DAMN YOU KATIE HOLMES! DAMN YOU! Gilmore Girls Return for 8th Season Dec 16 '08 (Updated Jul 17 '09)    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet The Bottom Line Virtual Gilmore Girls-Season 8 Returns the Show to Form Via Fan-Fiction with New Adventures for Lorelai, Rory, Luke, & the Gang. (4.5 out of 5) From its premiere on the WB network in September 2000 to its series finale on May 2007 on the CW network, Gilmore Girls was a beloved show among viewers for its quirky, eccentric take on a mother-daughter relationship in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. For seven years, viewers got to know Lorelai Victoria Gilmore and her daughter Lorelai "Rory" Leigh Gilmore as well as several eccentric, quirky, and often humorous characters of the comedy-drama show. When the show ended in 2007 following the departure of its creator/executive producer Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband/executive producer Daniel Palladino the year before, fans felt unsatisfied with the show's conclusion and the approach the final season took under the supervision of executive producer David S. Rosenthal. For the first six season of Gilmore Girls, viewers got to watch the Lorelais go through several transitions in their life with Rory going against all odds at the prestigious prep school Chilton and then going to Yale, dropping out, returning, and graduate. Lorelai Gilmore meanwhile, tried to run an inn, build a new business out of an old one, deal with her estranged parents, and juggle various relationships. The first six years dealt with many themes of social classes, generational gaps, and pop culture references where the core of the show was the relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Then in Season 6, the show went through a transition where it involved a story line of the two girls going through a serious rift due to Rory's dropping out at Yale and Lorelai's engagement to the town's local diner owner Luke Danes. Yet, just as the two girls were starting to get back together, another storyline arrived that some fans felt was very controversial and claimed to be the beginning of the end. The subplot of Luke Danes discovering that he has a 12-year old daughter named April Nardini was received with mixed reviews among fans that many felt would cause a bigger rift between Luke and Lorelai that led to the show to become soap operatic in the views of some viewers. Along with the continuing presence of Rory's father Christopher Hayden, the show started to lose control where the season finale saw Luke and Lorelai part ways following Lorelai's desperate ultimatum to get married with Luke pushing her away in order for him to spend more time with his daughter. Then the final image of Lorelai, in the bed of Christopher Hayden was the sign that the beginning of the end was coming. Following that final episode, the WB network merged with UPN network to form the CW network. It was around that time that Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino were discussing negotiations with the network that eventually led the Palladinos departure from the show due to disagreements with the network. David R. Rosenthal, who was a writer and producer for the show in the sixth season, took over as the show's final and yet infamous season went underway. The season saw Rory Gilmore graduate in its penultimate episode while trying to maintain a steady relationship with boyfriend Logan Huntzberger as she prepares for her future as a journalist. Lorelai Gilmore meanwhile, breaks up with Luke Danes, renew her relationship with Christopher Hayden and then gets married to him only to become confused about her needs and identity due to Christopher's demands to change things. It was in Season 7 that fans felt that the show was losing its essence though the relationship between Lorelai and Rory was still there but not as much. Plus, several of the show's supporting characters whom fans loved were forced to make scattered appearances as the focus on the Luke-Lorelai-Christopher triangle proved to be messy. Even as Luke is going through own his heartbreak over Lorelai's marriage to Christopher while fighting Anna Nardini for shared custody of April. The season ended with Lorelai divorcing Christopher after a forty-day marriage and eventually making things up with Luke. Rory and Logan end their relationship when Rory said no to his proposal and move to California as she got a job covering Barack Obama's presidency campaign. Luke throws a big farewell party for Rory with Lorelai touched over what Luke did as the two kissed and made up. It's conclusion left fans unfulfilled and deeply unsatisfied with its lack of conclusion. Particularly Lorelai's relationship with her parents despite Lorelai's decision to continue the Friday Night Dinners. With the show gone and cast members moving on to different projects, many fans felt how the show could've continued if its creator and cast wanted to continue. While rumors of a Gilmore Girls movie has been blurted out, the show's star Lauren Graham, who played Lorelai Gilmore, has confessed that she isn't interested at the moment nor has Alexis Bledel (as Rory Gilmore) and Scott Patterson (as Luke Danes). Yet with the mess that is Season 7 and the actors admitting to their lack of interest of continuing the show, it's clear that Gilmore Girls is no more on TV screens. Yet, due to its devoted cult following, the show and its spirit has remained alive through the form of fan fiction. Several fans have created new stories to continue the lives of the Gilmores, Luke Danes, and other beloved characters including Sookie St. James, Michel Gerard, Lane Kim, Paris Gellar, and many others. One of the most beloved fan fiction series is from a group of several fan fiction writers that have recaptured the spirit of the show as it's simply called Virtual Gilmore Girls. Virtual Gilmore Girls (http://virtualgilmore.squarepins.org/) is a site featuring twenty-two written episodes that continues the worlds of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore along with the people that surrounds them. For the fictional Season 8, the story picks up where the previous season had ended as both Lorelai and Rory Gilmore venture into new paths of their lives separately though maintaining close contact through cell phones. For the aspiring journalist Rory Gilmore, she faces the real world of journalism as she meets unexpected criticism, writer's block, and the harsh repetition of being on the road as she covers Senator Barack Obama's campaign for Presidency. Lorelai Gilmore meanwhile, renews her relationship with Luke Danes following their horrific breakup the year before as the two deal with new issues while Lorelai decides collaborates with her mother Emily on a project to expand the Dragonfly Inn into a spa. With other sub-stories that involve supporting characters like Lane Kim, Sookie St. James, Kirk Gleason, and many others, the core relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore is still there as the two deal with new beginnings as well as their close relationship between mother and daughter. With several beloved characters appearing including some new ones, Virtual Gilmore Girls Season 8 is a witty, dramatic, and engaging piece of Internet fan fiction that returns the show to its glory days. 8.01-Into the