From the pilot in 2007 until the final episode in 2012, viewers were captivated by the mystery surrounding the identity of Gossip Girl. The reveal of Gossip Girl sparked confusion among the audience. Gossip Girl commanded attention from viewers worldwide, consistently pulling them into the lives of the Upper East Side elite. The enigmatic Gossip Girl's account and their ultimate motives for the young and wealthy were all-consuming. Despite being high schoolers, Serena, Blair, and their friends led scandalous and extravagant lives, far removed from the average American experience.
In light of the revelation that Dan Humphrey was Gossip Girl, it now becomes clear that the mischief-making blogger was the ultimate outsider. Looking back, viewers missed multiple hints along the way that would have led them to the realization that he was the orchestrator behind the dismantling of friendships and the chaos imposed upon the wealthy. The showrunners purposely introduced false leads such as Michelle Trachtenberg's Georgina Sparks and Hilary Duff's Olivia Burke to misdirect viewers, but the ending decisively put the question of "Who is Gossip Girl?" to rest. It can be said that Dan received a fitting conclusion, while others did not.
The Initial Gossip Girl Site Reveal Features Dan
In Season 1, Episode 1 of "Gossip Girl," titled "Pilot," the question of "Who is Gossip Girl?" arose among the audience. Surprisingly, it was in this very episode that the identity of Gossip Girl was revealed. The audience was provided with a deeper understanding of the seriousness behind this blogger when first introduced to the connection between Gossip Girl and the website. The anonymous blogger was informed about the importance of keeping their identity a secret, but then a twist occurred when Dan unexpectedly appeared on screen, sitting at his computer in his apartment. Although this was a blatant clue, it came as a complete shock to viewers when he ultimately turned out to be everyone's nemesis.
Dan Is At Grand Central Station When Gossip Girl Arrives
In the Gossip Girl pilot episode, titled "Pilot," the story unfolds with Serena's return from boarding school, causing a stir as she is spotted. At Grand Central station, a pivotal clue is revealed regarding the ongoing question of who Gossip Girl is. Interestingly, Dan, one of the main characters, happens to be present at the exact moment when viewers first hear from Gossip Girl. This seemingly coincidental encounter provokes speculation, suggesting that Dan's sighting of Serena is significant, yet it is later revealed as more of a vital clue rather than a defining moment. In truth, Dan had been observing Serena from a distance prior to this event.
Dan Shows Up Everywhere The Main Characters Are
Season 1, Episode 1, "Pilot" - Season 6, Episode 10, "New York, I Love You XOXO"
Prior to the reveal that Dan is Gossip Girl, there was a deliberate portrayal of his character as someone who was integrating into the privileged circle of students at his new school. However, with this revelation, his actions take on a different meaning. The fact that Nate Archibald and Chuck Bass were seen using public transportation in the first episode was surprising, but it made sense considering Dan's Brooklyn residence. Dan's constant hovering and lingering around others are clear indications of how he managed to acquire early gossip. He intentionally feigns disinterest, spending a significant amount of time trying to appear oblivious.
Dan Takes Serena's Phone
Season 1, Episode 1, "Pilot"
Dan and Serena's relationship was always uncertain, but their meeting as the Gossip Girl couple revealed undeniable chemistry. However, during their initial encounter, Serena accidentally left her phone at the Palace Hotel, and Dan did not return it until the following day. In those times, when passcodes and touch IDs were not prominent, gaining access to someone's phone was relatively easier. All Dan had to do was unlock it. The abundance of conversations and personal information on Serena's phone presented a potential treasure trove, serving as an immediate clue for viewers to decipher the identity of Gossip Girl.
Dan Avoids Talking About Gossip Girl
In the first episode titled "Pilot" of Season 1, Dan, known as Gossip Girl, pretends to be unaware of the blog when Jenny mentions it to him. This revelation sparks curiosity among everyone as they speculate about the anonymous individual who possesses scandalous details about the Upper West Side elite. Dan's friends and acquaintances constantly bring up the topic, but he skillfully maintains a composed expression and insists that he has never read the blog. Furthermore, he seems uninterested in discussing it, suggesting a deliberate avoidance of the matter as a whole.
Dan Shouldn't Have Been Part Of Gossip Girl's Narrative
In Season 6, Episode 10, titled "New York, I Love You XOXO," a significant clue pointing to Dan's true identity as Gossip Girl emerges. Throughout the "Who is Gossip Girl?" mystery, Dan's involvement in bringing down Gossip Girl is a clear indication of his connection to the scheme. Although Blair and Serena, his toxic friends, received considerable attention, the fact that Dan is nicknamed "Lonely Boy" and is acknowledged by Gossip Girl holds great significance. Gossip Girl typically focuses on the affluent and privileged, so it begs the question of why Dan would even be part of the equation if he wasn't involved. Dan did not belong to the elite circle and should not have been on anyone's radar, yet he yearned to be accepted rather than identified as an outsider. The combination of his chosen alias and his outsider status explain why he ultimately started the blog.
Dan Constantly Had To Remind People Who He Was
In Season 5, Episode 4, titled "Memoirs of an Invisible Dan," Dan, who did not come from a privileged background like his wealthy classmates, struggled to gain recognition among them. Being the ultimate wallflower, he always had to remind people of his identity and purpose. This becomes particularly evident when he unveils his book, "Memoirs of an Invisible Dan," in Season 5. Interestingly, this book holds a clue to the mystery of Gossip Girl's identity. Unlike his blog, Dan wrote about everyone in his book, concealing the answer in plain sight all along.
Dan Shows Up At Just The Right Moment For A New Blog Post
In Season 1, Episode 1, titled "Pilot," despite Dan not being well-liked initially, he surprisingly didn't spend his time in his Brooklyn apartment. Instead, he found himself attending VIP parties and immersing himself in the drama after getting to know his new classmates. The first clue to uncover "Who is Gossip Girl?" came during the pilot episode when Dan attended Blair's Kiss on the Lips party, which was one of the most popular events on the show. This gave him the opportunity to gather information and later upload it from the comfort of his home.
Some Events Could Only Be Reported By The Few People There
In Gossip Girl's first episode, titled "Pilot," there were secretive moments that somehow found their way into the blog. One particular incident involved Serena gate-crashing Blair's Kiss on the Lips party. Although people could submit tips to Gossip Girl, there were instances that seemed highly unlikely to be exposed. In the same episode, Jenny finds herself in a compromising situation with Chuck, only to be saved by Serena who becomes aware of what's happening. The situation was witnessed by only a select few, and it becomes clear who Gossip Girl is when considering that Dan was the only other person present.
Dan Mentions Saving A Tree And Starting A Blog
Season 1, Episode 1, "Pilot"
On a scale of one to ten, Rufus, the father of the Gossip Girl parents, was quite impressive. Despite indulging in his once-renowned music career, he was genuinely likable. It was no secret that Dan's family often faced public scrutiny, but at times, it was glaringly apparent that Dan himself lived a dual life and possibly held the answer to the question, "Who is Gossip Girl?". In the pilot, Dan subtly hints at his own blog existence while attempting to divert attention from his father's suggestion to "save some trees and start a blog," promoting his band's upcoming gig through posters instead.