Lauren Graham Speaks!

(July 2006) Michael Ausiello

It can no longer be said that my close, personal relationship with Lauren Graham is one-sided. Why? Because last Friday, Gilmore Girls’ bedazzling banterer had just survived a massive flood in central Virginia and was stranded alongside elephants, giraffes and all manner of wildlife on top of a humongous ark, covered in dirt and melting under 110-degree temps, and you’re never going to believe what she did. She picked up her cell phone and called… me.

Ausiello: Are you OK?
Graham: [Frantic] I’m [shooting Evan Almighty] the sequel to Bruce Almighty, where God tells Steve Carell to build an ark, and he refuses to do it, so animals start following him and he starts, like, growing long hair and a beard — he starts turning into Noah. But we have this ark that we’ve built that is literally at least one football field long. It’s truly insane. I’ve been stuck on top of the ark for, like, hours and here I am. Hello.

Ausiello: Are you sure this is a good time? I got a call from your manager saying you might have to postpone.
Graham: I’m OK now. I called [my manager earlier] and was like, “I’ve been on top of the ark. I have dirt on me that’s, like, 3 inches thick.” And they’re like, “OK, it’s not really the flood. Calm down.” [Laughs] But I’m OK for the moment.

Ausiello: How much more filming do you have to do?
Graham: It’s endless. It overlapped with [Gilmore Girls] by, like, a month, so there were about 30 days where I would work in one place, fly overnight and work in the other place…. It’s been, like, two and a half months. And then we still have two or three more weeks here in Virginia and then like three weeks in L.A. doing effects and green screen and stuff. It’s huge. It’s a huge shoot — animals and a flood and craziness!

Ausiello: How meaty is your role? This isn’t the kind of thing where you spend four months filming and you only get 10 minutes of screen time, is it?
Graham: There’s no way to say now, and I certainly wouldn’t offer conjecture that would harm me in anyway. You know, I’m his wife, and it’s a great part. The family is important to what happens in the movie. It’s a bigger job than I’ve ever had, so I’m just happy with that.

Ausiello: How is it working with Steve?
Graham: It’s been great. It’s been totally great, especially because now we’re nominated for [a TCA Award] together. We had a fistfight this morning.

Ausiello: That’s right! You’re up against one another in the best-comedy-actor/actress category!
Graham: I know! Isn’t that funny? So, it’s been really fun. It’s just been really fun.

Ausiello: How does it feel to be nominated against all men?
Graham: It feels really cool because those are the guys on TV that I enjoy the most. That, to me, would make a great dinner party. It’s totally unexpected and really cool, and [the critics] have been so important to the success of the show and to me in particular, so I’m really thankful. This is the time of year when I start getting asked a lot about [the Emmys], because I think I’ve become, like, the Susan Lucci [figure] — except I’m not even nominated.

Ausiello: Are you aware of the changes in the Emmy system this year?
Graham: Yes, but I don’t totally understand them. I know that it’s sort of like they hole up everybody in a screening room and you’re sort of forced to watch an episode. I don’t really understand what the difference is.

Ausiello: As I understand it, Academy members will decide the top 10 to 15 nominees in the major categories, and then a blue ribbon will choose the final five, but only after watching episodes of all the pre-noms.
Graham: Well, I think that’s interesting, but I wonder if it will help or hurt, frankly, because the [Gilmore] episodes I like the most tend to be the most dramatic. I think our strongest episodes are the least funny, [but we’re] in the comedy category. You’re still gonna be watching it along with something with a laugh track, and it might seem weird.

Ausiello: Well, speaking of Gilmore, what was your reaction when you found out Amy was leaving?
Graham: I still am in some sort of denial. She was directing the [season finale] and she told me personally one night after work. You know, there had been rumblings, but there always are this time of year, because they have renegotiated pretty much one year at a time. I thought there was a chance for a reconciliation. From what I understood from her and then from what was printed, the reasons why don’t really match. So I don’t know. They’re both really talented.

Ausiello: How do you feel about it on a personal level?
Graham: I feel sad. I feel sad because I think this is probably going to be the last year of the show and we won’t all end it together. There have been ups and downs over the years, like any collaboration, but I trust her dialogue. I haven’t always liked where the story’s going, and I haven’t always liked the plots, but I really enjoy her language. And she really had a huge part in every episode. On the other hand, we’re in the hands of David Rosenthal, who’s very talented, and who’s really kind, and who really deserves the belief that the show will be really good. Most shows, at this point, don’t have their original show-runner still attached. And we have a much bigger crew of writers now, because when you’re a husband-wife team writing every other episode, you don’t have a lot of other writers. So we now have some really high-level people who are fans of the show, and I think that energy might be really important. It’s our seventh year, so we have to look at it as an opportunity to kind of have a renewal. But [Amy and I have] been e-mailing back and forth. I think it’ll be OK.