Great Wide Open-5/5 Written by sosmitten Rory Gilmore arrives into Iowa as she begins her first day working as a reporter for the online magazine The Critical Observer as she learns about the ropes into covering a campaign, meet various reporters, and befriend another young reporter named Patrick Donnelly. Yet, despite Rory's excitement into this new life, she quietly admits to missing her mother. Back in Stars Hollow, Lorelai tries to compose herself into dealing with Rory's departure as Luke Danes offers Lorelai to get out of Stars Hollow for a day as he takes to his new boat. There, Luke and Lorelai get a chance to be alone together as they ponder the state of their relationship with the locals in Stars Hollow are wondering if they're back together. The episode picks up where the series left off as Rory enters her new world as she several journalists including working mother Darshana, an ambitious journalist named Meredith, and Patrick Donnelly. A subplot about Lane trying to manage her new role as a mom reveals that she's having a hard time as Zach is trying to get extra work at Luke's diner before he leaves for a tour. Yet, the episode's big moment is Luke and Lorelai spending time alone in his new boat. Whereas the old boat that belonged to Luke's father revealed Lorelai's devotion to him. The new boat represents a new beginning as they're enjoying each other's company again. One of the episode's funniest moments is Kirk's determination to reveal to the town that Luke and Lorelai are back together. 8.02-Nice Boys Bring You Coffee, Good Ones Bring You Home-5/5 Written by Lula Bo On the road, Rory receives unexpected criticism from her editor as she tries to deal with it while her friendship with Patrick blossoms as he helps her deal with the criticism. In Stars Hollow, Lorelai and Luke go on their third first date as Luke enters the Crap Shack for the first time in a year. When Emily makes suggestions of expanding the Dragonfly Inn with a spa, Lorelai thinks about the idea as does Sookie and Michel. Yet at a Friday Night Dinner, Lorelai gives her response while telling her parents news about her personal life. Zach meanwhile, asks Luke to get Brian as his temporary replacement for the diner as he prepares to leave for a tour.   In the series finale, Emily Gilmore had mentioned spas during Friday Night Dinner conversations where Lorelai believed that her mother is having another crazy idea. Yet, when Emily appears at the inn taking measurements. Lorelai along with Sookie ponder the idea of expanding the inn with Michel very excited. Yet, the episode has Lorelai keeping her word as she decided to continue Friday Night Dinners for the sake of just having Friday Night Dinners as the episode with Lorelai and her parents eating quietly but looking at Rory's empty chair with longing. While Rory is dealing with her new surrounding and situation, she gains sympathy from Patrick as Rory learns not to take criticism very seriously. Yet, the episode's big moment is Luke and Lorelai dating again as Paul Anka is happy to see Luke back at the Crap Shack. The episode's ending marks a big step Lorelai makes with her parents about her personal life and her decision to collaborate with Emily on expanding the Dragonfly. 8.03-Whoa, Nellie!-5/5 Written by Avery April's upcoming visit to Stars Hollow brings back old tension between Luke and Lorelai when Lorelai jumps to conclusions about what Luke wanted to say. Michel and Sookie get into a spat over classes they want to do as Lorelai also tries to deal with her parents over their lack of contact with Rory. Rory has other things on her mind in dealing with being homesick, an unfriendly colleague, and an unhappy editor as she and Patrick engage into a drunken one-night stand. The episode has a funny subplot of Sookie and Michel battling over classes at the inn that's resolved when a happy Lorelai threatens to pull both classes if they didn't settle. Yet, the episode revolves mostly on the dramas that both Lorelai and Rory are dealing with. April's upcoming visit and Lorelai's fear that Luke will favor his daughter over Lorelai shows that there's still some issues. Fortunately, it gets resolved when Luke revealed his hesitation as April's visit ended up being enjoyable as Lorelai has a great time while showing April Rory's room filled with books and such. Rory meanwhile, deals with Meredith's unfriendly attitude, writer's block, and being homesick. Yet, her conversation with Patrick leads to a drunken one-night stand where its aftermath reveals that they both have just broken off from previous relationships and neither are over it. 8.04-Toothpaste and Townies and Twinkies, Oh My!-4.5/5 Written by OnceUponaWhim With Sookie and Jackson's new baby arriving, Taylor Doose goes on the rampage about Stars Hollow's baby boom. Luke gets bothered when Taylor targets him and Lorelai over their past relationship while Lorelai tries to deal with her mother's plans for the spa. Rory tries to avoid Patrick after the one-night stand brought confusion and anxiety. Zach meanwhile, finds himself in trouble with Lane as he's becoming stressed about parenthood. The episode's opening scene begins with a bizarre dream sequence where Lorelai enters her parents' home where it turns into the Dragonfly Inn's lobby as Sookie is running around trying to grab her many children. The dream gets worse with Emily sniping at Lorelai with Michel standing beside Emily as the two cackle with Lorelai wondering if she's making a mistake. Yet, the episode also has Luke becoming insecure about his relationship with Lorelai as he admits that he's not sure if he wants kids after Taylor's rant about the baby boom. Rory meanwhile, feels awkward about her friendship with Patrick after what happened as she continues to receive criticism from her editor. Eventually she turns to Patrick for help as she's still trying to get herself used to the road. The subplot of Zach still excited from his tour reveals that he needs to grow up a bit if he wants to be a full-time parent as Lane lays down the law. Sookie and Jackson also welcome a new baby girl named Wanda Violet Colgate Belleville. 8.05-It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia-5/5 Written by AdinaRJ & Mrs. Dionysius O'Gall Rory's 23rd birthday is coming as she makes a stop in Philadelphia as she decides to celebrate with an old friend, Jess Mariano. Lorelai collaborates with Richard on expanding the Dragonfly Inn's library as he gives his daughter warnings about collaborating with Emily on the spa project. Luke travels to New Mexico for the weekend to visit April while dealing with Anna about how April fits into his relationship with Lorelai. If the show was still on, it would be nearly impossible to have Milo Ventimiglia making a guest appearance as Jess Mariano. Yet, Jess' appearance shows a maturity in the relationship between him and Rory as the two discuss what they've been up to. Jess reveals that he still contacts his uncle Luke while occasionally contacts his mother while surprised in how much he cares about his baby sister Doula. Yet when Rory talks to Jess about her writer's block, the former boyfriend brings some perspective that inspires Rory. The episode also features Richard and Lorelai having fun on expanding the inn's library as Lorelai suggests a movie night with her dad. In New