me into the dark. But I was wrong. It was me who brought out your dark side. And now that I’m with Louis, I’ve done the same to him. I’m sorry.”
Why it made the list:
It is quite fitting that Blair begins this scene tasting cakes, as pastries have always played a major role in Chuck’s and Blair’s sex life . . .
Blair claims that she can’t enjoy her cakes because Louis-bot has lost his sweetness. How do you lose something you never had? However, I can’t help but wonder whether it is her fear that she has lost Chuck’s love for good that is messing with her appetite. After all, he always did like to eat her pies!
It’s interesting how Blair initially tries to deflect the seriousness of the conversation through casual banter, and witty insults. Conversation avoidance is typically Chuck’s forte. But, in this instance, it is Chuck who demands a serious conversation between Blair and him. He knows that Blair was hurt by his confession that he returned her ring, and feels more than a bit guilty about causing her pain. But I also think a part of him is a teensy bit hopeful. Deep down, Chuck likely recognizes that the reason Blair got so upset over the fact that Chuck returned the ring is that she is not over him.
I’m awed by Chuck’s maturity throughout this scene, and how honest he is with Blair about his feelings. Chuck has no desire to manipulate Blair’s feelings for him, as he has done in the past. He only wants her to be happy, even if that secretly makes him miserable. Chuck knows that no matter how many rings he leaves on the doorstep of Harry Winston to get stolen by homeless people he will always love Blair, more than life itself.
But, at this point, Chuck believes that Blair can only be happy with Louis. And so, he says what he needs to say, to ensure that happiness. It’s the type of blatant self-sacrifice we will see from Chuck, again and again this season . . .
But Blair misconstrues Chuck’s words terribly, interpreting them in a way Chuck never imagined that she would. She begins to blame herself for Chuck’s and Louis-bot’s foibles. And the anguish on her face, is mirrored by Chuck, the moment he realizes he has unwittingly caused her to feel this way. It’s a sad scene . . . one that represents just how star-crossed Chuck and Blair truly are. But it also illustrates their unbreakable bond, and how invested these two individuals are in eachother’s feelings and emotions.
9. Those pesky match-making squirrels . . .
Episode: “Memoirs of an Invisible Dan” – 5 x 4
Setting the Scene:
Reunited for the first time, since Blair announced that she was pregnant with Louis-bot’s spawn, Chuck and Blair undoubtedly worry that things might be awkward between them. So, Chuck’s best friend, Monkey, plots with a few Chair-shipping squirrels to help break the ice . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
BLAIR: “Since when do you bite your tongue?”
CHUCK: “I’m learning.”
BLAIR: “Isn’t Humphrey becoming quite the drama queen?”
CHUCK: “Isn’t that usually your role?”
BLAIR: “I prefer drama princess now.”
CHUCK: “How are you, by the way?”
BLAIR: “I’m OK. Thanks for asking.”
CHUCK: “I’m sorry . . . squirrels. Should we?”
Why it made the list:
With all the heartache and angsty moments these two have endured over the years, it’s nice, every once in a while, to see a light-hearted, dare I say, cute moment between them. I remember watching the pregnancy reveal in 5 X 3, and wondering how Chuck and Blair would react to one another, when they saw eachother again. Would they be cold? Awkward? Distant?
It was refreshing to see Chuck and Blair be so completely at ease with one another, despite the obvious subtext between them. And I applauded the pair for being able to make, what could have been a terribly uncomfortable moment, oddly normal, filled as it was with easy jokes, friendly familiarity, witty familiarity, and, of course, mild flirting. Already, Blair is starting to notice that Chuck has matured, in his staunch refusal to reveal Dan’s secret. She’s clearly impressed with him . . .
And yet, once again, as in the prior scene, it’s Chuck that brings the conversation to a deeper level. He places an affectionate hand on Blair’s arm, as he asks her how she’s doing, with a look in his eyes that is a mixture of concerned and loving. The pregnant and subconsciously maternal Blair, gently moves her hands toward her stomach, before she replies, a subtle implication that she knows exactly to what he’s referring.
When Blair thanks Chuck for asking, on the surface, it’s a banal response, one that anyone would make, if someone asked them how they were doing. But the look Blair gives Chuck when she says it, shows that she is expressing gratitude, not just for Chuck’s words, but that he has the courage to resume their relationship, and continue to support her, even though she is carrying another man’s child. We’ll see that gratitude expressed again, in a more significant way, later on in the season.
