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


When the fourth season premiered in the fall of 2003, Gilmore Girls was going through a transition as Lorelai Gilmore's dream to open her own inn was coming true despite a few bumps and financial problems. Rory Gilmore meanwhile, survives her first year at Yale but overwhelmed in her new surroundings, counseling suggestions, and other boy drama. At the end of that season, Lorelai and Rory see Richard and Emily Gilmore split due to Richard's new business ventures and neglect while Emily becomes jealous over Richard's secret dinners with his ex-girlfriend Pennilynn Lott. Yet on that season finale, two big events occur that would change the fortune for both Lorelai and Rory.

After years of pining and seeing her with different boyfriends, Luke Danes professes his feelings to Lorelai at the opening of the Dragonfly Inn where the two share a huge kiss. Rory meanwhile, overwhelmed with her first year at Yale and Jess Mariano's heartfelt plan to go away together forced Rory to turn to her former boyfriend Dean Forester where the two had sex. Upon this discovery, Lorelai is shocked as she sees that Rory has lost her virginity to her married ex-boyfriend leading the two to have an argument. The argument would be the catalyst of what would come as the relationship between mother and daughter is put to the test in the fifth season of Gilmore Girls.

The fifth season revolves around the changing fortunes and lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore as their relationship goes through some troubled waters through a series of events. For Lorelai, her life is on the upswing as the Dragonfly Inn becomes an immediate success while her relationship with Luke Danes becomes an exciting one despite the disapproval of Richard and Emily Gilmore over his blue-collar background. Rory's fortunes go down as school, boy drama, and aspirations are put to the test where Rory's own persona changes making the once-confident girl with huge dreams fall apart while alienating her mother in the process.

Amidst all of this drama between Lorelai and Rory, other events happen as Emily and Richard try to deal with their separation. Other stories include Kirk delving into more shenanigans for the town, Michel winning a motor home, Lane and Paris getting new boyfriends, Sookie getting another child on the way, and more hijinks from the locals of Stars Hollow in this hilarious yet dramatic-heavy season from its creator Amy Sherman-Palladino.

5.01-Say Goodbye to Daisy Miller-5/5

Written & Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino

In the aftermath of the fourth season finale, the conflict between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore over Rory's affair with Dean still looms. Lorelai also deals with her kiss with Luke as the two begin to pursue their new relationship with Sookie the first to hear the news with excitement Richard and Emily's marriage implodes as Emily decides to go on a summer trip to Europe by herself. Rory tries to figure out her relationship with Dean to Lane while realizing that Lindsay isn't giving up on the marriage. Rory ends up deciding to go with Emily on the European trip while Luke has to leave Stars Hollow for a last-minute emergency involving his sister Liz and her husband T.J.

The episode picks up where the explosive finale of the fourth season occurs. It opens with Dean's perspective as he hears the argument between Lorelai and Rory as he later returns home. Yet, audiences see how horrible he is to Lindsay by yelling at her as she is the one trying to make the marriage work. The episode has some funny moments where one of Michel's chow puppies eat Taylor's slippers while Lane's argument with Zach over him sitting on her drum kit features a hilarious line from Gil. Another story that's resolved is what happens to Jason Stiles in the aftermath of the fourth season finale. Yet, the episode revolves around Luke and Lorelai dealing with the status of their relationship and the conflict between Lorelai and Rory as their story would serve as the main plot line for the entire season.

5.02-A Messenger, Nothing More-5/5

Written and Directed by Daniel Palladino

With Luke stuck in Maine and Rory in Europe with Emily, Lorelai is left all alone to run the Dragonfly Inn with Sookie and Michel. Yet, Lorelai's attitude leaves her to act like a perfectionist prompting Sookie to intervene. In Maine, Luke is helping Liz and T.J. where T.J. is milking his injuries for all he's worth as Liz gives Luke a gift for Lorelai. Michel is forced to babysit two kids while in Europe, Rory and Emily are finishing their trip as Rory calls her mother for the first time in months. Rory asks Lorelai to give Dean a letter that becomes a disaster when Lindsay reads the letter. Rory returns home where Lindsay's mother (Tawny Renee Hamilton) berates Rory over what she did. When Rory sees Dean, he expresses regret over what they did leaving Rory hurt.

Without Luke and Rory in Stars Hollow, Lorelai becomes the second coming of Emily Gilmore as the episode is filled with some humor and drama. Yet, the drama reveals Rory's conflict over her affair with Dean leading to his marriage to implode. Yet, Rory is suddenly forced into confrontation with Lindsay's mother as Lorelai tries to protect her daughter. The episode reveals at how selfish and immature Dean is in not claiming responsibility for his own actions while Luke and Lorelai try to have alone time after he comes home. Some of the funny moments involves Michel handling the kids, T.J. annoying Luke over the rules at the Renaissance Faire, and Lane's newfound realization that she's falling for Zach.

5.03-Written In The Stars-5/5

Directed by Kenny Ortega. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Rory returns to Yale for her sophomore year as she learns that Asher Fleming had passed away as she comforts a distraught Paris. Rory meets up with her friend and classmate Marty as the two meet a rich student named Logan Huntzberger and his two friends Colin and Finn. Rory is annoyed by Logan's charming attitude as she and Paris hold a wake for Fleming that Emily later attends following Richard's own social outings as he now lives in the pool house and Emily at the mansion. Luke and Lorelai meanwhile, go on their first official date as the two reflect on the time they first met with a surprising revelation from Luke. After a wonderful night, the two wake up at his apartment where she was seen walking down the diner wearing only his flannel shirt. Yet, the news of the relationship catches Taylor Doose's attention as he reveals the implications on what the relationship would affect the economy of Stars Hollow.