Mexico, Luke stands his ground on how April fits into his life with Lorelai as Anna clearly has a problem about Lorelai's presence. Luke's visit reveals how much he's grown into dealing with Anna and how Anna has to accept that Lorelai will always be in April's life. 8.06-How Rory Got Her Groove Back-5/5 Written by Robinpoppins & sosmitten Kirk lets Lorelai on plans for his surprise engagement to Lulu that has the town buzzing. Luke becomes frustrated by his lack of time with Lorelai as she deals with Sookie's absence and Emily's plans for the spa. Inspired by Jess' advice, Rory finds her footing back in the writing despite her editor's demand to create pieces that are more left-wing that's already been read. Rory's storyline has her talking to locals where she finds something that has gotten her excited as she feels easier with her colleagues. Yet, Rory's elated moment is dashed by her editor wanting her to focus on something that's familiar which frustrates her. After coming back from New Mexico, Luke wants to spend time with Lorelai but Emily's ambitious plans for the spa got bigger as Lorelai tries to deal with all of it. Yet, the episode's big moment is Kirk trying to get ideas to propose to Lulu and the ending has him proposing in a big way inspired by a classic 80s film. 8.07-Freakin' Happy and Relaxed-5/5 Written by LulaBo and wounded Lorelai's time with Emily starts to take a toll as Luke's birthday is coming while Richard feels neglected. An embarrassing mistake Rory makes on an email sends Rory into a frenzy until she's calmed down by an equally-stressed Paris Gellar, who is at Harvard Medical School. The episode has Lorelai and Emily's time together starting to take its toll as Richard feels neglected and unhappy. Yet, when Lorelai wants to take a break from the spa project so she can celebrate Luke's birthday. Emily gets upset making Lorelai feel guilty and not enjoying herself on Luke's birthday. Yet, the ending has the two women resolving their issues. Rory meanwhile, becomes disillusioned over the road trip and having to write fluff where she accidentally sends an email that would bring her trouble. Fortunately, there's Paris to help out who is also having a hard time studying at Harvard Medical School. Yet, the two friends feel a sense of relief over the fact that they take themselves way too seriously. 8.08-We Gather Together-5/5 Written by KinoFille It's Thanksgiving in Stars Hollow as Luke and Lorelai hope to celebrate with their extended family as April also visits. Rory hopes to come home as well until weather issues derail it making Lorelai upset. Zach invites Mrs. Kim to spend Thanksgiving with Lane and the twins. Yet, a Gilmore Thanksgiving brings in all that is expected: drama, food, and a game of bagel hockey! A Thanksgiving dinner at the Crap Shack and putting Richard and Emily in the same room with Liz and T.J. definitely conjures up some funny images. Yet, T.J.'s comments about how hot Emily is and calling Richard "Dick" definitely lives up to its humor. While April manages to impress Richard about her views on global warming and Al Gore's report, Emily is upset over Rory's absence thinking that Lorelai is replacing Rory with April making Lorelai extremely upset. While Zach and Lane's Thanksgiving dinner with Mrs. Kim shows how much Lane has grown, Kirk is upset over Luke not having Thanksgiving at the dinner where mention of Lorelai's marriage to Christopher had her flinch. Rory meanwhile, is saddened that she couldn't come home but when she hears Meredith's snide comments. Rory finally snaps as she gives her a good ol' Gilmore smackdown while rounding all of the fellow journalists into some Gilmore-style Thanksgiving including a game of bagel hockey. 8.09-Home Is Where The Heart Is-5/5 Written by Rae With Rory's road trip nearly finished, she calls her father about getting a present for her half-sister Gigi while getting an unexpected one from Logan where she confesses to him about her frustrations. Rory also steps into a chaotic news room in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she begins to reevaluate her career aspirations. Back in Stars Hollow, Sookie is back at working leaving Jackson at home with their rambunctious kids. Luke attends the annual Gilmore Xmas party where he finds himself fitting in with Emily and Richard's rich friends to the surprise of the Gilmores. The episode has some light-hearted moments where Luke and Lorelai attend the annual Gilmore Xmas party where Lorelai reflects on a happy memory when she was six years old. The dinner shows that Luke, the blue-collar diner owner, can fit in with Richard and Emily's posh friends with surprising discussions on boats. A subplot of Sookie running the inn while Jackson is at home with the kids is funny when it's clear that Jackson isn't good at running the household all by himself. Yet, the episode's big moment is Rory's revelation about her career and goals. After getting some career advice from Jack Kramer, an editor for a Grand Rapids news publication, Rory gets a surprise call from Logan where she confesses her unhappiness. Their conversation reveal Logan trying to do something for himself as he's seeking his father's approval while the two have a revelation about Logan's engagement months before.   8.10-The More, the Merrier -5/5 Written by jewels12 & genkichiba Rory finally returns to Stars Hollow for the holidays as Lorelai is ecstatic to celebrate as April also visits. With a big, busy schedule for Xmas Eve, a family crisis from Sookie and Jackson alter plans as the Xmas season involves multiple meals, a grumpy Michel, and a Renaissance Xmas dinner at Liz & T.J.'s where T.J. dons his tights again. Amidst all of the chaos and excitement, Rory makes a decision about her life and career. A Gilmore Xmas is finally here as Rory's return to Stars Hollow leaves Lorelai emotionally happy. Reminiscent of the classic episode 3.09-A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving where Lorelai and Rory ate multiple Thanksgiving dinners. Lorelai and Rory bring Luke and April to the extravaganza where Babette hosts brunch with her husband Morey along with Miss Patty, Kirk & Lulu, and Gypsy in surprising form. Yet, the Belleville's family crisis over Jackson's mother changes plans as the Gilmore-Danes clan bring Davey and Martha along with Michel to Liz & T.J.'s place where more mayhem ensues. The ending of the episode ends with Rory making a big decision in her career that readers knew what was coming. 8.11-Mayday, Mayday, Mayday!-5/5 Written by Avery With Luke and Lorelai taking care of Sookie and Jackson's kids, the two try to fit in their own work schedules while watching Davey and Martha. With Rory staying in Stars Hollow much longer than she expected, Rory's appearance raises Lorelai's suspicions about why she isn't back out on the road as she tries to confront her daughter. With Rory realizing that Stars Hollow has changed and unsure of what to do, she finally confesses to her mother about what happened. An episode that mixes a lot of humor and drama, the humor involves Luke and Lorelai trying to care of the rambunctious Davey and Martha. Even as they wake up very early in the morning where Martha wakes Rory up way too early as she even tortures Paul Anka. Things get even funnier when Emily waits for Lorelai for a meeting as she's in the kitchen with an uncomfortable Luke making tea for Emily. Yet, the episode's big moment is Lorelai's suspicions after Emily makes comments about the journalism world picking up on the upcoming election. After Rory realizes that she has nowhere to go and talk to, she gets a call from Patrick as she tearfully confesses her mother about what she did. Unlike the drama that happened in the end of Season 5 where a crushed Rory decides to quit Yale following Mitchum Huntzberger's harsh performance review, Rory turns to her mother who comforts her and becomes surprisingly understanding. 