Ausiello: One of the things Amy and Dan wanted was a two-year deal, which struck many people as odd because you and Alexis have made it pretty clear that you’re leaving after next season. What’s your take?
Graham: I mean, I don’t know. I think it’s really better left… I think they hoped that we would change our minds.

Ausiello: Is there a possibility of that?
Graham: There’s no way to say. No one’s approached us about [an eighth season]. It’s a lifestyle thing as well as a creative thing. I’m not set for life or anything. I need a steady job, and this is a wonderful character and a great show and something I’m really proud of. So there are definitely reasons to keep doing it. But to me, when you start staying someplace for money or security, it shows in your work. It’s a very difficult show to do. It’s a lot of language and that makes for very long hours.

Ausiello: Will it be a decision you and Alexis make together?
Graham: It will be something we talk about. We talk about major things involving the show frequently. I don’t think we’ll ever get in a situation where she wants to stay but I don’t and one of us is holding out. We wouldn’t do that in a vacuum without the other one knowing.

Ausiello: Would you ever continue without Alexis?
Graham: Never. Can you imagine? “Lorelai’s Place.” I, like, move into Luke’s diner and, you know, hang up a new sign and start singing the theme song and directing all the episodes. That would be terrible.

Ausiello: I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but the majority of fans I’ve heard from hated that Lorelai ended up in bed with Christopher in the finale.
Graham: I don’t think people were probably thrilled — of course, all my references are 50 years old — when somebody shot J.R., you know? Oh my god, I’m 100! It stirs up your passion for what you would like to happen and for the characters you’re interested in. And it’s human. The thing I don’t like on television is when somebody does something that makes absolutely no sense just for the shock of it. [The Lorelai-Christopher thing], to me, was such a long time coming. This was built into the story for a long time — that Lorelai didn’t feel understood [by Luke] and they weren’t communicating. [Christopher and Lorelai] have a connection and it made total sense to me, just given the story. To me, that’s a satisfying season finale. I’m sorry if people were upset.

Ausiello: Fans also didn’t understand why Lorelai was so passive when Luke shut her out of his life with April.
Graham: I totally agree. But I’ve [voiced] these complaints before and it always gets sort of explained to me like, “We’re going somewhere. You have to trust.” And our show is not that “plotty.” It’s not Lost. It’s not like you get a lot of, “And then they’re all living in a cave,” or whatever happens on Lost. The whole season has an arc of these little moments of behavior. I don’t think this is a passive character, but both in the Rory situation and in that April situation, it’s hard to play. But I do think the payoff was good. And had you not had all those episodes where you and I and everybody was frustrated, would the payoff be as good? I don’t know. I really trusted [Amy’s] way of telling a story and that’s her way of telling a story. There may be some difference in that this year, and then will people complain about that? “Too much happened!” You know, “Lorelai’s too sassy again!” If you have a show you like or characters you like…. it’s like the Clippers. The Clippers don’t always win, but I still like going to a Clippers game. If you like the team, then come back and watch the team. But that’s another reason why I think maybe this will be our last year. I think the story is kind of headed to a place where Rory will graduate from college and something is gonna be resolved with this [Luke/Christopher] thing. And maybe Lorelai ends up with Mr. Big.

Ausiello: Do you know what David has planned next season?
Graham: No. But he doesn’t either. I had a nice meeting with him not that long ago, and the writers are just sitting down together to break stories. I know that he’ll talk to me about it because he’s like that. So, I think I’ll know more than I might normally have.

Ausiello: Will you be more involved in the creative process?
Graham: No. I would like to be a producer on the show, but that’s not anything they’re gonna let me do.

Ausiello: Why not?
Graham: I think, at this point, any request [might lead to], “Well, if you want something then we want an eighth season” kind of thing. It’s nothing quite that bold. It’s not David’s decision anyway; that’s higher.

Ausiello: That’s [Warner Bros. TV president] Peter Roth.
Graham: Yeah. But they have their reasons. It’s important to me to be involved in that way. I’ll still be involved, just in a less formal way.

Ausiello: I have one more question that I’ve been dying to ask you since September. Did something happen backstage at the Emmys between you and Jennifer Love Hewitt? You looked like you were about to claw each other’s eyes out when you presented together.
Graham: Oh my god, that’s terrible!

Ausiello: The way she darted to the podium and left you in the dust….
Graham: That was the only thing! I was in a tight dress, and she was in a more Audrey Hepburn kind of shape, and I just think she could move faster. I was laughing. I was just sort of like, “And here I am, nine hours later…. the nominees for…. ” [Laughs] No, there was nothing. She’s a doll. She’s a really sweet girl.

http://community.tvguide.com/thread.jspa?threadID=800003763&tstart=0&mod=1153206902015

Michael Ausiello interviews David Rosenthal – Part 2

(July 2006) *Warning: Small season 7 spoilers.

Finally: Gilmore’s New Boss Speaks

Here’s my interview with David Rosenthal, conducted immediately following today’s Gilmore Girls press-tour session. Luckily, he was much more forthcoming during our little Q&A than he was on the panel.

