The day we have all been waiting for finally arrived this past Friday and with it came four nostalgia-filled, speed talking installments of Gilmore Girls. Our blessed leader, Amy Sherman-Palladino, did not disappoint. In the span of six blissful hours, we were once again able to laugh with Lorelai and Rory, commiserate with Luke over Taylor's eccentric plans, question (once again) Kirk's choice in short film art, and love Michel for his brutally honest approach to everything.
Unlike other revivals of past, well-loved shows (*cough cough* Full House), Sherman-Palladino gave us just enough of the old show that we loved but mixed in a whole new story arc that took us to new heights. Rory navigates her career world in a way that doesn't echo her usual poised and organized mind. Flitting from London to New York to Hartford to Stars Hollow and back again, her professional life seems to mirror a game of four corners. Meanwhile, her romantic exploits start off still very much in the air. With a boyfriend she can't remember she's dating and low-key hook ups with her longtime flame Logan, Rory Gilmore's life is still just as relatable as ever with relationship problems tangled amidst the woes of trying to "make it."
As for Lorelai, the fast-talking queen of sarcasm, she seems to be settled and domestically comfortable with her nine year partnership with Luke, but Emily is still there to butt heads with her. With the passing of Richard, Emily has lost her way and, as everyone is aware, Emily Gilmore is not the type of person to lose her way. Enter therapy sessions where she forces Lorelai to try and work out their issues. Cue a lot of forced silences that end in screaming matches. While fighting off her mother's judgments and claiming to be settled for good, Lorelai still finds herself questioning her life choices and self-purpose. It's a time of moral lessons, pop-culture anecdotes, and lots and LOTS of coffee.
I will refrain from saying much more, because who wants to hear spoilers? No one. But if you loved the Gilmore clan during the early years then you'll rave over the newest and regrettably final installments. The only regret is that it's only four specials and easily finishable in a day. So now my only questions are these: Where's the petition for more Stars Hollow filled creations? And how many times can I sign it?
