Thoughts on Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

I woke up on the day of our watch party like a kid on Christmas. I was SO excited. I put on my Gilmore Girl’s tee-shirt (thanks Mom!), grabbed Rory and my husband who so kindly dressed up like Luke (heart eyes forever babe), and rushed to my parents. We spent the morning hanging up decorations and gathering all the junk food within a 5-mile radius. And, of course, brewing as much coffee as possible.

By noon all our friends had arrived and we settled in to watch. I had a pop-tart and coffee in hand and from the first moment, I found myself in tears. From the first scene, it felt like coming home. Stars Hallow looked the same and, as always, especially beautiful at Christmas. Rory and Lorelei hadn’t aged AT ALL. And while we’re on that topic, can we please talk about how nobody aged? Seriously. Entire cast of Gilmore Girls PLEASE tell us your secrets. What exotic French face cream has kept you looking perfect? It would be annoying if I didn’t love y’all so much.

Our lunch time spread. Please note the veggies...we had to get some green in there somewhere. Not all of us have the metabolism of a Gilmore!

The rest of the day was filled with much merriment, breaks to discuss major plots points, more coffee, and, eventually, wine. We took a break for a fancy Friday night dinner complete with martinis (obviously) prepared by my sweet Pawpaw.  After dinner, we came back together for the final episode – Fall. It was, by far, my favorite.  Luke’s speech in the kitchen? Lorelei trying to fit all her hiking stuff in a backpack? The Parenthood cameos? Emily as a tour guide? The wedding? What is not to love?

Then came the end. And whoa. My heart sank. It wasn’t the ending I wanted. After 10 years, I wanted the story to be wrapped up. I wanted closure, man. The entire room sat in silence for probably 5 whole minutes. Like what just happened? So many questions. So many emotions. We slowly came back down to earth and celebrated our day with a champagne toast and then parted ways.

But.

I was still reeling. I couldn’t comprehend why in literal hell Amy Sherman-Pallidino hated me. Like what did I do to her to deserve that cliff hanger ending? I sat in bed awake way long after my husband and pup were fast asleep and just thought about it. I literally couldn’t process it for a while. I finally was able to fall asleep but woke up still just as unsettled and confused.

Then as I went about my work day, still thinking about Gilmore Girls the entire time because of course I was, it sort of hit me how perfect the ending was. It wasn’t want I wanted but the reason that show had so intimately connected with me, and so many others I would say, was because it was like life. And life is messy. Life doesn’t get simple, clean endings. We are always changing, always growing, always drinking more coffee. It was perfect.

I’m not saying I don’t want more Gilmore Girls. Did you think I’m crazy? But, if it never happens I’m good. If it happens, I’ll be ecstatic to watch the next chapter. But, even if there is more coming guys, I don’t think you should expect that iteration to be any different. Part of the beauty of the show is that, just like our lives, it never has a completely clean, pretty ending. And isn’t that what makes it beautiful?

I’ll continue to watch the show on repeat with four more episodes to add. And in the meantime, we over here at What You Read I Will Follow will still be here - reading. I hope you’ll join us.