Everyone’s favorite guest star, Monkey, has been a secret Chair fan, ever since he comforted Chuck, after his fateful encounter with Blair at the end of episode 3. So, it is no surprise that the canine Bass is a little schemer, just like his owner. It’s certainly no accident that he went after those squirrels, in such a way that Chuck would have to pull Blair close to him, in order to hold on to the leash, and keep his pregnant lover from falling on the concrete.
Thanks to Monkey, Chuck literally sweeps Blair off her feet, in such a way that the two are both smiling, blushing, and eye-goggling eachother, long after Monkey has been set back on the straight and narrow. Chuck Bass is always so cool, calm, and collected. This is why some of my favorite Chair scenes arise when Chuck seems to lose his composure. The shy, and goofy way a red-faced Chuck mumbled a shy apology over the squirrels, warmed my heart, because it shows just how smitten he still is with Blair, even after all these years.
Blair may have wanted Chuck to murder those butterflies in his stomach, back in Season 1. But here we are, four seasons later. And they are clearly alive and well . . .
8. Blair and Chuck attend couple’s therapy
Episode: “Rhodes to Perdition” – 5 x 9
Setting the Scene:
In complete denial of the obvious-to-everyone-else-but-her fact that the reason her relationship with Louis-bot is failing so miserably, is that she is head-over-heels in love with Chuck, Blair tags along on one of Chuck’s therapy sessions. While there, she hopes to unlock the mystery of why Chuck is so awesome, and Louis-bot is so awful . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
BLAIR: “I was a teenage bulimic and my father came out when I was fifteen. This isn’t my first analysis.”
SHRINK: “Are you saying that you want your fiancé to be more like Chuck?”
BLAIR: “No! More like the man Chuck’s become. Like Louis used to be when Chuck was like Louis is now.”
SHRINK: “If you don’t mind me saying so, you seem confused.”
And later . . .
CHUCK: “But I did let go of you, Blair . . . if you don’t believe me, call on Harry Winston. The night of The Spectator launch, I left the engagement ring I bought you on the doorstep and walked away.”
Why it made the list:
At first, this scene seems as though it’s going to be played mainly for laughs. Chuck, clearly aware of how patently ridiculous it is that his non-girlfriend has decided to attend therapy with him, teases and taunts Blair, by using most of his therapy time to wax poetic about Monkey’s self-pleasuring tendencies. (Any hope of Monkey getting a love interest, next season, Josh Schwartz?) And yet something tells me Chuck’s real therapy sessions are much more juicy, and decidedly Blair-centric.
From Chuck’s perspective, it’s interesting that he refrains for as long as possible from telling Blair about returning her ring, presumably because he knows it will hurt her feelings. And yet, when he is finally goaded into revealing this pertinent information, he seems both surprised and cowed, by how much his confession affected her. It’s almost as if, a part of Chuck believed that Blair wouldn’t care at all about the ring, because he doesn’t yet consider himself worthy of her love.
As for Blair, she never expected that Chuck’s transformation had anything to do with letting go of her. And the mistaken realization that Chuck might truly be over her, devastates her in a way that she never expected. Leighton Meester is spectacular in this scene. Her body stiffens in shock, as her eyes well up with tears. It’s almost as if she’s experienced the death of a loved one. But what she’s really experiencing is what she believes to be the death of love.
Blair tries to act casual about this discovery, when she excuses herself. But the way her voice cracks, as she escapes the room, says everything about what’s going on in her head and heart. She’s not fooling anybody, least of all, herself . . .
7. “Do you think you could love another man’s child?”
Episode: “Riding in Town Cars with Boys” – 5 x 10
Setting the Scene:
Hiding away in Brooklyn, so that those nosy paparazzi won’t realize that her pregnant fingers are now too fat for her wedding ring, Blair struggles over why she can’t commit to her robot fiance. Seeking closure or perhaps an opportunity to escape this sham of a marriage, Blair calls the one man, who can help her get in touch with her true emotions: Chuck Bass . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
BLAIR: “I need your advice. It seems as you’ve found your way, I’ve lost mine.”
CHUCK: “I didn’t think Blair Waldorf could get lost.”
BLAIR: “Neither did I, but I’m so lost I wound up in Brooklyn.”
CHUCK: “There are worse places. This isn’t something Humphrey can help you with?”
BLAIR: “No . . . only you . . . Do you think you could love another man’s child?”