8.12-I Like Celine, Do You Like Celine?-5/5 Written by LulaBo & NicoleMack Having trouble to confess her grandparents about quitting her job, Rory tries to figure out how to tell them as Lorelai decides not to be involved. With Sookie and Jackson returning home from Jackson's mother funeral, the town is abuzz about Luke and Lorelai's future that includes children. Luke finally gets anxious about what the town thinks where at the annual Firelight Festival, Luke makes an unexpected move to Lorelai that doesn't go well. The second half of the season reveals how Emily and Richard react to Rory quitting her job. Unlike the last time Rory quit something, which was Yale back at the end of Season 5 that prompted the two to let Rory leave Yale, only to regret it later on. Their reaction wasn't as surprising except this time around, they weren't going to make the same mistakes. Emily is upset over Rory's dishonesty while Richard acts stern over the way she quit and her lack of planning in its aftermath. Rory later apologizes them both and asks them if she could have time to figure things herself, which they do. The best part of the resolution is Lorelai not being involved except in the sidelines where she sided with her parents. Luke's anxiety for the future when a lot of the locals are thinking that wedding bells are near them where even Mrs. Kim gets involved. The episode's ending has Luke making a huge mistake to Lorelai just as the two were very comfortable in their relationship.   8.13-The Reverend, The Rabbi, and Mrs. Kim-4.5/5 Written by Robinpoppins & sosmitten Luke's hasty proposal sends his relationship to Lorelai on a whirlwind as she helps Kirk and Lulu get ready for their wedding. Rory tries to deal with her friendship with Lane and the new lifestyle Lane has embarked on. Kirk's mother gets into some religious conflict as Krik turns to the holy trinity of the town's reverend, rabbi, and Mrs. Kim. One big mistake from Luke over his proposal as the Luke and Lorelai relationship just hit a huge road bump. Yet, Luke's immature reaction to Lorelai's response to the proposal and Lorelai's shocked expression had the two in trouble. Lorelai desperate to talk to Luke and Luke just sulking. Yet, the ending has the two finally talking about their relationship as Luke reveals what he does want in the relationship.The episode also has Rory trying to fit in with Lane's new life as she tries to play the godmother role to one of the twins. The episode's big moment is the Kirk and Lulu wedding where the ceremony takes place in the diner with Luke as the reluctant official. From its planning that included some funny involvement from Reverend Skinner, Rabbi Barans, and Mrs. Kim trying to get Kirk's mother approving the ceremony. The episode's title alone is worth laughing about. 8.14-Moving Forward, Standing Still-5/5 Written by Filo & wounded Paris and Doyle visit Stars Hollow for the weekend as they learn that Rory has quit her job. Yet when Luke and Lorelai announce a new development in their relationship, Rory is upset as she tries to figure out where her life is. Lane also tries to deal with her family life as Hep Alien tries to rehearse again. When Lorelai asks Luke to move in to the Crap Shack, Luke's reaction is suddenly immediate and results in a major step forward for the couple. Rory's reaction to the news is upsetting as she's dealing with being stuck in Stars Hollow and having to deal with a visiting Paris and Doyle. Yet, it would be Rory's conversation with Luke about the move that shows that Luke understands what she's going through as he just wants Rory to be comfortable. Emily's reaction to Lorelai's news catches her by surprise until Rory reveals how important Luke has been to the house. The episode has great moments where Lane invites her mother to a rehearsal for Hep Alien as they're trying to get back into playing again. Paris and Doyle show their sympathy for Rory over her career decision. The episode's ending has Rory getting an unexpected call from the last person she wanted to hear. 8.15-Sticks and Stones-4.5/5 Written by jewels12 & AdinaRJ Taylor is hit with an illness as Stars Hollow goes into chaos over his condition. Christopher's unexpected call about Rory quitting her job forces Lorelai to have her daughter and ex-husband talk one-on-one without her involved. Lorelai also prepares for Luke to move in to the Crap Shack with Rory helping as the Girls create a homecoming party for Luke. While there's a very funny subplot about Taylor's illness due to a kidney stone where a pool is held. The episode is more about the dynamic between Rory and Christopher, which hasn't been great. Lorelai confesses that Christopher found out when she called him just to say happy birthday to Gigi as Rory has to deal with her father. Yet, their meetings reveal Christopher's frequent absences and how he often turns to Lorelai for help. Yet, it resolves with Christopher and Rory finally finding some common ground while he and Lorelai are still in good terms despite their divorce the year before. The episode also shows that despite a lot of bad blood, Luke has accepted Christopher's role in the lives of the Girls as he's willing to step aside as he's also trying to deal with the new living situation between him and the Girls. 8.16-It's Finally Ticking-4.5/5 Written by DippersBaby & Mrs. Dionysius O'Gall Kwan and Steve's first birthday party is emerging and the whole town is celebrating. Rory offers to babysit the twins before their birthday while Kirk worries about his plans for a family. Lorelai gets offers for the Dragonfly as she seeks the advice of several people where her decision gets a surprising reaction from both Luke and Emily. The episode refers to the time Lorelai got an offer to sell her in back in the last few episodes of Season 5, which she decided not to do. This time around, she is in the middle of a bidding war from two prestigious companies. Richard is impressed by this event as is Emily and Luke who both suggest that Lorelai should look into the offers. Yet, Lorelai's decision to turn them both down show a surprising reaction from Luke and Emily who seem to be on the same mind frame about the inn. Kirk's attempts to get a clock working for his family planning is a funny moment, even at Kwan and Steve's birthday party where he tries to get the boys to say his name. Rory meanwhile, tries to play babysitter for the twins realizing her inexperience as she's trying to figure what to do next. A phone call from Paris would finally prompt Rory to realize that she needs to do something now. 8.17-Parental Discretion Advised-5/5 Written by Avery & LulaBo With Rory taking on multiple part-time jobs, Lorelai is worried about where Rory is going with her life leading the two to have