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


The first three seasons of Gilmore Girls explored the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore as the mother-daughter duo go through changes in their lives and fulfill the dreams they've wanted. Yet, those three seasons were often considered to be favorite by fans as it provided an innocence in the relationship of the two girls while displaying a unique knack of humor. When the third season, Lorelai's dream of opening her own inn is finally coming true, despite the loss of the Independence Inn due to a fire, as she and Sookie finally purchased the Dragonfly. Rory meanwhile, graduated from Chilton as she decided to attend her grandfather's ala mater Yale instead of Harvard. Yet, despite the new beginnings for the Girls, they've also found themselves single once again as they go onto a new adventure in the fourth season of Gilmore Girls.

Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the fourth season of Gilmore Girls is essentially a transitional season for the show where the lives of Lorelai and Rory each go into new directions as they try to find their way living without each other every day. For Lorelai, she focuses on raising funds and such to help restore the Dragonfly Inn with help from Sookie and Michel. Rory meanwhile, starts her first year of Yale as she deals with her new world while facing obstacles in the academic world. Around the same time, the love lives of the Girls ensue when Lorelai starts to date her father's new business partner Jason Stiles in secrecy while Rory tries to date new men with appearances from her former boyfriends Dean and Jess lingering around.

At the same time, many stories emerge as Luke deals with being married to Nicole; Lane gains her independence to lead her own life while getting a new guitarist named Gil (played by none other than ex-Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach); Kirk finds a girlfriend; Paris gets a new (older) man; and the relationship between Emily and Richard Gilmore disintegrate in front of Lorelai and Rory. Throughout all of this mayhem, the fourth season of Gilmore Girls is one full of high-octane drama, hilarious moments, and an ending that leaves the audience both wowed and in shock.

4.01-Ballroom & Biscotti-5/5

Written & Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Lorelai and Rory return from their summer trip to Europe as the girls get ready for Rory's departure to Yale in two days after Rory discovers that she wrote the wrong date for the freshman orientation. Rory also deals with Taylor who makes her the Stars Hollow Ice Queen Cream which she refuses to do. Rory's day gets worse when she attends Friday Night Dinner by herself as Emily decides to torture Rory by making her watch ballroom dancing tapes leading Lorelai to finally attend. Lorelai meanwhile, learns from Luke that he has married Nicole during his summer cruise trip as he also announces he's getting a divorce.

This episode is a great opener that includes some funny moments that included a classic Luke-Taylor squabble where Luke digs into Taylor's candy barrel and make a mess. There's also a subplot where Lorelai learns about the future of Sookie and Jackson's baby as Jackson doesn't want to know about the sex but Sookie already knows. More hijinks involve Taylor's grand opening of his soda shop that will involve Kirk jumping out of an airplane, that doesn't go well. Rory finally lashes out at Taylor, who tries to manipulated the children of Stars Hollow that Rory is too cool to be the Ice Cream Queen. Yet, the episode reveals Luke's hesitant attitude about talking about his cruise trip as he later tells Lorelai. All of these stories are told as Lorelai and Rory eat a biscotti.

4.02-The Lorelais First Day at Yale-5/5

Directed by Chris Long. Written by Daniel Palladino

It's Rory's first day at Yale where things are hectic as Lorelai borrows Luke's truck. Rory deals with all of the moving in and first day things that freshman do while meeting one of her new suitemates. Yet, Rory's day gets stranger when she learns that another of her new roommate is none other than her former Chilton friend/rival Paris Gellar with a life coach named Terrence (Mitch Silpa) and a crafts corner. Amidst all of the drama with Luke dealing with Nicole's lawyers over the divorce and Rory feeling homesick, Lorelai comes to the rescue to help her daughter deal with the first day.

The episode contains the trademark quirky humor of the show. With Lorelai trying to drive Luke's truck, Luke having to help out while dealing with Nicole lawyers in classic Luke Danes rant. Along with a new strange word "Copperboom" as the Gilmores ensue mayhem. One of the funnier moments involves Paris trying to be a new person yet, the old angry Paris is still there. The episode also includes a party with all of girl freshmen students checking out take-out food and delivery boys.

4.03-The Hobbit, the Sofa, & Digger Stiles-5/5

Directed by Matthew Diamond. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

With Lorelai and Rory living separately in different locations, Lorelai starts a catering business with Sookie to help raise funds for the restoration of the Dragonfly Inn. Their first client is for a Lord of the Rings-theme birthday party where Sookie creates dishes that kids wouldn't eat. Rory meanwhile, deals with her new classes as well as Emily redecorating her dorm as Paris decides to throw a party to help their social standing. At the party and afterwards, Rory meets another young freshman named Marty Wilcox through some embarrassing moments. Richard meanwhile, gets a visit from his former boss' son Jason "Digger" Stiles who wants to go to into business with him much to Emily's chagrin.

A funny episode that involves Rory dealing with Emily interfering in her life at Yale by redecorating her suite and getting a couple of twin girls (Natalie & Nicole Garza) surround her at a party. Yet, the party goes bust when Paris finally explodes when someone asks her something very stupid. Yet, the party includes an appearance from Rory and Paris' old Chilton-pals Madeline & Louise. At the party Lorelai and Sookie hold, Sookie gets emotional about becoming a mother after a blow-up on some kid. The episode also makes an introduction to Jason "Digger" Stiles, a charming man who decides to go into business with Richard, just to compete against his father that Richard seems to thrive on.