CHUCK: “Why are you asking me this?”
BLAIR: “I’m paralyzed. I can’t move. I can’t breathe. You have to help me.”
CHUCK: “I can’t make this decision for you, Blair. You’re the one who has to live with it.”
BLAIR: “But, what’s the right choice, Chuck?”
CHUCK: “I can’t imagine it would be a mistake to marry the father of your child. Right?”
Why it made the list:
What’s interesting about this scene, is that it takes place entirely over the telephone. So much of Chuck’s and Blair’s relationship is conveyed through their body language, and facial expressions. When they are face-to-face with one another, knowing what is truly in eachother’s hearts comes easily to Chuck and Blair. It is second nature to them.
But while on the phone, Chuck and Blair cannot look in eachother’s eyes when they speak. They can’t touch one another. They can’t see how eachother or standing, or read the tears in eachother’s eyes, or the devastation in eachother’s posture. And this causes them to have a miscommunication of tragically epic proportions.
However, as viewers, we get to see Chuck and Blair, as they engage in this conversation. And this gives us the unique opportunity to read the subtext of their words, which they, themselves, cannot see. For example, Blair’s voice, when she asks Chuck for help, and jokes about being in Brooklyn, is deceptively subtle, and lighthearted, though we know, from the way she is seated on the couch, that it is taking all her will, not to break down.
Chuck responds in an equally light-hearted fashion. But the sad look in his eyes, when he speaks shows fans how hard it is for him to carry on a casual conversation with someone he loves more than life itself, and yet knows he cannot have. When Blair asks Chuck if he could love another man’s child, we see how nervous she is . . . and how tentative. This is incredibly hard for her. We know what she wants Chuck’s answer to be, even if she’s not ready to admit that to herself.
As for Chuck, on one hand, his heart swells from hearing this question. It is the one Chuck has secretly wanted Blair to ask him, ever since she told him she was pregnant back in Episode 3. On the other hand, a part of him feels as though fate is playing a trick on him, as though it is too good to be true. “Why are you asking me this?” He asks, with just a hint of nervous accusation in his voice.
This is when Blair breaks, she admits to being paralyzed, and torn up by fear and indecision. She needs Chuck to give her the permission to leave her marriage, and save her from herself. Now, Chuck can clearly hear the anguish in Blair’s voice, and it hurts his heart. It takes all his will not to hang up the phone, rush over to Brooklyn, take her in his arms, and never let go. And, perhaps, if Chuck could look Blair in the eyes, and see his love mirrored back in her, that’s exactly what he would have done.
But he doesn’t see her. And a voice in his head is nagging him to keep his feelings to himself. He doesn’t know yet, how much Blair still loves him. He worries that she will resent him, if he takes her away from the father of her child. So, he says what he thinks is the “right” thing to say . . . He gives her up. Even though he has to bite his quivering lip, when he finishes speaking to keep from breaking down.
Now, Chuck and Blair are both more lost than before. But, fortunately, not for long . . .
6. Blair tells Chuck she’s pregnant / helps him to feel again
Episode: “The Jewel of Denial” – 5 x 3
Setting the Scene:
After sacrificing his own happiness, so Blair could marry Louis-bot, Chuck escaped to Los Angeles, hoping to lose himself in booze and beautiful women. But the old tricks, don’t seem to work for Chuck now, as he finds himself shockingly devoid of the ability to experience any sort of human emotion. He reacts by throwing himself into increasingly dangerous situations, hoping that the physical pain he suffers will somehow translate into an emotional one. But Chuck isn’t experiencing physical pain, either.
Chuck’s new bestie, Humpty Humphrey, has spent the entire episode, trying to get him to feel something. However, in the end, only Blair Waldorf holds the key that unlocks Chuck’s heart . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
BLAIR: “I need to talk to you.”
CHUCK: “I thought we said everything we needed to say, last time we saw each other.”
BLAIR: “Chuck . . .”
CHUCK: “Is this another misguided attempt by Dan to get me to feel something?”
BLAIR: “I’m pregnant. It’s Louis’. I didn’t want you to find out from someone else, and wonder if the baby was yours.”
CHUCK: “That’s very considerate.”
BLAIR: “Yes . . . well . . . if I know anything about Chuck Bass, it’s that fatherhood isn’t part of the lifestyle.”
CHUCK: “You must have been very relieved when you realized you weren’t carrying my offspring. It certainly would have derailed your fairytale.”
BLAIR: “This fairytale is complicated.”
