The first ever episode of “Gilmore Girls” aired in 2000. I was 3 years old. However, the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore became my role models as I grew up. For me, "Gilmore Girls" symbolized the importance of friendship, family and feminism. I rejoiced when, this past fall, all of “Gilmore Girls” was put on Netflix for me to binge-watch. And binge-watch I did. In fact, I have re-watched the entire series more times than I can count on my right hand. The ability to binge-watch, while a blessing, can also become frustrating. I have many questions regarding the future of the characters that of course remain unanswered. What is going on in Stars Hollow? What happened to Rory (who, if you recall, left the show to work on Barack Obama’s campaign for the presidency)? And, the age-old question, are Luke and Lorelai together? In the midst of all these questions came a beacon of light; Netflix confirmed a “Gilmore Girls” reunion is in the works. Very few details have been revealed, and this just leads to more questions. Here is a concise list of my queries regarding this new season.
1. What’s the deal with Luke and Lorelai?
Throughout the seven season run, creator and writer Amy Sherman-Palladino presented audiences with constant "will they or won't they" moments between Luke and Lorelai. We all know they are meant to be and the final episode proved this more than their countless on and off again moments. Luke planned a going-away party for Rory in the dead of night and when Lorelai discovers he was responsible, they share a kiss. So what happens now? Do they spend a few weeks together, blissfully in love only to break up over a stupid fight like always? Or have they settled down and created a life together? Are they really meant to be? Or is there someone new in her life?
2. What is Rory up to?
If fans recall, Rory left Stars Hollow to join Barack Obama on his presidential campaign. This campaign, of course, ended in success, as he became president. So what becomes of Rory and her journalism career? Is she hard at work in D.C. or has she secured the spot at the New York Times she so desperately wanted? Is she the boss of her own magazine? Or is she still working her way up in the cutthroat world of publishing?
3. After refusing Logan’s proposal, has Rory found a new man?
Just as important as Lorelai’s relationship foibles are her daughter’s. The season ended with Rory refusing long-term boyfriend Logan’s marriage proposal. He was obviously heartbroken, and Rory was sad as well. But has Rory completely moved on? Has she found someone new? Or has she run into another past lover (Dean, Jess) and mended fences?
4. Where’s Logan?
Before he dated Rory, and even during their relationship, Logan had quite the reputation as a playboy. Committing to Rory was a big step for him, and even more so was his marriage proposal. Since Rory refused to settle down, I wonder if Logan remains heartbroken or if he has gone back to his old ways.
5. Speaking of Rory's exes, what are Jess and Dean up to?
Essential to the show were Rory's first two boyfriends. Complete opposites in every way, Dean and Jess represent two very different points in Rory's life. While Dean was a sweet, supportive boyfriend, it was clear from early on that he wouldn't be able to keep up with Rory's ambitions. Jess was a rebellious outsider, and a complete change of pace for Rory. Fans of the show believe Jess and Rory are meant to be, and his constant reappearances after their breakup always hinted at a possible reunion for the two. While only one of Rory's past lovers (Matt Czuchry, who plays Logan) have been confirmed as returning, it will be interesting to see if Dean and Jess make any appearances.
6. How is Christopher?
While Lorelai and Christopher haven't always had the best relationship with each other, they both have always been there for Rory. Rory's parents have also had many off-and-on moments throughout the series, which culminated in them deciding that a romantic relationship between the two of them would never work. However, Christopher has another daughter to raise all on his own, in addition to Rory. I'm curious to see if he will show up or if he is busy on his own.
7. Actor Edward Herrmann, who portrayed Lorelai’s father; Richard Gilmore, passed away this past year. How will the show address his absence?
Of course Lorelai’s wealthy, by-the-book parents were the perfect foil to their wayward, liberal daughter. Emily’s starchiness was balanced out by Richard’s well-meaning concern for his family. While they often failed to understand their daughter and disagreed with her on numerous occasions, audiences still appreciated their banter and their constant willingness to help Lorelai and Rory with whatever obstacles life may have presented them. However, without Edward Herrmann as Richard, I wonder how Emily will pick up the pieces, and how the other characters in the show will as well. Will there be a tribute to him in some way? Of course, he is one of the most beloved characters on the show and Sherman-Palladino has expressed in countless interviews since his passing how dear he was to her and the whole cast. It will be interesting to see how the show will address his absence.
8. How is Lane?
Obviously, Rory’s childhood best friend was destined for greatness, but is Lane still as big a part of Rory's life and she once was? Lane has two children now, and a husband who left to tour with his band. Is she handling motherhood well or is she missing the rock-and-roll lifestyle?
9. What about Rory's other BFF?
We know Paris was off to graduate school, from one prestigious school to the other, but what has she done with her life since then? She, too, was a foil to Rory and without the two of them working together, are they both pushing each other to their very best?
10. What’s the deal with Melissa McCarthy?
The reunion’s cast list has a large amount of the original characters returning, but one crucial person is missing. Melissa McCarthy may not be returning to play Lorelai’s goofy best friend, Sookie. Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino has explained in a recent interview that due to McCarthy’s busy schedule, she was unable to sign on to this project. However, McCarthy recently tweeted that no one asked her to join the reunion. Is there some secret beef we don’t know about? Have wires been crossed? Either way, it will be interesting to know which characters are reprising roles for the whole reunion, and who will be excluded, as well as who will only make a short cameo.