4.04-Chicken or Beef-4.5/5

Directed by Chris Long. Written by Jane Espenson

Dean is getting married to Lindsay as he invites Rory to the wedding. Rory, who's home for the weekend isn't sure if she wants to go as Luke witnesses a drunken Dean say things he shouldn't have said just before the wedding. Lorelai and Sookie try to get a permit for construction from Taylor as they learn of Michel's new job at a trendy hotel. Lane meanwhile, tries to figure out what to do with her band as Dave had left the band for college in California. Therefore, Lane, Zach, and Brian try to find a new guitarist. Yet, Kirk had installed an alarm system at Lorelai's house where the alarm kept going off.

A mostly comical episode that involves Lorelai's attempts to get the permit where Taylor tries to worm his way in not giving Lorelai the permit. Other comical moments involves a paranoid Kirk installing the alarm in Lorelai's house while his other job as mailman is in shambles with everyone having someone else's mail. The story about Dean's upcoming marriage to Lindsay where to Luke, it's clear that Dean is hung up on Rory. What Luke witnesses not only changes his perception of Dean but also makes a decision in order to protect Rory, whom he cares about more than anyone.

4.05-The Fundamental Things Apply-4.5/5

Directed by Neema Barnette. Written by John Stephens

Rory accepts a classmate's invitation to go on a date as she tries to get back into the dating scene. Things in Rory's dorm aren't going well due to a spat between Paris and Janet. Back in Stars Hollow, Lorelai is disturbed when the decorator (Traci Lords) she hired used to work for Emily. In order to fill the things she did with Rory, Lorelai invites Luke to a Movie Night as they help Rory, via phone on her date.

The episode reveals Rory's reluctance to go back into the dating scene as her date with Trevor (David Rogers) reveals Rory's anxieties despite phone call helps from Lorelai and Luke. Yet, there's a lot of funny moments involving Paris and Janet's spat over Janet's wake-up schedule leading to a race where Paris cheats and Lorelai's paranoia over the fact that the decorator she hired works for Emily. Another funny moment is Luke attending Movie Night with Lorelai where when it comes to movies, he hasn't seen much nor has seen much at home. One interesting note of trivia is that Scott Patterson and Traci Lords had previously worked together in the 1993 B-movie Intent to Kill which was the first film Patterson had ever done.

4.06-An Affair to Remember-4/5

Directed by Matthew Diamond. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

When Lorelai and Sookie's catering company is called upon by Emily to celebrate Richard's new partnership with Jason Stiles. Lorelai, reluctantly agrees to cater the event while dealing with Emily's demands. Rory meanwhile, tries to deal with the hectic world of her dorm as she tries to find a quiet place to study. Eventually, she finds a study tree until somebody decides to use it for other means. With Richard and Jason's newfound partnership blooming, Jason's suggestions about parties hurt Emily as Lorelai confronts Jason over his treatment of Emily's planning. Amidst all of this drama, Kirk goes on a date with his brother's ex-girlfriend Lulu with help from Luke.

An episode with a lot of humor, mostly involving Kirk's first date with Lulu as he tries to prepare for the date with Luke watching on a nervous Kirk on his date. One subplot that doesn't really work is Rory trying to find a place to study until finding a tree where a guy with a trucker magazine takes it. It's one that doesn't work. The story of Lorelai and Sookie being hired by Emily for a party to celebrate is a brilliant plot, especially in what would happen as two new plot lines would unveil. One involving Richard's newfound interest in Jason's new approach to business that would alienate Emily and the other in Lorelai's strange attraction to Jason, whom she knew in her teens.

4.07-The Festival of Living Art-5/5

Directed by Chris Long. Written by Daniel Palladino

A last-minute planning to hold a festival of living pictures of classic paintings is going on as Kirk is selected to play Jesus in The Last Supper painting. Yet, things go out of control when the Troubadour is selected to play Judas while Lorelai is angry that she's not picked to play a girl in a Renoir painting. Sookie and Jackson are at home as they await the birth of their new baby with help from Jackson's brother Beau (Nick Offerman) and an intimidating mid-wife named Bruce. Lane, Zach, and Brian finally found a new guitarist to replace Dave but they're shocked to see that the guitarist named Gil is much older than them. Amidst all of the chaos and drama, Nicole arrives at the diner asking Luke to give the relationship another shot.

One of the show's greatest episodes that involved living pictures of classic paintings that include Rory as the painting called Anthea. The segment with the living paintings is one of the best directed episodes while having some humorous and light-dramatic moments. The funny stuff involving Kirk taking his role of Jesus Christ way too seriously while Lane listens to a story about Gil's previous history with rock bands. The appearance of Gil is amazing while the episode has funny moments of Sookie stressing about the upcoming birth of the baby where Lorelai shows Sookie her baby box.

4.08-Die, Jerk!-5/5

Directed by Tom Moore. Written by Daniel Palladino

In order to get a job at the Yale Daily News, Rory writes a bad review of a ballerina recital that gets praise from her editor. The review also leads to trouble when her message board has the message, "DIE JERK" leading Paris to investigate who wrote the message. Jason's plans to have a party celebrating the business leads to conflict between Richard and Emily and it gets worse when Jason invites himself to Friday Night Dinner. Lane deals with long-distance drama with Dave over a gift while Lorelai is upset that Luke is seeing Nicole again.

