I love Gossip Girl. I have a degree and I'm proud to watch it! The transformation of Chuck's character is probably one of the most brilliantly executed in TV history.
His psychological makeup is entirely plausible. Early Chuck is largely the result of parental neglect by the Big Bad Bass combined with the excesses of unearned privilege.
Living a life where all the contact is paid for (doormen, chauffeurs, etc) gives Chuck the sense that people are commodities – and Jack Bass’s love of prostitutes doesn’t help. Chuck’s attempted assault of Jenny is an extension of him having learned the dangerous lesson that women are there to service him. He should have gone to jail but is spared – a worrying message for many.
Without Lily's unconditional love, and his twin soul, Blair, Chuck would likely have developed into a truly evil character - the abused becoming the abuser. They are his redemption and actually the first time the poor guy ever experiences love.
What is so clever about Gossip Girl is that Dan begins the story as a White Knight of high ideals and low means swooping in to save Serena, and Chuck as the wealthy villain who wants to defile women.
That slow build of realisation that beneath Dan’s scorn of high society is not moral indignation, but pure undiluted envy, and that Chuck’s darkness hides little more than a big heart, big passions and even bigger hang ups is one of the key victories of this deceptively glossy show. Proud to watch it. It’s simply phenomenal. Looking forward to the Gossip Girl Reboot next year!
On another note, I see that Blair is looking for new Minions to do her bidding! Anyone up for joining a Gossip Girl Group?
www.facebook.com/groups/1760784400753686/