TV Babies: Gilmore Girls, Episode 7-16

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Rory moving to New York. Logan heading West. Luke selling the diner? These are just a few of the possible scenarios being set up as Season 7 of Gilmore Girls takes its final turn towards the finish line. The biggest question, of course: will May bring a season finale or a series finale?

Last night’s Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore was another solid effort, stepping up the pace following the slight regression of I’m a Kayak, Hear Me Roar. As promised last week, Stars Hollow and its cast of colorful characters were prominently displayed – front and center. And, of equal importance, multiple storylines moved forward…

Just when things were going perfectly for Rory and Logan, the roof seems to have caved in. Logan’s website business has suddenly gone bust, thanks to multiple lawsuits that he naively didn’t see coming. His reaction to this setback, drinking heavily and heading to Vegas to blow off steam with old pals Colin and Finn, has Rory more than a little concerned. Should she be? Probably, although her almost motherly reaction was a tad grating.

That said, it was nice to see Rory front and center as well: The New York Times interview, dealing with Logan and helping with Lane’s shower. It should also be noted that Rory was extremely supportive of Logan during the hectic days getting his business off the ground. So where is he with all that is going on in Rory’s life?

Speaking of Lane, Lorelai gallantly offers to step in and play middle man in order to bring Mrs. Kim and her daughter together in time for the shower. Thus reminding us how vital a role Lorelai has had in Lane’s life. It can be argued that Lorelai has as much in common with Lane as Rory does.

Going along with the themes of life changes and bringing people together, Luke is shaken awake by a for-sale ad that Kirk finds in the paper: Liz & T.J. are selling his boat. At first, Luke stubbornly declares he’ll move the boat – but he’s not selling. Following converstaions with Liz and April, both reminding him how “safe” he’s become, he impulsively sells his boat to Kirk. And buys a new one. Outside Lane’s shower celebration, moved to Miss Patty’s with Lane’s arrival via a bed with wheels, Luke proudly decalres the news to Lorelai. He’s even planning a trip with April over the summer. Talk about a change!

Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore concludes with Lane passing down the torch to Rory, asking her to be the boy’s Lorelai. The final scenes at Miss Patty’s were more than necessary for so many reasons: bringing Rory and Lane back together, showing how much Zack’s character has grown, brief funny moments for Brian & Gil, Lorelai and Mrs. Kim’s strange yet wonderful bond…I could go on and on…

It’s amazing to me the extent to which Season 7 has divided fans of the show. Visiting message boards, you’d be convinced there was a war going on. I’m sticking to my guns, though. Despite a few major mis-steps (The Great Stink, French Twist), this is turning into a fine season. And, whether this is the end or not, I can’t wait to see what happens next…

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