A very funny episode where a review Rory writes gets her in trouble with a ballerina (Katherine Brunk) where Paris leads a strike against whoever wrote the message. Other funny moments include Lane fretting over a jug that was supposed to be a present for Dave, Michel getting attacked by insects during a meeting at Sookie's house, and Lorelai's reaction to Luke dating Nicole again. Yet, one great moment involves how Jason invites himself to dinner through his own charm while wowing Richard with wireless Internet. The episode also introduces a new recurring character of the show in Rory's editor Doyle McMaster.

4.09-Ted Koppel's Big Night Out-5/5

Directed by Jamie Babbit. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

The Yale-Harvard game is coming as Richard invites Rory who brings Lorelai to attend the game as Richard introduces Rory and Paris to an old friend of his in Professor Asher Fleming. Rory brings Marty to the Gilmores tailgate party where Richard tells some stories about his life in Yale. The tailgate party goes well as the Gilmores have a good time until Richard's former flame Pennilynn Lott (Linda Gehringer) shows up and leading to secrets that upsets Emily leading Lorelai to take Jason's offer for a date. Later that night, Lorelai's date with Jason leads to mayhem as they end up having dinner at supermarket Luke meanwhile, finds his business failing due to a new annoying waiter named Brennon Lewis (Greg Cipes) he hired.

A funny episode for the most part where Richard shows the family all of the things that goes on at the Yale-Harvard game while Richard tells great stories of his own shenanigans in his days when he was a student. Things go well until Lorelai has an encounter with Pennilynn Lott who mentions Lorelai's inn and Emily becomes upset that Richard is still having yearly lunches with her. Lorelai and Jason's date is one of the most peculiar moments where Jason confesses never had eaten sno-balls. The story of Luke's new waiter is funny as Luke learns why the regulars wouldn't return to the diner. Yet, the episode ends with a bang when Rory sees a kiss that would shock everyone.

4.10-The Nanny and the Professor-4.5/5

Directed by Peter Lauser. Written by Scott Kaufer

Jealous of Tobin (Bruce McCullough) being a good babysitter for Sookie's new baby, Michel decides to take action only to call on Lorelai to help. Rory meanwhile, tries to deal with Paris' new boyfriend in none other than Professor Fleming as Rory deals with an annoyed Doyle when Paris leaves a Yale Daily News initiation. Lorelai and Jason get closer as the two decide to keep their relationship a secret from Emily and Richard. Still, Lorelai is upset when Jason takes another woman at a charity tour for the Gilmore mansion earlier that day. Lane becomes Luke's new waitress where despite her cheery attitude and work ethic, annoys Luke.

An episode in which Rory tries to deal with Paris' affair with Asher Fleming as she gets concerned for Paris' boyfriend Jamie. Lorelai gets into a peculiar date with Jason where she ends up sleeping in the lavish guest room after a night of sex while meeting his dog. The subplot of Michel's jealousy for Tobin is funny where Michel calls Lorelai for help after a thing he did to Sookie's new baby that causes all hijinks. Another funny moment is Richard being annoyed at people walking around his home and a man playing the piano to annoy him during a charity tour. The episode also includes an appearance from High School Musical star Monique Coleman as staff member at the Yale Daily News.

4.11-In the Clamor and the Clangor-5/5

Directed by Michael Grossman. Written by Sheila R. Lawrence & Janet Leahy

A planned 1 AM gig at CBGB's for Hep Alien becomes a disaster as Lane is presumed missing by Stars Hollow until she returns home forcing to reveal her mother the secret life she has. Rory meanwhile, gets personal in a political discussion with a student after she hears he's been spreading embarrassing rumors about her. When the church bells of Stars Hollow are restored as a tribute to a recently passed citizen of the town, it's met with a mixed response as Lorelai and Luke decide to stop them leading the two into an argument over Luke's new living situation with Nicole at Litchfield.

The episode includes one of the best crane shots where the two looks and hears the restored church bells for the first time in years. Yet, the episode includes Rory dealing with rumors about her until she realizes that they weren't about her. One great subplot involves Luke and Lorelai fighting over Luke's new living situation where Lorelai tries not to reveal her true feelings for Luke. In the end, the two are forced to deal that they might have feelings for each other. Yet, the big story in the episode involves Lane trying to play a gig at the famed CBGB's where it becomes a disaster and as she returned home, her secret life is exposed. The ending has Lane arriving on the doorsteps of Rory's dorm.

4.12-A Family Matter-5/5

Directed by Kenny Ortega. Written by Daniel Palladino

With Lorelai dealing with financial problems in raising funds for the Dragonfly Inn's restoration, she also tries to deal with her relationship with Jason as she wonders what her parents would think. The response isn't what Lorelai expected from Emily as she decides to keep things secretive Rory meanwhile, tries to deal with Paris' new love life with Professor Fleming when Paris' old boyfriend Jamie shows up causing drama. Lane briefly stays in Rory's dorm to figure out what to do next. Luke deals with family drama when his flighty sister Liz shows up for her high school reunion while Jess returns for his car. Amidst all of the drama, Rory sees Jess for the first time in months as she sees him sleeping in his car. Lorelai sees Jess as well as she sees Luke frustrated over his role of having to bail his family out every time.

