Hoping to impress the elitist theater kids at NYU, Blair sets her sights on landing a private concert with the hottest musical performer of the year, Lady Gaga. Dan and Olivia sign up to write and star in a school play, based on an idea by Blair and directed by Vanessa. With Blair out of the picture, Serena turns to Nate to help her get through a difficult situation. As a favor to Chuck, Jenny agrees to hang out with Damien, the son of an ambassador who is staying at Chuck's hotel, but the experience proves to be a lot more intriguing than she expected.

On the anniversary of Bart Bass’ death, Chuck wrestles with an issue from the past and a serious car accident rocks the Upper East Side. Dan and Vanessa attempt to navigate their newly complicated friendship. When Jenny is accused of beating up one of her classmates, Eric is faced with a tough dilemma.

Nate and Serena decide to explore the boundaries of their friendship. Blair suspects that Chuck is having problems forgetting about the woman he saw at his father’s grave. Jenny agrees to accompany Damien to a State Dinner but is unaware that he needs her help with a drug exchange. Vanessa and Dan attempt to move past the awkwardness of Dan’s confession of love. Rufus returns from a ski trip and tries his best to avoid Lily.

Rufus and Lily grow suspect of Jenny’s relationship with Damien. Chuck learns more about the woman who may or may not be his mother. Dan and Vanessa struggle through the awkwardness of dating other people.

Despite being grounded, Jenny continues to see Damien who tells Jenny that he wants to have sex with her. Lily tells Rufus the big secret she has been keeping from him even though she knows it's a huge risk. Dan and Vanessa explore a new stage of their friendship. Chuck is forced to make an extremely difficult decision about his hotel.

Blair and Dan join forces to find Juliet. Serena expounds her boarding school experiences to her therapist and discovers the truth behind Juliet's vendetta against her. Meanwhile Chuck suspects Lily has not told him the full truth.

Blair is ecstatic to land an internship at W Magazine, but the thrill quickly fades when she finds out that Dan has secured one of the coveted positions as well. Chuck may have finally met his match with Russell Thorpe – and his daughter Raina – back on the Upper East Side. Nate receives alarming news about his father’s business prospects.

Blair enlists Nate’s help to win over her high-strung boss, Epperly, at W Magazine. Damien stirs up more drama on the Upper East Side. Chuck finds himself torn between business and pleasure. Florence and the Machine performs an acoustic version of “Cosmic Love.”

With Russell Thorpe poised for a takeover attempt of Bass Industries, Chuck makes one last-ditch effort to save his family’s company. Blair is given a challenging assignment at W Magazine with the promise of a possible promotion. Serena struggles with her feelings for Ben.

It wouldn’t be a proper Upper East Side party without some major Gossip Girl drama, and for Eric’s 18th birthday celebration there is plenty to go around. Blair decides to speed up the time table on her career path to becoming a powerful woman.... but ultimately stretches herself too thin. Serena is forced to choose between her family and Ben. Chuck and Lily’s relationship remains icy in the aftermath of Lily’s betrayal.