another spat. April visits with a new look and attitude as it worries Luke. Richard and Emily explore new social circles where Emily rediscovers an old passion. With Luke and Lorelai now finding more in common as parents, they both have a hard time dealing with their own daughters. Rory taking on multiple part-time jobs has Lorelai worried about what Rory is going to do as the two get into another spat that eventually gets resolved. Even when Rory finds herself competing with Kirk, who's not happy that his role as the guy working in every part-time job in the town is being threatened. One subplot involving Richard and Emily attending Richard's alumni parties has Emily rediscover her love of poetry. Yet, the episode's big moment involves April's new look and attitude that worries Luke as she has some funny one liners. When April finally reveals why she's acting this way, it's because she's trying to conform to what everyone is doing in school as her new surroundings clearly has taken a toll on her as Luke brings some perspective that helps her. 8.18-Forty is the New Forty-5/5 Written by wounded & KinoFille Lorelai's 40th birthday is coming as Rory, Luke, and Emily make plans for the party. Yet with Rory preoccupied by her jobs and a surprising phone call from Patrick brings her back to her insecurities, Luke is forced to deal with Emily's plans as the two clash. Sookie goes on a rant about being forty while Lorelai learns about some surprising stories from Gypsy. With Rory having a meltdown about her life, Lorelai comforts her daughter while hoping that she gets her confidence back. At the party where everything goes well, Luke and Emily have a private conversation where Emily makes a comment that surprises Luke. A 40th birthday party for Lorelai has to be an event and with Luke, Rory, and Emily making plans. It's clear that Luke is going to have a hard time dealing with Emily though there's a funny moment when Lorelai enters the inn and Emily is sent to the back. While Sookie's rants about getting older is funny, it's Gypsy's stories that prove to be surprising as well as a secret relationship with a fellow townie. Rory's meltdown to Lorelai reveals some harsh truth about Rory's loss of confidence and the mistakes she made as Rory realizes that she has to get it back. Yet, the other big moment is Emily's revelation to Luke about his role in Lorelai's life that is very surprising showing how important he is to the Gilmores. 8.19-Branching Out, Eh?-5/5 Written by OnceUponaWhim & NicoleMack Realizing that she's 40, Lorelai begins to ponder her future as she is starting to think about wanting children. Luke is unsure how to respond as more questions arise when Liz and TJ announce they're having another child through a surrogate. Rory turns to Grand Rapids news editor Jack Kramer for help as she starts writing again hoping to get herself back up. Emily meanwhile, battles Taylor over importation of Canadian dirt that she needed for the spa. The episode has three big plot lines where the funniest is Emily Gilmore battling Taylor Doose for the importation of Canadian dirt. With Lorelai having to get involved, Emily becomes a honorary citizen of Stars Hollow with a reluctant Lorelai watching over. Rory meanwhile, tries to get herself back into writing mode where she even goes on an insecurity rant to Caesar that upsets Kirk. Yet, it resolves with Rory finally gaining her confidence. Yet, the big story is Luke and Lorelai facing the prospect about having children as they learn about how Doula was conceived as Liz reveals about going to a surrogate. Lorelai turns to Sookie for perspective while Luke turns to Liz as the two finally realize what they want and don't want as far as family is concerned. 8.20-On Location-5/5 Written by LulaBo Hollywood comes to Stars Hollow as a film production starring Katie Holmes is being filed. Taylor tries to assert his authority to great heights while Rory tries to cover what's going on in filming for an article where she learns a new surprising development from a group of filmmakers. Lorelai meanwhile, deals with the construction of the spa where things go bad as she and Emily turn to Luke for answers where his response makes Lorelai upset. The episode that opens with an argument between Lorelai and Rory over a death match between Sara Lee and Martha Stewart starts off funny. Even when Luke gets involve to try and get the two to keep the conversation down and then, bring his own perspective on who would win. Yet, a film in Stars Hollow starring Katie Holmes brings a lot of mayhem. Rory tries to cover everything where she gets kicked out on set while Lane suggests she should flash a security guard. Yet, Rory does get something when she meets a group of filmmakers about a project they want to make. Lorelai's antics with Emily over the spa has some hilarious moments that include some great dialogue between the two. Yet when Luke comes into inspect some damage, his response reveals that for every argument she would have with her mother. Luke would end up being a deciding factor that would anger Lorelai. The episode's ending with Taylor looking at the town and then its lawn would unveil one of the season's best line. 8.21-The Glitter Vest at the End of the Tunnel-4.5/5 Written by sosmitten With the construction of the spa nearing completion, Sookie starts to feel left out in the last-minute preparations while Richard wants to get involved for the opening by having his barbershop quartet perform. Luke wants to spend quality time with Lorelai as he ends up watching movies with Paul Anka. Rory focuses on her article as she gets a response from a prestigious publication. Amidst all of the stress in the completion, Lorelai and Emily try to deal with everything and each other. The possible return of the dreaded glitter vest from Season 5 brought a sense of excitement to the Gilmore clan as the spa nears completion. Rory finally achieves the breakthrough she needed with help from Jack Kramer providing suggestions while Lane reveals that her sex life with Zach is on the upswing. With Luke and Rory staying out of the way of the spa completion, it starts to take a toll on everyone. Luke wanting time with Lorelai has him having time alone with Paul Anka, who too doesn't like having Lorelai not being around. With Richard wanting to relieve the stress by having his barbershop quartet perform at the opening, Sookie plans an extravagant menu for the celebration. Yet, one of the episode's surprising moments is a stressed Emily going to the diner as the two share the stress over the completion of the spa. 8.22-It's All Over But the Crying-5/5 Written by Avery With Rory finally achieving her success with her article published at Salon, she starts work on another as she anticipates the viewing of the article at a party that also celebrates the opening of the spa. With Emily realizing her time with spa project done, Richard hopes to raise spirits at the party as Michel has a crush on the new spa manager. Luke and Lorelai also make plans for the future as they discover a new daily activity to relieve the stress of their work lives as the party goes underway with a surprise guest making an appearance. The season finale ends on a high note with Rory finally getting her career back on track as she even has ideas for a project with Salon. Yet, the ending