Help Wanted
episode #2.20 | written by Elise

WB Summary: While Lorelai volunteers her organizational skills to help her father Richard set up his consulting business, Rory slowly realizes that everyone in Stars Hollow blames Jess for the accident that led to her broken wrist, and her anger and guilt finally erupt in an outburst directed at her grandmother Emily. Meanwhile, Lane discovers a new dream of becoming a rock drummer when a former New Yorker named Sophie opens the town's first music store.

Elise's Comment: I was glad to see Carol King, author and performer of the title song of GG, finally guest star in an episode. As Sophie, the New Yorker who opens a music store, she brings music to Stars Hollow's ears. While Lane discovers that being a drummer is her "calling", and practices in the dark, Kirk tries to get yet another job in one of the many small shops of Stars Hollow.

Other than that, the episode mainly focusses on the aftermath of Jess and Rory's car accident. Now that Jess is gone, the town chooses to blame him for the incident. Shaken by the whole thing, Luke has decided to temporarily close the diner and go fishing. Rory must also explain to Dean what happenned to the car that he so carefully built for her... and who was involved in the accident. Poor Dean, it's a good thing that Jess is gone, because I would've had to say "Poor Jess" instead. Finally, Lorelai helps her father organize his new office. Some nice father-daughter moments there. Unfortunately, when Lorelai's parents are involved, things inevitably turn sour.

Did you notice? : The dancing Rabbi doll in Lorelai and Rory's home. It dances and plays music when the phone rings. It reminds me of those dancing and singing flowers and Soda cans, very popular in the early 90s.

Lorelai: ...it gives me a little extra time to work on my ‘why Rory’s wearing a cast’ story for your grandparents.
Rory: Yeah? What do you got so far?
Lorelai: Really big bees.
Rory: Huh. Well, it’s good you’ve got the time.

Rory: And then we [her and Dean] just watched TV.
Lorelai: Oh, you mean you "watched TV." Use the air quotes, Sweetie.
Rory: His little sister was there.
Lorelai: Oh, so you watched TV. . .go on.

Babette: For every good woman there’s a dirty little wolf just ready to lead her astray. You can’t help it, he’s got the eyes, the chin, the chest hair you could carpet your dining room with. . .I mean, what’s a woman to do? We’re not made of steel for God’s sake. [...] I was in a cult once, did I tell you that?
Rory: No.
Babette: I met this guy once -- gorgeous, tan, looked just like Mickey Holiday. We had coffee, he gave me a pamphlet. Next thing you know, I’m wearing a muumuu, playing a tambourine, jumping up and down at the airport.

Rory: So, what, no matter what I say, you’re just gonna choose to blame Jess?
Lorelai: Yes, I choose to blame Jess.
Rory: Just because you hate him?
Lorelai: That’s right! I’m sorry, but when my daughter comes home broken I get to hate the guy who broke her. That’s how it works. He’s gone, I win. You are wearing a cast and I get to hate him forever!

Lorelai: Well, Dad, here we have an assortment of magic sticks and when you press down on paper, writing comes out.
Richard: I know what pens are, Lorelai.
Lorelai: Good, you pick out your favorites and I’ll try to figure out how to explain Liquid Paper to you.

Lane: I have to have those drums.
Sophie: Great. Cash or credit?
Lane: No, see, I have no money. Plus, even if I did have money there’s no way I could take those home with me because my mother would never stop crying...

[ written may 22 2004 ]

© 2004 Little Corner of the World [Elise]