(S07E09) This one felt cozy, didn't it? Snappy dialogue, funny situations (I mean, come on... huge knitting needles and balls of yarn?), quirky parties, story development... This week's episode felt almost... almost like the Gilmore Girls we knew and loved, moreso than any we've seen this year so far. One problem, though:Christopher.
How is he gumming up the works so much, literally, figuratively, and everything in between? It's not like the town never knew he existed up until now; he's been in and out of Lor and Rory's life for over 20 years. Surely, the folks in Stars Hollow would be treating him more warmly in the past than they are now, when he's Mr. Lorelai Gilmore. There's just one thing that can explain this: Sloppiness.
Again, something about this story isn't kosher (I've been writing a story about a Manischewitz cook-off today, so I have that word on the brain). I can see the town being a bit uncomfortable with the marriage, but they treat Chris like he's an alien who just landed from the planet Zixleporf. All of a sudden, he's this city slicker who's come into town with his money and his designer jeans, trying to curry favor with everyone. He goes on a "man date" (which is also a mandate from Lorelai, so he's accepted) with Jackson, which is about as awkward as you can get. Then he stomps all over the knit-a-thon like Godzilla, defusing it early on by donating $7,000 to re-rebuild the bridge they were trying to save (they rebuilt two years ago of a very pretty but beetle-friendly wood... good ol' Stars Hollow). I dunno... it doesn't seem like the town would be that wary of the guy, but Chris isn't helping himself any.
(By the way, I'm wondering if fellow Squadder Sarah Gilbert was watching; I saw her knitting during a recent meeting, and I figured she'd like this episode. So would Lisa Loeb.)
Of course, Lor was hiding Chris from Luke as much as she was from the rest of the town. When Luke got a glimpse of them walking together, he got steamed. Here's a question: when Lorelai said to Sookie, "I don't want to be with who everyone else wants me to be with," was she talking to the audience? It does seem that way. Maybe it's Rosenthal's way of telling people to get off his back.
The opening scene was a lot of fun, wasn't it? Emily at her passive-agressive finest, and Lorelai at her bratty, rebel-against-the-parents best. I laughed out loud when Emily played Lor's answering machine "wedding announcement" and went all mock-happy over it, so much so that she played it again. And, "Wolf Girl" was a disaster of a wedding gift. I think the only thing you wonder about here is why Lor still insists on acting like a child with her parents, even though she's now married and supposedly "settled." Is it just a visceral, automatic reaction, or is it something she does on purpose? It's now starting to look silly, considering Lorelai's just short of 40. At 31, it was cute. At 38? Not really.
It looks like at least someone in the Gilmore world is maturing, though: Luke. Loved how he finally stood up to Anna and told her that anything having to do with April was their decision, not just hers. Why? He's her father, dammit! Anna was the one who kept April out of his life for 13 years, and he's there to reclaim it. And as much as I cringe when I see T.J. and Liz (especially T.J.), they're usually there to give Luke a nice kick in the ass, even if it's metaphorically. Holding Liz' new kid (named "Doula"... yikes) in his arms gave him the courage to confront Anna about her taking April to New Mexico. He's gaining passion and spontenaity, everything Lorelai wanted him to have when they were together. And it's all because of his sister and irritating brother-in-law. Maybe next week Liz and T.J. will tell Luke something that will make him confront Christopher. At least that what it looks like from the coming attractions.
OK, the 2002 party... how precious was that? Lucy and Olivia (finally got their names) are still pretty annoying, but the idea for an '02 party wasn't a bad one; heck, my friends and I have wanted to do a 1991 party since 1996 or so. Didn't realize there was '02-specific stuff, but the Uggs, Pink's "Get the Party Started," and Paris and Doyle dirty dancing all seemed goofily fun to me. So was the sublet lease Paris made Rory sign with the "Logan activity" clause. We also found out why Marty forced himself to be such a dingus towards Rory as he serves as Lucy's "Boyfriend": he's still into her. Of course, as soon as Rory figured that out -- the longing look and "you're more beautiful than ever" were the big tip-offs -- she got all uncomfortable again. Jeez, Rory... what's a little drunken flirting between old friends? Oh, well... are we going to see more of Marty? Chances seem to be about 50-50 right now. But he might be better for Rory than the suddenly-responsible Logan.