An episode fans had waited to see involve Luke and Lorelai's first date at a place that only Luke frequently goes to. The story of how Luke and Lorelai first met that involves a horoscope that he kept for eight years is one of the most touching leading the two to have sex after the first date. Yet, the image of Lorelai walking down the stairs in Luke's blue flannel shirt to get coffee with the locals seeing her is one of the funniest. The story of Paris in mourning over Asher is one of the funniest as she has one of the best one-liners of the series. The episode also introduces audience to a new possible suitor for Rory in Logan Huntzberger who is joined by his two adventurous friends Colin and Finn. Yet during the wake party, Marty asks Rory if she's seeing someone. Alas, poor Marty misses his chance as she returns to Stars Hollow to see the wrong boy, Dean.

5.04-Tippecanoe & Taylor, Too-4.5/5

Directed by Lee Shallatt Chemel. Written by Bill Prady

During a dispute over a greenhouse Jackson had built, Jackson decides to run against Taylor for an upcoming election. Lorelai and Sookie help out as the battle between Jackson and Taylor becomes fierce. Rory meanwhile, deals with an antique printing press Paris received as her inheritance gift from Asher Fleming. Dean meanwhile, dates Rory again but has trouble trying to keep the relationship open to the public while having to share his car with Lindsay. Rory tries to talk to Dean about the divorce but his response leaves her unsatisfied and skeptical about her relationship with Dean. Lane finally tells Zach her feelings for him while Lorelai deals with her newfound relationship with Luke.

A funny episode in which Luke cooks for Lorelai at her home but she reveals the secrets to liking his food which she feel is more enjoyable at his diner. Jackson's campaign against Taylor is also funny in which Hep Alien did a rocking version of Taylor's favorite song Believe It Or Not, despite the cheesiness of the song. The episode has a rare moment where audiences get to sympathize with Taylor while Jackson has a revelation about his new political role. While audiences get to see Lorelai's reaction to Luke's own lifestyle including his sleeping schedule. He gets sympathy from Lorelai while Rory's relationship with Dean proves to be troubling as the two try to recapture the magic of their early years. Instead, Rory is treated indifferently by his parents though his sister Clara seems to like her more. Dean meanwhile, deals with his divorce that costs him greatly as he's now working more to pay debts.

5.05-We Got Us a Pippi Virgin-5/5

Directed by Steven Clancy. Written by Daniel Palladino

Lorelai and Rory try to make another attempt for Richard and Emily to get back together as Emily buys a panic room while all three Gilmore Girls discover a new hobby of Richard that included a glitter vest. Lorelai and Rory go on a double date with Dean, in order to smooth his relationship with Lorelai as Luke joins the date unaware that it's a double date. The night however, doesn't go well as Luke couldn't deal with Dean's presence as he later confesses to Lorelai his dislike towards Dean. Zach meanwhile, finally makes a response to Lane's confession.

The episode features some light-hearted funny moments about Emily Gilmore buying a panic room where the code is definitely funny. Yet, it also reveals that Richard and Emily, despite their tension, miss each other. Richard talks to Rory about a car service because he's concerned for Emily's safety while confessing to Emily about his new social outings. The subplot about Zach trying to respond to Lane's confession shows that even though he's not a fast-thinking guy, he's one who takes his time. Yet, the big story is the double date between Luke/Lorelai and Dean/Rory where they see a favorite film of the Girls in the 1969 film adaptation of Pippi Longstocking, a film Luke has never seen. Yet, the episode reveals how much Luke cares for Rory and how he feels that Dean would hold her down. The episode also shows that despite their efforts to recapture the magic of their early years, Dean and Rory are definitely on different paths.

5.06-Norman Mailer, I'm Pregnant!-4.5/5

Glenn's article gets picked up by the New York Times making Doyle angry as Rory learns that Logan works for the Yale Daily News and is the son of newspaper magnet Mitchum Huntzberger. During a report, Rory discovers a secret society that Logan is involved in as she finds a big story. Norman Mailer and his son Stephen visit the inn for a magazine interview that upsets Sookie because he's not ordering anything. Lorelai meanwhile, gets a call from Christopher as she arrives to help deal with Gigi crying frantically as he revealed that Sherry has left him for a job in Paris. Upon hearing the news that Christopher called Lorelai, Rory asks her father to stay away from her mother believing that he will threaten Lorelai's blossoming relationship with Luke.

The episode largely revolves Rory trying to get herself back into writing mode as she feels behind in her work at the Yale Daily News. When Rory bumps into something that becomes a prospective assignment, she learns that it involves Logan Huntzberger. The big story is about Sherry's departure as Christopher is now dealing with Gigi all by himself as Rory sees this as a threat to Lorelai's relationship with Luke. One funny subplot involves Sookie's strange behavior when a financial advisor makes a suggestion that upsets Sookie while she's annoyed by Norman Mailer not ordering any food. Yet, when she pulls a stunt that involved Kirk dressing up like a hot dog, it's clear that Sookie is going bonkers where there's more to reveal about her behavior.