Ausiello: What can you tell me about the first six episodes?David Rosenthal: Obviously, the repercussions from the end of last season [will play out]. That’s something that is not going to just disappear. It’s a major shift, a major change in everybody’s lives. It affects not just Lorelai and Christopher and Luke, but Rory as well. There are a lot of consequences, and we fully intend to explore them — the positive and the negative. It’s a big deal, not just for the fans, but for us, the writers and producers of the show.

Ausiello: Fans are holding out hope that maybe Lorelai and Christopher didn’t sleep with each other.
Rosenthal: No, no, no. That’s a pipe dream. Those were two grown-ups who woke up in bed together after spending the night together.

Ausiello: Is Matt Czuchry off the show?
Rosenthal: No. God, no. Rory’s going to try to engage in a long-distance relationship. He’s going to be in London; she’s going to be in college. Obviously, it’s a very challenging and difficult thing, and it’s going to present obstacles for the two of them. But they’re very much in love, so they’re really going to work hard to make it work. He’s very much on the show and very much a part of her life, but it’s from thousands of miles away.

Ausiello: You hinted during the session that there will be other boys in her life.
Rosenthal: There will be people in her life, male and female. Perhaps the return of characters from past seasons.

Ausiello: Marty?
Rosenthal: Marty perhaps will be returning in her social circles, and perhaps some new friends who we have yet to meet. Again, not only did Logan graduate, but Colin and Finn, too. A lot of the people she spent a lot of time with over the season have moved on, so she has to find a new life for herself at Yale.

Ausiello: I heard the first couple of episodes are dramatic.
Rosenthal: Certainly. It’s a big thing we have to deal with, but there will be plenty of humor. We’re not shifting gears here. We’re not suddenly going to lose that spark and that humor that people know and love about Gilmore Girls. We work very hard to maintain that balance between the comedy and the drama. One of the things that I love so much about the show is the ability to shift back and forth between the comedy and the drama. And also to play so much comedy through the drama, and vice versa. That’s something that we work very hard to maintain.

Ausiello: Amy told me she believes Luke and Lorelai are soul mates. Do you agree?
Rosenthal: [Tentative] Yeah. That doesn’t mean that we’re going to see them behind a white picket fence a month from now. But they have a very, very deep bond. I certainly see it and feel it. But sometimes soul mates spend a lot of time not together. Just because someone’s your soul mate and may be your ultimate destiny does not mean that there’s not a lot to go through before you reach that destiny.

Ausiello: Will April be back?
Rosenthal: Yes, absolutely. April is a part of his life. Luke is going to have some issues this year in terms of his deepening relationship with April and his relationship with Anna. There’s a lot to get into there, and we will spend a great deal of time exploring that as well.

Ausiello: Are you aware of all the anti-Gilmore sentiment out there?
Rosenthal: I’m aware of it. I do pay attention to it, but I try to keep my eye on the ball. I try to keep focused on the long term and the arcs for the season and where we want to take these characters — and keeping the show alive and growing so that it can go more than just this season. So this won’t have to be the last season of Gilmore Girls, ’cause I do feel like there’s a lot more life left in the show. But I think it’s up to us, the writers, to make that a reality.

Ausiello: I’ve never seen Luke and Lorelai fans more riled up. Do you look at that and go, “Maybe we need to do something about this. We don’t want to lose these viewers.”
Rosenthal: We don’t want to lose the viewers, but I gotta say, in our [writers’] room, half of the people don’t understand at all, and the other half understand that she’s been waiting around for a year for this guy and she feels like he’s made a choice. That she’s no longer the No. 1 priority in his life. He has other priorities now, and at the end of last season she was really at her wit’s end. So I think a lot of people are sympathetic to that and understand that. Again, we’re creating situations where the characters can learn things from choices they make and choices they don’t make. We’re just trying to keep the drama alive. If everything’s settled and happy and nobody has any problems or issues, man, that’s not going to make for a great TV show. But we respect and honor Luke and Lorelai’s history, their relationship and whatever their future holds for them. It’s a journey they’re on together.

Ausiello: Do you see potential with Christopher and Lorelai as a couple?
Rosenthal: They certainly have to deal with what happened, and it is not a simple thing; it has far-reaching consequences. So, yeah… he’s in the show a lot. He’s going to be around a lot. I don’t want to give away too much, but yeah, he’s a major part of her life this year. Absolutely.

Ausiello: At what point does everyone have to get together and decide if this is the last season?
Rosenthal: You know, that’s above my pay grade. That’s a network and studio decision. Look, the studio and the network I’m sure want it to come back. I know it’s going to be one of the signature shows for the CW. We’ll just keep doing our work and hopefully make shows that people respond to and like, and we’ll see what happens.

