Greetings Upper East Side Lovers, after an episode of too few songs and another of what some may consider to be too many (by one artist), it’s safe to say we’ve arrived at an episode that is musically just right. With 8 tunes distributed by 6 artists, the dramatic series, whose most recent episode revolves around characters gloating in the demise of former family, friends and their success, the music is quite possibly the only positive addition to the episode.

"Where the Vile Things Are", the sixth of ten episodes, included some vile acts indeed. But true to form, we weren’t exposed to those acts until at least half way through the episode. And again, true to form, the best songs were played during those chilling scenes. So, before I move on to those key tunes, here’s a short list of those played in the beginning, that you should definitely take some time to listen to: 

"Deals" by All Wrong and the Plans Change

“Shanghai Surprise” by My Fiction  

“Trophy Kids” by My Fiction

“Knives & Bombs” by My Fiction

"Flutes" by Hot Chip

As those tunes were playing, Eleanor returned to the Waldorf penthouse with a list of demands for her questionable successor. But only one seemed incomprehensible for Blair Waldorf aka the queen of scheme. That’s it, right there. The scheming would have to stop and young Waldorf would have to exemplify that she is capable of being mature and not carrying out ridiculous plans to get her way. For a young woman who proved to be fearless from her early headband-wearing, redefining-school-uniform days, the completion of such a task was questionable.

Meanwhile Serena and Dan spent all 45ish minutes of the episode re-living their past. Remember their first date in season 1, when Serena was overjoyed with exotic and original expectations for Dan that might include traveling around Manhattan on a Vespa? Well she finally got her wish. The two jetted away on the Italian vehicle while being chased by paparazzi. At least this time Dan’s used to being in the public eye, with or without Serena. And if that wasn’t enough old S&D time, after a little tiff, the two get stuck in an elevator, just like they did in season 2  at the all-white party in the Hamptons. Original. 

But Serena and Dan's romance took a back seat to Rufus and Ivy’s believe it or not. Or rather their romance took a back seat to the nauseating couple’s plotting against Lily. After Mrs. Van Der Woodson/Bass/Humprhey/Bass scheduled to throw a fundraiser that would attract all of Rufus’s art gallery opening guests, the couple used their recent inheritance (another word for power on the Upper East Side) to get what they wanted – or what they believe they deserved – which included paying over 1 million dollars for one of Lily’s paintings. 

That same painting included the final piece of evidence Chuck needed to expose his father’s dirty oil deals. And with the help of Nate and Ivy he was so close (the document was hidden in the painting) yet so far.

Dan and Serena on the other hand used some intricate instrumental encouragement to come full circle with their relationship. Lemonades’ “Vivid” helped seal the deal, helped sell the kiss. For all you S&D fans, looks like they’re back…for now.

MNDR who recently opened for Shiny Toy Guns at the Echoplex closed the episode with “Stay,” the second track off her debut album “Feed The Diamonds.” 

 

A lot happened during the track which is about wanting to stay in the good moments of life, so read carefully. S&D head to S’s room. Chuck pays Ivy double for the painting hoping to get ahold of Bart’s secret document, only to find that it isn’t there once the piece arrives to the Empire. Ivy opens the signed, sealed and delivered envelope and makes a secretive phone call who I believe to be Lola, asking her to come back to the city and bragging about the new information which just might be the missing piece to their puzzle to take down Lily. After waving her white flag and respectfully resigning from head of Waldorf Designs, and with a little encouragement from former-minion-turned-vengeful-WWD-fashion-editor Nelly Yuki, Blair proses a new line to her mother. A line filled with style perfected for four years, school uniforms. “The girls I dress will not follow trends, they will create them, just like I did,” she said towards the end of her pitch.

So there you have it. Episode six, filled with reminiscing, re-kindled relationships, a fight for and re-claiming of power, and of course - scheming. Only 4 episodes left and it looks like just as Blair gains traction in becoming one of the most powerful women in the world who can also experience and manage great love, she might realize Dan was right when he said, “You ended up with no one. Chuck will never finish fighting with his father. And that ring around your neck will never be on your finger.” I know Revenge has worn out their albums, but Angus & Julia Stone’s “Hold On” anyone?

You know you hear me, xoxo.

Reach Staff Reporter Cortney Riles here.