Thank God it's Monday

There are few things that can pull a New Yorker from the post-Labor Day depression. I admit that even I, the biggest skeptic of young children, found myself smiling this morning as I watched elementary school students heading off for their first day, backpacks bouncing and their hands apprehensively clutching that of their parent’s. Though this was a very short-lived smile. Post-Labor Day depression is the mother of all acute cases of the Mondays. This particularly case began creeping up on me yesterday afternoon as I drove into New York. Somewhere along the Henry Hudson Highway, I was listening to a Labor Day Weekend radio special that was counting down the top 200 songs of their listeners. Perhaps it was the developing depression, but I found it utterly offensive that Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” came in at 76, with Jewel’s “Foolish Games” at 77. Suddenly I was talking to myself “Seriously!?! ‘Born in the USA’ didn’t make top 25? And ‘Foolish Games’ is somehow juxtaposed with Springsteen’s most politically charged songs??? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD TODAY!?!?”

I was reminded of all the good in the world, however, with a vicarious trip to the Hamptons with my most favorite melodramatic, preppy crew. That’s right, Gossip Girl is back! I have to say that it was a good premiere: Outfits were noteworthy. (OMG did you see Serena’s long flowy gown and perfectly messy up ‘do? The white was like totally symbolic of Dan and her imminent wedding!!!) Verbal daggers were thrown. (Insert any of the exchanges between Blair and Chuck go here.) Plots were twisted. (Awwww the Grandmother has found inner peace and is suddenly civil AND helping Dan Humphrey!) In other words, it was perfect.

The temporary Hamptons setting was a nice change up to start off the season. I am quite sure, however, that fans will be happier to see the cast in their true stomping grounds. The White Party was also great on so many levels. Blair, the ultimate manipulator and evil-doer, donned in pious white was no subtle irony. Of course, the lack of any diversity in the cast also makes the White Party a bit of a political statement. I have to say, in light of Sarah Palin’s recent family controversy, even Gossip Girl might have to step up the drama….

After the episode ended, I realized that, yes, the summer has concluded, but there will be plenty to look forward as the crispier shorter days fall upon us. On TV alone (I can assure that my social life will also give me things to look forward to), there’s Gossip Girl, the new cycle of America’s Next Top Model, Grey’s Anatomy, Football and the Office. I realize now that I am blocking out the post-Gossip Girl season finale depression I suffered from this May. In fact, cases of the Mondays might be all but vanquished now that Gossip Girl airs on that night. So, now it’s 9:30 on Tuesday morning. Is it Monday yet?