Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.


Family dramas and sitcoms usually either delve into sentimentality or silly hijinks and sometimes a mix of both. For some shows, they work but others however, don't. Especially female-driven shows that often reach into the territory of just being for women. Then in the fall of 2000 on the WB network, a new show about a mother-daughter relationship came onto the TV screens with a fresh blend of pop culture references, indie music, and themes of social classes, friendships, family, and generation gaps. The show called Gilmore Girls is a one-hour episodic TV show that blends comedy and drama about a 32-year old single mother raising her 16-year old daughter living in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.

Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, Gilmore Girls tells the story of Lorelai Victoria Gilmore, a 32-year old woman who at age 16, got pregnant with a baby that she named Lorelai "Rory" Leigh Gilmore. Coming from the upper class world of Hartford and raised by her wealthy parents Richard and Emily Gilmore, Lorelai gives birth and a year after Rory's birth, Lorelai leaves her controlling upper class world and becomes a maid for a local inn in nearby Stars Hollow. For years, Lorelai and her parents rarely see each other except on holidays while Rory's father Christopher Hayden makes scattered appearances to see his daughter whom Lorelai had refused to marry after Rory's birth. For several years, Lorelai works hard to become the manager of the Independence Inn after being raised by its original manager Mia Holloway while Rory had become a top student that leads to the show's pilot episode.

1.1-Pilot-4.5/5

Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Lorelai Gilmore learns that her daughter Rory has been accepted at the prestigious private school Chilton in Hartford. Everything seems great except one thing. The fact that Lorelai doesn't have the money to pay for Rory's tuition as she is currently running a local inn with hopes to have her own inn with longtime friend and chef Sookie St. James. To swallow her pride as an independent, rebellious woman, Lorelai goes to her wealthy, upper-class parents Richard and Emily Gilmore for money to pay for Rory’s tuition. They agree but Emily has one condition, she wants to see both Lorelai and Rory every Friday for dinner which would become Friday Night Dinners. With Rory departing from Stars Hollow High, she meets a new student named Dean Forrester whom she starts to fall for as she begins to have second thoughts about going to Chilton. Then upon learning what her mother had to do to get her to Chilton, Rory tries to figure out about her destiny.

The pilot episode reveals the quirky yet multi-dimensional characters that viewers are seeing. Lorelai Gilmore is an independent woman whose relationship with her daughter is more sisterly and like best friends rather than a real mother-daughter thing which Lorelai feels is secondary. Then there's Rory, a confident yet gifted student who is suddenly contending with her first crush. The story about Lorelai's rift with her parents is revealed as is the name of Rory's father Christopher Hayden whom she rarely sees. The pilot also introduces several main supporting characters and future recurring characters. There's Lorelai's best friend and chef Sookie St. James who is a quirky, scatterbrain gal; Michel Gerard is Lorelai's annoyed French-Canadian concierge with a love for Celine Dion; Lane Kim is Rory's best friend and avid audiophile who lives a double life from her strict religious upbringing by her parents that includes Mrs. Kim; Stars Hollow’s local dance teacher Miss Patty; and local diner owner Luke Danes.

1.2-The Lorelai's First Day at Chilton-5/5

Directed by Arlene Sanford. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino.

It's the first day for the Gilmores to arrive at the prestigious Chilton prep school in Hartford. Yet, problems emerged with Lorelai doesn't have clean clothes and overslept. Wearing Daisy Dukes shorts, a tie-dyed t-shirt, cowboy boots, and a long coat, she drives Rory to the school to meet the school's headmaster Hanlin Charleston. During their meeting, they see Emily Gilmore who is shocked in Lorelai's wardrobe choices as the two bicker while more bickering occurs on the phone about Rory's school clothing and such leading a confrontation about how Lorelai's raising of her daughter. Rory meanwhile, becomes aware of Chilton's high academic standards as she deals with its huge workload, a flirtatious young student named Tristin DuGrey who calls her "Mary", and an ambitious student named Paris Gellar, who hopes to make Rory's life in Chilton miserable.

The episode reveals more new characters that would become either recurring performers or regulars as audiences are introduced to produce man Jackson Belleville, who has a similar passion for vegetables as well as flirtatious relationship with Sookie. We also have Babette, a short woman and Lorelai's neighbor with a jazz-loving husband named Morey, who like Miss Patty does all the town's gossip. In Chilton, smaller characters like Tristin DuGrey, Headmaster Charleston, and two of Paris' satellite friends Madeline and Louise are introduced as well, who are more concerned with boys than academics. Then there's Paris Gellar, who would eventually become a regular character in the coming seasons as well a friend/rival for Rory. Another recurring figure that would eventually become a regular is actor Sean Gunn yet in this episode, he plays a DSL installer named Mick. Yet, Gunn would appear more in later episodes throughout the show's duration as the child-like man Kirk Gleason.

The episode also reveals the first hints of the attraction between Lorelai and Luke Danes. Despite Luke's grouchy, nonchalant personality, his friendship with Lorelai is one that's kind of flirtatious as she often talks to him about what she's going through in her daily life. In the mention that she got asked to go out with a man whom she met earlier that day in Chilton who went to visit her at her Inn. Luke looks at her as if she did something wrong but the minute she said she turned him down, it's clear that he's relieved. Plus, in the last scene of the episode as the Gilmore Girls talk about their day, Lorelai mentions about the idea of dating Luke but Rory is a bit disgusted saying it's Luke. Then the camera pans to Luke closing down the diner looking at Lorelai.

1.3-Kill Me Now-5/5

With Rory forced to pick a sport for school requirement, Emily suggests that she should take up golf and spend a day with her grandfather. Richard, reluctantly takes in Rory with Lorelai unsure if Rory will have a good time. Lorelai meanwhile, is trying to organize a wedding for spoiled twins with help from her concierge Michel and Sookie is having an argument with Jackson over the thought of making blueberry shortcakes when his strawberries aren't good. When Lorelai learns that Rory had a great time bonding with her grandfather, she becomes afraid that Rory might want to take part in the privileged, rich world that Lorelai ran from leading to a stupid argument.

