TV Babies: Gilmore Girls, Episode 7-22 (SERIES FINALE)

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Where were you on October 5, 2000? I know where I was: sitting on my futon in my little Upper East-side apartment to check out a new WB show, Gilmore Girls. Along with Ed, which also debuted in 2000, it couldn’t have come along at a better time: NBC had blown it with Freaks & Geeks, 90210 and Melrose were both gone, and The Simpsons and X-Files were going down hill. All I could really count on was Buffy. By the end of Gilmore Girls pilot, I knew Buffy wasn’t alone…

So last night was, of course, very difficult for me – and my wife as well. I brought her on board mid-way through Season 2, and we’ve been watching together ever since. When you put seven years into a TV show, and factor in all the things that happened in your life during that time – it’s really a little overwhelming…

Now to the series finale. I thought Bon Voyage did about as well as could be expected given the circumstances: it’s hard to say when the actors, writers, directors and producers officially knew there wouldn’t be an eighth season. But there was certainly a time crunch of some sort that was innevitably going to affect certain storylines. I’ll get my minor issues out of the way first…

Rory and Logan’s breakup still seems abrupt, and her almost casual acceptance didn’t help in the closure dept. Even a mention of his name during her slight breakdown with Lane might have sufficed. And we definitely could have done without the Christiane Amanpour cameo: mid-season, fine. Series finale, I don’t think so. Not to mention at the expense of Mrs. Kim, T.J. and Sebastian Bach…

Now for the compliments, and there are plenty to go around:

– Loved the last Friday night dinner, and I’m going to use the “quiet” compliment again. The sadness coming from Lorelai and Emily, as they come to the realization that Rory is moving on, and things will never be quite the same.
Perfectly closed with the subtle toast from Richard. Add to that Emily’s reaction to Lorelai suggesting they keep Friday night dinner alive, and Richard’s sincere compliment to his daughter for having made such an impression on Stars Hollow. Terrific…

– Sookie & Jackson. Babette. Miss Patty. Kirk. Lane, Zach & Brian. I could go on-and-on. How amazing was the last-second graduation/farewell party that Stars Hollow threw for Rory? Anyone who didn’t at least come close to losing it watching Luke stitch the tent together, or hearing Sookie tell Lorelai that it was all Luke – better check their pulse. One of the all-time greatest towns and cast of supporting characters in the history of television…

– And then there was Lorelai & Rory, where it all began. The heartbreaking scene where Rory wonders aloud how her leaving isn’t affecting her mother. Lorelai assuring her that it couldn’t be further from the truth. As they leave the house, Lorelai announces they have one more stop to make…

Which, of course, is Luke’s (another nice subtle touch: Lorelai’s wearing Luke’s necklace). Yet, just as it should be – he leaves the girls alone for their final coffees, pancakes, bacon and whatever else they desire. And as the camera fades out (the exact final shot from the pilot), we are left to imagine what the future holds. Just as it should be…

Luke: Rory, please. Put down that coffee. You do not want to grow up to be like your mom
Rory: Sorry, too late
– from Gilmore Girls pilot, 10/5/00

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