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Goodbye, Columbia

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Goodbye, Columbia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 10 August 20251 source
Gossip Girl (season 4)
IndustryTelevision
FoundedSeptember 13, 2010; 16 years ago (2010-09-13)
FateSeason concluded
Headquarters
United States
Area served
United States
ProductsTelevision series

The fourth installment of the American teen drama series Gossip Girl debuted on The CW network on September 13, 2010, wrapping up on May 16, 2011, after a total of 22 episodes. Adapted from the book series authored by Cecily von Ziegesar, the television adaptation was brought to life by creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. On February 16, 2010, The CW confirmed the show's renewal for a complete fourth season. Returning as principal cast members were Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, Taylor Momsen, Ed Westwick, Jessica Szohr, Kelly Rutherford, and Matthew Settle.

The series continued to air on Mondays at 9:00 p.m., serving as the lead-in program for 90210. The season opener achieved a 1.0 rating among Adults aged 18–49 and attracted 1.84 million viewers. The fourth episode reached the highest rating in the key demographic with a 1.1 score, while episode eleven recorded the peak in viewership at 2.06 million. The finale garnered an audience of 1.36 million live viewers. Critical response was generally favorable, with the season earning a Metacritic score of 75 out of 100.

Synopsis

Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass strive to conclude their tumultuous relationship but encounter new romantic entanglements abroad. Dan Humphrey assumes fatherhood when Georgina Sparks unexpectedly leaves her son Milo in his care. Both Blair and Serena van der Woodsen enroll at Columbia University, where they face various obstacles in their academic and social lives. Nate Archibald becomes involved with Juliet Sharp, who secretly seeks revenge against Serena and Lily van der Woodsen. Meanwhile, Lily attempts to divest Bass Industries but meets resistance upon the arrival of her former foes Russell Thorpe and his daughter Raina. Serena confronts legal challenges tied to Lily’s history of forgery, resulting in Lily being placed under house arrest. The mysterious arrival of Charlie Rhodes—Serena and Eric’s secret cousin—adds complexity to their lives in Manhattan. Blair moves forward with her engagement to Prince Louis Grimaldi, progressing toward her aspiration of royal status.

Main

Recurring

Guest Appearances


Episodes

{{Episode table |background=#B40411 |overall=5 |season=5 |title=28 |director=14 |writer=25 |airdate=14 |viewers=9 |country=U.S. |episodes= Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist {{Episode list/sublist|Gossip Girl season 4   |Title=The Townie

  |WrittenBy=Amanda Lasher & Stephanie Savage   |DirectedBy=Joe Lazarov

  |OriginalAirDate=December 6, 2010 (2010-12-06)   |EpisodeNumber=76   |EpisodeNumber2=11    |Aux4=2.06[1]    |ShortSummary>Blair teams up with Dan and an old adversary to track down Juliet in Cornwall, Connecticut, revealing a secret about Serena’s sophomore year at boarding school. The Archibald family receives hopeful news regarding The Captain after two years incarcerated; Rufus and Chuck discover Lily plans to sell Bass Industries.

Title reference: The 2010 film The Town.


Production

On February 16, 2010, the series was officially renewed for a fourth season. It maintained its Monday 9/8c timeslot, airing immediately after 90210, with the premiere date set for September 13, 2010.

Filming commenced in Paris on July 5, 2010, featuring Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Ed Westwick, and Clémence Poésy. Although Jessica Szohr was initially reported to miss several episodes, she resumed work by July 9, 2010, appearing in the season opener. Taylor Momsen began shooting on August 30, 2010; she appeared in a single episode titled "Easy J" (which aired October 25, 2010) before returning as a series regular for the latter half of the season. Tate Donovan, who had previously collaborated with creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage on The O.C., directed an episode that aired in November 2010.

The initial two episodes take place in Paris. The Airborne Toxic Event made a guest appearance during the season four finale "The Wrong Goodbye", performing their track "Changing" from the album All at Once at the Constance Billard Alumni event.

Cast

Actress Clémence Poésy, known for her role in Harry Potter, joined the cast portraying Eva, Chuck’s new romantic interest, appearing in four episodes filmed in Paris. Katie Cassidy, formerly of Melrose Place, guest-starred as Juliet—a Columbia University student with an agenda against Serena and Nate’s potential love interest—alongside David Call as her incarcerated brother Ben Donovan. Sam Page was introduced as Serena’s new love interest, a Columbia business professor related to Juliet and Ben, featured across four episodes. Kevin Zegers returned as Damien Dalgaard in five episodes, while Desmond Harrington reprised his role as Chuck’s uncle Jack Bass.

Due to touring obligations, Taylor Momsen was absent for several episodes but returned around midseason, appearing in only four episodes before taking an indefinite break. Guest stars included Michael Boatman playing Russell Thorpe, a wealthy businessman connected to Chuck’s father, and Tika Sumpter portraying his daughter Raina.

Prominent figures from the fashion world such as Tim Gunn, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Rachel Zoe made cameo appearances during the first half of the season. Additionally, singer Robyn performed her song "Hang with Me."

William Baldwin expressed enthusiasm about returning for season four and was confirmed to reprise his role in February 2011. Due to scheduling conflicts, Sheila Kelley replaced Illeana Douglas as Lily’s sister Carol. The character Georgina Sparks was brought back by Michelle Trachtenberg in the season finale. Kaylee DeFer joined portraying Carol’s daughter Charlie Rhodes and was elevated to series regular status starting with season five.