The episode's brilliance is to show the contrast relationships Lorelai and Rory have with Richard and Emily. Whereas there still tension between Lorelai and her parents, Rory starts to bond with her grandfather over a game of golf as well as their desire for knowledge. In many ways, it showed a sense of jealousy in Lorelai's part for the fact that she never had a relationship that close with her father in the same way Rory is having with Richard. What is more surprising is how much, as Lorelai hated to admit, Emily was right about Rory wanting a real relationship with her grandparents.

The episode is also a good idea of how it can manage to balance drama without any kind of sentimentality or cliched ideas but make it realistic and accessible to a wide audience. The episode also reveals its quirky knack of humor that included Michel's fear of swans when they were brought out by Kirk Gleason, the argument between Sookie and Jackson about strawberries that leads to a hilarious chase when Sookie picked out other strawberries over Jackson's, and Luke's own environmental rants.

Directed by Adam Nimoy. Written by Joanne Waters

1.4-The Deer-Hunters-5/5

Directed by Alan Meyerson. Written by Jed Seidel

Rory gets the first "D" in her entire academic career as she goes into panic mode. After attending a parents-teacher conference meeting with the school's English teacher Max Medina, Lorelai learns why her daughter is stressing. With Lorelai helping her out, they prepare for a big test that Rory has to take. Yet when they oversleep, Rory drives her mother's car to school as she is hit by a deer and later has a huge breakdown when she couldn't take the test as she snaps at both Paris and Tristin. Leading to a confrontation between Lorelai and Headmaster Charleston.

The episode shows the dynamic relationship between Lorelai and Rory as Lorelai is proving to be a very supportive mother who is willing to help her daughter and support her decisions. The episode also explores Rory's own personality as this confident young girl is now realizing that she is in a different world where things are tougher. Nearly breaking down at getting her first "D", she goes into panic-mode, gets hit by a deer, and ponders if she made the right decision in going to Chilton.

The episode also introduces audience to Max Medina, the sympathetic English teacher who is giving Rory a chance to make up her bad grade while helping Lorelai deal with the tough world of Chilton. Medina would eventually become the first of several love interests for Lorelai Gilmore throughout the show's duration. One subplot that involves Sookie's reaction to a review of her dish leading a small breakdown is one of the episode's funniest moments showcasing what a wonderful character Sookie St. James is. The overall episode is another example of the show’s quirky humor and dynamic human drama.

1.5-Cinnamon's Wake-4.5/5

Directed by Michael Kaleman. Written by Daniel Palladino

Lorelai meets Max again at Chilton's bake sale where their attraction to each other increases leading to a date. Yet, when Lorelai learns her neighbor's cat had died, she goes to its wake only to forget that her date with Max is that same night. Rory meanwhile, becomes flustered by the presence of Dean Forrester who has fallen for Rory.

The episode shows how both girls deal with the suitors that are coming at them. While Lorelai finds Max attractive and charming, what's keeping her is how Rory will deal with all of this. Rory meanwhile, realizing that Dean likes her isn't sure on how to react or talk to him. A subplot involving the death of one of Lorelai's relative as Emily hopes that she attends her funeral. Yet, with Lorelai trying to comfort her neighbors Babette and Morey over the death of their cat cinnamon. What is fascinating about the episode isn't just the core relationship of the girls and how they deal with possible suitors but the eccentric characters that surround them. Notably Babette, Morey, Miss Patty, and Kirk. The character of Kirk though, seems to be in the development stage at the moment as he is seen as an assistant manager at the town's market while two episodes prior to this, he was carrying a cage of swans.

While it's not perfect, the episode does maintain its focus on the unique, dynamic relationship between Lorelai and Rory, how they deal with boys, and turning to their friends for advice and such.

1.6-Rory's Birthday Parties-5/5

Directed by Sarah Pia Anderson. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Rory's 16th Birthday is coming as both Emily and Lorelai plan different parties to celebrate. Yet, when Emily decides to create a birthday party full of Rory's Chilton classmates and other people that Rory don't really know. Rory is upset leading to an angry outburst at her grandmother as she hides in her mother's old bedroom. Wanting to apologize for her behavior, Rory invites Emily and Richard to the party her mother is planning the day after where Richard and Emily enter Lorelai's house for the first time leading to Emily realizing how little she knew of Lorelai.

This episode is brilliant to show the contrasting differences between Lorelai and Emily and how they want to celebrate Rory's birthday. There's a scene of the two women trying to find a present for Rory which Rory learns as she hoped that it would get the two women to get along. Yet, when Rory is astounded by the party Emily threw, she finds herself feeling awkward about the people around her including the flirtatious Tristin. When Emily and Richard go to the party that Lorelai threw, they meet the eccentrics of Stars Hollow as Emily learns about the different life Lorelai has realizing how little she knew of her as she's troubled by the estrangement that's been boiling them for years. Two touching scenes that involve Lorelai and Rory includes dialogue of Lorelai giving birth to Rory on that fateful late night and the other in Lorelai's old bedroom where Lorelai discusses her own 16th birthday.

It's an interesting episode where the ending had Lorelai finally catching a glimpse of Dean Forrester another first is to reveal a bit of a soft side of Paris Gellar, who asks Rory if she had feelings for Tristin which she truthfully denies. Another interesting tidbit involves Luke Danes when he arrives at the party carrying ice and how Lorelai looked at him from the perspective of Emily who thinks that Luke really likes Lorelai a lot. Finally, there's another interesting piece of trivia involves the appearance of a then-unknown actress. In the scene where Rory is walking around with a copy of the invitation for the party Emily is throwing. We see students commenting and one of the Chilton students looking on is none other than Nora Zehetner of the 2005 film Brick.

