[s5e23] The Fugitives -

" The Fugitives " is the 23rd episode of 's fifth season, originally airing on May 7, 2012. This episode serves as the penultimate chapter of the season, centering on high-stakes deception and major character shifts on the Upper East Side. Episode Overview Release Date: May 7, 2012 Season/Episode: Season 5, Episode 23 (110th overall)

In a classic Gossip Girl maneuver, Ivy and Lola pose as call girls to help Chuck gain leverage against his father's enemy. [S5E23] The Fugitives

Written by Matt Whitney and directed by Andy Wolk. Core Plotlines " The Fugitives " is the 23rd episode

The primary focus is the fallout from discovering that Bart Bass is alive. Chuck, Blair, Serena, Ivy, and Lola team up in an elaborate scheme to protect Bart from a dangerous competitor. Written by Matt Whitney and directed by Andy Wolk

Serena acts as a "stand-in" for Blair at the Rome meeting, where she inadvertently reveals her own complicated feelings while pretending to be her best friend.

'Gossip Girl,' Season 5, Episode 23, 'The Fugitives': TV Recap

Critics often highlight this episode for its "cockamamie" but entertaining plans and the emotional weight of Chuck and Blair's chemistry compared to the "DB" (Dan/Blair) relationship. Reviewers from sites like Vulture and The Wall Street Journal noted that while the plot was rushed, it effectively set the stage for the dramatic season finale.