XOXO -- "Gossip Girl" at PaleyFest '08

The return of new episodes of "Gossip Girl" is on April 21.

For some (mainly me), that still seems like ages. To others, not yet in the know of how fabulous "Gossip Girl" is, you still have time to catch up. And please do, the show is lagging in the ratings despite its powerful following amongst the teen-set.

I was in attendance at this weekend's PaleyFest, where the cast and crew came out from New York City to chat and text about the show. Painfully shy were the three leading boys: Penn Badgley ("Dan Humphrey"), Chace Crawford ("Nate Archibald"), and across-the-pond-native Ed Westwick ("Chuck Bass"). Although, when Westwick mumbled in his quiet British accent, the auditorium definitely did one of those lovey-dovey sighs. 

Crawford did preview this about the brooding Nate Archibald: "He's conflicted. He will have opportunities to come out of his shell." Could it be with Jenny? Even though it's in the book, it doesn't look good, seeing as how Nate will be "hanging out" with Vanessa Abrams when the show returns.

As for the sweet Taylor Momsen, who plays Jenny Humphrey, the actress seemed quite genuine (as oppose to overrated Hayden Panettiere) in her portrayal of the social-climbing Brooklyn-ite. She said, "It's a really fun character to play ... She's getting an edge. She's learning her power. She wants to be in." A moment later, she nervously added, "I guess."

And the writer's strike may have been a good thing for "Gossip Girl." Since only five episodes of "Gossip Girl" will be produced in the limited time. Writer Stephanie Savage said when the show returns it will be "pure adrenaline ... No D stories. Only A's."

Here are some tidbits that couldn't make the article currently making the rounds:

--Badgley, after appearing in three other failed WB series did not want to participate in another series. That obviously didn't happen.

--The CW gave the cast $6,000 to relocate to New York City.

--"O.C." creator Josh Schwartz discovered Vanessa Abrams when the actress who portrays her, Jessica Szohr, went to his house for a BBQ. Writer Stephanie Savage agreed, but double checked on IMDB to make sure Szohr was in fact a real actress.

--As for the twins, a.k.a. Isabel and Kati (portrayed with such realism panache by Nan Zhang), the audience won't be seeing doubles anymore. Zhang enrolled at Brown University while the show was down for the writer's strike. Isabel will be flying solo.

--In the adorable "Aww" moment of the night, when asked if Westwick enjoyed Leighton Meester's character Blair's rendezvous with Chuck, he had this to say: "Two thumbs up ... I mean, look at her."

You know you love me.

Ending a blog entry with that seems to be getting really cliché, huh?