As an obsessive watcher and re-watcher of the "Gilmore Girls" episodes that are still broadcasted on television, I was extremely excited for the revival entitled "Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life" that aired exclusively on Netflix.
It seems like a lot of shows have been planning reunions recently, like the cast of "Friends" meeting together for a sit-down or the show "Fuller House" as an extension of "Full House." Of course, there have been many mixed responses to these revivals. Some viewers hate it and think it ruins the greatness of the show before, but other die-hard fans love these revivals and beg for more.
That being said, I was unsure what to expect with the Gilmore Girls reunion. Back in 2007 when the show ended, I did wish for more, but now that almost 10 years have passed I think it is safe to say we were all kind of over our Stars Hollow days.
But this reunion did NOT disappoint.
The directors did an amazing job of giving the show the same feel that it had over a decade ago. Within the first scene of the first episode titled "Winter," I already felt entirely pulled back into the world of Stars Hollow. Between the quick banter between Lorelai and Rory, the (obviously necessary) coffee chat, and Lorelai's quote, "I smell snow," it seemed as if the 10 years since this show was last on was no longer than a mere 10 minutes.
The progression of the show also felt very natural and genuine.
The season was divided into 4 episodes, each around an hour and a half long, to cover each season: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. While it didn't seem like a lot happened in each episode, looking back, there were many story lines that were revisited and followed within this revival.
Mainly, the show follows Rory's struggle in discovering her own identity, working through the puzzle of her love life, and (as always) navigating her unique relationship with her mother.
Lorelai also faces difficulties in these same challenges of defining herself and her relationships with her daughter, Luke, her coworkers, and her grieving mother.
Overall, and without any spoilers, I have to say this reunion was amazing. In no way did I feel as if this ruined a good thing by going back and continuing the story. If anything, I believe it made "Gilmore Girls" stronger by inciting nostalgia in its fans with this perfect revival. If you're a true fan, it will make you want to go back and re-watch old episodes for the fourth or fifth time.
Some people are now asking if they will continue with another season.
The last four words of the last episode seem to hint to a continuation, but I hope they leave the show at this. While the last line does seem like a teaser or a cliffhanger, it is pretty evident where the story will go from here because of the circularity of the show.
It was great to see the Gilmore girls of Stars Hollow again, but I think it is time to leave it be for the outstanding show that it was and always will be.