A great episode filled with complex stories and humorous storylines. The episode opens with a phone conversation between Rory and Lorelai where Lane wakes Paris up with some strong coffee where Paris has some hilarious one-liners after drinking her coffee. Emily's response to the idea of Lorelai and Jason together also ends up being a funny moment. Yet, the most dramatic moment involves Luke and his family as audiences are introduced to Liz Danes for the very first time. After years of what audiences heard from Luke and Jess about Liz, they weren't exaggerating as the flighty yet likeable character is one audiences don't forget. Then there's Jess' return as audiences see that the rebellious young man hasn't changed a bit prompting Luke to not compromise with his nephew.

4.13-Nag Hammadi is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels-5/5

Directed by Chris Long. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Jess' attempts to keep a low profile in Stars Hollow to get his car repaired doesn't go well as he also tries to avoid Rory. Taylor puts Kirk in charge of the Firelight Festival as Lane returns home to Stars Hollow to stay with Lorelai and Rory for a while. Lorelai and Jason pretend to be a couple for a charity dinner Emily organize as the Gilmores have a strange meeting with Jason's father Floyd. Luke deals with Liz's new business venture while meeting her new boyfriend T.J. leaving Luke worried until Jess says hurtful things to him leading Lorelai to confront Jess over harsh words he said to his uncle. At the night of the Firelight Festival, T.J. has his own words for Luke while Jess and Rory face each other where Jess makes a surprising declaration.

The episode mostly involves the Danes family drama as Jess tries to get out of Stars Hollow as he awaits for his car to be repaired. Liz, who now creates and sells jewelry at a Renaissance festival tour, introduces to Luke to her new boyfriend T.J. T.J. is a dense yet likeable guy whom Luke doesn't like immediately after lots of bad history with Liz's previous boyfriends. Yet, when he talks to Jess about stopping this relationship. Jess ends up saying horrible things to Luke as he arrives at Lorelai's house drunk while trying to fix her window. The episode reveals Luke's vulnerability as despite his intentions to fix situations, he often misjudges. Yet, the episode reveals how much Liz adores her brother to Lorelai while a new recurring character is introduced in Crazy Carrie Duncan, a woman who had a crush on Luke back in high school.

4.14-The Incredible Shrinking Lorelais-5/5

Directed by Stephen Clancy. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino & Daniel Palladino

It's a stressful period for Lorelai and Rory and neither could reach each other through these times. Rory gets a job at school while dealing with her class schedule where her advisor suggests that she drops a class. Lorelai meanwhile, deals with all of the things in the inn when Trix suggests that everyone should have a lunch including Jason. Yet, when Sookie and Michel couldn't fill their schedules in for things revolving around the inn. Lorelai takes her frustrations out on Sookie as the day gets worse when Lorelai and Jason have lunch with Richard, Emily, and Trix. Trix berates both Lorelai and Richard for their own business failures leaving Richard angry. Yet, Lorelai and Rory become very upset and distraught as they each turn to both Luke and Dean, respectively for comfort.

The episode is important as Lorelai's dreams to open her own inn is starting to crumble as she tries to figure out how to keep going where her last chance is Luke, who is more than willing to help. The episode also has some funny moments where Trix is her usual self berating Emily and later, Jason for bringing a present before turning her attentions to Lorelai and Richard. Yet, the episode marks the first time in which Rory becomes overwhelmed in her environment while Lane's presence at her dorm proves to be overwhelming for her roommates. Lane decides to leave while Rory starts to long for Stars Hollow and her mother following her meeting with her advisor. Rory's story of her problems in Yale and fear of failure would be the catalyst of what come to her in the following season. Yet, her friendship with Dean would also reveal her confusion over who he is and the dynamic they once had.

4.15-Scene in a Mall-5/5

Directed by Chris Long. Written by Daniel Palladino

Kirk takes on a new business venture in taking care of local dogs while Lane gets a new apartment with Zach and Brian. Needing a break from their hectic lives, Lorelai and Rory go to the mall for window shopping when they bump into a furious Emily over Richard's neglect. The three Gilmore Girls end up shopping as Emily is amazed at how Lorelai handles herself in business. Luke and Rory meanwhile, get a peek into Dean's married life where Luke sees things that he shouldn't see.

A humorous episode that includes a great subplot Kirk taking care of the dogs in Stars Hollow while Lane finally gets an apartment with Zach and Brian. Yet, Lane still has to deal with her mother as the two barely talk as Lane moves her things to the apartment which has brought some excitement to her cousin Christine. Yet, the main story of Lorelai and Rory trying to do window shopping is funny until they realize how much window shopping sucks. Yet, when they see Emily goes nuts into a shopping frenzy where she even buys Lorelai and Rory things. It's clear how much Richard's neglect is getting to her as Lorelai credits her mother for being assertive and pushy in getting things done in the same Lorelai is dealing with for her inn. Another small but funny subplot involves Paris being a germaphobe when Rory catches a cold.

4.16-The Reigning Lorelai-5/5

Directed by Marita Grabiak. Written by Jane Espenson

Emily and Richard's rift is widening when Richard refuses to attend a funeral for one of Emily's DAR friends. Yet when Trix suddenly passes away, Richard is absolutely distraught as the rest of the Gilmore clan come to his aid. Yet, when Emily learns that Trix never wanted her in the family, she gets extremely upset leaving Lorelai to take care of the funeral arrangements. Rory meanwhile, endures Doyle's wrath on plagiarism and theft while the whole town of Stars Hollow witness Luke and Nicole having very heated arguments.