Ausiello: Did Amy offer you any advice before she left?
Rosenthal: She did. She wished me luck. I spent a terrific year last year working with Amy and Dan, and she was incredibly supportive, and she told me from the beginning that this was a distinct possibility that she would be moving on and I would be running the show. When she brought me in at the beginning of last year, that’s one of the things she told me. She brought me in as an executive producer for that reason. So I feel very honored that I was her hand-picked successor. That was a great thrill for me. At the end of last season she wished me luck, and I’m thrilled to be doing it.

http://community.tvguide.com/thread.jspa?threadID=800003763&tstart=0&mod=1153206902015

Michael Ausiello interviews David Rosenthal – Part 1

(July 2006) Warning: Small season 7 spoilers.
Michael Ausiello

Finally: Gilmore’s New Boss Speaks

Here’s my interview with David Rosenthal, conducted immediately following today’s Gilmore Girls press tour session. Luckily, he was much more forthcoming during our little Q&A than he was on the panel.

3:40 pm: Damn wi-fi!! It went down just as the session started. But we’re back up and running now.

3:43 pm: Got the Luke-Lorelai question in. Dave didn’t say anything specific about how he planned to repair the relationship, just that fans should “stay tuned.”

3:50 pm: Lauren Graham is clearly optimistic about GG post-Palladino.

3:53 pm: Lauren left the door open to doing another season. Alexis didn’t address it.

3:55 pm: Yikes! A reporter just asked David about Heidi Klum, and Lauren jumped to his defense. “It has nothing to do with anything. Next!”

3:59 pm: David is being extremely tight-lipped about future plotlines.

4:00 pm: Lauren concedes that things are more “open door” with David, but she doesn’t want that to be seen as a diss on Amy and Dan.

4:01 pm: If this is the final season of Gilmore Girls, David says he will ask Amy how she intended to end the show.

4:02 pm: Alexis is going to see how this season goes before deciding on another year.

4:05 pm: Bad news, Logan fans: David says Logan will be staying in London. Also, Christopher will be a bigger presence than ever before. (Don’t shoot the messenger!)

4:07 pm: No plans on bringing Milo back.

OK, just had a 15-minute interview with Rosenthal. I’ll transcribe and post later, but here are the highlights: Matt Czuchry is not leaving the show. Logan and Rory will have a long-distance relationship. Lorelai and Christopher did have sex in the finale. Marty will be back. It sounds like Luke and Lorelai will be broken up — at least during the first part of the season. He’s aware that fans are not happy about how last season ended.

I’ll try to get the complete transcript up later. My head is spinning! My battery is about to die, or else I’d live-blog the Mars session, too.

– Submitted by Mookie

I’ve Read the First Gilmore Girls Script!

(July 2006) by Michael Ausiello
Contains small spoilers, read with caution.

I’ve Read the First Gilmore Girls Script!
Don’t ask me how I got it. Or from whom. But I got it.

By “it,” I’m referring to the most sought-after 77 pages in Hollywood right now — the script for the season premiere of Gilmore Girls, penned by David S. Rosenthal. OK, so maybe “the most sought-after” is a slight exaggeration, but it’s definitely been the most sought after by me. You see, this script contains answers to some of the new season’s biggest questions. Among them: Can Rosenthal mimic Team Palladino’s signature, rapid-fire rhythms? How will last May’s controversial finale affect Luke and Lorelai? Does the boss favor some supporting characters over others? And, most importantly, is the thing any good?

Let’s start with that last question first. I’m happy and greatly relieved — and, if I’m being completely honest, a smidge shocked — to report that yes, it’s good. In fact, it’s better than good — it’s great.

Obviously, I can’t get too specific. As it is, Warner Bros. and CW have probably already hired a bounty hunter to track down the source of the script leak. But here are some things I learned about Mr. Rosenthal after reading his debut as show-runner, with a few spoilers mixed in for fun.

He Has Palladino Blood in Him
Translation: He’s got Amy and Dan’s style down pat. When I finished the script, I almost had to look back at the byline to make sure the last name was Rosenthal and not Palladino. Honestly, I could not tell the difference. Besides nailing the banter, several of his one-liners were classic, laugh-out-loud Palladino. On the downside, like his predecessors, he overestimates viewers’ appetite for one Taylor Doose.

He’s a Fan of Luke and Lorelai
Now, I’m not going to lie to you. The episode is going to be a tough one for Luke and Lorelai fans to watch. Really tough. Based on how the season ended — and the fact that Rosenthal confirmed to me last week that Lorelai and Christopher did indeed have sex — that much was a given. But I think he handled the fallout from Christophergate with unbelievable grace and dignity — particularly as it pertains to Luke and Lorelai as a couple. Let me put it this way: The episode left no doubt in my mind that Lorelai and Luke are meant for each other.

He’ll Always Have Paris
Liza Weil told me herself at the CW party last week that Rosenthal had given her her longest scene ever in the premiere — and she wasn’t exaggerating. It’s six pages! But it’s not the length that stood out, it’s the way Rosenthal managed to capture Paris’ trademark vim, vigor and bite. Plus, I can’t think of a more perfect business venture for Rory’s sometime roommate than an SAT prep course. The possibilities for clashes with stupidity are endless!

