Gilmore Girls was an hour-long dramedy. The show never strayed too far into either extreme – there were a few dramatic moments, but none of the main characters ever died or encountered the same high levels of drama of companion shows such as 7th Heaven or One Tree Hill. We like to say that the drama is ‘low-stakes.’ You know the characters will quibble and there will be some tension, but in the end (whether that’s the end of the episode or end of the multi-episode plot arc) they will reach a resolution. The show relied on the fast-paced talking of the mother-daughter duo that often worked like a tennis match – just keep flipping your head and try to keep up, and this is where most of the comedic elements came from. Unless there was a pratfall where Lorelai knocks over an entire table’s worth of contents while she flirts with Luke, the show admittedly lacks some serious belly-laughs.
Our funniest moment, though, is more like a ‘funniest episode.’ Season 5, episode 18, “To Live and Let Diorama,” features a myriad of uncharacteristically funny moments. Paris is in Stars Hollow – a rare occasion – to avoid her then-booty-call Doyle, and Luke is on his best behavior as he helps Taylor restore old man Twickum’s house into a museum. Luke is really trying to get on Taylor’s good side so he can be awarded the house for his and Lorelai’s eventual life together, but because the people of the town get on Luke’s last nerve on a daily basis, him trying to keep it together lends itself nicely to absurd situations.
Sookie’s third pregnancy was written into the seventh season to cover actress Melissa McCarthy’s real-life pregnancy. |
While Luke is obeying Taylor’s orders, even if that means lying about history, Rory, with Lane and Paris in tow, began hitting Miss. Patty’s Founder’s Day punch a little too hard. All entrenched in relationship woes, they get progressively drunker throughout the day, each wondering what exactly went wrong with their significant others. Paris, in a particularly comedic moment of weakness, can be seen phoneless, penniless and shoeless, walking around town harassing its patrons asking for a quarter to use the pay phone.
One of the most emotional moments – for a show that was relatively low-stakes (you knew the Dragonfly wasn’t going to be held up) – happened during season 7, when Richard suffers a heart attack in the middle of an economics class that Rory was in attendance for. The event spans two episodes and shows the strengths – and weaknesses – of the main character’s relationships. Lorelai immediately rushes to her mother’s side and tries to tend for Emily despite her stubbornly refusing help. Rory, in turn, is trying to care for her mother to no avail. Much of the episode, “I’d Rather Be in Philadelphia,” has the three women sitting around in hospital chairs, eating from the vending machine or looking dissolved as they fret over Richard’s condition. Logan arrives to support Rory while Lorelai continuously tires to reach husband Christopher. It’s Luke, however, who brings them hot food and coffee and is there to run the errands Emily needs handled at the house, even after Lorelai protests he is under no obligation to do any of it.
All of this is touching, but the most emotional moments come at the end of the episode. Emily is allowed to see Richard for the first time since his admittance, and she shows genuine relief and affection for her husband after being so wound up and tense waiting around.
Lorelai, however, has still not been in touch with Christopher. After leaving countless messages, she finally unleashes the anger that’s been building. Was it the best way to do it via voicemail? Probably not.
“You’re my husband, you know, and it seems like you should be here or call me back. I mean, I’m pretty sure that’s what married people do is be there for each other. I know you’re upset, and I know we had a fight, but this is just bigger than that, you know? It’s my dad, and he’s had a heart attack, and everybody’s been here. I’ve talked to Sookie and even Michel, and Patty, and Babette, and they’ve all been here for me, but my husband’s not here. That’s not okay, Chris, you know? That’s not okay.”
“I think this party is a testament to you, Lorelai. It takes a remarkable person to inspire all this. – Richard Gilmore (7×22, “Bon Voyage”)” |
The end of Gilmore Girls became an emotional and polarizing series finale. Rory, always perfect, worked hard to get what she wanted, and is barreling towards graduating with no job in sight. If you’ve ever been job hunting, you understand the frustration and fear of the unknown. You could have a gleaming resume, and still, the phone will not ring. Boyfriend Logan’s father Mitchum approaches her and undermines her intelligence by handing her a job at one of his numerous newspapers and she, insulted, turns him down.
So, the Gilmore girls do what they do best: problem solve by having fun. After graduating, it’s decided Lorelai and Rory will take a trip around the country riding various roller coasters. Wooden ones, fast ones, roller coasters that will make them scream in fear. And then, once that’s done, Rory will really get to job hunting. But then-Senator Obama’s campaign trail comes knocking, and Rory’s future is suddenly coach buses, rallies, and articles written on the road. Lorelai puts on a brave face for her daughter, rushing to get all the items she suddenly needs to live on the road (lime green fanny pack, anyone?).
Emily Gilmore had a new maid for every episode one was featured or mentioned during the seven seasons of the show’s run. |
Stars Hollow, the town that celebrates Founder’s Day and Miss. Patty’s show business anniversary, rallies together to throw a Bon Voyage party to one of their favorite residents. Luke, the mastermind behind all of it, coordinates decorations and food and lights for 200 people to celebrate in the town’s square. Of course, in the eleventh hour, there’s news of a massive rainstorm, and while everyone gives up hope, Luke takes as many camping tents, tarps and magical fairy dust as he can muster, and sews them together to create one massive tent.
Lorelai and Rory are completely surprised the next day at the party, not expecting so much love for her. But as Richard points out, “I think this party is a testament to you, Lorelai. It takes a remarkable person to inspire all this.” And though Emily is tense and on edge about the particulars, we can tell what she’s really scared of is that without her granddaughter relying on her financially, she’ll lose touch with her daughter once again. Lorelai has matured, though, and after a tumultuous few decades, knows she’ll keep her parents in her life. When Emily tries to get her to become financially obligated to her again, Lorelai just says they can discuss it at those infamous Friday night dinners.
Luke and Lorelai reconcile in the middle of the street, and given that kiss, they’re together again.
Lorelai: “Luke…”
Luke: “I just wanted to see you happy.”
The next morning, Rory and Lorelai rise early enough before the sun rises, and before they can really leave, they have one more stop: Luke’s. There, in a recreation of the final scene in the series’ premiere, they enjoy their coffee in the empty diner as the camera pans out, fading to black, as the iconic plucking guitar and ‘la las’ end the show.
All seven seasons are available on DVD, but unfortunately Netflix has yet to pick up the rights. Television channels like ABC Family and Logo air reruns nearly daily. The series is available on Amazon Prime and iTunes for $1.99 per episode at both locations.
Can’t get enough ‘Gilmore’? If you find yourself in the Burbank, CA area, you can purchase tickets to the WB VIP Studio tour and catch glimpses into what used to be the Gilmore Girls set. Due to filming schedules, we cannot guarantee it, but the town square and gazebo still stand and you can envision where the iconic Luke’s sign used to hang. This tour takes you through the various sets that have been dressed for a variety of television shows and films, and concludes at a museum that features an exact replica of Central Perk from Friends (WB owns the rights to both shows) and an entire floor dedicated to Harry Potter artifacts from the film.
Ah, Luke and Lorelai. Those two had so many ups and downs throughout the years, both as friends and significant others. But we want to know what your favorite Luke/Lorelai scene was!
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