CHUCK: “Blair, meet my dog, Monkey.”
BLAIR: “I saw Gossip Girl. I thought you got rid of him.”
CHUCK: “I just sent him to get fixed. I thought it was the responsible thing to do.”
And later . . .
BLAIR: “There is a part of me that really wanted it to be yours.”
Why it made the list:
In the telephone scene, Chuck and Blair spoke volumes to one another. But they could see one another, and, therefore, missed the painful emotions behind the words. Conversely, in this scene, up until the very end, Chuck and Blair actually say very little to one another. The conversation is polite, cordial, and even a bit cold. If a conversation like this was done over the phone, it could have singlehandedly wrecked Chuck’s and Blair’s relationship. But because Chuck and Blair can see one another, and know what eachother are feeling, during the conversation, it actually strengthens the bond between them.
When this scene first aired, it was the first time Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick had shared the screen together, since the season 4 finale. Chair fans waited with baited breath for the couple to reunite, over the long summer hiatus, and through the first two epsiodes of the season. It made their actual reunion that much more epic, emotionally-charged, and meaningful than it perhaps would be, otherwise.
When Chuck first lays eyes on Blair, his eyes widen, as if he doesn’t quite believe she’s really there. Though they’ve spent months apart, it is quite clear, in that first moment that Chuck’s and Blair’s love for one another hasn’t diminished. “I thought we said everything we needed to say the last time we saw eachother,” Chuck says, coldly.
He’s protecting his heart. He doesn’t want Blair to hurt him again. Blair’s utterance of his name in response, is a plea, that he take down his walls, and open his heart, so that he can really hear what she has to say. It melts him a bit. But his guard is still up. He still thinks her presence in his apartment is too good to be true. He thinks it’s a ploy or a trick of some sort.
But that all changes, when Blair admits tearfully that she’s pregnant, and that the baby is not his. He’s clearly heartbroken, as is she. They know how one another are feeling. And yet, they still exchange cold pleasantries, maintaining the falsehood that Blair still wants her fantasy life with Louis-bot, and Chuck still wants to live life as a perpetual bachelor.
Once again, this conversation is in danger of ending very badly for Chair. But in comes Number One Chair fan, Monkey, at just the right moment. His presence makes Blair realize how much Chuck has changed, and it softens both of their hearts. Because, really, who could be angry, in the presence of an adorable dog. I think it’s the presence of Monkey, that enables Blair to make the heartfelt admission that ensures the future of Chair, “There’s a part of me that really wanted it to be yours.”
Clearly, Chuck feels the same way. You can see it in his eyes. But he says nothing. Instead, he bids Blair a polite goodbye, and waits for her to depart, so that he can finally breakdown. Blair’s confession has awakened Chuck’s ability to experience pain and emotion. She’s saved his soul, and broken his heart, in a single moment. Fortunately, Monkey is there to pick up the pieces . . .
5. “You are the lightest thing that ever came into my life.”
Episode: “Rhodes to Perdition” – 5 x 9
Setting the Scene:
Having learned that Chuck’s shocking transformation took place, only after he committed to giving her up for the greater good, Blair has come to the devastating conclusion that she brings out the evil in the men that she dates. Knowing this to be patently false, and unable to allow the woman he loves to be so down on herself, Chuck goes to Blair’s bedroom to comfort her . . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
CHUCK: “You never pulled me to the dark side, Blair.”
BLAIR: “I appreciate you trying to make me feel better. But I have my answer.”
CHUCK: “You were the lightest thing that ever came into my life.”
BLAIR: “Then, why did it take letting me go to find this whole new side of yourself?”
CHUCK: “I only turned dark and desperate, because I was afraid of losing you. You’re love kept me alive.”
BLAIR: “But you survived without me.”
CHUCK: “The worst thing happened, and I didn’t die. But I had to find a way to move on with my life. I only want you to be happy. I’m just sorry it couldn’t be with me.”
And later . . .
CHUCK: “I’m not the groom.”
Why it made the list:
Many times throughout the series, we’ve seen Blair comfort Chuck, when he needed a hug, a kind word, and a gentle self esteem boost. And though Chuck clearly cares for Blair deeply, and can can be turned into puddy at the sight of her tears, it’s rare that we see him comfort her. It’s not that Chuck isn’t sensitive to Blair needs, or that he doesn’t want to make her feel better, I think he just worries that he doesn’t have the right words to do it. Perhaps, that will change, now that the New and Improved Chuck has come to the Upper East Side . . .