The episode has some funny moments that involve Lorelai breaking down at an underwear store after arguing with a clerk over buying the kind of underwear for her dead grandmother. Other funny moments includes Jason dealing with a distraught Richard and his excuse into why he doesn't go to funerals and some dark family secrets involving second cousins. Yet, the funniest moment involves a completely wasted, drunk Emily suggesting that Pennilynn Lott should handle the funeral arrangements. Still, it's one of the best episodes that can put humor into something as sad as the death of a character. Marion Ross, who played Trix, also makes an appearance as Richard's cousin Marilyn who speaks about the significance of Lorelai.

4.17-Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' The Twist aka Gilmore Girls Gone Wild-5/5 (BEST EPISODE EVER!!!)

Directed by Jamie Babbit. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Rory and Paris deal with the cold New England weather as the two girls along with Janet and Glen decide to go to Florida for Spring Break. Rory and Paris meet up with old Chilton friends Madeline and Louise as they go into all of the mayhem of Spring Break including a concert by the Shins where Paris makes an unexpected move on Rory to get attention. Lorelai and Jason have another peculiar date leading to a new step forward in their relationship. Yet as Lorelai returns home, she gets a message from Luke who needs bail money as he's arrested for beating up a car by a man he suspect is having an affair with Nicole as Lorelai watches Luke humiliated and hurt.

An extremely comical episode where Rory and Paris go to Spring Break where they meet Madeline & Louise, who would make their final appearance on the series. Featuring hilarious one-liners from Paris and a great appearance from the Shins performing, it's one of the best episodes ever made that included an unexpected move from Paris to Rory. The aftermath has people excited while Madeline and Louise share a conversation with Rory about Dean. The episode also features Kirk with a new business idea that opens the episode while audiences get to see Luke lose it as he tries to beat up a car as Lorelai tries to calm him down. Yet, this event for Luke would finally make him question if he will ever find the right person for him.

4.18-Tick, Tick, Tick, Boom!-5/5

Written and Directed by Daniel Palladino

Stars Hollow faces a crisis where a strange smell of rotten Easter Eggs is hidden all over Stars Hollow leading Kirk to find them for Taylor. When Rory learns that Dean is dropping out of college in order to get more money for a house. Rory is upset at what Dean is doing while she rants to Lane about what he's doing and how Lindsay involved only to see that Lindsay has heard the conversation. Jason and Lorelai's relationship is suddenly exposed by Floyd Stiles during a dinner as Floyd is suing Richard over a client that Jason had supposedly stolen. In the aftermath of the explosive dinner with the Stiles family, Richard makes a shocking move that would save his own business stature and would cause conflict with the people around him.

A largely humorous episode that revolves around Taylor's new toupee and Kirk trying to find Easter Eggs, that subplot turns out to be very entertaining that includes funny jokes from Jackson and Gypsy about Taylor's new look. Yet, another funny moment involves a Friday Night Dinner where Lorelai asks about anvils while Emily makes comments about a fellow businessman's wife. Yet, the episode's title refers to a series of explosions that happens. Floyd Stiles exposing Jason and Lorelai's secret investigation as well as Richard and Jason's business. Yet, the biggest explosion surrounds an issue of trust between Richard and Emily. Particularly in the way Richard handles his business without Emily's consultation and she becomes very worried about what Floyd has done. Yet, the ending in what Richard does would prove to be catastrophic to his marriage as well as his relationship with Lorelai.

4.19-Afterboom-5/5

Directed by Michael Zinberg. Written by Sheila R. Lawrence

Luke finalizes his divorce to Nicole as Lorelai's relationship with Jason is in trouble after learning that Richard has dissolved the partnership to go back working for Floyd Stiles. Lorelai is angry over what her father did as the rift between Emily and Richard finally widens to the point that Lorelai and Rory are saddened by the separation after a bizarre Friday Night Dinner. Lane's band, now known as Hep Alien, finally has their first successful gig but Lane is upset that her mother has taken in a Korean exchange student named Kyon as she realizes how much she misses her mother. With Rory trying to deal with Professor Fleming's reputation as a serial dater and Lorelai learns that Jason is planning to sue Richard over their business dissolution. Lorelai makes a decision about her loyalty.

One theme that is prominent in this episode involves the mother-daughter relationship, that's a huge theme in the show throughout. One story involves Lane, now living her own life is feeling sad about the fact that her mother has found a replacement. In the aftermath of Hep Alien's first big gig, Lane feels all alone as her bandmates celebrate with family and groupies. Yet the scene that follows shows that despite their differences, Lane does still care and love her mother. For Lorelai, she is aware of the damage of keeping her relationship secret has caused and how Richard reacted. For Emily, Richard's act felt an insult as she believes that Lorelai dating Jason could've been a great thing in re-introducing Lorelai to the world that she left behind. Yet, the rift between Richard and Emily is one story that is very sad as Lorelai feels guilt where she also makes a big decision about her relationship with Jason.

