If you have not seen every episode of “Gilmore Girls,” do yourself a favor and binge watch all seven seasons. When Netflix announced it would make the popular CW series available in its entirety this fall, people on the Internet exploded with excitement. With the show approaching its 15th anniversary next year, Arts & Entertainment attempts to unravel the complex feelings fans have for the iconic, witty pop culture fixture.
Stars Hollow
Fall is in the air year-round in the tiny Connecticut town of Stars Hollow, where mother Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) reside. Every building beams quaintly across wide streets as townspeople mosey around shopping, reading and relaxing. The slow pace of small-town life pervades the show’s general mood, both contrasting the fast-paced determination Lorelai projects and creating a magical wonderland during the snowy New England winter months. With glamorous New York just a few hours away, Stars Hollow is envied by audiences as the very best of both rural and urban worlds.
Nostalgia
The show’s pilot episode debuted in Oct. 2000, fresh out of the tight-fitting, grungy clothes and chunky technology of the 1990s. The Gilmores each have their own style — Rory initially dresses in conservative pastels, but tastefully modernizes as the seasons progress. Lorelai’s style, on the other hand, is vivacious, colorful and sparkly, complete with chokers and rhinestone jean jackets.
The show’s young female audience grew up dreaming about these clothes, idolizing the fashion sense of Avril Lavigne and Paris Hilton — and the show’s reemergence makes us squeal with delight. Less exciting — but still extremely amusing — the characters communicate via pager, antenna-ed flip phone and snail mail. Harkening back to simpler times, every passing episode fosters sentimentality and more than a few bouts of nostalgia.
The town troubadour
Part of Stars Hollow’s charm is the presence of the local town troubadour. Occasionally defending his territory from rivals, the musician stands around the Town Square wearing a shabby coat, strumming an old guitar and serenading residents. Honestly, who wouldn’t love the atmosphere and emotional support provided by this ever-present life soundtrack?
Generational perspective
The majority of the show’s conflict arises from the different priorities and personalities of the three Gilmore women (a label which includes Grandmother Emily). Despite the missed connections between them, the Gilmores’ subtle shared characteristics speak volumes for the show’s writing. Grandmother Emily (Kelly Bishop) is upset by husband Richard, so she goes on a ridiculous shopping spree. Lorelai has a heated argument with Rory, so she proposes to Luke. Rory is given disappointing news about her future prospects, so she and her boyfriend steal a yacht. Spontaneity is not one of the Gilmores’ most flattering attributes, but this cohesive Gilmore character trait is one of many that strengthens the series’ plot and dynamic.
A strong female lead
Lorelai may be a noncommittal serial dater, but her 16-year-old self raised a daughter and built a life completely on her own. She owns and manages the Dragonfly Inn after years of hard work, never bends to her mother’s harsh, occasionally misguided criticism and she walks her own path, no matter what anyone else thinks. She eats whatever she wants and raises hell to get her way — all while shrouded in an intense blanket of pride few can break. Part of her strength, however, comes from laying down her pride at times and admitting weakness — making her the inspiration for any ambitious viewer.
“Gilmore Girls” teaches more morals and life lessons than any of the nonsensical programs shown on the Disney Channel today. With a perfect mixture of feel-good romance, relatable family drama and high-strung humor, the show perfectly captures the appealing spirit and meaning of youth.
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