1.7-Kiss and Tell-4.5/5

Directed by Rodman Flender. Written by Jenji Kohan

Rory gets her first kiss from Dean, tells Lane about it. Yet, when Lorelai hears about Rory's first kiss from Mrs. Kim, she is upset that Rory didn't tell her. When she decides to invite Dean for their movie night to watch Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Rory is upset as it leads to an awkward first date for Rory only to realize that they're all having a good time.

The episode is a further study into the mother-daughter relationship as Rory, new to boys, has a hard time trying to tell her mother about her first kiss and the reaction afterwards. For Lorelai, hearing the news from someone other than Rory is upsetting in believing that she's doing exactly what Lorelai did to her own mother. When Lorelai invites Dean to their movie night, it's an awkward night as Dean reveals that his intentions are honorable. It's a fantastic episode that reveals the unique relationship between Lorelai and Rory as Rory begins to grow up and have her first boyfriend. The episode is also the first time audiences are introduced to the character of Taylor Doose, the town's uptight, conservative selectman.

1.8-Love and War and Snow-5/5

Directed by Alan Myerson. Written by Joan Binder Weiss.

Snow arrives in Stars Hollow and snow, is Lorelai's favorite thing in the world. Around the same time, a traditional reenactment of the Revolutionary War in Stars Hollow is taking place much to Luke's chagrin. With Rory snowed in at Hartford and staying at her grandparents home, she cooks for them while discovering pictures of her mother's past. Lane meanwhile, feels left out in Rory's new world as she turns to Lorelai, who finally has her first date with Max Medina.

This episode shows a glimpse into Lorelai's past as Rory stays at her grandparents home for the night as she finds not just a photo album of her family including Lorelai at 16. She also finds a picture of her parents when they were very young. The episode for the most part involves Lorelai's love of snow and her increasing attraction towards Max who stops at Stars Hollow when his car gets in trouble. A date occurs where at one moment, Luke sees the two having a good time, making him sad where it's clear that the woman he’s been pining for is Lorelai.

Featuring a guest appearance from David Huddleston as the town's mayor who along with Taylor Doose organizes a reenactment that annoys Luke. The episode also introduces to a minor yet recurring character in Andrew, the town's local bookstore/movie theater owner. The episode features a great subplot about Lane, Rory's best friend who is jealous of Rory's new life in going to school at Chilton and having a boyfriend in Dean. In an incident where she touched a boy's hair whom she has a crush on, it becomes disastrous as she wants to turn to her best friend, who is unavailable. It's Lorelai who comforts Lane as she gives insight to the young girl who has been repressed in her strict household.

1.9-Rory's Dance-5/5

Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Chilton is holding a formal for charity as Rory, is reluctant on whether she wants to go or not. After asking Dean, who says yes, she goes as Lorelai creates her dress. Emily visits their home to witness Rory's arrival in her dress as she stays with Lorelai, who has a back spasm. Yet, when Rory and Dean attend the formal, they get icy receptions from both Paris and Tristin, separately while afterwards, an accidental sleep over leads to an all-out argument between all three Gilmore girls.

The episode shows Rory's reluctance into her newfound relationship with Dean yet it also shows how close they're becoming. While Rory and Dean both have mixed feelings about proms and such, they arrive with a warm reception from both Madeline and Louise, who both are smitten by Dean. Yet, Tristin gets into a confrontation with Dean while Paris, who brings her cousin Jacob, gets embarrassed during a confrontation with Rory over her chilly reception towards Tristin. The night moves on afterwards where Rory realizes that Dean is, her boyfriend, where they both accidentally fall asleep in Miss Patty's studio.

Then there's Lorelai and her mother staying at Lorelai's house when Lorelai has back pain where for a moment. They have a good time until they realize Rory isn't home as it leads to an all-out argument that leads to emotional stories about how Lorelai had messed up her own life and Lorelai claiming she was trapped at that house. Then when Rory does return, unbeknownst to Emily, she hears what her mother had said about her where at first, Rory seemed please. Then Lorelai vents out all of her own emotions at Rory for being late and such. It's a complex yet brilliant episode that reveals the fragile relationship of the Gilmores where one accident can lead to some bad arguments.

1.10-Forgiveness and Stuff-5/5

Directed by Bethany Rooney. Written by John Stephens

Following the fallout over Rory's lateness after her date with Dean, Lorelai and Rory barely talk to each other as Lorelai finds herself uninvited to her family's Christmas party. With Rory attending, Lorelai stays home where Dean comes to the house to apologize over what happened as Lorelai later seeks comfort from Luke. When a family emergency occurs over Richard, the entire family get together with Luke accompanying Lorelai as she in return gives Luke a new, symbolic present.

Picking up where the previous episode left off, Lorelai is still upset over what Rory did at the dance as the two barely talk to each other. When Emily calls Lorelai about the Christmas party, an event Lorelai often looks forward to, things are still uneasy between the two as Lorelai has been uninvited while Rory is still able to go. With Rory attending as she wanted to her mother and grandmother to stop fighting, she is forced to hear something when her grandfather suddenly collapses. Lorelai, still reeling from being uninvited and over what happened with Rory at the dance, gets an unexpected visit from Dean who came to apologize and tell her that he did nothing wrong with Rory.

When Lorelai, still sad over everything, goes to Luke who makes her a Santa burger until a phone call comes about her dad. While it's clear that despite all the tension and estrangement she has with her parents, Lorelai cares for them as Luke accompanies her. The hospital scene includes a guest appearance from Jane Lynch, known for her work with Christopher Guest and Judd Apatow, plays a nurse who is forced to talk with Emily. The most emotional moment is Lorelai watching her dad sleeping showing clearly that like Emily, couldn't stand to see Richard so ill and helpless while Emily, obviously is someone who can't deal with the thought of being without her husband. There's also a funny moment between Emily and Luke as she asks if he's dating her daughter which he denies as she calls him and Lorelai, idiots. The ending where Lorelai gives Luke a present, shows the friendship and attraction they have while the present becomes a symbolic moment that represents their relationship.