So, with reservations, I'd say that this was the best episode of the season so far. I think as the worlds of Lorelai and Luke start to mix again, things will continue to feel cosy. And it does seem like a Luke-Lorelai reunion might be in the offing. Now, it's just a matter of how long the writers make us wait for it.
The TV Squad Podcast: Vik Sahay of Chuck, Oprah talk, brutal timeslots, and more!
TV Squad Ten: Top Ten ESPN shows from worst to first
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-28-2006 @ 10:45PM
MrsEldubya said...
I agree that this was the best episode of the season so far and I think that is because we got so much of the supporting characters, the town people, Richard and Emily, Paris, etc. For some reason they can write stories for them better than Lor, Chris, and Rory.
I was secretly hoping that April was leaving so we can be rid of that story line. It's still wrong for Luke to have a kid he didn't know about. At least he grew a backbone about her and acted like a real Dad. That's something they got right.
Anyway, I enjoyed this episode and probably because Lorelai and Christopher were having problems. YEAH!
Reply
11-28-2006 @ 11:16PM
Nicki said...
Figures that this was the best episode this season so far; my computer screwed up somehow and I only recorded the second half of it.
Reply
11-28-2006 @ 11:24PM
Susan said...
Best episode of the season so far--funny, pretty smart, Friday night at The Gilmores, and a clever town event. Lots to like. But all is not well in Stars Hollow and it won't be until the townspeople chase Christoper back to Zixleporf and Lorelai & Luke shed their pods and return to their pre-season 6 personas. But now that Luke's retrieved his spine and stood up to Anna, can a fight for his "written in the stars" woman be far behind? Let the Christopher be-gone countdown begin!
Reply
11-28-2006 @ 11:23PM
Elizabeth said...
That was the first episode that felt a little light and frothy and a little GG.
"It's not like the town never knew he existed up until now; he's been in and out of Lor and Rory's life for over 20 years."
Christopher had never been to see Rory in her town until season 1. The townies had reason to be wary of Christopher.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 12:14AM
John Handy said...
I think that the band at the Knitathon was amazing. THe trumpet player with the afro is hung like a moose.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 12:23AM
Jasmine said...
I agree with MrsEldubya. I was hoping to be rid of Anna and April as well. And is it me or does Anna look like Lorelai? I mean, whoa! Those two could be sisters.
I feel an impending Luke-Lorelai reunion and I am not happy about it. Let us recall that it was Luke who shut Lorelai out when he found out about April. It's his own fault that Lorelai gave him the ultimatum. Plus, I like Chris. I already feel a bit of dread for the upcoming episodes because I know there will be heartbreak.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 12:36AM
Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV said...
It's not that Chris is that bad he just doesn't feel right. Maybe that's the point, but it's still unsettling.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 8:31AM
courtney said...
Overall, a decent episode and the best of the season but a far far cry than what the show used to be - at least there was more in this one than Lorelai hanging all over Chris but she's still pretty boring right now because she is still all about Chris. Get this girl her life back!
Chris is dull as dirt to me. same expression on his face all the time. He is like a child and next week it looks like he really acts it out with his whining about how she had planned a big wedding with the "diner guy." Ugh.
Kenny Ortega directed this episode and since he had done many of them in the past seasons, it really finally had the old GG feel - he didn't go in for all those cheesy closeups - I hope they bring him back - I wish he could direct all of the episodes. At least he knows what he is doing.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 9:33AM
Sarah said...
"But he might be better for Rory than the suddenly-responsible Logan."
Really? I was with you on the review until you got into talking about Marty. In your own words, Logan is now responsible, and Rory loves him. So Marty, who ignored her for 2 years, was a jerk to her recently, and is currently expressing feelings for Rory while he has a girlfriend, and is forcing Rory to lie for him, is better? Oh, there's also the fact that Rory NEVER saw Marty as anything other then a friend. But sure, yeah, he's a way better match. *rollseyes*
Reply
12-02-2006 @ 11:45PM
Laurie said...
In regards to Christopher and the Stars Hollow Citizens -
It is one thing to visit, it is another to live there.
That is all.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 10:36AM
juicefairy said...
I think I am the only long-term GG fan that actually wants Chris and Lorelai to be together. Lorelai & Christopher fit together so naturally in my opinion.
Anyway, he so much hotter than Luke! He hasn't had a five-o-clock shadow for four years for one thing!
But it doesn't really look like the writers are going to keep with this relationship. It kind of feels like the break-up is inevitable.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 11:06AM
La-di-dah said...