Hugo Becker, who plays Prince Louis Grimaldi, returned on April 18, 2011, for the remainder of the season. Guest star appearances included The Borgias actress Joanne Whalley, cast as Princess Sophie—Louis's mother—and Academy Award-nominated director David O. Russell made a brief cameo.

On April 6, 2011, reports emerged that Ethan Peck, recognized from 10 Things I Hate About You, had secured a role and filmed scenes alongside Blake Lively; he was anticipated to debut in the season finale with discussions underway for a recurring role in season five. Recurring performers Nan Zhang and Nicole Fiscella reprised their characters for both the penultimate episode and finale. Tony Award-winning actress Jan Maxwell returned as Headmistress Queller for the final episode.

Regarding his future involvement with the show, Becker remained noncommittal, stating "the answer is in the finale." On May 16, 2011, it was announced by Entertainment Weekly that Gossip Girl author Cecily von Ziegesar would make a cameo appearance in the season finale.

Plot

The fourth season begins with Serena and Blair savoring their summer in Paris, until Chuck Bass arrives under an alias accompanied by a new companion. Blair is confronted with the dilemma of whether to fight for Chuck or concentrate on dominating Columbia University. Meanwhile, Serena faces a choice between Nate and Dan, though Dan remains distracted by his role as a caretaker for Georgina’s baby, which is later revealed not to be his own. Stephanie Savage highlighted that the narrative between Dan and Serena intensifies this season, and Jenny returns transformed and "full of drama."

With Serena and Blair back, the Gossip Girl website is revamped using advanced technology. Juliet teams up with her brother to sabotage Serena. Vanessa is falsely accused by Juliet of stealing Serena’s phone and departs town after only Dan believes her innocence. After Blair forces Chuck’s new girlfriend to leave, Chuck declares open hostility toward Blair; however, their conflict ends following Jenny’s public explanation for her departure. At Blair’s 20th birthday celebration, she and Chuck reconcile romantically. Both Nate and Dan continue to have feelings for Serena but remain uncertain due to her ambiguous signals.

By the midpoint of the season, Juliet’s scheme comes to light as she enlists Vanessa and Jenny to bring down Serena. Blair and Dan join forces with Serena against this threat. During a masquerade event, Juliet and Jenny impersonate Serena, tarnishing her reputation by implicating her in drug use, which results in Serena being admitted to the Ostroff Center. Overcome with guilt, Jenny confesses to Blair; Vanessa leaves town to avoid confrontation, while Blair and Dan plot retaliation against Juliet.

Juliet later discloses her motivations: her brother Ben—Serena’s former teacher accused of having an affair with her—was imprisoned due to a falsified affidavit provided by Lily, Serena’s mother. In response, Serena devises a strategy to clear Ben’s name by uncovering Lily’s forgery. Concurrently, Chuck uncovers Lily’s secret plan to sell Bass Industries without his knowledge.

Reception

The season debuted with a 1.0 rating among Adults 18–49 and attracted 1.84 million viewers. The fourth episode achieved season-best numbers with a 2.8 rating among Women 18–34, 1.1 Adults 18–49 rating, and 2.00 million viewers; meanwhile, the eleventh episode reached the highest viewership of the season at 2.06 million. The series experienced notable growth in the Adults 18–49 demographic through Live +7 DVR ratings; for instance, the fourth episode's rating increased from 1.1 to 1.5, and the fifth episode climbed from 0.9 to 1.3—a 44% rise.

Critics generally responded positively. Steve Marsi of TV Fanatic rated the premiere 4.5 out of 5 stars, commending Michelle Trachtenberg's and guest star Katie Cassidy's performances along with their story arcs. Mark O. Estes from TV Overmind observed that the episode tackled more mature themes than usual. Gerard McGarry from Unreality Shout described the premiere as "brilliant," while Alexis James-blackhead of Buzz Focus considered it "more fizzle than sizzle." Subsequent episodes earned praise particularly for Leighton Meester and Ed Westwick's performances, with "Chuck Bass" trending on Twitter during the premiere night. The season holds a Metacritic score of 75 out of 100, reflecting mostly favorable reviews.

Erik Adams from The A.V. Club remarked on the show's trajectory in its fourth season, noting that although it seemed somewhat out of step with contemporary trends and lost some momentum, Gossip Girl allowed room for character reinvention while maintaining its high-budget aesthetic despite economic constraints. He emphasized that the evolving dynamic between Blair and Serena remained the series’ core strength.

Brian Cantor of Headline Planet expressed dissatisfaction with the premiere’s ratings and waning critical enthusiasm, stating that Gossip Girl no longer holds its previous status as a pop culture phenomenon. Conversely, Judy Berman from the Los Angeles Times defended the show’s inventiveness during the midseason finale "The Townie," praising its ability to deliver engaging melodrama that keeps viewers invested. By the conclusion of the season, Steve Marsi noted that although many episodes were entertaining, season four lacked consistent continuity, humor, and dramatic impact compared to earlier seasons.

DVD Release

Gossip Girl: Complete Fourth Season
Contents of the Set Bonus Features
  • Total of 22 episodes
  • 5 discs included
  • Audio: English (Dolby Surround 5.1)
  • Audio: French (Dolby Surround 2.0)
  • Subtitles available in English SDH, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Total runtime approximately 930 minutes
  • Bisoux a Paris!: Behind the Scenes with Cast and Crew in Paris
  • Inside Gossip Girl: The Making of Episode 18 "The Kids Stay in the Picture"
  • Blooper Reel
  • Deleted Scenes
Release Schedule
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
August 23, 2011 August 15, 2011 September 5, 2011 (Brazil)
September 7, 2011 (Australia)
  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named The Townie
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