1.11-Paris is Burning-4.5/5

Directed by David Petrarca. Written by Joan Binder Weiss.

The relationship between Lorelai and Max Medina suddenly gets serious as Rory is unsure how to take the idea of her mother dating her English teacher. Yet, when Lorelai realizes that Rory's becoming a bit attached to Max and with Parent's Day coming up. She tries to break off her relationship with Max only to kiss him as they're seen by none other than Paris Gellar who exposes the incident to curb the ongoing news of her parents' divorce. Rory is humiliated while Emily, also hears the news as she is embarrassed as Lorelai and Max finally talk about their relationship. Rory meanwhile, confronts Paris over her actions while sympathizing over her parents' divorce.

The episode reveals Lorelai's fears of having relationship with men in relation to Rory. Though Lorelai has a great time with Max, Rory seeing Max at her home was awkward but once Rory started to get comfortable. Lorelai begins to pull back when Parent's Day emerge as she and Sookie started to talk about what impact her relationship with Max has and her own feelings. Meanwhile, Rory starts to notice Paris' unhappiness as her parents' divorce has become big news all over the newspaper and gossip as Rory becomes sympathetic towards her. Even after seeing Paris' mother berating her for being at the school, it's clear that despite Paris' mean, elitist attitude is someone who is very hurt.

When Lorelai tries to break-up with Max over Rory, Max's charm and wit manages to win Lorelai over as her attempt to break-up with him leads to a kiss that is witnessed by none other than Paris Gellar. To curb the news of her parents' divorce in school, she started to spread the news about Max Medina kissing a parent as once Rory hears the news, is humiliated and angry at her mother. Things get worse when Emily scolds Lorelai for her actions. With Max on probation and realizing what he's done, he and Lorelai take a break that leaves her devastated while Rory confronts Paris over her actions. Though Paris apologizes, it's clear that the two are still tense with one another. One notable subplot involves Sookie's lack of social life as she asks Jackson on a date.

1.12-Double Date-5/5

Directed by Lev L. Spiro. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

With Sookie getting ready for her date with Jackson, Lorelai decides to join her only to get the date from hell as she's paired up with Jackson's cousin Rune (Max Perlich). Jealous at what he's seeing, Luke finally gets the nerve to ask Lorelai out. Meanwhile, Rory and Lane are both ask to go on a date with Dean and his friend Todd. Things go fairly well until they're seen by none other than Mrs. Kim.

Both Gilmore Girls go on double dates where each of them experience some pretty bad moments. With Sookie finally asking Jackson to go on a date, she makes it a double date with Lorelai to go out with Jackson's cousin Rune, who is annoyed by the fact that Lorelai is taller than him. The night gets worse when both Sookie and Jackson are nervous to talk to each other at a French restaurant until they're both comfortable when they go to Luke's. Rune, not having a good time leaves, as Lorelai plays a game of cards with Luke, who almost asks Lorelai to go on a date when they're interrupted by Mrs. Kim.

Rory asks Dean to double date with Lane and Todd that doesn't go well since Todd isn't so talkative or smart as they all go see a movie. The night only gets worse when Lorelai and Mrs. Kim find their daughters with boys as Lane is grounded. It's a mostly funny episode that shows how Lorelai's date goes pretty badly while also showing the unique friendship between Rory and Lane. It's also great to note about Sookie and Jackson, who would eventually become one of the show's premier couples. Then there's Luke, trying to ask Lorelai on a date as it's clear he's pining for her but resists once again.

1.13-Concert Interruptus-5/5

Directed by Bruce Seth Green. Written by Elaine Arata

Lorelai has been asked to take part in the Stars Hollow rummage sale as she takes all of the clothes and such in her home. When she and Sookie managed to nab tickets to see the Bangles, they decide to take Rory and Lane. Yet, when Lane is unable to make it because of her own mother, Rory invites Paris, Madeline, and Louise instead as Lorelai and Sookie end up getting nosebleed seats. Things get troubling when Madeline and Louise decides to leave the concert early to go out with boys for a party as Lorelai decides to go find them.

This is a great episode to show the dynamic of Lorelai in both being the cool parent and being a serious parent. Particularly when after the Bangles concert, Madeline and Louise are missing because they ran off to go party with a couple of guys (one of them is Superman Returns star Brandon Routh). To Madeline and Louise, they thought of Lorelai as being the super cool mom for letting Rory go to concerts all the time with her and wearing all sorts of cool clothes. Yet, when they run off leaving Rory and Paris worried, they meet Lorelai, the serious mother. For Paris, who doesn't have a great relationship with her parents. Audiences get to see a softer side of her who starts to enjoy herself a bit, become a bit friendly to Rory, reveal another side of Tristan whom she had known since kindergarten, and proclaim, "this is the best night of my life".

It's an overall great episode that shows the show's knack for alternative and indie music while spotlighting a band as commercial as the Bangles were in the 1980s by having them on the show play a couple of their famous hit songs Walk Like An Egyptian (in the background) and Eternal Flames as well as the fan favorite Hero Takes A Fall. One noted subplot in the episode involves a jacket Lorelai finds and wears that upsets Luke as it's revealed to be a jacket owned by an ex-girlfriend of his. What is revealed is more back story both Luke and Lorelai whom they had known for about five years at this point ever since she got her house in Stars Hollow. Yet, had never known that this grouchy, soft-spoken loner had a girlfriend in his life before Lorelai entered his world. When Sookie tells Lorelai the story of Luke's ex-girlfriend, Sookie suspects that Lorelai is jealous that shows her own attraction to Luke and such.