It was heartwarming to see Chuck helping Blair through her devastation, by not letting her go on believing that she was to blame for his darkness or Louis’. In this instance, he knew exactly what to say to cure Blair of her misconception. And the best part about it, was that it was all true. Chuck is a much better person, for having known and loved Blair. She believed in him, supported him, and helped him to become the man he is today. And if Louis-bot wasn’t such an asshat, she’d probably make him a better person too.
It’s not at all surprising that a guest in the home, walking into the situation would assume that Chuck was the groom-to-be. Chuck’s and Blair’s romantic connection to one another is apparent even to strangers. That said, Chuck’s utter dejection when he informed the baker that he wasn’t the groom broke my heart . . .
4. Chuck and Blair play dress-up, and things get RED HOT.
Episode: “The Big Sleep No More” – 5 x 7
Setting the Scene:
Blair just can’t seem to get Chuck’s hot body epic apology out of her mind. Unable to accept the fact that she’s obviously still in love with him, Blair tries to convince herself that Chuck is only pretending to be a better man, so that she will doubt her dull relationship with the Robot Prince. It’s working! Desperate for answers, Blair crashes Chuck’s Sleep No More charity event, and attempts to seduce him. By doing so, she hopes to prove, once and for all, that Chuck Bass is the same sexpot he’s always been. But the problem with seduction is that it is often a two-way street, which begs the question, “Who’s seducing who?”
Video:
Potent Quotables:
BLAIR: “Of course, you knew it was me. Was it my perfume?”
And later . . .
BLAIR: “It looks like we’re stuck . . . together . . . alone . . . amongst the masked and anonymous. Do you remember when we used to play dress-up?”
CHUCK: “How could I forget? Though, I didn’t think this was your kind of entertainment anymore.”
BLAIR: “At least I know I’m safe, locked in here with the New Chuck Bass, who has none of his old urges. I have to admit, I had a hard time believing you, at first. But now I see . . . the therapy, the apology . . . you really have changed. As warm as it’s getting in here, I can sweep the hair from the nape of my neck, without setting you off. It’s such a relief to be able to let my guard down. Oh look! They even have Red Hots. You never could resist. Do you want one?
CHUCK: “No . . . thank you.”
BLAIR: “No one is looking. Even the new Chuck Bass must have some of his darkest desires. Just a taste.”
(They kiss.)
BLAIR: (slaps Chuck) “I knew you were still the same Chuck. You thought by one fake apology, and a few charitable acts, you could get me to question, all the reasons I’m with Louis. But I was right. You are incapable of change.”
CHUCK: “It seems you know me too well.”
BLAIR: “And now, thanks to you, I am more certain than ever, that I chose the right man. Goodbye.”
CHUCK: “Goodbye, Blair.”
Why it made the list:
I suspect some readers might be surprised at how high up on the list this scene appears. After all, one could argue that everything that happens here is an act. Blair is seducing Chuck, because she wants to prove that he is still the Bad Bass she knows and loves. She thinks this will make her feel comfortable entering into her boring relationship with that Gibberish Speaking Cyborg. And, though we don’t know it, at the time the scene first airs, Chuck is playing a part as well. He’s pretending to be seduced by Blair, as a favor to Dorota, who claims it will help Blair find happiness with Louis-bot.
On the other hand, how much of this scene really was acting, and how much was real? It’s fun to try and guess. After all, this certainly isn’t the first time Chuck and Blair have used their sexual powers of manipulation on one another. (Remember the “I love you” wars, of Season 2?)
Sexual chemistry simply can’t be faked. And Chuck and Blair have it in spades, in this scene. Chuck certainly seems hot and bothered by Blair, as she dances around him, rubbing her neck, filling his nose with her scent, and taunting him with red hots. His breathing is labored when he speaks to her, and his voice is decidedly husky. As for Blair, there’s something about the way she stares at Chuck’s mouth that seems to suggest that the seduction act is working it’s magic on her, just as much as it’s working on him.
And the kiss, it seems to take Blair by surprise, even though she’s been working toward it all this time. It’s long. It’s passionate. It’s red hot. And both Chuck and Blair find themselves carried away by it’s intensity, until it becomes all-too-apparent that neither of them are acting, anymore.
