EPISODE OVERVIEW

The Constance Billard and St. Jude seniors have the production of "The Age of Innocence". Serena has a crush on the play's director, Julian, and enlists Vanessa's knowledge of theater to help her get the guy's attention. Blair receives bad news about her future that leads her on a witch-hunt for the person responsible. Dan and Rachel agree to stay away from each other in the aftermath of being discovered as more than teacher and student, but find it impossible to keep that promise. Chuck find help on an unlikely friend, Carter Baizen.

Nate has a conflict with Vanessa and turns to Blair for help. Chuck is dealing with his father's trouble past. Dan seems to have no grief from his break-up coming from his actions and Lily and Rufus are questioning where their relationship is headed.  

WORDS & EXPRESSIONS

1.
Blair: At last, my life is perfect. My only problem... How to relate to my character, Countess Olenska is a ruined woman with no prospects, and let's face it. I have the world on a string. Of course, there is the odious task of playing opposite Dan Humphrey.

Countess: 伯爵夫人
have somebody on a string: to completely control someone's behaviour e.g. She can get him to do anything she wants - she's got him on a string. "I've Got The World on a String" is a 1933 popular song composed by Harold Arlen, with lyrics written by Ted Koehler.
odious: 讨厌的，可憎的

2.
Elle: Carter, I have to use the ladies' room. Get me a drink? 
Chuck: Just... just wait a sec.
Carter: Come on, Bass. Don't cause a scene.

Don't cause a scene: 不要惹是生非

3.
Queller: This is just a dress rehearsal. There are people out there. Don't let the... 
Blair: Headmistress! There you are. Nelly Yuki claimed she got into Yale early. There must be some mistake
Queller: I'm sorry, Blair. There's no mistake. I was on my way to tell you that I received a call from Dean Berube. They've rescinded your acceptance and given the spot to Nelly.

dress rehearsal: a full rehearsal shortly before the first performance 带妆彩排
I was on my way to tell you that…: 我正要告诉你……，这里的on my way表示“正打算，正准备”，不是“在路上”的意思。
rescind: 取消，作废

4.
Vanessa: So how does it feel to play May Welland?
Serena: Well, it feels like my character's rubbing off on me. May's fiancé pays no attention to her, and as for me...
Vanessa: Are you talking about Julian? Well, the play opens tomorrow. He's just distracted.
Serena: Julian, hey. I was just thinking, it would be really helpful for my friend Vanessa's documentary to hear more about your vision for the show. Why don't we all grab a bite to eat? 
Julian: I suppose it couldn't hurt to, uh, give my actors a little more insight into my intentions.

rubbing off on: 因接触/相处而对…产生影响，Serena扮演的May在小说里被自己的未婚夫忽视，Serena说自己受到角色的影响，也被自己暗恋的导演Julian忽视。
He's just distracted: 他只是有点心不在焉
grab a bite to eat: 去吃点东西，随便吃点，没有lunch/dinner那么正式。grab这个单词本身就有很随意的意思，比如买单可以说pay the check, 也可以用grab the check.
I suppose it couldn't hurt: 那样也无妨

5.
Blair: Calm down, Serena? She got me axed from Yale. You're seriously taking her side? Fine. But a word of advice... She will be destroyed, and you don't want to become collateral damage.

ax: To remove ruthlessly or suddenly
take her side: 站在她那一边
collateral damage: 附带损害unintentional civilian casualties or damage to civilian property caused by military action