I have been waiting for the Gilmore Girls Revival ever since the original series ended in such an abrupt manner. Do Luke and Lorelai stay together? How does Rory's career progress? Does Rory pick one of her ex-boyfriends? These are just some of the millions of questions I had leading up to the revival series on November 25th. I sat, plastered to the couch, for six hours watching the new series. Afterwards, however, I sat wondering "Was it worth it?"
The Stars Hollow Musical
Although it was a good idea on paper, the Stars Hollow Musical left something to be desired in action. It was a bit too long (I think it took up 15 entire minutes of the show!!), and the payout wasn't worth it. I think I spent the entire scene just waiting for it to end and only chuckled once-which equals a dud in my opinion.
Lorelai and Rory's Pool Time Adventures
I understand the necessity of the incorporation of the pool scenes, in order to keep up with the seasonal theme of summer and all, but why why why did the writers make Lorelai and Rory, two of my longtime favorite characters, into characters who fat shame? I was astounded at the comments and nicknames the two gave the other pool-goers, such as "Back Fat Pat." Unnecessary, not funny, and disappointing.
Rory's Relationships
I was utterly disappointed for a variety of reasons pertaining to Rory's relationships in the show. One reason I was disappointed was the fact that she was dating Paul, but (for "comedic effect") the characters consistently forgot about him. The original Gilmore Girls didn't need to rely on silly jokes like that in order to get a laugh out of its audience, and it seemed out of place and out of character for Rory. Also, not only does Rory forget about Paul, but she also consistently cheats on him. Yes, the Rory in the original show was "The Other Woman" with Dean, but that plot line (although wrong) made sense with the show due to her previous feelings for Dean. The cheating-on-Paul plot line doesn't make sense at all, especially because she's cheating on him with Logan Huntzberger, an engaged-to-be-married man who Rory denied marrying in the original series. I love Logan as much as the next girl, but I think the writers could have put a little more thought into a better way to incorporate Logan into the show. Speaking of incorporating her ex-boyfriends into the show, I do have to say that I was happy with the way in which Jess and Dean were brought into the show. Jess's character remained true to his original character, and it was nice seeing his life work out. Plus, his idea for Rory's book was genius, and made even better coming from him! I wish we could've seen a bit more of Dean, but it was pleasing to see Rory catch up with him and tell him that he's in her book. These encounters make me think that Logan might not have been the best ex-boyfriend for Rory to become involved with again. Jumping back to disappointments, the wookie hookup...what was that? Sure, it adds some questions about who the father of Rory's baby is, but that whole idea was un-Rory and did not add anything of substance to the show.
The Witty Banter
...or lack thereof. Where was the fast-talking pair of girls that we left in the original series? Their pop culture references and general silliness made Gilmore Girls into a charming, relatable, and funny show. Without it, the revival show very clearly lacks an important Gilmore effect.
The Characters
Okay okay, maybe I've been too harsh, but this is my favorite show we're talking about! The writers can't just make a revival and not expect a harsh critique. That being said, however, there are plenty of wonderful things about the new show. The characters, for example. All of my favorite characters came back- Luke, Chris, Kirk, Taylor, Miss Patty- the list goes on and on. Gilmore Girls was a show defined by its unique small town characters. It truly is a breath of fresh air to see them all return.