1.14-That Damn Donna Reed-4.5/5

Directed by Michael Katleman. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino & Daniel Palladino.

An episode of The Donna Reed Show leads an argument between Rory and Dean about the role of women and what Dean wanted. Yet, when Rory is trying to watch Babette's new kitten, her baby chick project for school gets loose as Lorelai and Luke tries to find it. Meanwhile, with Lorelai wanting to help Luke repaint his diner, she is confronted by both Sookie and Emily over her possible feelings for Luke. Yet, amidst all of this drama, Lorelai and Rory receives an unexpected visit from Rory's father Christopher Hayden.

An episode that mixes both the show's eccentric humor and a bit of drama, shows the effect of what The Donna Reed Show can impact. For Rory, she has her first argument with Dean over the role Reed played at the time since he has a fondness for that 50s idealism. Yet, in order to make-up with Dean while watching Babette's new kitten, she decides to make him dinner in 50s-style clothing with some music in one of the show's funniest moments that even Lorelai can laugh at. Lorelai meanwhile, decides to help Luke paint up his diner which had never been painted in many years. There, Lorelai learns about the closeness Luke had with his father as the two decide to make plans to paint everything but a spot that had a written order by his father.

When Lorelai, in a comic manner trying to find Rory's baby chick that Lorelai named Stella. Lorelai calls on Luke to help as more sexual tension between the two emerge leading to a conversation with Sookie over what happened. Later on, she tells the story to her mother, who asks Lorelai if she has feelings for Luke. Lorelai confesses that she isn't sure. Then through all this drama, in the episode's final moments comes the arrival of Christopher Hayden. Rory's father who arrives via motorcycle as he decides to visit making Rory excited but Lorelai however, seems to have feelings of longing. The episode also introduces another recurring local eccentric in the town's troubadour, played by musician Grant Lee Phillips.

1.15-Christopher Returns-5/5

Directed by Michael Katleman. Written by Daniel Palladino.

Christopher Hayden visits Stars Hollow as he meets Dean and sees the town for all of its glory and eccentricities. Yet, with his parents arriving in Hartford to meet with the Gilmore clan, old wounds are opened leading to a confrontation between Richard and Christopher's father over what happened 16 years ago as Rory faces the indifference of the Haydens. Meanwhile, Luke is stood up by Lorelai during her dinner with her family and the Haydens as Lorelai later learns about what Christopher is doing in California opening up the same disappointments she had for him.

A more dramatic episode than humorous despite the funny moments in which, the town locals gawk at Christopher. Yet, the episode reveals the kind of person that is Christopher Hayden. A man that's full of charm and is willing to be Rory’s pal. Yet for Lorelai, she has mixed feelings on Christopher. She loves him yet also expects a lot from him in being Rory's father despite his frequent absences. When his parents arrive for a dinner with the entire Gilmore family, it becomes a disaster. Straub and Francine Hayden's indifference towards Rory and anger towards Lorelai over what she did to Christopher's future leads to an angry confrontation between Richard and Straub. The aftermath in which Lorelai wanted to thank her father for defending her. Richard tells her that she didn't need to be defended as he reveals the wounds he had to go through with her pregnancy and later, her own departure from the future he had hoped she would achieve.

Amidst all the drama comes a moment in which Lorelai and Christopher return to the balcony in which Rory is conceived as old passions are rekindled. Yet, at the same time, Luke is stood up when at his diner when he and Lorelai had planned to paint his diner. That moment of Luke stood up would unveil a plot device that would come throughout the entire show in which, this man who is pining for Lorelai has to compete with Christopher. A conflict that would be prevalent through the entire show that would later turn ugly. Later in the episode, Christopher's flaws are finally revealed where early in the episode, he attempts to buy a book for Rory but his credit card is rejected. It's clear that despite Lorelai's love for him, Christopher is unable to become the father that she needed as she turns down his proposal.

1.16-Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers-4.5/5

Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. Written by Joan Binder Weiss.

Love is in the air as Stars Hollow celebrates its Firelight Festival to commemorate the town's anniversary. Dean declares his love for Rory in a big way but Rory is unsure how to respond to it. Lorelai attends Friday Night Dinner without Rory only to realize her mother is setting up her to date with a man. Things get even stranger when Luke's ex-girlfriend Rachel appears for a visit as Luke is in shock by her appearance as she also suspects his feelings for Lorelai.

The Firelight Festival is a celebration of the town where for practically everyone, it's a great time to be with the one they love. For Lorelai, still reeling from her break-up with Max, she isn't in a good mood as Rory is about to celebrate her 3-month anniversary with Dean. Dean plans to take her to an Italian restaurant and later, the festival where he also plans a surprise. The only person that shares Lorelai's sour mood for the festival is Luke who has different reasons for not liking it. Then comes the appearance of his former flame Rachel as Luke is in shock as is Lorelai as she is annoyed by how gorgeous she is. Even as everyone including Michel and Lane (though in a date with a future chiropractor set up by her mother) has a date for the night, Lorelai learns that Emily won't need Rory for Friday Night Dinner since Rory will be eating with Dean. Yet, Lorelai learns that Emily is trying to set her up on a date with the most boring man in the world.

With Lorelai trying to bail out, she is caught in the act by her father, who makes a surprising moment for Lorelai. Rory's date with Dean goes smoothly during the lighting of the bonfire and Dean's surprise is a car that he's building for Rory. When Dean says the word "I love you", Rory is in shock as she doesn't know how to respond as everything falls apart. At the Firelight Festival, Rachel takes pictures of what's going on as Luke wonders why she's here since she often arrives and then leaves suddenly as she's often traveling. Rachel admits that she misses him which he admits to missing her yet isn't sure about what's going on as well as his friendship with Lorelai. When Lorelai sees Luke, she asks about Rachel as he admits, he doesn't know what to do with her. The night ends with Lorelai trying to call Max and Rory arrive, saddened at the outcome of her argument with Dean.