also happens for Emily who seems to be sad that the project is over. With Luke and Lorelai content in everything that's around them, it's clear that they're also ready for the future. The ending that features Jackson, Sookie, Lane, Zach, and the Gilmore-Danes clan with Luke and Lorelai watching clearly shows that despite all of their dysfunctions, it's one unique family that Luke and Lorelai are in the middle of. When the series ended, the show had a few conclusions. Lorelai and Luke kiss at the party Luke threw for Rory. Rory gets a job covering Obama's campaign and Lorelai deciding to continue the Friday Night Dinners with her parents. For fans, these conclusions seem dissatisfying with a lot of loose ends in relationships and storylines. While many fans who write fan fiction get many ideas of what would happen after the series finale. It took several writers, who wrote for many fan fiction sites devoted to the show, to get together and create a season that's superior than the work of fan fiction and make it as close as possible to the series and what Amy Sherman-Palladino had wanted. The result in many ways, isn't just the show returning to form after its last two, dramatic-heavy seasons. It reminded fans into why they loved the shows and characters. The season had three major plotlines that was important while the Lorelai-Rory relationship is still in tact and the main plot to drive the story of Gilmore Girls. The first is Luke and Lorelai rekindling their relationship and moving forward. While audiences seem to want Luke and Lorelai married since the couple never got the chance at the end of the sixth season while getting back together at the end of the seventh season. The idea of the two getting married just after they had gotten back together seems to be unrealistic and from a fan perspective, too much of a fantasy. What the writers of the virtual season did is exactly how Amy Sherman-Palladino approached the Luke and Lorelai relationship throughout the series. Palladino took her time in building up the idea of the two going into a relationship for four seasons through sexual tension, years of pining, and unresolved feelings where by the end of the fourth season, they became a couple. That was something the fans knew and in the approach for the eight season, it was clear the writers decided to have the couple just try and start all over again. This time, without all of the emotional baggage of the last two seasons. What happened is the couple that everyone had been rooting for got to know each other again and realize how much they loved each other and needed each other. After a traumatic period that involved Lorelai's estrangement with Rory, Luke's discovery of April, the break-down in communication, Lorelai's crazy ultimatum, Luke's claims that they didn't belong together, and Lorelai's brief marriage to Christopher. Luke and Lorelai decided to start all over where the two found themselves in familiar territory of comfort while having more in common as parents. Yet, the relationship also revealed new issues that the couple faced. Marriage and children. Since the two have both in previous, ill-fated marriages to other people. Neither seemed to think about it until Luke got pressure from the town to marry Lorelai where he makes a hasty proposal that proves to be upsetting.For Lorelai, the proposal came as a shock just as she was feeling comfortable with the way she and Luke were working things out. Eventually, that issue was settled as it became clear on what they both wanted as they're both searching for their middle as well as a comfortable place in their relationship. The season ended with Luke moving in with Lorelai and finding new things to do as they've become more affectionate towards each other. Something that was missing in their relationship as there wasn't a lot of "I love you" said to each other. The other issue Luke and Lorelai faced were children as Luke found himself unsure if he wanted to have kids after dealing with the reality of having his own teenage daughter. When the couple decided to watch over Sookie and Jackson's kids during the holidays when Sookie and Jackson had to go to a family emergency with their newborn baby in tow. Davey and Martha proved to be a challenge as Lorelai realized taking care of kids at her age isn't as easy as it was when she was 16. Fortunately, Luke was there to help as the town sees despite those years of him ranting about kids; Luke can be an amazing father. After Lorelai's fortieth birthday party, Lorelai realizes that she does want kids. During her marriage with Christopher, she wasn't sure because Christopher already had Rory and his own daughter Gigi that would eventually be one of the things that forced them to split. With Luke, Lorelai didn't have to think as much though Luke found himself needing to think. It nearly got worse when Liz revealed that she had to conceive Doula through artificial insemination as she's only a few years older than Lorelai. After Luke's private conversation with Liz, Luke and Lorelai did realize they want to have children. Yet if it can be done naturally, they won't go for it as the two found new common grounds though Luke does have a problem with Rory still in the house because he didn't want to make her uncomfortable. The ending of the storyline for Luke and Lorelai has the couple feeling content and happy about the fact that they with the people that's important to them, their family and friends. The second big storyline in Season 8 is Rory's journey into the world of journalism and the harsh reality that she faces. Though Rory knew she would be homesick and it was going to be hard to deal with. What she didn't expect is the rough-and-tumble world of journalism on the road that really baffled and frustrated her. When she has to deal with her editor on the phone and receive criticism. Rory knew not to take it too seriously after learning from her experience with Mitchum Huntzberger a few years back. Yet, the criticism she received from her editor proved to be frustrating as she turned to a few of her colleagues for help. One of those colleagues is Patrick Donnelly, who becomes a potential love interest of sorts for Rory as the two try to remain professional despite a drunken one-night stand. Despite Patrick's helpfulness, Rory finds herself dealing with writer's block as she becomes convinced that her writing sucks. While she didn't have the heart to tell her mother or grandparents, she was fortunate to get some help from Jess Mariano. Jess' advice proved to helpful for a while as Rory is happy that Jess is always there to help as the two found a new level of maturity in their friendship. Rory's frustrations still get to her as does the repetition of being on the road as her friend Paris also helps out where the two realize they do take themselves a bit too seriously. With her writing becoming more formulaic and the road being not what she seemed, Rory's longing to return home became more evident. When she is unable to come home to Thanksgiving and is forced to deal with a colleague's snide comments. Rory finally had enough where a chance visit to a newsroom in Grand Rapids, Michigan made her question her career choices. At that point, Rory knew what she wanted to do and what she didn't want to do in her aspirations as a journalist. After her confession to