5.07-You Jump, I Jump, Jack-5/5

Directed by Kenny Ortega. Written by Daniel Palladino

After hearing the news that Luke and Lorelai are dating from Kirk, Emily invites Luke to Friday Night Dinner as he's subjected to Emily's oblique insults that overwhelm him. Things get worse when Richard invites Luke for a game of golf where Richard's business suggestions overwhelm Luke and worries Lorelai. Rory meanwhile, gets an exclusive story on the secret Life & Death Brigade club as she gets an exclusive scoop from Logan, a member of the club. Lane and Zach meanwhile, go on their first date with Brian sleeping in Lane's room as they watch Stop Making Sense.

One of the most lavish and most beloved episodes of the entire series involves a big production behind the secretive Life & Death Brigade filled with period costumes, lights in the forest, and secret locations climaxing with dangerous stunts. Rory gets herself involved big time as she takes on new risks that would change her as well as her friendship with Logan. The episode is balanced with Luke entering the world of the Gilmores as he deals with Emily's oblique insults about his diner and truck while goes golfing with Richard, who makes ideas to franchise his diner. Yet, with Emily's disapproval of Luke to Richard shows very clear of how unconcerned she is with Lorelai's happiness. Luke however, becomes overwhelmed in his meetings with Emily and Richard leaving Lorelai worried for Luke, who understands why she doesn't have a great relationship with her parents.

5.08-The Party's Over-5/5

Directed by Eric Laneuville. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

When Emily learns that Rory is dating Dean, she calls a temporary truce with Richard to hold a Yale alumni party which really turns out to be a party for Rory to find herself a suitable man. Liz and T.J. buy a new house as Liz reveals to Lorelai about Luke's secret cooking skills outside of the diner where Luke invites Lorelai to dinner. The evening starts to go well until an upset T.J. interrupts the evening while Liz later comes by as Lorelai sees how Luke deals with his family drama. After Zach gets attacked by Mrs. Kim over hugging Lane in public, Lane reveals to Kyon the secrets into living under Mrs. Kim's household. At the Yale party, Rory is surprised to see Logan who turns the party into a blast until Dean arrives as he realizes he no longer fits into Rory's world.

A fantastic episode that involves Luke and Lorelai's dinner date that's interrupted by T.J. and later, Liz is one of the funniest moments where T.J. is distraught over an argument he has with Liz. For Lorelai, she sees what Luke has to deal with in his family in the same way Lorelai deals with her family. The episode also shows the end of Rory's relationship with Dean as audiences see that while Rory moves up in the world. Dean is still stuck in Stars Hollow working at Doose's market like he did in the first season. During a conversation they have when Rory asks about her Life & Death Brigade article, Dean couldn't give her a straight answer. When Dean arrives at the party, the boy who has faced off with the likes of pretty-rich boy Tristan and book-smart bad boy Jess couldn't compete with the likes of Logan Huntzberger and his Yale buddies putting an end to his relationship with Rory. Yet, the ending has Lorelai watching a drunken Rory coming out of a limo that would cause Lorelai much worry in the episodes to come.

5.09-Emily Says Hello-4.5/5

Directed by Kenny Ortega. Written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner

With the separation continuing, Emily announces that she wants to start dating again to Lorelai's shock. Jackson becomes overwhelmed with his duties as Town Selectman as Lorelai decides to get Rory and Christopher together for lunch to smooth things over. Instead, Rory is not enthused about the lunch leading to another argument with her father. Luke learns that Lorelai had lunch with Christopher, where he has a conversation with T.J. about Christopher's presence. Marty tries to ask Rory out on a date but his timing is off again while Emily's date with Simon McClane, a colleague of Richard goes well until she returns home alone, in tears.

A largely funny episode that revolves around Jackson's Town Selectman duties along with a small subplot about Michel trying to nab a couple who are stealing robes. Another funny moment is Paris' attempt to do a Ramadan and fail. Yet, the episode features two big things. Emily's decision to start dating again to Lorelai's surprise, as it leads to Emily having a horrible, emotional realization about her relationship with Richard. Another story is the tension between Rory and Christopher as Lorelai learned that she hadn't told Luke about Christopher, not sure of how he'll feel about it. When she tells him, he acts like it's nothing yet later when he's working with T.J. at T.J.'s house, he talks to him leading to a funny moment from T.J.

5.10-But Not as Cute as Pushkin-5/5

Directed by Michael Zinberg. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino
When Rory is asked her former headmaster to accompany a Chilton student named Anna (Sarah Foret) to give her a tour at Yale. She accepts but the task becomes overwhelming due to Anna's immature behavior and excitement. Logan and his buddies don't help matters during a prank on Rory while Paris gets herself back on the dating scene as she hooks up with Doyle during a speed-dating session. In Stars Hollow, Miss Patty is celebrating her 40th anniversary in her years of show business as everyone but Luke is excited. Lorelai learns of Luke's dark day in relation to the death of his father as she helps to save his father's boat only to get Luke very upset over her good intentions.

The episode has two great stories with a bunch of mini-stories that keep things exciting. One involves Paris' return to the dating scene where she hooks with Doyle as two are seen not wearing pants as they begin a relationship. Logan's prank with Colin and Finn turn out to be one of the funniest moments while Rory learns from Marty that Logan likes her. Rory later fights back with help from Richard in a big way. The story of Luke's dark day that has him yelling at an old lady reveals the pain he has over his father's death. When Lorelai tries to help, Luke gets all upset until he realizes it's not her fault as he's forced to confront the old boat his father had made until his death.

5.11-Women of Questionable Morals-5/5

Directed by Matthew Diamond. Written by Daniel Palladino

It's the first snow in Stars Hollow as Lorelai shares her excitement with Luke over this event. Yet, her love affair with snow dims due to road blockage and covering her jeep until Luke does something to have her and snow make up. Christopher tries to make peace with Rory, still upset over his presence until Emily and Richard reveal that Christopher's father had just died. Lorelai and Rory come to Christopher's home on separate occasions to comfort him. Richard and Emily briefly reconcile over a lost dog whom they take care of for a while.

