As fans of Gilmore Girls will know, the relationship drama between the two leading ladies and their line of handsome admirers is a key feature to the show. Fans create teams dedicated to the boyfriend they think is most perfectly matched to the Gilmore woman in question, and loyally wait with bated breath for when that couple will find their happily ever after. However, while these relationships are important to both fans and the show itself, they are by no means the heart of the show. Indeed, what makes the show so unique and drew so many to it is the focus on the mother-daughter relationships; most importantly the one between Lorelai and Rory.
In preparation for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, and in honour of this wacky and wonderful relationship, here are the top 5 Lorelai and Rory moments:
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1. ‘Those Are Strings, Pinnochio’: One of the most heart-warming scenes in the whole show is Rory’s graduation speech, dedicated to Lorelai. Rory thanks Lorelai for shaping her, claiming that while many people had an influence in her life, it is Lorelai that is her ultimate inspiration. This of course leads Lorelai, Luke, Sookie and Jackson to all start crying and the audience can tell they are truly grateful that Rory got to that point. If you can watch this episode without tearing up, you are a strong individual indeed.
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2. ‘The Lorelai’s First Day at Yale’: This whole episode is a fantastic example of the strength of their relationship, as Lorelai ensures that Rory has the best first day at college possible. However, the scene which truly highlights their incredible bond is when Rory starts to get homesick and texts her mother to come back. Lorelai immediately turns the car around and soon finds Rory running into her arms, admitting that all she could think was “I want my mommy”. Lorelai ends up staying the night and helps Rory make friends – through the power of food. Since starting university last year, this scene has become especially relatable to me, as I think we’ve all been there at some point.
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3. ‘The Prodigal Daughter Returns’: This will forever be one of the most popular scenes in the show, as, after a 10 month separation in which they barely spoke to each other, the two Gilmore women finally make up. The two run into each others arms while the music so synonymous with the show plays in the background. Watching these two fight for so long had been painful, and fans were grateful to have the pair back together.
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4. ‘A House is not a Home’: After Mitchum Huntzberger dashes Rory’s dreams of becoming a journalist by telling her the she doesn’t ‘have it’, Rory goes on a wild adventure, leading to her stealing a yacht and getting arrested. While Lorelai is angry at Rory for her behaviour, she attempts to understand the situation, and after she hears what caused Rory’s behaviour she is more furious at Mitchum. Lorelai attempts to comfort Rory and build her confidence back up by assuring her that one man’s opinion means little. The way in which Lorelai understands Rory and seeks to support rather than punish her is a key example of how unique and wonderful their relationship is.
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5. ‘The Breakup Part II’: Following her breakup with Dean, Rory is in a tailspin, suffering her first heartbreak. She attempts to deal with this pain by distracting herself with chores and parties. Lorelai suggests that Rory wallow in the pain rather than trying to pretend nothing happened. While Rory initially ignores this advice, she soon sees her mother’s wisdom and, in the last scene, we see her embrace the pain. Lorelai holds Rory and orders comfort food while Rory cries, allowing her to express herself without shame and to feel safe and loved while she does so. This scene is particularly lovely, as not only is it another example of how Lorelai and Rory support each other, it is also an example of Rory listening to her mother and trusting her to know better.
The story continues in Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life, which comes to Netflix on Friday 25th November.