He’s a Hopeless Romantic
And Logan and Rory fans will be swooning as a result. Sure, the episode finds them on opposite continents, but Rosenthal has found a way to bring them closer together than I think they’ve ever been. All I’ll say is his method is sweet, utterly romantic, and it ties in with the episode title, “The Long Morrow.” And the end result should put Matt Czuchry fans’ mind at ease. (At least for the short term.)

Other scoopy treats from the episode:

Rory and Lorelai spend some quality time together at a *a********* c****

There’s a very silly subplot involving Michel, Sookie and *r* ********g.

Lorelai makes a passing reference to the title of one of the best Gilmore Girls episodes ever.

I was left with the impression that there will be a significant time lapse between Episodes 1 and 2.

Emily, Richard, Lane, April and Anna are MIA, but the rest of the supporting cast is pretty much accounted for.

Having said all this, there’s no guarantee our Girls won’t go to hell in a handbasket beginning with the second episode. But let’s celebrate one win at a time. We got over the first hurdle. Rosenthal is clearly a talented guy who gets our little show. That’s a good start.

http://community.tvguide.com/thread.jspa?threadID=700004169

7.22 Bon Voyage

TV.com Summary: Rory, in her pajamas, meets CNN journalist and her idol Christiane Amanpour. Although Lorelai and Rory have planned a crazy roller coaster tour for the summer, Rory must postpone their trip when she gets a surprise job offer to cover Barack Obama’s presidential campaign for an online magazine in Eldridge, Iowa. She must leave in three days for possibly two years, breaking the hearts of all the townspeople looking forward to her graduation re-enactment in a week. Luke enlists the help of everyone in Stars Hollow to throw Rory a surprise bon voyage party. Also, Lorelai is staying maniacally busy to keep from showing how saddened she is, but finally admits she is worried that if she stops to think about Rory leaving then she might fall apart. Also, Lane consoles Rory when she has a panic attack about leaving everyone and everything she loves behind. When Babette has a premonition (via her ankles) of a huge rainstorm, Luke stays up all night sewing a tent to keep Rory’s outdoor party covered from the downpour. His thoughtfulness brings an unexpected reaction from Lorelai, allowing the two to star a passionate kiss. Meanwhile, Emily is pleased when Lorelai decides to continue the Friday night dinners without Rory. Finally, on the morning that Rory leaves Stars Hollow to start her career, Luke opens the diner before dawn to share a special breakfast with the Gilmore girls. Writer: David S. Rosenthal / Director: Lee Shallat-Chemel

Elise’s Comment:

They managed to combine all the ingredients that make a Gilmore Girls episode great. The Stars Hollow vibe was more present than its ever been during the past four years. Everything was natural and honest. All we got were raw emotions and real people. I read that Lauren Graham asked Mr Rosenthal to rewrite part of the episode because it was too “light”. I wonder how much input she had on the final outcome.

Family relationships were at the core of the episode. I enjoyed greatly the scenes shared between Lorelai and Rory. I’m glad this relationship took centre stage, and was not overshadowed by Rory’s recent breakup with Logan or Lorelai’s feelings for Luke. We got to see our girls share some quality time together, just as they did in earlier seasons. Again this week, I can say that this episode could’ve been taken right out of season one. This is a compliment.

The ironing scene was about the saddest one. I cried quite a bit there, and couldn’t really stop afterwards. They were happy tears mostly, because things are ending well for our girls. But I also felt sad that this was the last time I would see them.

“It’s too soon.” – Lorelai

I love how Lorelai’s relationship with her parents has grown during the past seasons. A couple of episodes ago, Rory mentioned that she wanted the relationship between Lorelai and Emily to be stable before she left for a job (if that were to happen). I found it interesting to see Emily trying to find a way to force Lorelai to keep coming on Friday nights. I’m glad things worked out between them. While on the subject, I was very impressed to see Emily and Richard in Stars Hollow. It really moved me. Here are quotations that occurred during the last Friday night dinner:

Lorelai: Maybe we’ll stay later.
Emily: For after dinner drinks?
Lorelai: Maybe.
Emily: So I guess this is it? This is the last time we’ll see each other in who knows how long?

Richard also surprised me by opening up to Lorelai the way he did. You wouldn’t have heard him say things like that during the second season when Lorelai helped him start his new business.

“It takes a remarkable person to inspire all of this.” -Richard, to Lorelai, about Rory

Rory’s friendship with Lane was compared to sisterhood. How those two have evolved during the past seasons! I’m glad Lane is happy and that things finally worked out for her. She and Zach seem to be enjoying their married life. I’ll share these few quotations that moved me during this scene:

Rory: What if I’m a terrible reporter?
Lane: Then you’ll figure out how to get better.

Rory: What reporter freaks out about leaving their mom?
Lane: The lucky ones.