1.17-The Breakup Part 2-5/5

Directed by Nick Marck. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

In the aftermath of her break-up with Dean, Rory tries not to deal with what happened as she brings Lane to Madeline's house party. Whereas Lane meets a Korean student that goes to Chilton, Rory gets to know Tristin a bit more where she begins to realize the impact of her break-up with Dean. Lorelai meanwhile, despondent over her break-up with Max decides to rekindle her affair leading to a night of passion.

The episode picks up where the previous had left off where Rory goes into absolute denial over her break-up with Dean by distracting herself with things and being evasive about the subject. Lorelai suggests she wallows as she ponders about reconnecting with Max. With the locals concerned about Rory's feelings, Luke confronts Dean over what happen as Lane reveals that Dean is sad about what happened. With Rory deciding to go to Madeline's house party by bringing Lane over, it's only to help her keep her mind off of Dean. Lorelai meanwhile, borrows Sookie's car to meet with Max as their love for each other rekindles with the two trying to figure out what to do with their relationship.

This is a great episode that shows Lorelai and Max not only getting back together but also explores Rory's emotions. The episode also reveals new sides to Paris and Tristin. Paris is revealed to be socially inept as she finds herself unsure about being at Madeline's party while admitting that she set herself a curfew to prove to her mother she can socialize. Tristin meanwhile, breaks up with his girlfriend as he apologizes to Rory for his behavior that leads to a kiss but Rory's feelings for Dean finally come ahead. Amidst all of this, Lane meets Henry, a Korean student from Chilton whom she likes and realizes that he might be someone her parents might approve.

1.18-The Third Lorelai-5/5

Directed by Michael Katleman. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

A visit from Richard's mother Trix (Marion Ross) unhinges Emily, who doesn't get along with her mother-in-law. When Trix offers a trust fund for Rory as well as money to Lorelai, Emily fears the idea of not seeing Lorelai and Rory again. Amidst all of this, Tristin through Rory’s urging asks Paris out on a date as she goes into panic mode.

When Richard's mother Lorelai I aka Trix decides to visit, Emily becomes uneasy given Trix's cold behavior towards her. For Lorelai, it's fun to watch as Rory is introduced to Trix. When Trix learns of how Rory's education is being paid, she decides to offer Lorelai a huge trust fund for Rory to receive immediately. For Emily, it's a huge slap in the face since her deal with Lorelai over Rory's education was to see the two of them again frequently. When she tells Lorelai about her feelings of the trust fund, Lorelai suddenly becomes confused and wonders if the money will do to her relationship with Rory. It's a funny yet startling episode that examines the relationship between Emily and Lorelai.

Rory meanwhile, decides to play matchmaker for Paris and Tristin that at first, seems to go well. Yet, when the socially-inept Paris has nothing to wear and borrows Lorelai's clothes, Rory helps her. Things seem to be fine until Tristin revealed the truth about what Rory did that put a huge dent into the friendship/rivalry between her and Paris. Yet, the episode is great for revealing more about Tristin's feelings for Rory as well as Paris trying to live outside of her academic ambitions. The guest appearance of Marion Ross is truly funny in her role as the cold Trix while it allows Emily to do some comedic moments as she tries to put back all the appliances that Trix had given her.

1.19-Emily in Wonderland-4.5/5

Directed by Perry Lang. Written by John Stephens & Linda Loiselle Guzik.

Rachel finds an abandoned inn for Lorelai and Sookie, increasing their desire to run their own inn. Rachel befriends Lorelai as she hopes to put in a good word for Luke. Rory meanwhile, takes Emily on a tour of Stars Hollow as things go well until she sees the first home Lorelai and Rory lived in during Rory's childhood.

Rory decides to invite Emily for a tour of Stars Hollow to help find her antiques as she is entranced by the town while befriending both Mrs. Kim and Michel. Then when Rory shows Emily the shed in the back of the inn that she and Lorelai had lived in when Rory was just a baby. Emily is in shock as she tries to make up for it by giving Rory her own room at the mansion filled with lots of things including boy-band posters. The episode shows how Emily, distraught over what Lorelai did when she ran away with Rory as she tries to make it up with Rory as she becomes extremely upset at Lorelai over the past. It also shows that Emily, despite her materialism, is someone still wounded over Lorelai's departure from the rich life that she abandoned.

When Lorelai is shown the abandoned Dragonfly Inn by Rachel, she is amazed as the dream she and Sookie had now might happen. Yet, when Rachel wants Lorelai to put in a good word for Luke. Lorelai does as she is amazed to see how happy Luke is only to show in the end that she probably could have feelings for her increasing their sexual tension. Two funny subplots involve Lane trying to respond to a phone message she received from Henry while another involves Jackson's cousin Rune whom Lorelai reluctantly gives a job to as a handyman at the Inn.

1.20-P.S. I Lo...-5/5

Directed by Lev L. Spiro. Written by Elaine Arata & Joan Binder Weiss.

Lorelai helps Luke to go shopping for a birthday present for Rachel. Rory, still sad over her break-up with Dean learns from Lane that she and Dean have become science partners. Making matters worse, Rory learns from Max Medina that he’s dating her mother again as she becomes angry and spends the night at her grandparents. Lorelai finally confronts Dean over his break-up with Rory as Lorelai feared about Rory's lack of knowledge on commitment.

With her break-up with Dean still looming, Rory tries to bottle her emotions as she tries to avoid everything that has to do with him. When she learns that Lane and Dean are science partners, Rory is upset and gets more upset when she learns from Max that he's dating Lorelai again. Throughout all of this drama, Rory snaps as she lashes out at Lane for trying to protect and at her mother for not saying anything as Lorelai tried to protect her. Rory runs away to be at her grandparents home as she doesn't want to deal with her mother, who becomes worrisome until she learns that Rory is staying at her parents.