4.20-Luke Can See Her Face-5/5

Directed by Matthew Diamond. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino & Daniel Palladino

With the Dragonfly Inn nearing its completion and opening date, Lorelai tries to deal with last-minute plans with help from Sookie, Jackson, and Michel. Rory comforts Paris after Professor Fleming gets a health scare as Paris begins to question her relationship with Fleming. Desperate for answers over his failed love life and everything else, Luke turns to a self-help tape as he learns Liz is getting married in a week at the town square where he coaxes Jess to attend the wedding. T.J. asks Jess to walk Liz down the aisle that leads to a fight where Jess confesses to Luke his reasons for not wanting to comeback to Stars Hollow. With all of the drama that surrounds him, Luke grudgingly listens to the tape where he realizes who his soul mate is.

A wonderful balance between comedy and light drama, the funny moments involve any appearance T.J. is in along with the story of Jackson sleeping a zucchini. The dramatic moment more involves Paris fretting over Asher Fleming's health with Rory beside her being the great friend she is. Yet, the big story is Luke's revelation over the self-help tape he reluctantly listens to. The scenes of Luke listening has some funny moments until the moment he realizes who is soul mate is. Jess' returns reveals his frustrations over the way he treated Rory while revealing that he doesn't hate his mother nor Luke. The ending has Luke feeling very good while passing on some information to Jess. The episode also has an interesting tidbit where it features a prominent family of entertainers. Michael DeLuise, who plays T.J., brings his real-life brother David as T.J.'s brother while their father Dom DeLuise appears through the film Fatso that Lorelai watches.

4.21-Last Week Fights, This Week Tights-5/5

Directed by Chris Long. Written by Daniel Palladino

With Rory completing her finals while her roommates depart for summer vacation, Emily sets Rory up on a date that doesn't go well until she calls Dean for help. Yet, Jess makes an appearance where he makes a heartfelt plea to Rory to give him another chance. With a Renaissance-theme wedding for Liz and T.J. happening for Stars Hollow, Luke accompanies Lorelai for the wedding as she helps Liz with her dress as Jess takes his first step into maturity. Mrs. Kim learns of Lane's new living situation that shocks her at first until she steps in to make improvements. After making fun of Jess over a book he's been reading, Lorelai apologizes to Luke over her comments about his nephew as the two share a dance that sparks some feelings the two had been dealing with for years.

Another episode that is filled with lots of humor and romance has some funny moments involving the Renaissance wedding with costumes and all. T.J. having a love affair with his tights while Lorelai helps Liz fix her wedding dress before the ceremony. Yet, the highlight is Luke and Lorelai's dance to a song by Sam Phillips that ranks as the most romantic moment of the show. Rory's own story about a date with a student (Teddy Dunn) that doesn't go well shows who she always counted on yet Dean's appearance causes questions. Even when Jess arrives to make a plea to Rory to give him another chance as Dean's jealousy towards Jess is still shown. Yet, Rory's decision for Jess proves to be heartbreaking.

4.22-Raincoats and Recipes-5/5

Written & Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino

The Dragonfly Inn is complete (with doors setting to be installed) as opening day is coming. Rory returns home from Yale as she ponders about her friendship with Dean. Lorelai invites her parents hoping to get them back together that doesn't go well. Kirk lets Luke in on night terrors he has hoping to not scare Lulu. Luke attends the opening as he hopes to win Lorelai over until Jason makes an appearance leaving Luke upset. Amidst all of the drama and humor, Rory and Dean take a major step forward into their relationship that would prove to be troubling while Luke professes his feelings for Lorelai in a big way.

A big episode that has all of the hijinks and drama that defines the show. The hijinks involve Kirk's night terrors, the opening night at the Inn filled with lots of funny moments, and Richard and Emily finally confessing their separation to Lorelai. Yet, the episode has two big moments. One fans had been waiting to see for years while another big moment at the end would mark a new direction for the show that would change its tone and the fortunes of the Girls in the years to come. For Lorelai, everything comes into place while her realized attraction towards Luke leads to comical moments and ends with a moment fans had been waiting to see for years. Rory however, overwhelmed by her first year in Yale and feeling lost turns to Dean who reveals about the state of his marriage to Lindsay as their actions would change Rory in a big way.

What happens in the fourth season of the show is that the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore go through big changes as they each reach for their goals. Lorelai's dream to finally open and run her own inn is coming true with a few bumps and setbacks that worries Rory until finally, she turns to Luke for help. Rory meanwhile, endures her first year in Yale where she's introduced to new worlds, classes, and such. Yet, it overwhelms her a bit as she was suggested to drop a class while her longing for Stars Hollow. Amidst all of their plans to succeed in what they want to do, Lorelai and Rory also go through big changes in their love lives. Lorelai starts to secretly date Jason Stiles as a way to annoy her mother but when the relationship is exposed.

It becomes clear that her unique, quirky relationship with Jason couldn't be the same after what happened to him and her father. With one relationship for Lorelai ending, a new door is opened for Lorelai where years of denials finds her realizing her strong feelings for Luke.

While Lorelai's own life both personally and professionally is coming to place, Rory's own world starts to unravel a bit that would go further in the years to come. While her drive for an education managed to go well despite a few bumps, her own personal life becomes confusing. Attempts to date other boys and socialize become confusing as she also has to deal with Paris dating a new, much older man in Professor Asher Fleming. At the same time, her two former boyfriends would make different appearances. With Dean, it becomes dangerous as their time together spells trouble as Dean has just got married to Lindsay while still having feelings for Rory. Yet, when Rory needed comforting, he's there but is obviously clueless to understand that he's married. Plus when his relationship with Lindsay is in trouble, instead of focusing his attentions on Lindsay. Dean makes the unwise decision to maintain secret contact with Rory that would eventually lead the two to do something that would be regrettable.