Even the slap that follows, and the heated argument that occurs between the pair, seems charged with sexual energy. Watch their body language in the scene . . . the way their faces are flushed, the way their eyes dilate, when they speak to one another. After Blair storms, off, Chuck seems a bit lightheaded, like someone waking up from a trance. He’s not entirely sure what just transpired, but he knows he kind of liked it . . .
Then you remember that Chuck did all this to ensure Blair’s happiness with another man, and it makes you fall in love with him all over again . . .
3. Chuck apologizes to Blair for . . . well . . . EVERYTHING.
Episode: “I am Number Nine” – 5 x 6
Setting the Scene:
While on his Path to Redemption, Chuck decides to apologize to Blair and Chair fans for some of the less-than-loveable things he’s done to her, during the course of their roller coaster relationship . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
CHUCK: “I’m not here to apologize about what happened tonight.
BLAIR: “What are you here to apologize for?”
CHUCK: “Everything else. I’m sorry for losing my temper the night you told me that Louis proposed to you. I’m sorry for not waiting longer at the Empire State Building. I’m sorry for treating you like property. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I loved you, when I knew I did. Most of all, I’m sorry that I gave up on us, when you never did.”
BLAIR: “Thank you. I hope never giving up on people isn’t going to be my downfall.”
CHUCK: “It’s why you are going to be an amazing mother. You are always there for the people who you love, even when they don’t deserve it.”
BLAIR: “You know, that’s never going to change.”
CHUCK: “It’s OK, if it has to. Starting tonight, I’m going to take care of myself.”
Why it made the list:
This scene was not just a love letter from Chuck to Blair. It was also a love letter from the GG writers to Chair fans. On the surface, this was simply Chuck showing Blair just how much he had changed and grown up, over the years. By admitting, and coming to terms with all the ways in which he has hurt Blair, throughout their relationship, Chuck is saying to the woman he loved, “I am going to change for you. I am willing to accept responsibility for what I have done wrong. And I am ready to become a man, who is worthy of your love, even if you cannot bring yourself to love me in return.”
But peel back the layers, and you can also hear the writers saying to you: “Thank you for sticking by this ship, through thick and thin, even when other fans called you crazy for doing so. We know this couple has accumulated a lot of heavy baggage, over the years. And we aren’t going to insult your intelligence, by sweeping it under the carpet, and pretending that none of it ever happened. Instead, we are going to have Chuck own up to his wrongs, and try to make amends for them, not just by his words, but also through his actions. In short, we are going to reward you, Chair fans. Because, just like Blair, you don’t give up on the things and people you love.”
With the apologies out of the way, Chuck and Blair actually get to share a really sweet moment, where Chuck illustrates his admiration for Blair’s unflinching ability to stick by people she cares deeply about, even when they disappoint her. Like Chuck, we know that this will not be Blair’s downfall, but will ultimately be her salvation. It will keep her strong during the tough road ahead. And the fact that Chuck told Blair that she would be a great mother, at the very moment, when she needed to hear it most . . . well, if that doesn’t warm you’re heart, you’re a soulless vampire . . .
. . . or, possibly an evil cyborg.
2. Chuck’s and Blair’s Tragic Limo Town Car Reunion
Episode: “Riding in Town Cars with Boys” – 5 x 10
Setting the Scene:
In this epic mid-season finale episode, Chuck and Blair have finally come clean to one another about their feelings for eachother. Now, along with Blair’s unborn child, they are finally ready for their much-deserved Happily Ever After. Unfortunately, those pernicious paparazzi have other ideas . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
BLAIR: “I have to tell Louis, face-to-face that the wedding is off. He deserves at least that.”
CHUCK: “Are you sure you want to do this? I mean . . . a prince . . . a fairytale wedding. This is all you ever wanted.”
BLAIR: “No! You’re all I ever wanted. I love you. I love every part of you. I couldn’t tell Louis that he would never lose me, because it wasn’t true. You’re the one I never want to leave.”
And later . . .
BLAIR: “We can go anywhere. Switzerland has impeccable schools, or maybe Tokyo. They have opening ceremony, and great test scores.”
CHUCK: “Blair, we don’t need to go anywhere. We can raise this baby right here.”
Why it made the list:
I have such mixed emotions about this scene. On one hand, never have I seen such a joyous reunion between two people, as the one between Chuck and Blair. I mean, seriously, Chair fans. When have you ever seen Chuck so adorably giddy?
