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Gilmore Girls 5.22 “A House is Not a Home”

by Arieanna on April 15th, 2008

Gilmore Girls 5.22 "A House is Not a Home"
Original Air Date: May 17, 2005 (Recap date: April 15, 2008)
Recap & Discussion

Discussion Questions:

• Do you blame Logan for Rory getting arrested? It was her idea, but did being with him influence it?
• Why do Colin & Finn mock-worship Rory?
• Is Lorelai not willing to think that Logan was not at fault?
• Does blaming Logan drive a wedge between Lorelai and Rory?
• Why is Rory so willing to let one man decide her future?
• Had Rory not realized what she’d done until that moment in the Jeep?
• Why didn’t Rory tell Logan about her conversation with Mitchum?
• Should Lorelai have refused the help of the Huntzberger lawyers?
• Does Logan think his father was incorrect in his assessment of Rory, or does he just not approve of Mitchum’s tact?
• Do you think Lorelai wants the job with the Durham Group? Would she take a job or sell the Inn?
• Why does Rory blow off her final? Isn’t school still important?
• Was Lorelai hiding the meeting about selling the Inn from Luke? Why?
• Was Lorelai not considering a family with Luke in her consideration of selling the Inn?
• Why does Rory believe she cannot be a journalist? She seems to have completely dismissed it, without considering that it may still be right for her.
• Why does Rory need time off? Did she make her decision too hastily?
• Why does Luke want out of the Twickham house?
• Is Lorelai too ready to put all the blame on the Huntzbergers? What if Rory does really need time?
• Why does Lorelai go to her parents for help?
• If Rory is upset about everything falling apart, why does she encourage it to keep falling apart by quitting school?
• Why does Rory pull away from her mom? Is this an immature decision?
• Do you think it weak of Rory to transfer all her problems to her grandparents to solve?
• Why do Richard & Emily completely cut Lorelai out of the Rory picture?
• Richard & Emily have a rational argument, but present it in such a way that excludes Lorelai from being a mother. Don’t they see that?
• Do Rory’s actions tell Lorelai she is not loved or trusted? Does Lorelai deserve that, for saying Rory cannot stay in Stars Hollow? Why does Rory ignore Lorelai from the pool house?
• Why does Lorelai asks Luke to marry her?

Gilmore Girls Episode Recap:

Lorelai arrives to the police station to pick up Rory. Lorelai is unnerved that Rory has been sitting in a cell. She’s at least relieved that Rory had the cell alone. Lorelai can’t stop herself from asking the police office more questions - such as, is Rory in the system? Colin and Finn show up to get Logan, and are not phased by it. Typical Logan stuff, to them. They applaud Logan for stealing the boat and mention Rory:

"Maxwell Smart’s finally found his 99"

A reference to Get Smart. When it’s announced that Rory is coming out, Colin & Finn introduce themselves to Lorelai and say they could have taken Rory home. They also drool over Lorelai. Lorelai is not overly comforted that they had Rory "taken care of."

Rory comes out carrying her envelope of possessions. They leave right away, but not before Colin and Finn bow at Rory’s feet. It gives them a good laugh to do so.

Instead of driving straight home, they stop outside Luke’s. Rory wants to eat at home, so Lorelai will go in to get food. Although Lorelai makes a passing reference to the fingerprint ink on Rory’s hands, she mostly avoids the subject. Talks about the bike race in Stars Hollow instead. Lorelai lets Rory know they do have to address the "main event" soon.

When Lorelai asks what happened, Rory is about to answer. But, Logan calls. Lorelai tells Rory not to answer it, but Rory says she has to. And is not pleased when Lorelai tells her that she doesn’t want Rory talking to Logan right now. Rory tells Lorelai it was her idea, and because of her, Logan spent the night in jail. Rory answers her phone with ultimate concern for how Logan is doing.

Lorelai goes to get food, but is stopped by Taylor. He’s converting the street to no parking soon for the race in the morning, and lets Lorelai know they’ll tow her Jeep soon. Kirk revs the engine of the tow truck in warning. Lorelai takes her six minutes and goes to Luke’s.

"Rory stole a yacht. How’s your night been?"

Luke comes over confused and his jaw drops to hear Lorelai recount picking Rory up from jail. June 3rd is the day for court - a good day, Lorelai thinks sarcastically. Luke thinks it’s Logan’s fault. Lorelai is worried about getting the ink off Rory’s fingers, asking Luke for soap and wondering if she needs special soap to get it off. Lorelai is very worried about the ink humiliating Rory. Lorelai makes a list of stuff to do, like get a lawyer and pick up Rory’s car from the marina. Lorelai feels unprepared for this.

"Rory never even shoplifted. Not a candy bar, not a lipstick. She forgot to return a library book once. And she was so guilty about it that she grounded herself. I mean, can you imagine? She was just sitting there in her bedroom yelling at me, ‘Now no-one else got to read the Iliad this week because of me!’"