Lorelai confronts Dean where she learns the truth as she talks to Rory about commitment and the trouble of it all as Lorelai admits that she's still trying to learn about it herself. It's a great episode that confirms the bond between mother and daughter as they learn about themselves and their relationship with their respective boyfriends. Even as Lorelai tries to figure out how to talk about her relationship with Max publicly. One funny moment involves Luke trying to find a present for Rachel as Lorelai helps while also buying him new clothes that she forces him to wear for his date with Rachel. One funny moment in the first scene involves Lorelai and Rory playing a game on what men they see as when Kirk is picked, it becomes a truly hilarious moment.

1.21-Love, Daises, and Troubadours-5/5

Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino. Written by Daniel Palladino

In the Season One finale, Rachel leaves Stars Hollow as she is convinced that Luke, despite his denials, is in love with Lorelai. When Tristin asks Rory to go a PJ Harvey concert, Paris freaks out as she vows revenge on Rory. Rory tries to smooth things over with Dean as she comes to the defense of the town troubadour during a town meeting. Max meanwhile, meets Luke for the very first time wondering if Lorelai has feelings for Luke as Max makes a huge declaration of his love for Lorelai.

Still depressed over her break-up with Dean, Rory decides it's time to smooth things over by wanting to talk to him. Even as she learned that Lorelai kept the box of things that reminded her of Dean. After a bizarre conversation with her sister Clara (Scout-Taylor Compton), Rory is having a hard time trying to talk to him. Even as she finds herself being courted by Tristin who wants to take her to a PJ Harvey concert, not knowing who she is. Yet, when Paris, Madeline, and Louise find out, Paris gets angry and vows revenge on Rory. Yet, when Rory finally comes to the defense of a local troubadour over another competing troubadour (Dave "Allen" Gruber) at a town meeting, it is used as a metaphor over her feelings for Dean as he and his sister see it.

Lorelai meanwhile, notices Luke's increasing presence in her house as he's fixing things all over the place. Luke confesses that he's having a hard time having Rachel around because he's not used to having someone in his apartment. When Rachel decides to leave, she reveals that it's because she's aware that Luke has feelings for Lorelai which he denies. Yet, Rachel doesn't give him a hard time and says things on what he should do about Lorelai. With Lorelai and Max's relationship in full bloom, things get awkward when Luke arrives to pick his tool box and comes to face-to-face with Max as he gets jealous where Max suspects that she had a relationship with Luke. Lorelai truthfully denies as Max says something that shocks Lorelai where he later professes his feelings in a grand way. The overall episode is a great season finale where both girls are at a turning point in the relationship with men and the best part is they can share their feelings about it.

What makes a show like Gilmore Girls so interesting is the dynamic between mother and daughter as they both grow of age in their quaint, small-town existence as they deal with angst, love, social classes, and ambitions. The relationship between Lorelai and Rory is unique where they both act like children yet at times, both can act like adults or switch the roles when needed. Then there's their relationship with Richard and Emily where it's clear that Lorelai is still having issues with Emily who still treats her like she's 16 years old where in Rory, she feels like in some ways, that Rory is a surrogate of sorts she needed. Richard though, doesn't want to meddle with their own lives but finds a close kinship with Rory in the fact that they both have a thirst for knowledge while Lorelai feels neglected in having a close relationship with her father.

Then there's the relationship involving the men in the lives of the girls as Rory discovers her first love in Dean Forrester while attracted the unwanted attention of Tristin DuGrey that gets her in conflict with her Chilton rival Paris Gellar. In Dean, Rory learns about relationships, has her first kiss, and endures her first break-up as she tries to figure out how to be committed. Something Lorelai is going through herself as she falls for Max Medina while having a fling with Christopher Hayden. Amidst all of Lorelai's relationships with men, there's Luke Danes who secretly pines for her as he watches her from afar while serving her coffee every day. Yet, when Lorelai and Rory have issues and needed someone else to talk to, Lorelai has Sookie to talk to while Rory goes to her best friend Lane.

It's that dynamic of what makes the show's first season so memorable and it's largely due to the ideas of Amy Sherman-Palladino, her husband Daniel, and a team of writers and directors helping them out. Sherman-Palladino deserves a lot of the credit for giving the show a sense of energy, humor, and charm that makes it watchable from start to finish as it deals with real-life issues without sugar-coating it or sentimentalize the situations. The humor is often brought on by either Lorelai's own quirky sense of humor or the eccentric nature of its supporting cast and recurring players. Yet, Sherman-Palladino and her team have captured that glorious, New England small town look with such authenticity as well as the idea of the world of upper class Hartford to show the two different worlds the Gilmores live in.

Another thing that makes the show unique is the music. Whereas most shows tend to want to use the current trend of the day or something nostalgic. With the exception of Macy Gray's I Try in the pilot episode, a lot of the music is often surrounded by an array of 80s-90s alternative music, indie rock, and references to underground music and such from the mind of its audiophile character Lane Kim who provides the great music. Then there's three prominent figures in the show's music, Grant Lee Phillips, Sam Phillips, and Carole King. Grant Lee Phillips, who plays the role of the town's troubadour who is introduced in Episode 1.14, provides a folky style of music that plays around as if he's playing to what the tone of the episode is at. Sam Phillips provides the film score with a simple, acoustic accompaniment as she sings "la-la" all over the score to convey the sense of emotion and tone of the show. Finally, there's Carole King who along with daughter Louise Goffin provide the show's upbeat theme song Where You Lead that plays to the unique dynamic of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore.

