In the same way that Heather Locklear made waves in the Melrose Place pool, Michelle Trachtenberg’s Georgina has arrived on the Gossip Girl scene with a bang. In the matter of two episodes, she has made us call into question what we know and believe about “good girl” Serena — and there are more OMG moments to come, to hear the Buffy alumna tell it. TVGuide.com invited Trachtenberg — who also stars in ABC Family’s The Circuit this June 8 — to preview the final two episodes of The CW serial’s freshman run. (Gossip Girl airs Mondays at 8 pm/ET.) — Matt Webb Mitovich

TVGuide.com: When they first pitched you Georgina, was the b-i-t-c-h word openly used?
Michelle Trachtenberg: Oh yeah, for sure. [Gossip Girl exec producer] Josh Schwartz called and was really supporting and adamant about me getting the role. He was like, “This character is going to come into the world and ruin everyone’s lives and stir things up. She’s a bitch and she enjoys it. She’s not malicious not just to be difficult. She’s malicious because that’s what makes her life enjoyable.” All of those things sounded really good.

TVGuide.com: The idea of serving up some nasty appealed to you?
Trachtenberg: Yeah. It’s a character that I never really played before. I knew that people wouldn’t necessarily expect it from me, so why not keep people guessing constantly. And I knew I could have fun with it. It took a little convincing and prodding and whatnot, but eventually it felt like a fun thing to do.

TVGuide.com: I was reading that on the set, they call her “Georg-i-na,” as in “rhymes with a female body part.”
Trachtenberg: Oh dear! Who told you that?

TVGuide.com: I believe it’s Leighton Meester who’s out there telling that tale.
Trachtenberg: [Laughs] There are definitely many nicknames for Georgina.

TVGuide.com: What do you think Georgina’s motive is for making Serena’s life a living hell?
Trachtenberg: She wants a friend. I know that may not seem like too much motivation, but to some people a friendship and the loss of a friendship can be devastating. Also, when Georgina sets her mind to something there’s nothing that can stand between her and getting it.

TVGuide.com: Now that Serena’s big secret is out, are we going to get the gritty details on how she “killed someone”?
Trachtenberg: [Cryptically] Oh, I don’t know if the big, big secret is really out…. There’s still a lot of stuff going on. But yeah, you’re definitely going to get a lot of answers to your questions — [the May 12] episode really caters to the who, what, when where and how, and Georgina is definitely involved with it. It’s nice and scandalous.

TVGuide.com: In the previews for this week, it looks like Serena and Dan are pretty much done. Does Georgina promptly move in on him?
Trachtenberg: [Laughs] I’d be silly not to say there is a moment that Dan and “Sarah” share. Remember, Dan doesn’t really know who Georgina is, does he…?

TVGuide.com: Will we get a big cliffhanger or jaw-dropper in the season finale?
Trachtenberg: Oh. yeah. There are a bunch of punched-in-the-face moments where you’ll be like, “Oh, god.” Not everyone’s storylines will be tied up with a nice little colorful ribbon. They’ll absolutely make you want to tune in next season.

TVGuide.com: And what’s the plan for you next season? Are you going to be a full-time cast member?
Trachtenberg: I really don’t know. I keep getting all these “Congratulations!” but I’m like, “Dude, I have no idea.” I’m not trying to be coy. It’s really, truly a question for the powers that be.

TVGuide.com: The last time we spoke, I likened you to “the next Scarlett Johansson” — and you said you were going to run out and tell her I said so. Did you?
Trachtenberg: No, but I actually just saw her Monday night. We always have lots of love for each other. Her aura is very cool, so I still take what you said as a compliment.

TVGuide.com: How is her engagement ring looking?
Trachtenberg: It’s gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.

TVGuide.com: If you were in fact the next Scarlett Johansson, does that mean you need to go out and record some Tom Waits covers?
Trachtenberg: [Laughs] Ohhhh…. Have you heard her first single?

TVGuide.com: [Flatly] Yes.
Trachtenberg: I think it’s pretty cool and ballsy. Singing is definitely a matter of nerves for me, so I don’t know that I’ll be recording any albums soon!