A great episode that balances drama and humor where the dramatic portion involves the death of Straub Hayden and the reaction from Lorelai and Rory. Another dramatic moment involves Richard and Emily clearly missing each other as they try to deny their feelings. Some of the funniest moments involves Lorelai's love-hate affair with snow as Luke does something to have her and snow makeup in one of the show's most romantic moments. One extremely hilarious moment is Taylor staging a re-enactment with new information that a battle did occur in Stars Hollow during the Revolutionary War that includes one of the show's beloved cast members stealing the show in wearing a dress and makeup.

5.12-Come Home-5/5

Directed by Kenny Ortega. Written by Jessica Queller

Rory offers to help Logan on article that goes well until he doesn't invite her to a book signing party thrown by his father. Luke and Lorelai's relationship becomes very serious when Luke builds Lorelai a shelf for her stuff in his bathroom and later, buys a new TV for her to watch when she spends the night at his apartment. Lane begins to wear contacts as part of a new look as she and her band are invited to a Korean New Year's dinner. The mix of a rock band and traditional Korean becomes unique as Zach and Mrs. Kim share the same feelings of Lane's new look. When Richard learns that Simon McClane is dating Emily, he becomes jealous as he and Emily finally get into some words leading to a reconciliation. Emily later goes to Christopher's apartment to make a warning that Luke and Lorelai are getting serious and that Christopher should do something about it.

The episode is really a set-up of the next four episodes to come that would develop the relationships between Luke & Lorelai and Rory & Logan. The episode has funny moments involving the Korean New Year's dinner where a boy (Elliot Cho of Kicking & Screaming, not the Noah Baumbach film of the same name) told Zach a hilarious line. Gil playing with the Korean family is another funny moment while an attraction ensues between Brian and Kyon. Yet, the episode's big moment is Richard and Emily's reunion with an appearance by Miss Celine helping Emily pick a new dress with Lorelai looking on. Yet, the ending with Emily's meeting with Christopher would be the catalyst of what's to come in the next series of episodes.

5.13-Wedding Bell Blues-5/5

Written & Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino

The 100th episode of the series has Richard and Emily Gilmore renewing their vows in a lavish ceremony. With a wild bachelorette party at Lorelai's house with some of the locals, Lorelai serves as the maid of honor and Rory as Richard's best man. At the wedding, Christopher is there as is Logan where Christopher reveals to Rory a story about the time he kissed Lorelai for the first time. Rory finally makes her move on Logan after seeing him with a date. Yet, she is caught by Lorelai, Luke, and Christopher leading to Luke and Christopher having an argument with words leaving Luke extremely hurt and Lorelai very upset.

If there was any way to create a 100th episode, why not do it in style. From the lavish wedding ceremony and reception to all the drama that goes on. Where Rory makes an unexpected move that is extremely unlike her to the conflict between Luke and Christopher over Lorelai. Yet, the drama intensifies at the end when Christopher reveals why he's at the wedding and reception leaving Lorelai very angry at the person behind all of this. Yet, it's a great episode as it's the first part of a four-part story arc involving Lorelai's relationship with Luke. The episode also has funny moments that includes Emily's impromptu bachelor party that includes several of the town's locals and a drunk Emily, who can definitely party.

5.14-Say Something-5/5

Written & Directed by Daniel Palladino

In the aftermath of the wedding reception where Luke is left hurt and angry, Lorelai tries to find him only to realize that if Taylor hears of the two breaking up. Problems would emerge as she desperately tries to talk to Luke over what Christopher and Emily did. For Luke, he realizes the baggage and implication that comes in with dating Lorelai leaving Lorelai hurt and distraught. Rory talks to Paris about what happened at the reception with Logan pondering the state of their relationship. When she learns about Lorelai, Logan lends Rory his limo and driver as she confronts Taylor over the ribbons he's making the town wear as the locals take side over the break-up.

Following up the previous episode in a big way, the episode involves Lorelai being very distraught over Luke's decision to end things due to her mother. When Rory helps out, she does it in a big way while the episode has a dream sequence where Lorelai sees Luke watching a film. A film about Luke & Lorelai having dinner and not saying anything until Luke turns into a ribbon. The episode also involves the increasing attraction between Rory and Logan while Paris reveals a secret gourmet mix she made with a bunch of different cereals that Lorelai loves.

5.15-Jews & Chinese Food-5/5

Directed by Matthew Diamond. Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino

Still broken up, Luke has pulled his father's boat out of Lorelai's garage making her upset. After having dinner with Rory at Yale, they see Marty as Rory decides to reconnect with him by inviting him to a marathon of Marx Brothers movies. Yet, the night is ruined when Logan shows up as he takes the two to an expensive Chinese dinner. When Luke learns that Lorelai signed him up to build sets for a school play version of Fiddler on the Roof, he's upset that Lorelai isn't at the school. Lorelai refuses as she decides to repaint her garage as a way to deal with the break-up. Yet, the two end up working together at the school being too stubborn to talk while missing each other.

