New And Improved Lorelai episode #6.01 | written by Elise

Elise's Comment:

For returning series, the season openner is usually a good predictor of things to come during the season. Although tonight's episode wasn't too upbeat -- things better lighten up during the season -- the writers let us know what to expect in the episodes to come. I'll go backwards and start with the ending. A very powerful one. I only remember one other moment in all of the Gilmore Girls episodes where there was complete silence -- and no Sam Phillips music in the background. The first time was when Lorelai and Luke broke up, and Lorelai had a dream about a black and white movie. The other time was tonight, when Lorelai is taking a look at Rory's now empty, lifeless room. It was a very moving scene, especially when she started crying. I suddenly remembered all these great Lorelai/Rory moments from past seasons and could actually feel Lorelai's pain. We know that this drift between the two won't last all year, but let's hope it doesn't take too many episodes for them to talk things through. I just didn't like Richard's behaviour in the court house when Rory asked him if her mother knew the court date. I don't believe she did (if so, please correct me on this). I don't like the way he just dismissed it, like it wasn't important.

Poor Rory. She won't survive with her grandparents. She'll suffocate. I'm going to put my hand in the fire (is that the expression?) and guarantee it. I was annoyed by Emily and Richard's behaviour, first with all the redecorating and then the explosion at the court house. Who do they think they are? I just have to note that it wasn't Lorelai's job to pack up Rory's things. That was Rory's responsibility. I can't believe that she and her grandparents expected Lorelai to do all that, especially since she didn't approve of Rory's decision.

I'm wondering how Paris will fit into the whole storyline this season. Rory obviously won't be able to go back to Yale for a while, with all the community service she has to do (wow, 300 hours!). I don't know if Paris's offer for Rory to move in with her and Doyle was foreshadowing? Either way, we can be sure that Lorelai will be getting a lot of calls.

Then comes Logan. I'm still not sure about him. I don't like the way Rory is when he's around (but didn't you just like the way he stormed in, out of the blue, in Rory's pool house?). Actually, I don't really like the change we see in Rory. I'm not sure what it is. It may have to do with her "I'll do whatever I want" attitude -- because I do feel that she is sending out that vibe -- but I'll probably be able to know more in upcoming episodes. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Rory. Not at all. I just don't like the direction she's taken -- and so does Lorelai, so I might be on the right track thinking this. But it was nice to see the Yale entourage (especially Collin and Finn) again, although I hated the idea of a "felon" party. What is that all about?

I close in on the best moment of the episode, which happenned at the very beginning. I am of course referring to Lorelai's proposal. Of course Luke was going to accept... but did we expect him to say "yes" that fast? I'm happy about this engagement. Yes the girl who, a couple of months ago, wished for a surprise visit from Christopher is happy about this turn of events. I especially liked the toasting scene on the balcony. Classic. All it needed was for one of Lorelai's feet to pup-up for it to become a true Hollywood moment! It felt like the end of an episode, don't you think? I also liked the scene in bed when Luke is talking about children. He seemed so happy. Now this seasons big questions will largely revolve around this supposed marriage. Will the engagement last? Will there actually be a wedding? Will Rory be attending? I'm even curious as to when Lorelai will tell Rory about the engagement... she doesn't even know yet.

Closing thoughts: (1) Alexis seems to be covering up the fact that she now has bangs. I wonder if the change of hair style will enter the story at some point, or if we'll be seeing bobby pins all season. (2) Kirk might be proposing to Lulu some time this year, that is if she isn't scared off by all the older women he's been seeing. (3) I'm glad that Babette and Miss Patty were included in this first episode. (4) Is the actress playing the trophy lady a former SNL cast member? She looked familiar. (5) I can't wait to see Lane and her band. I wonder how their tour is going. (6) Will next week's episode continue right where we left off, or will time have passed? (7) Rory will be turning 21 in October. Noted (webmasters are always asked these kinds of questions).

This week's best quote goes to Babette who came in running to Luke and asked him if the rumour was true. It went something like this: "There's a rumour that there's a rift between Lorelai and Rory." In Stars Hollow, that kind of news should make the front page... it's way more important than any bike race.

Talk about this episode...

[ written on September 13 2005 ]