"Reversals of Fortune" shows Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) and Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) exercise their relationship through unconventional means.

Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) returns from her European vacation a celebrity but finds herself facing other troubles when Carter Baizen (Sebastian Stan) follows her.

Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) and Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) are madly in love, breaking all the traditional rules of dating as would be expected.

Vanessa Abrams (Jessica Szohr) begins a relationship with Scott Rosson (Chris Riggi), not knowing that he is the illegitimate son of Rufus and Lily.

Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) returns home from vacationing with a mysterious girl, Bree Buckley (Joanna Garcia), whom he soon discovers to be from a rival family.

Nate rebels against his family, and plans to get back at his grandfather by bringing Bree to the big Vanderbilt charity polo match.

[8] New York Magazine hailed the return of the third season and praised the premiere's theme of change as "Last night's episode was all about new beginnings.

"[9] Michelle Graham from Film School Rejects reviewed the episode unfavorably, noting a lack of interesting storylines.

but judged the premiere as a "calm before the storm lull" further stating that "Of course, with college just around the corner, things are soon going to change for everyone, so perhaps more of the fire will return to GG then.

"[11] With the Humphrey clan moving into the world of the Upper East Side, New York Magazine examined the altercation that occurred between Dan and Vanessa.

"[10] The Los Angeles Times compared it to Samantha and Smith's courtship in Sex and the City and looked forward to the progression of their relationship.