Another funny episode that involves all sorts of production values and such, the episode has Rory trying to reconnect with Marty in a marathon of Marx Brothers movie with Rory dressed up as one of them. The episode also has Rory fighting with Doyle over his visits at Rory's dorm room and eating her food and such. The episode also evolves Rory's relationship with Logan and Marty's missed opportunity to ask her out as he won't be seen again until the final season. Yet, the Luke-Lorelai break-up continues with Luke being involved with Fiddler on the Roof that stars Kirk as Tevye and Carrie trying to flirt with Luke. Some funny moments involves a kid talking about his lesbian mother. The episode's most emotional moment is when Kirk and a girl sing a song as Luke and Lorelai look each other sadly as if they want to get back together but couldn't.

5.16-So... Good Talk-5/5

Directed by Jamie Babbit. Written by Lisa Randolph

The break-up finally hits Luke as the food at the diner goes bad and he keeps kicking out complaining customers. With Lorelai, still eating and drinking coffee at Weston's, she refuses to attend Friday Night Dinner when Richard and Emily return from their second honeymoon. Rory, home at Stars Hollow, attends the dinner where she lashes out at her grandmother over what she did at the wedding. When Richard manages to get contact with Lorelai over some insurance issues, Emily is angry that Lorelai will still talk to Richard. Lane goes another romantic date with Zach as she realizes how much impact her mother's influence has while Rory deals with her newfound relationship with Logan. Emily finally goes to Luke's diner to talk with Luke over what happened with Lorelai.

A miserable Luke without Lorelai and food gone bad is not a good Luke. Yet, Luke's own behavior and such is funny along with the ever-so-loyal Kirk eating every bad thing Luke is making. Lane's own revelation about not wanting to have sex until she's married surprises her while Lorelai tries to save Luke's boat when it almost gets a ticket. Another funny moment is how Emily reacts to Lorelai's boycott as she claims that Richard is the favorite in a girly voice. Yet, the episode ends on a high note with Emily's visit to the diner and what follows afterwards.

5.17-Pulp Friction-5/5

Directed by Michael Zinberg. Written by James Berg & Stan Zimmerman

Luke and Lorelai are back together as the ribbons are put back on the box. Luke and Lorelai celebrate their reunion only to deal with Kirk, sleeping in Luke's boat as his mother kicked him out again. Michel meanwhile, wins a motor home that he tries to sell as it's stuck on the road to the inn making Lorelai upset during a photo shoot. Upset that Logan won't make the relationship monogamous, Rory attends a Quentin Tarantino-themed party with one of Logan's friends making him jealous. With Lorelai still refusing to attend Friday Night Dinner, Emily goes to Luke's diner to berate him until Lorelai arrives.

A largely funny episode that begins with Kirk taking back the ribbons and chasing Lulu, wearing a pink ribbon on her sweater. Kirk's own shenanigans in the episode are worth laughing about including Michel's motor home. The Quentin Tarantino party for Finn is one of the best scenes with Rory dressed up like Gogo from Kill Bill that is filled with some laughs. Yet, the dramatic portion involves Emily's anger over Lorelai's boycott of the Friday Night Dinners as her confrontation with Luke leads to a very funny moment that follows Lorelai confronting her mother. Luke's line after the argument shows the quick-wit sense of humor of the show.

5.18-To Live & Let Diorama-5/5

Directed by Jackson Douglas. Written by Daniel Palladino

Old man Twickham finally passes away as the grand Twickham house in Stars Hollow is left to the town. Taylor decides to make it into a Stars Hollow museum as Luke, with secretive intentions, decides to volunteer as Taylor's assistant. Yet, Luke also has to deal with Dean, who has been giving Luke mean looks. With the Dragonfly Inn getting a cover story for a prestigious traveling magazine, Lorelai does an interview that she later regrets doing in relations to comments she made about Emily. Angry over their boy situations, Rory, Lane, and Paris all get drunk during the opening of museum as they vent out their frustrations as Lane suspects that Zach is having an affair with Sophie. Luke finally confronts Dean over his attitude where Dean gives Luke unflattering advice into the dangers of dating a Gilmore girl.

A largely funny episode that involves Taylor's museum where it acts like a diorama with lots of misrepresentation of Stars Hollow past and present. Yet, some of the funniest moments involve Rory, Lane, and Paris' drunken rants where Paris' attempt to get some change to call Doyle is one of the funniest scenes ever. The episode also has dramatic moments where on the lighter side, Lorelai's regrets over comments she made about her mother while Rory is upset that Logan isn't interested in a serious relationship. The episode also marks the final appearance of Dean Forrester. Now a bitter, angry young man who had lost Rory for good, Dean turns his full attention towards Luke as it's clear he's jealous of Luke for dating Lorelai where Dean's own advice towards Luke would prove to be prophetic in the seasons to come.

5.19-But I'm A Gilmore-5/5

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

With Sookie taking bed rest for her pregnancy, Luke takes over as chef at the Dragonfly Inn while dealing with Sookie's interference. Rory meanwhile, meets Logan's sister Honor as she and Logan invite Rory to dinner at the Huntzberger estate. Rory however, is treated badly by Logan's mother Shira and his grandfather that angers Logan. Paris meanwhile, learns why Doyle hadn't called her as he's sick with the flu as Paris calls her nanny to help take care of him where Doyle makes a huge declaration for Paris.

This episode is a wonderful balance between humor and drama as a lot of the humor revolves around Sookie's interference at the Inn as Luke tries to take over. Yet, it keeps escalating with Jackson finally coming in to confront Luke and Sookie suddenly ecstatic about lamb chops that Luke had made. Another funny moment is Paris taking care of Doyle with help from her nanny as Doyle's declaration to Paris warms her over in a big way. The big moment of the episode is Rory meeting the Huntzbergers. With the exception of Logan's sister Honor, Logan's mother and grandfather treat Rory coldly only at the end, Logan's father Mitchum arrives to give Rory an internship as an apology over what happened.

