Chuck and Nate are hanging out in the Captain's study, trying on masks and studiously not fooling around. Chuck is wearing ... the cutest. Pink argyle sweater. I have ever seen. Cheers for Chuck. They are looking for "evidence," Nate explains to him, and Chuck's like, "Of what, his hatred of starch?" Because apparently either that's big news, or Chuck just gets Captain Howard in some way we'll never understand. They exposit that N did in fact approach his dad about the missing money, and his dad did say that it was no big deal, and that the money was back the next day. "So why worry? Mysterious financial transactions, warring parents. Welcome to the Upper East Side." I love Chuck's laissez-faire responses to all of Nate's bullshit. "So sometimes at my house you get raped. Deal. Our parents are jerks." Of course, it's Chuck that finds the coke and delivers the best line of the night, in terms of weird juxtapositionary dialogue: "Chichi get the llello! Nathaniel, I'm shocked. I thought you were strictly an herbal man!" But of course, it's not Nate's coke. It's Nate's college fund!

B is wearing an awesome schoolgirl sweater set, with collar popped, because she is in efficiency mode. She stalks around the house with Kati and Isabel delivering speeches: "Who does this Dan Humphrey think he is? Serena is putting up a strong front, but I can see how hurt she is. We have to help her heal her heart." One of them notes that it's late notice, but nothing will stop Blair from pulling off yet another complicated scheme that only she understands: "No more excuses. Serena must have the hottest date ever. If he's got plans, he'll change them. If he's got a girlfriend, he'll dump her, and if he's out of town, he'll charter a G5 and fly home. Make it happen." They come upon Eleanor, who is approving a giant hookah, because her party is themed Morocco. "Is it a bong, Mother? I didn't take you for a stoner." I want to see Blair interact with Mom more often when it's not just a plot point. This has potential: "Why do you have to celebrate your Bendel's deal by turning our penthouse into an opium den?" Mom just laughs and waves her off, Chuck-style, and giggles madly, clearly loving the party in a pure way. Blair loves it, and I would call her look at this moment one of slight adoration for her mom, who is, to be honest, one of the best things about this episode, if you keep your eye on her.