(2005) TV Gal Gives it Up for the 'Gilmore Girls'

(Monday, February 07 08:02 AM)
By Amy Amatangelo

HOLLYWOOD (Zap2it.com) - - Now, I don't want to over-hype it, but this week's 100th episode of "Gilmore Girls" may be the best episode the series has ever had. At the end, there is a moment so chilling, delivered with such pitch-perfect aplomb that it left me staring at my TV in silent shock. So this column isn't about the missteps the show has taken along the way or concerns that the show may be repeating itself (is Logan the new Tristan)? Today's column is about celebrating one of television's best and most overlooked series.

Since its premiere in 2000, the heart, strength and soul of the series has always rested on the show's inter-generational strife. The series has given us some indelible characters. Scott Patterson's Luke Danes has done for coffee shops what John Corbett did for radio stations on "Northern Exposure." Kelly Bishop and Edward Hermann's Emily and Richard are such real, vibrant characters. Yes, they are wealthy snobs but they are also devoted parents and grandparents and, as this week's episode proves, loyal and devoted spouses. And we all know I still want to be Lorelai when I grow up.


From the characters who only get sporadic screen time (I love Lane's boyfriend) to the town residents who've been there since day one (Ms. Patty and Babette), Stars Hollow embraces its members and by extension its viewers. It's the type of town that only exists on television but is so believable that it has become a major character. The last time I felt this connected to made-up location was 1984. That was the year I told my mom I wanted to go to Pine Valley for our family vacation.

As we prepare for the milestone episode, let's look back on some of my favorite episodes:

Rory's Birthday Parties (Nov. 9, 2000): A befuddled Emily and Richard attend the birthday party Lorelai throws for her in Stars Hollow. It establishes the "we're fish out of water in each other's worlds" subtext that sustains the series.

The Road Trip to Harvard (Oct. 21, 2001): This episode featured Lorelai's poignant trip to Harvard where, with no dialogue, we see her reflect on the life she might have had if she had not become pregnant at 16. Luke builds a chuppah for Lorelai and Max's wedding. And it still takes Lorelai almost three years to realize Luke loves her.

I Can't Get Started (May 21, 2002): In the second season finale, Lorelai and Christopher briefly reunite only to find out that Sherry is pregnant and Jess and Rory kiss for the first time.

Haunted Leg (Oct. 1, 2002): When Christopher shows up unannounced for Friday night dinner, Emily defends Lorelai and asks him to leave. These are the moments that make us love Emily.

Raincoats and Recipes (May 18, 2004): In the fourth season finale, Rory sleeps with Dean, a married man. I stand by my earlier statement that the show is stronger because Rory did something we didn't approve of. Also Luke and Lorelai finally kiss. What more could we ask for?

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- Submitted by Trishia (pippi virgin) - Regular Collector