A great episode of Gilmore Girls is not complete without some help from Stars Hollow’s most eccentric characters. They gave personality to the show. It was only natural to include them in the finale. The fact that Luke was behind it all meant a lot to us viewers, because we knew he was doing a grand gesture for Lorelai. I’m glad we got to see a lot of the characters that we came to love over the years: Miss Patty, Babette, Maury, Kirk, Lulu, Gypsy, Taylor, Michel… I was surprised that we didn’t see Mrs Kim, however.

I like the fact that it rained. It made things seem authentic. You don’t always have nice weather when you want to have a gathering outside. I actually enjoy the way things aren’t perfect on this show. We saw it even more lately: Rory not getting into the fellowship at the NY Times, Rory not accepting Logan’s marriage proposal, April cancelling the boat trip.

A small, almost insignificant, scene I enjoyed was when Jackson and Zach came to meet Lorelai and Rory at the car with umbrellas. The tears started flowing once again. That gathering in the town square was amazing. It’s the stuff good episodes are made of. From Taylor’s uncomfortable speech, to Kirk’s sash, to Rory’s words dedicated to her mother, you don’t see this kind of television every day.

Christiane Amanpour is an important figure in Rory’s life. But only in earlier seasons that we really learn that Rory aspires to become like her. It was a great idea to bring her into the show for the last episode.

“I can’t meet Christiane Amanpour in my pajamas!” – Rory

Things with Lorelai and Luke ended well. I like how they didn’t rush anything so we could get a perfect ending. Things are left open for us. He made a grand gesture, she thanked him, they kissed, and she’s wearing the necklace. These things are very significant. During the last diner scene, Luke told her to “take all the time you need”. They were talking about food, but it went deeper than that. You know he’ll be there for her. He’ll wait for her to put order in her life.

And that final diner scene was a treat to watch. The Pilot opened with a diner scene, with Lorelai asking for coffee. The Pilot also ends with a diner scene, where, through a window, we see Lorelai and Rory sitting at a table talking. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the finale ended the same way. I would’ve liked it if they had played “Little Corner of the World”. They played Sam Phillips music though, which is even better.

The episode was mostly about new beginnings: Rory’s career, Lorelai and Luke’s relationship, Lane’s new life… It ends on a very hopeful note if you ask me. The characters are getting ready to start a new chapter in their lives, and so are we, without Gilmore Girls.

I’ll end with the most memorable quotation of the episode. It touches the very heart of the show: Lorelai and Rory’s relationship.

“Mom, you’ve given me everything I need.” – Rory

[Written by Elise in May 2007]

7.21 Into the Breach

TV.com Summary: On the eve of Rory’s graduation, Emily and Richard throw her a party and perform a song in her honor. At the party, Lorelai and Christopher are reunited for the first time since their separation, and both are relieved to find they can still be friends. Logan surprises everyone at the party by proposing to Rory, but she is too shocked to give him an answer and begs Lorelai to help her decide what to do. On graduation day, Rory and Paris receive their diplomas, and Rory finally gives Logan her answer. Meanwhile, Lorelai is embarrassed about her karaoke serenade to Luke the night before, and Luke is hurt when he overhears her saying it didn’t mean anything. Writer: David Babcock, Jennie Snyder / Director: Lee Shallat-Chemel

Elise’s Comment:

Things are changing. And you can feel that the stories are coming to a close. We’re seeing everyone. Paris, Doyle, Richard and Emily, Liz… I felt nostalgic as Rory was taking pictures of Paris and Doyle. Remember when she met Paris? She was not a character I thought would remain on the show for the entire run. But she has. Rory’s comment when Doyle was packing the toaster was funny.

The scenes between Luke and Lorelai were awkward. I hope it’s better in the finale. I liked how their conversation about Rory and Logan turned out to be about themselves. The question remains: Will he give her the necklace or not?

The biggest surprise of the episode was Logan’s all-or-nothing attitude. I didn’t know what to make of this recent development. I thought he was the one for Rory. It took me so long to like him, and now that I find that he’s suited to be with Rory, he leaves. Rory’s decision didn’t surprise me as much. If you look at Rory, season 1-2-3 Rory, she was very focused on her career and on being independent. Getting married and moving to another state to be with Logan, without having a job secured, was not totally in sync with who she is. Will we see Logan in the finale? I don’t think so. Seeing Rory with Lorelai, picking up the last boxes in her appartment, I sensed that everything would be ok. The chemistry between Lorelai and Rory at that moment reminded me of their chemistry during the first seasons. The show’s going back to its roots. The mother-daughter relationship is taking centre-stage again. It’s good.

The big re-enactement of Rory’s graduation will probably be the focus of the finale. It looks promising, because we all know how Stars Hollow events turn out to be. They’re always so enjoyable to watch. I wonder is Kirk will be watching the ceremony from his box?

A good episode overall. A. It made me cry, twice. Not big tears, although I think I will shed big tears for the finale.

