This thing we're doing here... Me? You? I just want you to know I'm in. I am ALL in
My Top 20 list continues. Why? Because 10 episodes of 'Gilmore Girls' is never enough
And I’m back! What? You thought I’d leave you in the lurch after promising to reveal my 20 favorite episodes of Gilmore Girls and doling out a mere 10?
“Hey, is that where that's from? You know, Lurch on The Addams Family? 'Cause he would leave people in the lurch?”
— Lorelai Gilmore
As promised, here is the second half of my list. Because I know you’ve been driving yourself mad trying to figure out what else I’ve chosen now that you’ve sorted out my not-so-cryptic clues from last time. I’ll say this: If you’re Team Christopher or Team Logan, you’re not going to be happy. Everyone else? Enjoy!
If you need me, I’ll be at the Black-White-Read Bookstore catching a screening of Pippi Longstocking. Afterwards, I just might break out the Bop It for kicks.
Writer's note: Missed out on the first 10 selections or simply want to revisit them? They’re right here.
Dear Emily and Richard (S3, Ep 13)
The bad news: Sherry's giving birth to Gigi, which means yet another Christopher appearance. Just make him go away. The good news: This prompts Lorelai to recall what happened when she found out she was pregnant with Rory. At the heart of this emotional flashback is the letter 16-year-old Lorelai left for her parents as she left for the hospital when her water broke.
Those Are Strings, Pinocchio (S3, Ep 22)
Rory graduates from Chilton! The golden age of her character ends here. Nope, not even joking. Yale was not kind. At least we go out on a high with her valedictorian speech and those she loves most in attendance. (That's right. Luke's there and not Christopher.)
The Festival of Living Art (S4, Ep 7)
One of the finest events Stars Hollow ever held had various townsfolk posing live as artistic masterpieces, including Lorelai (the beauty in Renoir's "The Dance at Bougival") and Rory (Parmigianino's "Portrait of a Young Girl Named Antea"). Also, Gil arrives! We need more Gil cuz he’s awesome and less Zach & Brian cuz they’re annoying. #justiceforlane
Last Week Fights, This Week Tights (S4, Ep 21)
Liz and TJ are getting hitched in the town square. Good for them. They deserve to be happy. Now let's talk about Lorelai being Luke's date to the big event. Our favorite GG OTP is one step closer to reality! They dance. He walks her home and asks her out. For the record, this is the best wedding we've seen in Stars Hollow. Ooh! Jess starts his self-improvement journey, too! A shame Rory can't say the same.
Raincoats and Recipes (S4, Ep 22)
LUKE AND LORELAI KISS! On the downside, this is where Emily and Richard finally admit their marriage is on the rocks, which breaks my heart because they are so perfect for each other. The less said about that Rory/Dean moment the better; not to mention her behavior afterwards. Instead, let’s end this on a happy note... LUKE AND LORELAI KISS!
Written in the Stars (S5, Ep3)
It doesn't take Luke long to put his heart on the table for Lorelai. This is where he takes her to the place that's his Luke's and delivers that iconic line to the love of his life. (See my title quote.) And he kept the horoscope Lorelai gave him the day they met in his wallet all this time?! SWOON.
Wedding Bell Blues (S5, Ep 13)
Emily and Richard's vow renewal ceremony is finally here! Love that they are back together and stronger than ever. Lorelai and Luke aren't as lucky thanks to Emily's machinations that punish us with yet another unwanted appearance by Christopher. Those final moments are heartbreakingly good. (I’m pointedly ignoring Rory and Logan. It’s just safer that way.)
Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out (S6, Ep 8)
The prodigal son returns. Jess visiting Rory and smacking some much needed sense into her is just what Rory and her frustrating storyline for the first half of this season needed. (Too bad he couldn't do the same for the second half. Not April's fault!) Logan just proves what an asshat he truly is, begging the question why is he still here? (Rhetorical question. I get why. I just don’t like it.) Honestly, thank God for Jess and the breath of fresh air Milo Ventimiglia brings.
Friday Night's Alright for Fighting (S6, Ep 13)
Friday night dinners are back, baby! And they return in spectacular fashion with the Gilmores going 12 rounds as they catch up with everything they've missed — the good, the bad, and the ugly. This final act is easily one of the finest set pieces the show has ever constructed.
Bon Voyage (S7, Ep 22)
Season seven and the series itself end surprisingly well considering how badly things went awry during the final two years. Rory hitting the road as a journalist — and free from Logan’s clutches — is a nice grace note in which to leave her (too bad the Palladinos disagreed; see A Year in the Life — or maybe not). Lorelai and Luke finally find their way back to each other after all the bullshit they endured (the Palladinos thankfully agreed with this). Stars Hollow’s farewell party for Rory with Richard’s beautiful speech (this hits harder now that Edward Herrmann is gone) is a chef’s kiss, reminding longtime fans why they fell in love with these girls, this town, these people.
NEED MORE GILMORE? I previously gave this a shout out, but it seems fitting for me to give it another one. Scott Patterson — yes, Luke Danes himself; he of the backwards baseball cap — hosts a GG podcast where he watches the show for the first time. It’s called, appropriately enough, I Am All In and Patterson is joined by a trio of co-hosts with whom he discusses the episodes and breaks them down. He also interviews fans, actors who appeared on GG, authors, and more. The entire endeavor is a delight and I can’t recommend it enough to all my fellow Gilmore-aholics.
TALK FAST: I wanna hear what you think are the best episodes of Gilmore Girls. Hit me up with your faves and your thoughts on the show while you're at it.