Lorelai rationalizes that maybe it’s better than getting pregnant. But what if it’s on her permanent record? What if Rory can’t vote? Luke offers to come with Lorelai to talk with Rory, but she says it’s ok. She takes the donuts and goes back to the Jeep.

"Rory, what happened tonight?"

[looking contrite] "I stole a yacht"

"I know, the nice men with the guns told me. Why?"

Rory says she was really upset and had the need to do something. Lorelai suggests pound cake as an alternative. Rory tells Lorelai about Mitchum’s talk, and his suggestion that she’d be a great assistant, but doesn’t have "it" to be a journalist. Rory was very taken aback by what he said. She thought she was doing well and was on her way to getting a summer job there. Rory seems to have taken what he said very seriously.

"It’s probably best that he told me before… before I go out there and fall on my face."

Lorelai questions how he’d know this. Has he talked to Rory or seen her writing? Has he talked to all the people who think Rory does have "it"? While Lorelai gets angry at Mitchum, Kirk pulls the tow truck to the Jeep and starts to connect it. Rory tries to defend Mitchum’s opinion based on his experience. And tells Lorelai she is "so so sorry" for being so stupid. Then it really hits Rory:

"Oh my God, I got arrested! I have to go to court?!"

Then Rory realizes about her car and the ink on her hands. Lorelai tells Rory they’ll figure it out. They disappoint Kirk by driving away before he can connect the car to the tow truck.

The town Troubadour is crooning the chorus of Mama Tried.

Zack wakes up late and grumpy. Lane tries to set up a band practice for later that day, saying it’s been a while. She even notices the pile of laundry and beer bottles that has gathered on her drum set as proof. Lane looks around - sees Zack playing video games and looks back at her drums like something is definitely wrong with that picture.

Lorelai has put Rory’s mug shot in a place of honor on the fridge. She then gives Rory bread and water and puts on Sam Cooke’s "Chain Gang" on the stereo. Despite the fun crim that Lorelai has planned for their day, Rory does need to return to Yale for her last final. Lorelai pulls out two phones so they can talk across the "window" of the table in keeping with the jail theme.

Lorelai tells Rory she’s going to look for a lawyer. Rory wants to make sure Lorelai doesn’t go through Emily & Richard - she doesn’t want them to know. Rory apologizes again.

Logan calls just after Rory leaves - he’s been unable to get her on her cell phone. Lorelai is civil in telling Logan that he can catch up with Rory at school when she gets back. Logan apologizes to Lorelai for calling there, and tells her that his father’s lawyers are all over the situation. Lorelai says that Logan’s father has done enough in the situation.

"His help isn’t needed, Logan. I’ve got it."

Rory arrives back to her dorm to see Logan waiting there.

"What’d he do?"

Logan tells Rory he called her house and knows his father did something. Rory doesn’t want to say, she thinks she overreacted. Rory does tell Logan that Mitchum told her she doesn’t have what it takes to be a journalist. Logan is furious. He calls his father a jackass and a bully.

"You’re my girlfriend, Rory. He should have treated you better than that."

Logan feels he has to stand up to his father, but Rory just wants to forget it ever happened. She doesn’t want him making a thing with his dad. Logan reluctantly agrees, but aims to pick a fight with Mitchum over his birthday present instead. Logan wishes that Rory had told him though.

"If this relationship thing is going to work, then it goes both ways. You’ve got to tell me why we’re committing a felony before we’re going to do it. Not that it’s going to stop us, but at least we’ll have all the facts."

Rory apologizes and they hug. Logan offers to help pack, but Rory has her final. Logan suggests Rory talk to her mother, to let Logan’s lawyers help. They’ve had a lot of practice, he jokes.

The bike race, an international event, is taking place. The bikers are warning each other of a hole by yelling "big hole", and it’s distracting Luke. Luke is trying to sign the papers to buy the Twickham house. Taylor tells Luke that the race is a week long - and they are both start and finish to it. Taylor reminds Luke that he has three days to change his mind about the house, if he so wishes.

Lane is holding an emergency band meeting at the diner. Lane asks if they are breaking up, because so much is coming before the band these days. Brian just accepted a full time receptionist job, and Lane points to that as part of the problem. Isn’t the band supposed to be a full time thing? Lane isn’t sure what they need to do, but it has to be something. She suggests a tour, but that’d be a lot of planning.

Luke is fed up with the "big hole", so goes out with what the bikers then start to call as "big bat". The Dragfonly is completely booked with the bikers, so Lorelai is happy. Mike Armstrong from the Durham Group has sent Lorelai a gift basket, for her "trip over" to the Group. Michel asks if they are selling the Inn to Mark Armstrong. Lorelai says she hasn’t decided yet, and probably won’t take the deal. But enjoys being wooed.

