TV Babies: Gilmore Girls, Episode 7-13

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The first thing to note about this episode: Emily returns, with all the subtlety of a hurricane. Anyone who has read my Gilmore recaps over the years knows where I stand regarding Emily: I can’t stand her. Don’t care for Richard much, either. They are both snobby elitists without a care outside their narrow-minded Connecticut/D.A.R. world. I know the argument “you’re supposed to hate her,” yet I don’t get the feeling we’re talking about the same emotion: I simply wouldn’t want to know Emily Gilmore. That said, Kelly Bishop consistently delivers wonderful performances in the role – and never fails to add to the weight of the drama.

Lorelai and Rory are the first to arrive at the hospital, followed by Emily – who wastes little time being extremely rude to everyone in sight. Initially, Richard’s prognosis is somewhat positive – but he suffers a set back, and surgery is necessary. The girls receive strong support from Babette (who was with Lorelai when she got the news), Miss Patty, Sookie, Michel, Luke and Logan – who arrives via helicopter. Now, some will say that Luke doesn’t belong at the hospital. This group includes Emily, who makes a snide gesture upon his arrival – until she thinks of some menial errands he can run. Luke is there as a friend, returning the favor Lorelai did for him during April’s custody hearing.

Then we have Christopher, who is officially M.I.A. following the blowout over the letter. Lorelai calls him numerous times, to no avail. At least Logan, who shares some of Christopher’s less likable qualities, is there for Rory in every way possible. But please, no more hedge- fund discussions. It’s got me thinking again that Rory might wind up more like Emily…

Lorelai is doing everything in her power to deal with her mother solo, as Rory and Logan were fortunate enough to be sent to the house for some of Richard’s things. She loses it, though, when she hears Emily on the phone asking for Richard’s will to be faxed over. Emily sternly defends her actions: this is her life, being Richard Gilmore’s wife. No one can deny she’s good at that…

So the surgery goes smoothly, and we are treated to very nice individual scenes: Richard with Lorelai and Rory, listening to an old favorite record of his; and Richard with Emily, who’s busily outlining their calendar for the next month or so. “Sounds just fine, Emily. Sounds just fine…”

I’d Rather Be in Philadelphia closes with an inevitable, yet brief, confrontation with the late-arriving Christopher and Luke:

Luke: I’m gonna go
Christopher: Yeah, you should

I was half expecting Christopher to just turn around and leave at the mere sight of Luke. Maybe he remembered his daughter is part of this equation for once, and joins Rory to visit Richard. Lorelai is left with Emily and a very tired cliche: “It’ll be alright. Every cloud has a silver lining”.

Next week: As one relationship strengthens, another crumbles…

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