Logan about her disillusionment and what she does want to do in the world of journalism, she realizes she needs to retreat to Stars Hollow and face her mother and grandparents. While the first half of the season had Rory deal with that harsh world of journalism coverage on the road. The second half reveals Rory's loss of direction as she tries to figure out what to do next and how she can pull herself back together. Though she is faced with the fact that her friends like Lane and Paris are having different lives and moving forward while she's stuck in Stars Hollow not doing much. She gains sympathy from Lorelai and Luke, who understands that Rory is having a hard time as they offer support. While Rory does receive sympathy from her friends, grandparents, Luke, and Lorelai. Rory also gets some help from her father, Christopher. Christopher, who played a big part in the second half of the sixth season and a lot of season seven, makes a big appearance in his concerns for Rory. While his approach of turning to Lorelai reveals the pattern that's been done so many times. It's clear that if Christopher needed to talk to Rory, he has to talk to her directly as it's clear that their relationship is fraught with a lot of cluelessness and resentments. Yet, it ended with the two realizing that they both had to grow up as a new door is open for the father-daughter relationship. While Rory managed to resolve things with her dad, it took a lot longer for her to resolve her own career crisis as she takes on multiple part-time jobs in Stars Hollow just to do something. Yet, a surprising phone call from Patrick about his own career upswing finally got Rory to reach her own breaking point. When Lorelai hears Rory breaking down over her failures, it's clear that the confident girl that audience fell in love with in the first three seasons is now falling apart again. This time, instead of quitting Yale, drifting aimlessly, and turning to her grandparents for security. She goes to Lorelai who reveals that loss of confidence ever since Rory went to Yale and struggled. Lorelai's words finally prompted Rory to fight back as she regains her confidence, finds some new angles in her articles, and in the end, she finally achieves a personal and professional breakthrough when Salon picked up her article and published it online. What makes Gilmore Girls so compelling to watch is the mother-daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory. While Season 8 continued to focus on that main storyline, another mother-daughter relationship is given a similar spotlight. This time, it's between Lorelai and Emily Gilmore. For years, audiences saw the contentious relationship between the two women as despite their age differences and personalities. Neither wants to admit that they have a lot of similarities while Lorelai had always described their relationship to one step forward, two-steps back. While the series ended with Lorelai deciding to continue the Friday Night Dinners just so she can see her parents very often. It's clear that audiences wanted some resolution between the two women. In the second episode of this season, Lorelai, who had always been reluctant in sharing information about her life to Emily, finally takes a big step into their often fractured, volatile relationship by opening up about the fact that she and Luke are back together. The conversation also revealed that Lorelai, after succeeding in opening and running her own, still has some ambitions and the spa idea turns out to be exactly what Lorelai needed. Knowing that her mother had the right idea, she realizes that adding a spa to the Dragonfly Inn and with her mother involved would be a big step forward for the two. While it's clear that their personalities and differences would have the two butt heads often leaving them stressed. The fact that they kept going with the project as Rory, Richard, and Luke look on show some real progress with Lorelai and Emily. Yet, even as the two deal with working each other and their contentious personalities. They see that from the perspective of other family members and Luke, that they're both seeking in what they want from each other. The ending has Lorelai thanking her mother for spearheading the spa project as a real sense of development between the two is coming around. While there were definitely some great character development in its three main characters like Lorelai, Rory, and Luke. It's Emily Gilmore that receives the biggest development in character. While she's still the snobbish, posh, classy, stern woman that audiences know and love. Emily, who had been known to host parties, events, and even run a chapter for the DAR, finally gets a chance to do something of her own after seeing Richard run his own business with his success and Lorelai the same when she opened the Dragonfly Inn. The spa was something that Emily wanted to do and take charge in as it proved that she can claim that she actually did something in her life other than organize parties and events. Another growing development in Emily Gilmore is her acceptance towards Luke as after seeing Lorelai's marriage to Christopher fail. Emily realizes how happy Lorelai is with Luke and how valuable he is in influencing some of Lorelai's decisions. She is also impressed that Luke is striving to gain the approval of both Emily and Richard despite his background. For Emily and Richard, it's clear that Luke has old values that they share and therefore, they respect him as they also see that he can fit in into their world by just being himself. Emily also notices that Luke isn't likely to agree with Lorelai all the time giving Lorelai another lesson in compromise as she also finds comfort that Luke is willing to help her understand Lorelai. In Luke, Richard and Emily see the potential son-in-law that they need instead of the one they've wanted in Christopher, who failed to live up to his potential when they needed him the most. Richard Gilmore meanwhile, took a bit of a low profile of sorts in this season following heart surgery in the last season. Yet, Richard Gilmore definitely proves to be the rock of the family as he and Lorelai share moments in expanding the Dragonfly library as their relationship is more grown-up than the one Lorelai has with Emily. Yet, Richard also finds value in Luke as Luke gives him a comforting nod over the news of his barbershop quartet. With Richard working less and at home more, he does have to deal with Emily spending more time at the inn while giving Rory advice over her career knowing that he won't repeat the mistakes he made when Rory quit Yale. There's definitely something prestigious about Richard as his character definitely loosens up a bit and slows down a bit. Other major characters of the series are given a chance to shine as it's clear that there's no series without the supporting characters or the recurring smaller characters that everyone know and love. With Sookie having another child, it's clear that in her household. She basically runs the place while still reluctant about letting other people run her kitchen. Yet, Sookie is just as funny as she is on the show while ranting about getting older and the changes to the inn as she's trying to get involved. Michel also has his moments when he's excited about the expansion as he works closely with Emily and showing her how to work the Internet while in the Xmas episode, he's still dealing with the loss of one of his chow puppies. The season ends with Michel having a crush on a new staff member of the Dragonfly. Lane has her own development as she deals with raising her own children, growing up, and wanting to restart her rock n' roll dreams. Lane's friendship is Rory is also given more clout as the two deal with their new developments as their loyalty to each other is as solid as ever.   