Photo Source: Netflix
The Netflix revival of the Gilmore Girls drops this week after nine long years. The show, which ran for 153 episodes and ended in 2007 is a favorite among TGON staff members, and we’ve undertaken the difficult task of narrowing down the best episodes of the series for you! While it’s not possible to watch every episode before November 25th, here are our staff picks. Take a day or two and watch these before you binge the revival on Friday!
The Deer Hunters Season 1 Episode 4
Recommended by Michael E.
The Deer Hunters is classic Gilmore, and one of our first times seeing Rory fail (it only took 4 episodes, and it was a necessary moment to create relatability). This episode has almost everything except Friday night dinner, including Sooki shenanigans, asthmatic fits, the office supply scene, and the introduction of Lorelai’s love interests.
Photo Source: SFGate
They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They? Season 3 Episode 7
Recommended by Jacki J.
I’m always in it for the ships, and this episode has two of my favorite couplings – Rory/Jess and Lane/Dave (with some nice Lorelai/Luke moments and lively Sookie/Jackson fighting) all while the town has a 24-hour danceathon. Rory’s annoyance due to jealousy over Jess and Shane’s relationship leads Dean to break up with her very publicly, while Dave introduces himself causally to Mrs. Kim and freaking nails it. Ultimately, Rory gets what she wants (the opportunity to be with Jess), but the episode ends with Rory bawling in the middle of the dance floor because life is complex and hard, you guys.
Photo Source: isobelstevenz.tumblr.com
Those Are Strings, Pinocchio Season 3 Episode 22
Recommended by Sara B.
In the episode where Rory graduates from Chilton she offers a moving tribute to her mom in her Valedictorian Speech. At the same time, Lorelai finally realizes her dream of owning her own Inn. There’s not a dry eye in the house here – seriously, even Luke cries – as we share in the successes of both Gilmores!
The Incredible Sinking Lorelai’s Season 4 Episode 14
Recommended by Meg G.
Richard’s mother comes to visit, Lorelai and Rory can’t get in touch, and the Inn is hemorrhaging money. It’s not one of Lorelai’s shining moments, but at the end when she confides her fears and doubts to Luke it’s worth it. It solidifies their relationship and as an added bonus, breaks my heart.
Scene In a Mall Season 4 Episode 15
Recommended by Meg G.
While Emily and Richard’s marriage is falling apart and Lorelai and Rory are skint, Emily’s epic shopping spree is magnificent and I wish I could replicate it.
Rain Coats and Recipes Season 4 Episode 22
Recommended by Bridgette S.
One episode that always sticks out to me is the season 4 finale, Rain Coats and Recipes. Luke tells Lorelai how he feels about her and Rory loses her virginity to Dean, even though he’s still married. I love Luke and Lorelai so I always cheer when they finally kiss but cringe over Rory and Dean. It’s an important storyline for Rory because it proves that she is actually human. She is not this perfect plastic doll of a character. She makes mistakes and learns how to deal with them.
You Jump, I Jump Season 5 Episode 7
Recommended by Tiffany S.
Love this one because it’s Emily & Richard at their best/worst, bickering, WASPy selves. It also highlighted how tightly wound Rory was and sometimes it’s ok to let loose…even when you’re not sure.
Photo Source: foreveryoungadult.com
So…Good Talk Season 5 Episode 16
Recommended by Meg G.
This is one of those episodes for me… I love it. I want to strangle Emily, but I can’t help but feel sorry for her. Her own snobbishness and conniving lost her hard re-won daughter, and it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Once again, for me, it’s all about moments and scenes. The end, when Emily visits a heartbroken Luke and tells him she won’t get in the way, is beautifully quiet and sad and funny.
To Whom It May Concern/I’d Rather Be In Philadelphia Season 7 Episodes 12 and 13
Recommended by Meg G.
Lorelai writes a beautiful letter for Luke; Luke drops everything to help Lorelai and her family when Richard has a heart attack; there is a fish bit; Lorelai finally sheds the dead weight that is Christopher. ‘Nuff said.
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life drops November 25th on Netflix, and The Game of Nerds is your space for coverage of all 4 episodes of the Netflix revival. Be sure to check with us next week!