Then there's Jess' brief appearance as Rory's last boyfriend returns to retrieve his car while carrying the guilt and shame over the way he treated Rory in their relationship. Jess also carries the fact that he let down Luke where he berates his uncle for interfering in the lives of his mother and himself. Luke is hurt where Lorelai finally confronts Jess over his attitude towards Luke. Yet, Jess realizes that his problems is letting people down as Luke gives him a chance to redeem himself where Jess finally grows up and walks his mother down the aisle. Still, Jess is rejected by Rory, who had been through enough unpredictable moments to deal with Jess after his heartfelt plea for another chance.

While Jess' chance to get Rory back seemed finished, Luke's own life becomes messy as he deals with his marriage to Nicole and his own family. Yet, his family issues become resolved as he sees that Jess and Liz are going to be okay while happy to see that his sister has found the right guy in T.J., despite the fact that he's an idiot. Yet, Luke's own marriage to Nicole was something unexpected as he didn't want to deal with until Nicole returned to give the marriage a shot. Yet, Luke still has to deal with Lorelai who isn't happy about the marriage while Luke has a hard time trying to leave Stars Hollow. Yet when he learns that Nicole had been cheating on him, Luke is extremely humiliated as he turns to a self-help tape for help where he has a revelation. There, audiences get to see the man, who had pined for Lorelai for so many years finally make a move.

While one relationship starts to happen, another unravels with Richard and Emily Gilmore. Richard's new business ventures lead to him neglecting Emily as her insecurities start to show. Things get worse when secret lunches Richard had with ex-girlfriend Pennilynn Lott made Emily uneasy while learning that her mother-in-law never wanted her in the family. With the drama unfolding along with Richard's business decisions that led him going back to work alongside Floyd Stiles. Emily's role, which had been the corporate wife who helped Richard side-by-side, is relegated as she's forced to watch in the sidelines. When Lorelai's relationship with Jason exposed, Emily, who had never liked the idea, is realizing that they could've been a great couple that would've returned Lorelai to the world she ran away from years ago. Instead, Emily is angry at Richard where their marriage implodes with Lorelai feeling guilty that she might be the one that caused all of this.

While the fourth season doesn't live up to some of the brilliance of its predecessors, it does have some great moments that do surpass it. Particularly the humor that included Kirk's many shenanigans, Michel's sniping comments, Lorelai's own pop-culture brand of humor, and Paris' attempts to socialize that included one of the show's funniest moments during her trip with Rory in Spring Break. Yet, the episode had big developments for its characters including Lane, who breaks away from her mother's strict household to live on her own and go for her rock n' roll dreams. Yet, Lane still feels sad in the way she and Mrs. Kim parted ways until Mrs. Kim decides to help Lane with her new living situation.

Amy Sherman-Palladino and her team of writers and directors deserve credit for creating a season that is a transitional season without making it look or feel like one. With respect to the audiences, the show continues its trademark knack of quirky humor and light-hearted drama. Yet, it also takes risk in putting the characters in new situation. Particularly on its season finale where for one character, her action would set the course of what's coming to her. For this character, she would experience a loss of identity, drive, and the world that she's been familiar with is no longer the same. Therefore, Amy Sherman-Palladino would create a premise that would put the relationship of Lorelai and Rory to the test as their fortunes would change with one going up and another going down.

The music of the show is once again as unique as it ever was. With the theme song by Carole King and daughter Louise Goffin, musical contributions come from Grant Lee Phillips as the Troubadour, Sam Phillips who provides the score as well as the song Reflecting Light in one of the show's most romantic moments. Yet, the testament to indie music is very prevalent as one of indie-rock's great bands, the Shins make an appearance. It's one of the reasons why the show stands out and in the fourth season, the music gets even greater notice that includes the appearance of 80s hair-metal superstar Sebastian Bach in a recurring role as Gil.

The casting include cameos and appearances from then-unknown actors like Monique Coleman as a Yale Daily News staff worker, Bruce McCullough as former Independence Inn night manager Tobin, David DeLuise as T.J.'s brother, and Traci Lords as decorator. Other notable small roles from appearances in the season include Lawrence Pressman as Floyd Stiles, Linda Gehringer as Pennilynn Lott, Nick Offerman as Jackson's brother Beau, Rusty Schwimmer as Sookie's mid-wife Bruce, and Marion Ross in a dual role as Richard's mother Trix and cousin Marilyn. Tricia O'Kelley who plays Nicole Leahy, is good as Luke's wife whose presence makes Lorelai uncomfortable while giving Luke a hard time about moving out of Stars Hollow that would eventually lead to divorce. A new recurring character that joins the series is Susannah Lee as Kyon, a Korean exchange student that Mrs. Kim takes in making Lane upset.

