Ep 9. The Witches of Bushwick

The Witches of Bushwick is the ninth episode of the fourth season of the hit TV series, Gossip Girl. This installment is all about the annual Snowflake Ball, which has been held at Constance Billard and St. Jude’s for ages. In the lead-up to this year’s big event, Blair and Chuck are scheming in cahoots to solidify their power couple status and to maintain their social reign over Manhattan’s elite circle.

On the other hand, Dan is struggling to keep up with the impressively wealthy peers around him, as well as deal with his crush on Blair after they had previously hooked up at a masquerade party. Meanwhile, Nate is feeling left out of the social scene and striving to get back in, hoping to appear in Page Six. Jenny is still staying away from the upper east side and its alluring lifestyle, concentrating on fashion design instead.

Blair and Chuck, still munching on their popcorn, enjoy their new arrangement and seem to be on the same page, owning the party. The event looks set to be a massive success, with the students buzzing with excitement about who they will be dancing with, who will be wearing the best dresses, and what social rivalries will reignite on the big night.

As the episode progresses, things devolve within the social scene, and it becomes clear that everyone is fighting for their place at the top of the food chain. During the Snowflake Ball, the characters put on the unnecessary masks of their different personalities, which leads to the title of the episode, The Witches of Bushwick, as they have ditched their boy and girl-next-door identities and become the personas they want to present to the world.

This episode challenges each character to find their footing in the social hierarchy and, more critically, within themselves. Dan, who had struggled to fit in, finally makes his mark when someone unexpected helps him realise that he is unique and has something to offer beyond money and status. In contrast, Blair is relishing her position in the spotlight but dealing with Chuck’s unexpected move that threatens everything she has built.

Of course, there is ample drama, twists, and turns throughout the Snowflake Ball, which is made even more engrossing with the underlying themes of love and power for every single character. After the ball, the friends and foes alike are still trying to figure out their next steps while navigating the ups and downs of their intertwined lives.

Overall, The Witches of Bushwick is a must-see for fans of the Gossip Girl series. It delivers everything that viewers have come to love about the show, grandiose parties, gorgeous scenery, fashion inspiration, and of course, the captivating characters that keep everyone hooked. By the episode's end, everything from the relationships to the place each character occupies in the elite social scene is in flux, keeping audiences guessing about what is to come.