[Written by Elise in May 2007]

7.20 Lorelai, Lorelai

TV.com Summary: With graduation looming, Rory is anxiety-ridden over her future, so Lorelai tries to cheer her up with a day of eating and shopping. Lorelai notices happily that Luke is once again wearing the baseball cap she gave him, and invites him to join her and Rory for karaoke night at a local bar. After a few drinks, Lorelai takes the stage to sing a heartfelt number which is obviously directed at Luke. Logan returns from a business trip to California and comes to see Lorelai to discuss his future with Rory. Writer: David S. Rosenthal / Director: Bethany Rooney

Elise’s Comment:

In seven years, I’ve never missed an episode of Gilmore Girls. Never. This past Tuesday, I forgot to watch it. What disappointed me the most wasn’t that I had missed an episode, but the fact that I had forgotten to watch my absolute favourite television show. I’ve since watched it and only one word can sum up my opinion of this episode: Wow.

The dream sequence was a fascinating way to open the episode. The nice transitions between scenes were realistic. Our thoughts do switch abruptly in our dreams. In the fifth season Lorelai had a dream after she broke up with Luke. The way it was filmed was interesting, similar to what we saw this week. In this latest sequence, I enjoyed the ending, when the stick hits the ground, making a loud bang, while switching rapidly to a picture of Rory in her bed.

The conversations at the Friday night dinner were authentic, not forced. It reflects the episode as a whole. It had that feeling we loved during earlier seasons. The scene at Luke’s Diner, when Lorelai notices Luke’s blue baseball cap, looked like it was taken from season one. I really enjoyed it. I like how the hat was again used as symbol of Luke and Lorelai’s relationship.

Speaking of Luke, you can see how his experience as a father has helped him grow as a person. He’s much gentler and patient. It’s unfortunate that April had to cancel the boat trip. I was disappointed that she wasn’t in the episode for that long.

Another scene that could’ve been taken directly from season one is the one at the Dragonfly Inn when Sookie begs Lorelai to taste the meatball. Remember the very clumsy Sookie in the Pilot when she made Lorelai taste her newly concocted peach sauce?

There were many great moments shared between Lorelai and Rory in the episode. This helped install that familiar Gilmore atmosphere. Great words were spoken during those scenes.

Rory: This is your fault because you told me I could do anything.
Lorelai: You can.

“Honey, you could never disappoint me.” – Lorelai to Rory

I am so happy we got to see Lane and her twins. I was very suspicious of the touring plan, so it took me by surprise when Lane accepted to go. The scene Lane and Zach shared while walking in town was beautifully done. You could hear the melody of Sam Phillips’ “Tell Her What She Wants to Know” in the background. It was a nice gesture of Zach to want to pass up this opportunity so he could stay with Lane and the boys. And it was very much like Lane to tell him to go anyways. Things are actually going very well for our Lane.

That night at the club was such a nice touch. And the singing! From Kirk’s “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” to Miss Patty and Babette’s “Fever”, the residents of Stars Hollow kept us entertained. Lorelai’s performance of “I Will Always Love You” moved me to tears. Why? First, it was from the obvious chemistry between her and Luke. When you re-watch the scene, pay close attention to Luke’s face. It’s conveying so much emotion as he looks down, while Lorelai is singing. Amazing. One of the most powerful moments those two characters have shared in seven years. Secondly, Lorelai’s voice sounded so genuine, she was opening up to the entire room. And finally, this whole scene made me realize just how much I love this show; how much I’ll miss it when it’s over.

Logan is a character I used to love to hate and that I’ve now grown to love. I was actually glad to see him during the phone scene with Rory. His presence was reassuring. He seems to be back on his feet business-wise. The move to San Francisco is a big one. I wonder what Rory’s reaction will be. What will he do first: tell her the news or propose? I’ll end my review with a quotation that will go down in Gilmore history.

“I’m here to ask your permission… your permission to ask Rory to marry me.” – Logan to Lorelai

[Written by Elise in May 2007]

7.19 It’s Just Like Riding A Bike

TV.com Summary: Lorelai stops into Luke’s diner for breakfast for the first time since their break-up, but finds they are awkward and uncomfortable together. Later, Lorelai’s Jeep breaks down and she asks Luke to help her shop for a new car. While they look at cars, Lorelai and Luke’s irritation with one another finally explodes into a fight, which Lorelai secretly takes as a good sign. Meanwhile, Paris gets accepted to numerous law schools and medical schools, and decides she must break up with Doyle so their relationship won’t influence her choice of a graduate school. Finally, Rory gets a surprising letter that will have an impact on her future plans. Writer: Jennie Snyder / Director: Lee Shallat-Chemel

Elise’s Comment:

There’s a lot of emotions in the recent Gilmore girls episodes. This emotion makes the stories and the characters more real. It’s what I loved about the show six years ago and now it’s back.