He’s like a little child, practically bursting out of his seat with happiness. His face is flushed. He’s breathing heavy. He’s babbling. His eyes are wide with excitement. He keeps touching Blair’s face, as if he can’t quite believe she’s real. We’ve waited five seasons to see Chuck like this. And it’s hard not to smile, watching him, even though we all know tragedy is about to strike.
As for Blair, it’s heartening to hear her finally verbalize her feelings for Chuck . . . the one’s we always knew she felt, but could never quite bring herself to say. Up until this point, this season, it’s been Chuck always making the heartfelt speeches, the epic apologies, the eloquent declarations of love. Now it’s Blair telling Chuck she never wants to leave him, planning for their future, talking about starting their family.
In an alternate universe, Chuck and Blair didn’t trade taxi’s with Nate that night. They avoided the paparazzi, arrived back in the Upper East Side, safe and sound, made sweet love in Blair’s bed, and woke up early the next morning to shop for baby furniture. But it our universe, Blair finally noticed the paparazzi stalking her car. And in that moment, the fantasy was shattered.
What’s in store for Chuck and Blair now, remains to be seen . . . But no matter what happens, we can always look back at this moment, and remember them as a young couple, deeply in love, and overjoyed at the prospect of spending the rest of their lives together . . .
And now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for . . . The Number One Chuck and Blair Moment from Season 5, so far is . . . (drumroll please) . . .
1. “I’m going to love your baby as much as I love you.”
Episode: “Riding in Town Cars with Boys” – 5 x 10
Setting the Scene:
After their devastating telephone conversation, during which Chuck could not bring himself to tell Blair to ditch that bastard, Louis-bot, for his sexy self, Blair is completely inconsolate, fearing that she will never be happy again. But Matchmaker Dan has other plans for his friend and the unrequited object of his affection. And those plans involve the one man with the power to give Blair the happiness she deserves . . .
Video:
Potent Quotables:
CHUCK: “Dan arranged it for us.”
BLAIR: “What us?”
CHUCK: “The ‘us’ I should have fought for, when you called. The ‘us’ that is not just you and me, but you, me, and your baby.”
BLAIR: “Then, why did you tell me to choose Louis?”
CHUCK: “I thought it was selfish, if I was the one to tell you to break up your family.”
BLAIR: “That was the moment you chose not to be selfish?”
CHUCK: “Timing has never been our strong suit. I had it all wrong. Just because Louis is the father of your baby does not mean you should be with him. You should be with me.”
BLAIR: “Why?”
CHUCK: “Because I’m going to love your baby as much as I love you.”
And later . . .
BLAIR: “I’ve gotta get out of here.”
CHUCK: “Wait . . . I want to come with you.”
Why it made the list:
This scene truly embodies Chuck’s and Blair’s relationship. It’s as if everything we’ve endured with this couple, over the past five seasons — all the breakups, and makeups, the accusations, and the insinuations, the beautiful speeches, and the smoking hot sexual encounters — has culminated in this single moment. Finally, Chuck is ready to fight for Blair, as he promised he would, during his apology to her in “I Am Number Nine.” Finally, he is saying the things he’s known in his heart, since he fell in love with her, back in high school . . . the things he’s always wanted to say, but never had the courage to do so.
After all his soul searching, Chuck finally feels worthy, not just of Blair, but of Blair’s child, which he will love as if its his own, because it’s part of the woman he loves more than anything in the world. It’s a more honest, mature, and heartfelt, Chuck, then we’ve ever seen before. And it’s this Chuck that takes Blair’s breath away, by saying things to her, that she’s never admitted to herself, that she’s always wanted to hear.
She moves in closer to him, clutching her unborn child, and, in that moment, they cease to be indviduals, and become a unit . . . a family. The fact that Chuck doesn’t want to leave Blair’s side, even though he knows this might make them a more likely target for the paparazzi, is both romantic, and symbolic of this union. Chuck spent so much of these past two seasons apart from Blair. And he doesn’t want to be separated from her, for another minute.
If only the episode ended here, we could sleep better at night, knowing, for certain, that Chuck, Blair, and Blair’s baby lived happily ever after. And though that wasn’t in the cards for our favorite Upper East Side Couple, the fact that a perfect scene like this exists, reminds us Chair fans, that Chuck and Blair are meant to be. They’ve endured hardships, heartbreak, evil cyborgs, bland prostitutes, and so much worse, but it never shook the solid, unbreakable foundation of their love for one another. And that gives us hope for, and certainty in their future . . . together.
You know you love them! XOXO!
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