As soon as Luke agreed to attend Liz's homebirth, I knew Luke had lost his mind somewhere (old Luke would never agree to that! Old Luke who pushed Jess into the lake, one of the classiest GG scenes ever). Sure he is Mature Luke now, but it wasn't as much fun. And I really, really miss Lorelai at the diner (I miss Lorelai and Luke together, but at least can we have them forgive and forget and go back to those ol'diner scenes). From where is Lorelai getting her coffee now; surely Christopher cannot make as good a coffee as Luke can. The whole episode felt off until Luke went down to Anna's and shouted at her. A little bit of old Luke make me HAPPY. As for Christopher and Lorelai, I am sure GG fans would succumb to their being together if only the writers chose to write their storylines well. But like other fans, I just can't bite it.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 11:34AM
Paula said...
I agree with those who thought last night was the best episode of the season! We have hardly seen the towns people. Juicefairy, you are not the only one who wants Chris to stay with Lor. I love that they have the family together, but I do think they need to have a real wedding with the dress and cake. We have waited for so long and need the whole works! I think I am missing something with Rory and Marty? I didn't remember him being such a big deal and I am really not sure why they are bring it back now?!
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 11:25AM
martin said...
So when are we going to accept Lorelai's decision? I think Christopher did a pretty good job as husband so far. He probably will get bored soon (didn't he have a job?), but he's trying so much to nake her happy. And, funnily, as soon as there is a chance of getting rid of April I fell suddenly sympathy, mostly because she means so much to Luke.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 11:48AM
Heather said...
First I want to say that I think it was about the best episode this year too, but they still have a ways to go. I have been a faithful GG fan from the start, and this year has been awful. I am torn between Luke and Chris, I used to want her to be with Chris until they finally put her with Luke. Now, I hate that they broke up L & L. I really have missed the town people. The quirky stuff that they all bring, really make the show, and we've hardly seen them this year until last night. I love that Luke finally stood up to Anna - that wimpy Luke of late is so not his character. I really miss the congregating at the diner - another reason the L & L breakup stinks! And, one more thing - I HATE the new friends of Rory!!! What is up with them? I really hope they can fix the direction of the show - since it is the last season, I really want to see it end well.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 2:28PM
Margaret said...
Dear Aerie girls - for the sake of your future in the industry, never, EVER, list your gig doing these spots on your resume. EVER. I imagine even little girls cringing at your awkward, insipid insights.
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 6:29PM
Anne said...
What is the point of the aerie girls? I feel like they think their viewers are too dumb to pick up on things like Man date/ mandate. It is dumb, and I fast forward when ever possible. Who decided to put that on?
Other than that, I too loved the episode. I am a luke and Lorelai fan to the end. I like Chris, just not as Lorelai's husband. Also, I like April. I don't like her mom. It will be nice to be sending her away.
Anne
Reply
11-29-2006 @ 11:06PM
Justin said...
So far the Chris/Lorelai marriage fits the pattern: he's interested for a bit, then there will be a challenge or conflict and HE'S GONE!
That's EXACTLY what will happen.
She'll realize that's why it didn't work and why that makes Luke so perfect (his dedication to April vs. Christopher, the fickle rich boy).
It's so obvious, it's painful.
So the question is, what is going to happen? Is he going to lose his money somehow? That might make sense. Or is Lorelai going to have a close call with a cancer test? Or worse, is Lorelai going to have a close call with a pregnancy test??
Reply
11-30-2006 @ 6:15PM
Jaime said...
Well I gotta say I agree with those who like Christopher...he's been waiting his turn a long time, and he's good to Lorelai. Luke was sexy, sure, and a great project boyfriend (so many things that needed fine-tuning!), but I think it's time for Lorelai to have a man who's more suited to her... Luke is lovely, but so crotchety, and like one reader said, he was the one who pushed her away again and again. I think the reaction of the SH folk was mirroring the kneejerk reaction all of us are having, i.e. change = bad. But I think it's great, and I hope they keep them together. I do agree though he wasn't helping his own case tossing money around like that, but it seems like that's what he does when he's nervous. I'm way too involved in this show hahaha
Reply
12-13-2006 @ 12:20PM
marissa said...
the l&l relationship needs to come back!!!!!!!! seriously... chris?!?!?! i mean c'mon he's a JERK!!!! he's had WAY too many chances w/ lor. and rory... is this the last season of gg?????
Reply