Joining the cast as recurring characters are notable characters actors Kathleen Wilhoite and Michael DeLuise as Liz and T.J. Wihoite brings a nice enthusiasm and spark to the role as Luke's younger sister while DeLuise brings a lot of funny moments as T.J. From the Yale scenes, Katie Walder is good as Janet who often spars with Paris while Olivia Hack is funny as Tana. Ethan Cohn is funny as Glen, a Yale student who is often frustrated while Wayne Wilcox is good as Marty, a student Rory befriends. Another new recurring character that stands out is Danny Strong as Doyle McMaster, Rory and Paris' editor who helps Rory with her writing while having some funny moments. Other new recurring characters that join the show is Jill Brennan as Carrie Duncan, the town's local lush, and Rini Bell as Kirk's girlfriend Lulu. Making their final appearance in the series are Shelly Cole and Teal Redmann as Madeline and Louise, respectively as the two girls go out in style.

Other recurring characters that appear in the series throughout include Aris Alvarado as Luke's cook Caesar, Mike Gandolfi as local bookstore owner Andrew, Rose Abdoo as local mechanic Gypsy, Brian Berke as Joe, Biff Yeager as contractor Tom, Emily Kuroda as Mrs. Kim, Jackson Douglas as Jackson Belleville, Sally Struthers as Babette, Ted Rooney as Babette's husband Morey, Liz Torres as Miss Patty, Todd Lowe as Zach, John Cabrera as Brian, Jim Jansen as Reverend Archie Skinner, Alan Blumenfeld as Rabbi David Barans, and Michael Winters as everyone's favorite foil, Taylor Doose. One new recurring character that stands out in a big way is Sebastian Bach as Gil, the heavy-metal guitarist given a second chance to join a band as Bach's performance is full of energy and bravado. Arielle Kebbel is good as Lindsay, Dean's new wife who feels threatened by Rory's presence as she tries to make her marriage work.

Jared Padalecki is excellent as Dean Forrester, Rory's former first boyfriend who finds himself married while still being a friend of Rory not aware of his feelings or his judgement in being a married man. Milo Ventimiglia is great as Jess Mariano, Rory's second ex-boyfriend who feels ashamed of the way he treated Rory and takes out all of his anger on Luke. Ventimiglia is superb in giving Jess more to do despite the few appearance he has while making Jess grow into a mature young man who wants to take another chance with Rory despite all of the things he's done. In the role of Professor Asher Fleming is the legendary Michael York, a professor who falls for the charms of Paris Gellar as he becomes one of Rory's teacher while giving Paris lessons on life and love.

Joining the cast as part of the main cast for one season only is Chris Eigeman as Jason Stiles. Known for his work with Whit Stilman and the early films of Noah Baumbach, the indie film actor gets a chance to play a character fans either love or hate as Jason Stiles is filled with lots of charm and sardonic humor. Eigeman also carries a great presence while having amazing chemistry in his scenes with Lauren Graham. Sean Gunn is wonderfully hilarious as Kirk Gleason, the childlike man who finally gets a girlfriend while displaying undying loyalty to Taylor with Luke helping him. Gunn's performance is always a joy to watch while his performance as Jesus is one that's extremely fun to watch. Yanic Truesdale is also funny as Michel, the Dragonfly Inn's manager who has a funny moment involving trying to care of Sookie's new baby while being a great supporter to both Sookie and Lorelai during the plans for the inn's construction. Liza Weil is great as Paris Gellar, Rory's former Chilton classmate who is now her roommate as Weil brings a lot of great humor and antics that makes Paris one of the most beloved characters in the series.

Keiko Agena is also great as Lane Kim, Rory's best friend who finally becomes independent and live her own life though have regrets about how she and Mrs. Kim parted way. Edward Herrmann is brilliant as Richard Gilmore, a man now getting a chance to have his business get bigger with Jason Stiles only to neglect his own wife in the process and eventually, re-team with Floyd Stiles. Kelly Bishop is amazing as Emily Gilmore, a woman dealing with not being of use in her husband's businesses while threatened by the presence of Pennilynn Lott as she starts to be unhinged as her marriage starts to fall apart. Scott Patterson is excellent as Luke Danes, the local diner owner who gets married and later divorced as he deals with family drama and eventually, his feelings for Lorelai which he professes in a big way.

Alexis Bledel is wonderful as Rory Gilmore, the young girl who attends Yale only to be overwhelmed by its class schedule, her longing for Stars Hollow, and social anxieties. Bledel does great work in dealing with the drama that any young person goes through that would later lead Rory to a sense of confusion and a loss of identity that would come in the fifth season. Lauren Graham is brilliant as Lorelai Gilmore, a woman whose dreams of opening and running her own inn is coming true. Graham's charming, witty performance is always full of humor and drama as she tries to deal with the fact that she might fail while also learning about loyalty and trying to find the right person in her life. The scenes with Bledel and Graham are the heart of show as they have funny moments as well as dramatic moments, notably the season finale's final scene that would set the stage of what is to come in the fifth season.

The fourth season of Gilmore Girls despite a few weaknesses and storylines is an excellent season from Amy Sherman-Palladino and company featuring a superb cast and stories. Featuring some amazing moments, stories, and funny situations, the fourth season is a great transition to the more dramatic-driven seasons that would follow. Featuring great pop culture references and a musical soundtrack, the fourth season of Gilmore Girls is worth watching that leads the show into a great transition as its cast and crew would find new territory to explore.

Gilmore Girls Reviews: Season 1 - Season 2 - Season 3 - 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