My mom introduced me to Gilmore Girls when I was in junior high. This would have been around 2013. To give you a picture of my instant dedication to the show, I will remind you that we had not yet been spoiled by the show’s presence on Netflix. After school, I would walk to the library, dollar bill in hand, to borrow the next season’s box set.
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| Image Credit: Cameron Bunney: Unsplash |
Gilmore Girls has experienced a resurgence, first from its addition to Netflix, and then from its miniseries revival (albeit with mixed reviews). In the early 2010s, I was stuck between an older generation who remembered the first season’s episodes playing on The WB in 2000, and my friends who had never even heard of this show I so loved. In 2023, Gilmore Girls is being discovered by new fans and rediscovered by old ones.
Something about Gilmore Girls, with its references to Lip Smackers and the Bangles, is inherently early 2000s. Yet something about the relationships Lorelai and Rory have with the people in their lives remains relevant to audiences through generations. Actors from the show have even stated that the show is more successful now than ever.
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| Image Credit: Ketut Subiyanto: Pexels |
In this blog, I will delve into different episodes from different seasons of the show that I think best capture Rory Gilmore’s characterization. I will be discussing different choices Rory makes throughout each episode. I will often reference other episodes I have already covered to show how Rory changes throughout the 7 total seasons.
I chose Rory Gilmore as the focus of this blog because I think she has the most interesting characterization. Her choices are some of the most heavily debated among fans, and they have been so for years. Her character arc is often regarded as more of a downfall, with both claims that she was doomed from the start and that her identity changed at some point in the series.
If we pinpoint choices that served as turning points for Rory's life course, we may be able to relate these to moments in our own lives. As I have grown older, I have grown to see Rory's decisions from a more mature perspective. I hope to introduce my niece once she gets a bit older, just as my mom once did for me. I want to be able to discuss serious decisions the characters make in a fun, truthful way.
I chose the “how to (maybe not) embody Rory Gilmore” format because I think Gilmore Girls fans appreciate the quirkiness of the show. Gilmore Girls is fun. Even as the show tackles heavy family trauma, it does not take itself too seriously. The characters are goofy and endearing even as they face challenges. I figured that an audience that loves Gilmore Girls would appreciate a cheeky approach.
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| Image Credit: Pexels: Pixabay |
As my fellow Gilmore Girls fans, please share your opinions. If you disagree with something I write, please feel free to share your own take. If you just want to talk about what you love about the show—or about Rory Gilmore herself—please share your thoughts on those topics as well. I would love to interact with you in the comments, and Gilmore Girls is a show that can really inspire connections.