5.20-How Many Kropogs to Cape Cod?-4.5/5

Directed by Jamie Babbit. Written by Bill Prady & Rebecca Rand Kirshner

With Rory getting an internship at Mitchum Huntzberger's paper, Logan isn't sure if the job is a good idea. Yet, Richard and Emily hear the news about Rory dating Logan as they invite Logan to Friday Night Dinner. Lorelai ends her Friday Night Dinner strike to attend as she's treated with indifference by Emily while observing Logan's behavior throughout. Yet, Richard learns that Lorelai's inn got the attention of one of his clients who wants to purchase as Lorelai is unsure about it. The Stars Hollow museum becomes a financial bust as Taylor sells the Twickham House to Luke.

The episode is one that fans either love or hate, largely due to the behaviors of Richard and Emily Gilmore as well as Logan Huntzberger and Rory Gilmore. In the middle of all of this is Lorelai who acts as the Greek chorus observing everything that goes on. It's clear that Emily's indifference towards Lorelai over her boycott and her insistence to make the night great for Logan. The episode also reveals how much sucking-up Richard and Emily have towards Logan with Logan doing more of it with Lorelai watching. What's more startling is how Rory behaves around Logan which makes Lorelai extremely worried. Even as she learned that Rory is working as an intern for Mitchum Huntzberger. It's mostly a character study episode where one character watches everything and is convinced something is going to go wrong.

5.21-Blame Booze & Melville-5/5

Directed by Jamie Babbit. Written by Daniel Palladino

With the celebration of the cover story for the Dragonfly Inn, Luke and Lorelai over-celebrate as Lorelai fears that she's pregnant around the time Sookie goes into labor. Yet, when the magazine reaches Emily and comments upset a foreign ballerina she takes in, Lorelai decides to apologize. When Kirk makes a competing offer to buy the Twickham house, Luke turns to the town elders to settle the matter. Rory meanwhile, receives her performance from Mitchum Huntzberger which isn't what she expected as she goes to extremes to unwind.

An episode that's filled with lots of humor involving Lorelai's paranoia over her crazy night with Luke and Sookie giving birth to a girl where she makes Jackson do something that no man should go through. Other funny moments involve Luke and Kirk fighting over the ownership of the Twickham house at a sauna with Kirk wearing a towel around his waist and Luke in his usual gear. Lorelai's own story with Emily about the ballerina shows that despite all the tension between mother and daughter, they always find a way to make up. Yet, the big dramatic moment involves the performance review of Rory that would send her crashing down in a big way.

5.22-A House Is Not A Home-5/5

Written & Directed by Amy Sherman-Palladino

After bailing Rory out for stealing a yacht with Logan, Lorelai becomes worried that Logan's influence has gotten Rory in trouble. Lorelai learns about Mitchum Huntzberger's performance review while Logan also learns what his father did to Rory. With Lane and Hep Alien unable to book gigs and the band on the verge of breaking up, Mrs. Kim steps in to help where Lane's rock n' roll dreams are now coming true. When Rory makes a decision to quit school, Lorelai turns to her parents for help. Yet, a distraught Rory visits the Gilmore estate where an act of betrayal occurs about Rory's future. When Luke hears what happens, he makes a passionate plea to help Rory leading to Lorelai makes a surprising announcement to Luke.

The fifth season finale shows the unique dynamic of families in how parents help their children and such. The one positive aspect of the episode involves Mrs. Kim helping Lane to book gigs for a summer tour in various places showing that despite their differences, Lane and Mrs. Kim are a unique mother-daughter duo with Mrs. Kim saying one thing about the entire Kim family. Mrs. Kim's statement is in sharp contrast to what Rory goes through as her life and ambitions crash down. With the Gilmore dealing with family drama, it ends with a betrayal and loss as Lorelai turns to Luke more. The episode has a couple of funny moment involving Taylor Doose trying to organize a bike race and Colin and Finn bowing down to Rory over what she did at the police station, much to Lorelai's annoyance.

When the fourth season ended, two major events happen that would change the fortune of the Gilmore Girls. For Lorelai, after years of achieving her own goals to open her own inn and find Mr. Right. She finally does in Luke Danes, the man who had been pining for her for eight years while she too, also had feelings for him. The other major event is Rory losing her virginity to her former, married boyfriend Dean Forester where she ends up becoming confused and lost about what she did. What happens afterwards is a season that is very thematic in both its study in character and in motivations.

For Lorelai, things go up for her as she's achieved everything she wanted and the best part is that she is sharing it with the man whom she had feelings for in Luke. Despite a few bumps that included the presence of Lorelai's former flame Christopher Hayden and Emily Gilmore's disapproval of Luke and his class stature. Lorelai found happiness in Luke while the Dragonfly Inn in its first year goes very well. The Luke and Lorelai relationship is something audiences have been wanting to see as they face the reality of being a couple where audiences get to see a softer, more complex side to Luke. For Lorelai, she's treated more like an adult and an equal despite some of her quirks which he can put up with. Some big moments in their relationship include Lorelai saving his father's boat which allowed Luke to confront some harbored feelings over his father's death. The season ended with the two moving forward as Lorelai realize he's the only person she can trust.

