I’ve now watched the entire season three times (twice on the day it was released), and feel like I have my thoughts fully formed, as well as responses to many of the common criticisms of the show. (Note: There will be spoilers ahead, so if you don’t want to know major plot points, go watch the episodes, and then come back).
From the first minute (or seconds) of “Winter”, I was crying (“I’m blubbering. You’re freaks!”). I have loved Gilmore Girls since I started watching it 16 years ago, and finally having the Gilmore-Girls-sized hole in my heart filled was overwhelming.
THINGS I LOVED:
I loved that Luke and Lorelai were together, and that we got to see them get married. Of course, I wish we could have seen that ten years ago and that we could have been spared the Christopher wedding, but seeing it this time around was good too.
Paris. Paris Gellar will always be one of the greatest characters, and I am so glad that Amy and Dan wrote such a great story for her this time around (that bathroom scene is one of my favourites).
Emily’s story. It was hard to see Emily alone, without Richard (that moment at his funeral, when she’s standing by the casket, makes me cry every time), but I loved how she evolved in the four episodes. I thought that she had the best development of all the main characters, and thought that her new job at the whaling museum was perfect for her. I also liked that she finally found a maid that she could keep, and that she made Berta’s family her own. (Also, I noticed right away that Rose Abdoo was playing Berta, and loved it).
The music was even better than the original series (which is saying a lot). I loved that the traditional “la las” from Sam Phillips were still heard from time to time (especially during important moments like Rory sitting in Richard’s study — did anyone else basically sob through that scene?) and that Grant-Lee Philips was back as the town troubadour. The rest of the music played throughout was great because it wasn’t just at the end of the episode, and was able to have more of a moment (like the nod to Across the Universe during the Life and Death Brigade pre-tango scene).
The writing was still as fast-paced and intelligent as I remembered it, but how could it not be with genius of the Palladinos? I loved the new references, and found that the more I watched, the more I got (just like when I watch the original series).
The Bunheads and Parenthood cameos. I think the best ones were Jason Ritter and Peter Krause as the Park Rangers. Lorelai’s exchange with the Park Ranger (#2) is hilarious.
THINGS I DIDN’T LOVE.
Rory and Logan’s relationship. If Logan and Rory had been together without having to do their “Vegas” arrangement, I would have been disappointed (#TeamJess), but I would have been okay with it. However, I really didn’t like that they were still involved while also being with other people. I understand that it was possibly trying to show how they couldn’t quit each other, or prove more how he was her Christopher, and that the baby is obviously his (I don’t see any other scenario making sense — do the math people, it can’t be the wookie).
There wasn’t enough Sookie, Jess or Lane. I understand that some actors were only able to do one scene, or that it wasn’t really about the side characters as much this time around, but I missed them — especially Sookie. If there are more episodes coming, we NEED more Sookie!
MY THOUGHTS ON COMMON CRITICISMS.
First of all, to everyone who hated the “Summer” episode (most notably Stars Hollow the Musical) I have a question, Have you never watched the show? Do you not remember the Diorama? The museum? Basically everything that Taylor has ever done? I for one loved the musical. First of all, because it was weird and wonderful, and second for Sutton Foster. She is a gem, and the world needs more of her. Plus, the original song that she sings that is the catalyst to Lorelai leaving to “do Wild” was amazing and beautiful and sad and makes me cry every time (the second time I watched it I ugly cried for like ten minutes).
Paul. Everyone forgetting who Paul was is what is called a “running gag” or “joke”. It’s not meant to be mean or show that the characters only think about themselves. It is meant to make the audience laugh. It also serves as a symbol for him not being the right one for Rory.
Rory’s life situation. As a freelance writer, it’s not surprising that Rory wouldn’t be settled in one spot yet, and that she would still be working in different cities. Though I do think that it would have been more realistic ten years earlier, I think that her whole experience being rejected by the online magazine (am I the only one that can’t stand Julia Goldani Telles as an actress? maybe it’s just the characters she plays) and not getting the meeting with Condé Nast go to show that she doesn’t have everything handed to her like she had for the majority of her life. I related to her floundering a bit, and though I would have liked to see more stability from her, it makes sense to where she ends up (with the book and being pregnant).
I’m so happy to have a little bit of Gilmore Girls back in my life with more closure than the original series gave. If we don’t get more episodes (which the ending definitely hints at, since that was more of a cliffhanger than an ending), then I imagine that the baby is Logan’s and Rory doesn’t want him involved so he marries Odette. Rory continues to work at the Gazette and publishes her book and eventually she and Jess get back together (because that boy is doing some serious pining for her).
I know I said I’d be okay with it if there weren’t any more episodes, but really I was just saying that because I thought I should. I need more!!!
What did you think of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life? Did it live up to your expectations?
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