Finally, there's the cast and it's a unique one. With special appearances from David Huddleston as the town’s mayor, Jane Lynch as a nurse, Max Perlich as Jackson's cousin Rune, and Marion Ross as Richard's mother Trix. The show also includes appearances from then-unknowns like Nora Zehetner of Brick/Heroes fame as a student at Chilton, Brandon Routh of Superman Returns fame, and Scout-Taylor Compton of the most recent Halloween remake by Rob Zombie. Other noted small performances from recurring characters like Mike Gandolfi as the local bookstore owner Andrew, Ted Rooney as Babette's jazz-loving husband Morey, Grant Lee Phillips as the town troubadour, Jackson Douglas as produce supplier Jackson Belleville, Michael Winters as town selectman Taylor Doose, Emily Kuroda as the very religious Mrs. Kim, Dakin Matthews as Headmaster Charleston, and Sean Gunn as the local eccentric Kirk, who is still at the moment of the show, a character in the works.

Another recurring character who got cut out after the first six episodes is Drella, the harpist at the Independence Inn played by Alex Borstein of Mad TV fame. Borstein originally played Sookie in the show's original pilot but due to commitments with Mad TV, was unable to play the character. Other noted but memorable recurring characters including Paris' satellite friends Madeline and Louise, played respectively by Shelly Cole and Teal Redmann are probably the coolest girls in Chilton. Not very smart but their commentary on Rory and Paris' situations and such make them interesting. Chad Michael Murray is good as pretty-boy Tristin DuGrey who tries to go after Rory through any means only to upset Paris, who has a crush on him. Noted characters actresses Sally Struthers of All in the Family fame and Liz Torres are great as the respective characters Babette and Miss Patty who often talk of the town's gossip. Struthers is funny as the Gilmore Girls' neighbor who likes to pop in every now and then while Torres is great as the flirtatious Miss Patty.

Scott Cohen is excellent as the intelligent, romantic Max Medina who falls for Lorelai as he tries to win her over unaware of what repercussions it would have for his career as well as through Rory's knowing. Yet, Cohen brings a nice, calm approach to the character who is filled with charm and wit. Lisa Ann Hadley is very good as Luke's former flame Rachel who appears out of the blue back into his life as she tries to win him over only to be aware that he has feelings for Lorelai. David Sutcliffe is great in his role as Christopher Hayden, Rory's father and Lorelai's former boyfriend who returns hoping to make up for his absence. Yet, his appearances often bring mixed emotions as the character of Christopher is one that is complex and flawed. Especially since his flaws of appearing and then disappointing Lorelai and Rory would become prominent throughout the entire series.

The most memorable recurring character and the funniest is Paris Gellar, played memorably by Liza Weil. Weil's performance as the ambitious, competitive, mean Paris Gellar is very funny for her complexity as a student who is also socially awkward, having to live a certain reputation from her parents as Weil brings an unexpected sympathy from a character who can be very mean. Jared Padalecki is wonderful as the good-hearted, charming Dean Forrester who becomes Rory's first love as he tries to win Rory over while exploring her world of books and such. Both Weil and Padalecki would eventually become regular cast members in the seasons to come.

Then there's the main cast and it's a superb, diverse cast that is wonderfully assembled for the roles they play. Yanic Truesdale is wonderfully funny and sarcastic as the Independence Inn's French-Canadian concierge who likes to make snide comments about everything while trying to maintain his own image. Keiko Agena is great as Rory's best friend and audiophile Lane Kim whose love for music is matched by her sheltered existence as she lives in a sheltered existence where at times, she's jealous of her best friend. Melissa McCarthy is very funny and sweet as the scatterbrain yet kind Sookie St. James who helps Lorelai deal with her issues while finding herself falling for Jackson Belleville. Kelly Bishop is brilliant as Emily Gilmore, Lorelai's strict, interfering mother who is still wounded by her daughter's departure from the rich world as she tries to reconnect with Lorelai while getting to know Rory. Edward Hermann is great in his role as Richard Gilmore, Lorelai's father who connects with Rory while trying to deal on the actions Lorelai did those years ago.

Scott Patterson is amazing as the town's local diner owner Luke Danes. Patterson brings a grouchiness and deadpan approach to the character of Luke Danes who comments on everything that goes on in his hometown including his customers. Yet, the character of Luke has a nice heart who is always there to help out the Gilmores as he secretly pines for Lorelai only to have his old flame Rachel return unsure of what to do. Patterson provides an everyman of sorts that is needed for the film as he becomes the guy that people want to root for. Alexis Bledel is great as Rory Gilmore, the confident young girl who is trying to make it a prep school while dealing with first love and such. Bledel captures all of the drive of someone as talented and as smart as Rory but also makes her relatable as she deals with issues that 16-year olds go through and such. Bledel's brilliance is also providing that mix of maturity and angst into the role as she serves as a great half to a wonderful duo as her chemistry is Lauren Graham is natural and real.

Finally, there's Lauren Graham in a brilliant performance as Lorelai Gilmore. The 32-year old woman trying to run an inn and raise her daughter as she's forced to deal with her estranged parents and the men in her life. Graham's witty, comedic, dramatic performance is the key to what makes a character like Lorelai Gilmore unique. She's a bit of an adolescent, with an addiction to coffee, but is also adult as Graham makes Lorelai into a complex, relatable character. Graham's chemistry with Bledel is truly superb as well as her scenes with Scott Patterson that are often flirtatious and fun as two friends who are unaware of their feelings for each other.

Gilmore Girls Season 1 is truly a fascinating season to one of the most beloved shows of this decade. Those new to the show and are skeptical to its mother-daughter relationship arc will find something refreshing. Whether it's on its DVD box set or being seen on ABC Family, it's a show that's worth watching while adding some new life to the family drama sub-genre. With credit to the mind of Amy Sherman-Palladino and her writing & directing team plus the cast notably Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. The first season of Gilmore Girls is an enjoyable, witty, dramatic, and entertaining TV show that will keep you watching.

Gilmore Girls Reviews: Season 2 - Season 3 - Season 4 - Season 5 - Season 6 - Season 7 - Virtual Season 8 - Virtual Season 9 - (Virtual Season 10)

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older