Rory's other best friend Paris however, isn't shown as much this season which is the season's only big disappointment considering that she's one of the funniest and beloved characters of the series. While there is a big reason why she doesn't appear as much due to the fact that she's studying at Harvard Medical School, it's one that is hard for fans to live with. Yet, Paris' few appearances reveal that she's still the engaging, biting, ranting young woman that audiences know and love. While she shares her own struggles in school with Rory, it's also clear that she is still a loyal friend to Rory while her own relationship with boyfriend Doyle McMaster is also going strong. Even when Doyle, who is also Rory's former editor at Yale, makes a snarky comment over Rory's decision to quit her job that annoys Paris. Surprise appearance from two of Rory's former boyfriends definitely bring excitement to the series as both Jess Mariano and Logan Huntzberger each provide Rory the comfort she needed. It's clear that Rory definitely had a profound influence in the two reformed bad boys as they've now become men. With Jess, it's clear he's become content with his own career and everything while he's also making new ground over his relationship with his mother while finding himself really caring for his baby sister Doula. Logan meanwhile, is striving to prove something to himself and his father as he seems excited by what he's trying to do. While Logan is aware that he and Rory weren't ready to get married, he doesn't regret its outcome either as he's starting to become content with being friends with her. It's shown that Jess and Logan are striving to find themselves more with credit to Rory whereas the other men in Rory's world like Tristan and Marty had faded into the oblivion while Dean had definitely disappeared with bitterness. Yet, one person that definitely brought some spark into Rory's love life is a new character in Patrick Donnelly. More mature and carefree than her previous boyfriends, Patrick definitely brings a sense of understanding and guidance though their one-night stand did create awkward moments. While it's unclear that by the season's end whether he would return and be a permanent fixture in Rory's life or just a temporary stop-gap between relationships. He is a refreshing new character that is needed in Rory's world. One major character that gets his big moment is Kirk Gleason where he gets a chance to have his big moment with the town watching as he marries his longtime girlfriend Lulu. Kirk's funny shenanigans while coping with the loss of his life on the stage and finding competition against Rory are always fun to read as Kirk remains beloved. From the extended Gilmore-Danes clan, there's definitely some funny moments from Liz and T.J. as it's clear they always provide some funny moments as they're getting ready to have another child. Liz, who definitely had some development in the last season over Luke's heartbreak with Lorelai and how he keeps holding on to their father's boat, definitely provides a moment about her decision to conceive with surrogates and artificial insemination. She's always there to give Luke some perspective as it's clear she's growing up while still being the kooky sister who is excited about being a mother and that Luke is back with Lorelai. The dog Paul Anka definitely gets some moments as he's happy to have Luke back at the Crap Shack while having to endure the torture of Martha Belleville combing and brushing his hair. Another member of the Danes clan that gets her moment to shine is April. April, who came in the sixth season as a character that has often divided fans over what her character has done in the Luke-Lorelai relationship, finally gets her chance to have her own development. Faced with trying to fit in at high school, she ends up changing making Luke extremely worried. Yet, it reveals that the move from Connecticut to New Mexico has definitely made her sad while is relieved that she has her dad to talk to. April's development brings more dimension to her character while she seems happy about the idea of Lorelai and Rory into her own life where she is gaining another family. While April's mother Anna only has one appearance, it's clear that she is trying to cope with the new custody situation while trying to accept that Lorelai is going to be in her daughter's life as she and Luke are still a bit uneasy. Other major recurring characters get their moments to shine like Taylor when he's trying to be the sense of annoyance to Luke while losing it all together when a film production came to Stars Hollow as he delivers the season's most famous line. Babette and Miss Patty are just as fun to read as they were on the series with their comments while Zach, Brian, and Morey make a unique musical combo during Kirk and Lulu's wedding while Gil also makes a brief appearance. One surprise pairing of locals in recurring characters is in the town's mechanic Gypsy and local bookstore owner Andrew that might conjure some economical trouble if they break up. Jackson proves that his move not to get a vasectomy might have been a bad idea as he's trying to raise three kids with Sookie at work while dealing with the loss of his mother. Davey and Martha Belleville prove to be fun to read as they give Luke and Lorelai a run for their money while Martha gets a lesson on what not to do when waking Rory up very early in the morning. Newer characters from Rory's journalism world like Darshana provide Rory some insight into the world of journalism while Meredith becomes a new enemy. Jack Kramer is another new character who also provides guidance into Rory's career aspirations that would help Rory re-think her goals. What makes the virtual eight season of Gilmore Girls so unique is that it gathers a group of fans who love the show and aren't convinced that it should be over just because it's no longer on TV. Yet, the writers of Virtual Gilmore Girls bring the show back to what fans loved about it and had hoped it would become if it had gone further. With its dialogue, reference to pop culture, and storylines that reaches the style that its creator Amy Sherman-Palladino would've wanted. It's a season that feels like a return to form with resolutions made as well as new beginnings that made the season a fun read. In the end, for anyone still wishing the show had continued without delving into some kind of fantasy or fans' desire. Virtual Gilmore Girls and its eight season is an enjoyable read proving that there's more to tell in the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore along with Luke Danes, Richard and Emily Gilmore, and the assorted characters of the series. Gilmore Girls Reviews: Season 1 - Season 2 - Season 3 - Season 4 - Season 5 - Season 6 - Season 7 - Virtual Season 9 - (Virtual Season 10)

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