Yet the fifth season's big story isn't about Luke and Lorelai, it's about Rory Gilmore's emotional and mental downward spiral. After her affair with Dean Forester leads to the break-up of his marriage. Rory becomes confused about the status of her relationship with Dean as it's frowned upon by almost everyone as Luke and Rory's grandparents express their disapproval of the relationship. Lorelai meanwhile, keeps her mouth shut as she admits to being uncomfortable about the relationship. Yet as the two try to recapture the spark of their early years, it's clear that they're both in extremely different directions as Dean becomes dishonest about his marriage and what he wants. Rory becomes more confused and desperate to hold on until a party held by her grandparents made Dean realize he no longer fits in with Rory's world.

The season saw the character of Dean fade away as his last appearance saw him become extremely bitter over the fact that he lost Rory and that Luke had managed to nab a Gilmore Girl for himself. In response, Dean puts doubts into Luke's head that suggests he blames Luke for the dissolution of his relationship with Rory by bringing Luke's nephew Jess Mariano into Rory's world some years ago. With Dean gone, Rory is suddenly in a position where she is trying to focus on her school work yet deals with presence of Logan Huntzberger and Marty Wilcox. Marty is the good guy who wants to be with Rory but his timing and being unable to compete with Logan made him into a Baxter.

Then there's Logan Huntzberger, a character who is rich, intelligent, charming, and caring. He's got the dependability of Dean Forester and the intelligence of Jess Mariano but his big flaw is that he's arrogant, snobbish, and not interested in monogamy. Rory presents a challenge to him but in the process, Rory takes on risks that are very unlike her as does her behavior. In response, she becomes the anti-Rory by going to more parties, taking on weird stunts, and venture herself more and more into the world of the rich and privilege. To Lorelai, it scares her as she's convinced that her hopes for Rory is suddenly being sidetracked while being disapproving over Logan and his influence. Lorelai tries to get her parents to see that the relationship isn't good at all but instead, Richard and Emily Gilmore, in their snobbish ways, don't see it. When Rory meets the Huntzberger family and later gets an internship working for Mitchum Huntzberger, Rory's world suddenly crashes down.

Lorelai tries to help Rory but when Rory makes some heartbreaking decisions. Lorelai turns to the people she had always rarely ask for help. Yet when Rory turns to Richard and Emily, they become aware of Rory's conflict with her mother where they make a movie that would spark betrayal and break Lorelai's heart as she turns to Luke for help. Luke's passionate plan to help Rory out moved Lorelai in a big way that she makes an announcement to him that ends the season in a cliffhanger. What happens in the end shows the aftermath of those changing fortunes where for Lorelai, she is enamored with the loss of her daughter as she seeks comfort in the man who had cared for them both. For Rory, the loss of her aspirations leads her to find security in the world of her grandparents. What would happen in the aftermath would lead to regrets and shocking revelations for the entire Gilmore clan.

The season also saw Richard and Emily Gilmore go through a separation in the first half of the season only to realize how much they miss each other. With Emily trying to date another man, she starts to regret it until Richard finds out where through a blaze of jealousy, wins his wife back. Other moments involves new life-changing moments for two of Rory's best friends, Lane and Paris. Lane's sudden realization of her feelings for Zach finally prompts her to date her band mate while she is aware of how much her mother's influence has been ingrained on her. Paris meanwhile, following the death of Asher Fleming tries to go into the dating scene where she finds an equal in both intelligence and common annoyances is Doyle. For the two girls, they find the guys who can put up with them while allowing them to grow up a bit more.

Other characters like Sookie and Michel have their moments as Sookie gets another child prompting her to realize her own desires about the future of her family. Michel continues to be the foil for Lorelai and Sookie while winning a motor home that he doesn't want. Funny moments coming from Kirk, Paris, and several other characters prove that the show still has a knack of humor. Notably with the introduction of new characters in Logan's buddies Colin and Finn, who are probably two of the funniest guys ever on the show with their shenanigans.

A lot of credit must go to Amy Sherman-Palladino, her husband Daniel, and their team of writers and directors including Jamie Babbit, Kenny Ortega, and one of the show's recurring stars, Jackson Douglas. What the Palladinos and their team do is create a season that's about changing fortunes as it would lead to more dramatic moments in the next two seasons to come. Yet, it would result in a shift in direction for the entire series that would make some of its audience confused of its result.

The music by Sam Phillips and the theme song co-written by Carole King that she performed with daughter Louise Goffin is superb along with its indie-centric soundtrack. The show is once again, a place for cutting edge music and other obscure gems from the days of 80s college rock.

The cast for the fifth season is superb with notable appearances from Norman Mailer and his son as themselves, Marion Ross in the role of Richard's cousin Marilyn, George Coe as Elias Huntzberger, Chauncey Leopardi as Dean's friend Kyle, Ethan Cohn as Glen, Sarah Foret as Chilton student Anna, Katie Walder as Rory and Paris' former roommate Janet, Dankin Matthews as Rory's former headmaster, Elliot Cho as a boy at the Korean New Years dinner, and noted character actor Larry Pine as Emily's date Simon McClane. Other notable appearances that are new to the series are Alan Loayza and Tanc Sade as Logan's buddies, Colin and Finn with Sade in the more hilarious role as the Australian Finn. Devon Sorvari is good as Logan's older sister Honor, one of the few people in the Huntzberger family who is good to Rory while Michael Albala is also good as Honor's fiancee Josh. Leann Hunley is wonderfully slimy as Logan's mother Shira while Gregg Henry is excellent as the manipulative, blunt Mitchum Huntzberger, the man who would crush Rory's dreams.

