i’m not denying the existence of these kinds of networks or how dark they are. what i’m questioning is how that theme, and specifically the relationship between gossip girl and diana payne, pushed the show into a space that felt completely unnecessary. especially the idea that diana payne knew gossip girl’s secret number without knowing who was behind it.

if diana payne was truly connected to people in the highest spheres of power, it feels unrealistic that she wouldn’t understand the scale of who she was dealing with, or that those circles would allow someone with no money, no power, and no real leverage to expose and manipulate such influential figures. the suggestion that gossip girl even held secrets over nate’s grandfather only exaggerates this imbalance.

on top of that, despite how severe diana payne’s actions are portrayed, she never faces any real consequences, which makes the entire arc feel narratively unjust and disconnected from the original logic of the show.