The scenes with Paris were my favourite. I don’t usually say that. Although I’ve grown to appreciate Paris over the years, she’s never been a favourite character of mine. But tonight, her performance was exceptionnal. We could really feel her excitement and her confusion, regarding her acceptation letters and her big decision. I have to admit that the scene where Rory was openning Paris’s letters of acceptation was hilarious. Redundant but so funny.

I’m glad Doyle came back. Those two are too good together to be appart. The scene with the artsy girls at the pub seemed fake… reminded me of the pre-hiatus episodes (!)

I expected Rory to get accepted for the fellowship. Everything was predictable on the show lately, so I assumed she would get it. I was amazed at the writers’ decision. I’m happy about it. Of course, I feel terrible for Rory. It’s like I could put myself in her shoes. But I’m curious to see where the writers will take our Rory… I’m sure it’s towards something great.

The conversations between Luke and Lorelai were annoying. I’m glad to see it’s not awkward between them anymore, but the bickering was unecessary. The car story is ridiculous. I thought she would buy the newer model of the same jeep.

I’m glad Sookie and Jackson had somewhat of a role in this episode. I don’t think we had seen them in a while, since they brought back the subject of the vasectomy. But don’t they make a cute couple? And Sookie is such a mommy. I keep remembering single-Sookie fromt he first season. So much has changed in her life since then.

So I give this episode an A. I’m hoping that the writers are making decisions that are true to the characters, and not so they can set up a possible 8th season with possibly no Rory (or for whatever other unimportant reason).

Lorelai wearing puffy sleeves, on a bike that has a basket = So Stars Hollow.

[Written by Elise in April 2007]

7.18 Hay Bale Maze

TV.com Summary: As Stars Hollow prepares for its annual Spring Fling festival, Rory brings Logan home and shows him around town. Lorelai sees how serious their relationship has become and worries that Logan is too irresponsible for Rory. Taylor angers the town by spending the entire Spring Fling budget on a huge hay bale maze. At an unexpected encounter in the maze, Lorelai and Luke apologize to one another and admit they both made mistakes that led to the end of their engagement. Meanwhile, Rory has a job interview with the Providence Journal Bulletin and struggles with decisions about her future. Writer: Rebecca Rand Kirshner / Director: Stephen Clancy

Elise’s Comment:

I am very satisfied with tonight’s episode of Gilmore Girls. It had some of that old Gilmore magic. It had all the ingredients to make it a great episode.

What I find a little disapointing is how they have to rush things now. Don’t get me wrong, I like the direction things are taking. It’s just too bad that they wasted that much time with the Lorelai/Chris wedding storyline. They (writers) could’ve taken a little more time to take things where they wanted them to be, without us missing out on things.

For example, just in tonight’s episode, Lorelai and Rory mention that they ran into Lane and the kids. Why didn’t we see them? No time. Not important for the final goal. They mentionned Taylor holding the hay in his hands and crying at the town meeting. Why didn’t we see it? No time. These are just a couple of examples.

What I’m saying is that things feel rushed. It’s disapointing that they have to be rushed.

There’s a scene I’ve been looking foward to for about 2 years that finally made it onto the show. Not only did we get to see Logan in Stars Hollow (it finally felt real; he connected with Rory’s real world), we also got to see him and Lorelai have a meaningful conversation. A while ago I was mentionning how Logan and Lorelai have a lot in common. Logan’s recent career moves proves that, he too, wants to make it on his own without his parents’ help.

I never thought Logan would be the one to leave his secure and luxurious world. I always thought Rory would join him and his world. I found it kind of sad, and unlike Rory. It didn’t sit too well with me, which is why it took me some time to appreciate Logan. But tonight’s episode was so real. The emotions, the questionning and the realizations were realistic. This really was our Rory from season one, just grown up.

It’s too bad that we didn’t get to see too much of April this season, because I really enjoy her character. She and Rory have so much in common. I do hope she has a bigger presence in the last episodes. I can’t help but smile when I see her getting along with Lorelai.

I give this episode an A+. It’s the first one I give this season. It might also be the first A.

[Written by Elise in April 2007]

7.17 Gilmore Girls Only

TV.com Summary: Lorelai plans a road trip to North Carolina to attend the wedding of Mia, the woman who took in Lorelai and Rory and served as a surrogate mother/grandmother for many years. Rory has a fight with Logan over his immature reaction to his business disaster, and agrees to go on the trip with Lorelai. Emily invites herself along in an effort to get away from Richard, who is driving her crazy while he recuperates at home. At the wedding, Emily is upset by the close relationship Mia shares with Lorelai and Rory. Lorelai learns that Emily came to see Mia five years earlier to ask for pictures of Lorelai and Rory during the years they were estranged. Logan makes a surprise appearance and asks Rory to forgive him. Meanwhile, Lane and Zach ask Luke to be the godfather to their twins. Finally, Lane goes into labor and Luke helps get everyone to the hospital. Writer: David Babcock / Director: Lee Shallat-Chemel