Veteran recurring characters such as Arielle Kebbel as Lindsay and Grant Lee Phillips as the troubadour are good. Yet, notable recurring characters such as Mike Gandolfi as Andrew, Rose Abdoo as Gypsy, Rini Bell as Kirk's girlfriend Lulu, Jill Brennan as Crazy Carrie, Ted Rooney as Morey, Liz Torres as Miss Patty, Sally Struthers as Babette, Jim Jansen as Reverend Skinner, Susane Lee as Kyon, Emily Kuroda as Mrs. Kim, Aris Alvarado as Caesar, Jackson Douglas as Jackson Belleville, and Michael Winters as Taylor Doose are all wonderful to watch. In his final appearance for the season, Jared Padalecki is very good as Dean Forester. Rory's first boyfriend who suddenly becomes a cheating husband and a dishonest boyfriend for Rory only to realize what everyone else had been saying as he loses Rory for the last time channeling all of his anger towards Luke. Wayne Wilcox is also good as Marty, the guy who pines for Rory but is always off with his timing.

Danny Strong is wonderful as Doyle McMaster, the guy who would become Paris' new flame as he and Paris share their disdain for traditional dating as they become a couple. Other small recurring characters like John Cabrera as Brian and Sebastian Bach as Gil are great with Bach having some great scene-stealing moments in the series. Todd Lowe is excellent as Zach, Lane's new boyfriend as he tries to compromise his role in both boyfriend and band mate. Joining the series is Matt Czurchy as Logan Huntzberger, Rory's new flame as he challenges Rory to explore new ventures where he would make Rory takes risks that would also cause her to lose her identity. Czurchy displays a lot of charm into the character while balancing it with smugness that is the right tone for his character, a troublemaker that likes to do pranks and take dangerous stunts. David Sutcliffe is great as Lorelai's former flame Christopher Hayden, a man who deals with immense loss as his wife left him, his father had died, and realizes that he just lost Lorelai to a guy that he feels is unworthy of him where he nearly succeeds in breaking up Luke and Lorelai to Rory's worry. Noted character actors Michael DeLuise and Kathleen Wilhoite are great as Luke's brother-in-law TJ and sister Liz, respectively, as they show Lorelai why Luke doesn't like being around them much despite their good heart.

Sean Gunn is hilarious as usual as Kirk Gleason, the man who is still a child at heart as he brings out more shenanigans while having his funniest moment wearing a dress during a re-enactment. Liza Weil is amazing in her role as Paris Gellar where Weil gets to show some of her comedic talents in various episodes while displaying some drama early on as her character tries to recover from the death of Professor Fleming. Yanic Truesdale is excellent in his role as foil Michel Gerard while he gets his big moment when he wins a motor home that he doesn't want while having to deal with Kirk sleeping in it. Keiko Agena is great as Lane Kim as Lane starts to come out of her own where she starts to have things come together both personally and professionally as her band is playing gigs and has a boyfriend while being aware of how big her mother's influence has been. Melissa McCarthy is wonderfully funny as Sookie, Lorelai's best friend who deals with another pregnancy and her knack for cooking as she bothers Luke, who tries to help her.

Edward Herrmann is brilliant as Richard Gilmore, the head of the Gilmore family who doesn't seem desperate to want Emily until he realizes how much he misses her where an act of jealousy would finally allow him to win Emily back. Kelly Bishop is superb as Emily Gilmore, a woman who misses being with Richard while trying to interfere in Lorelai's own life only to backfire. Herrmann and Bishop are a great combo as they have amazing chemistry and banter as their characters also come together for one important part of the plot that would lead the course for the season to come. Scott Patterson is brilliant as Luke Danes where the character is given more dimension as the man who finally gets to date Lorelai Gilmore. Patterson reveals a sensitivity to his character while displaying newfound vulnerability that hadn't been explored in Luke's character. Patterson is at his strongest in his scenes with Lauren Graham as the two have an amazing chemistry making them one of the best TV couples onscreen.

Lauren Graham is wonderful as Lorelai Gilmore, the woman who is starting to have everything come together in her life. Graham displays a lot of wit and charm to her role while in episodes like Wedding Bell Blues and most of all, Say Something, Graham is at her strongest. Especially in the drama where she deals with heartbreak as her restraint and outpour of emotions makes Lorelai Gilmore into a character we love. Graham's work with Patterson is great along with her scenes with Alexis Bledel in the mother-daughter dynamic that starts to crumble. With Graham scenes with Bledel that is heart of the show, it's Alexis Bledel that gets her chance to shine in this season. Bledel's performance as Rory Gilmore is amazing as audiences see Rory crumble where the once confident, driven girl suddenly crumbles through relationship issues and aspirations going down the drain. Bledel's performance is really key to the show going into dramatic territory as she adds more layers to Rory's character showing her striving to find herself but losing everything else in the process as Bledel is really the star of the season.

The fifth season of Gilmore Girls is a strong season from creator Amy Sherman-Palladino led by top-notch performances from Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, and Scott Patterson. Fans often considered this season as a peak of sorts for the entire series where the dynamics of the show, notably the mother-daughter relationship, starts to change. It's also the last season that has a great sense of consistency where everything runs smoothly and all of the humor and drama doesn't come out forced or exaggerated. It's really the show that goes through a successful transition into delving into heavy material while displaying a unique sense of humor. In the end, the fifth season of Gilmore Girls is a great season that explores new dynamics into the series as it would branch out into newer, heavy territory that would unfold in the seasons to come.

Gilmore Girls Reviews: Season 1 - Season 2 - Season 3 - Season 4 - 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