Rory is supposed to be taking her final, but she’s staring out the window instead. She hasn’t even begun her final.

The handyman didn’t show up to the Inn, so Lorelai called in Luke. Luke notices the basket and asks who Mike Armstrong is. Apparently Lorelai hadn’t told him about the meeting (he only knew she was offered it). Lorelai is flippant about taking the job and selling the Inn, which surprises Luke. Lorelai is seriously considering selling the Inn. Luke asks about all the travel and where she’d work. Lorelai asks why Luke is flipping out.

"Well, what about the kids?"

"What kids?"

Luke then tries to backtrack. Luke says "nevermind" and runs up to fix a window. Lorelai looks surprised.

Lane pays a visit to Mrs. Kim to tell her the band may be breaking up. They can’t get enough gigs to build momentum. Lane thinks she may need to move back home, which would mean abiding by her rules. Surprisingly, Mrs. Kim is disappointed in Lane for giving up. She storms away angry at Lane for not being the daughter she raised.

Rory meets with Lorelai at Weston’s for lunch. Rory says her final went well and she’s almost done packing. Rory says they have to talk.

"I’ve decided… that I’m not going back to Yale next year."

Rory is unsure if Yale is the right place for her anymore, and she doesn’t know what she wants to be. Lorelai thinks it’s about Mitchum, but Rory says it’s not. Rory insists her decision has nothing to do with what Mitchum said to her. And that he’s the top newspaper guy in the country.

"So if you’re going to get one man’s opinion, his is the one to get."

Lorelai points out that Mitchum does not approve of Rory with Logan. Rory doesn’t believe that - she thinks it was the rest of the family only. And believes it didn’t influence what Mitchum said to her.

"He said I can’t do it, so I can’t do it."

Rory says she’s willing to believe Mitchum, and that Logan agrees. She assumes that, at least, since Logan’s ranting did not include any reference to Mitchum being wrong. Rory says she just needs time. Lorelai tells her she’s making a mistake. Rory says it’s not - this is normal for college kids, they take breaks all the time.

Rory then tells Lorelai she doesn’t understand because she didn’t go to college. Lorelai tells Rory she’s acting incredibly immature, throwing away what she’s worked for. Rory says she doesn’t want to go to another school instead, she wants time off. Lorelai says if Rory leaves Yale now, she’ll lose momentum and will never go back.

"Momentum toward what?"

Rory is 100% sure she’s not going to be a journalist, so what momentum is she now loosing? Rory says she doesn’t want to stay at Yale just floating around taking courses if she has no direction, no purpose. Rory says that’s not what Yale is for. Rory has no idea what she’s going to do instead, but Lorelai tells her living at home and working is not an option. Lorelai then leaves, and Rory says she’s not going back to Yale. 

Luke storms outside after Taylor, and bikers tumble over trying not to hit him. Luke tells Taylor he wants out of the deal for the Twickham house. He says he "doesn’t need it" anymore.

Lorelai shows up to talk with Richard & Emily about Rory quitting Yale. They think it’s a joke. Lorelai says that the Huntzberger’s are not good people. Lorelai tells them about what Logan’s family said to Rory, and thankfully Emily actually listens this time. Lorelai then tells them about Mitchum setting her up at that internship only to destroy her. Lorelai goes on about that night, and the yacht and jail. Richard can’t believe it.

"Ever since she got involved with these people, things have been bad."

Lorelai says that Rory has been up and down, and should be stronger than this. Lorelai doesn’t want Rory to lose everything she’s worked for. Richard pulls out his notebook and asks what she wants them to do. Lorelai says she told Rory that bumming in  Stars Hollow was not an option. Lorelai wants them to all gang up on Rory at Friday dinner, to knock some sense into her. Lorelai needs them to back her up. Richard will call a lawyer for Rory, and they agree to wait until Friday to confront Rory together.

Rory arrives on the Gilmore doorstep to talk about everything. Richard asks if it can wait until later that night (it being Friday). Instead, Rory breaks down crying.

"Everything’s falling apart. I messed everything up. I don’t know what to do."

Richard is not sure how to comfort Rory. Rory comes for a hug, apologizing to him, saying she just doesn’t know what to do.

Mrs. Kim throws open the door to the apartment, stunning Brian, Zack and Gil. Lane is right behind her, smiling. Lane tells them they are going on tour. Mrs. Kim pulls out a binder and runs through their tour schedule with them. The tour is of theaters and churches, and she has them booked solid for two months thanks to her days in an all-girl tambourine band! She even has families to house and feed them. Mrs. Kim says the lyrics will need to be clean, and even knows her music references. The last problem - transportation. Maybe Gil’s van?

Zack argues they can’t go on a Christian tour, but Lane points out that it’s a tour. It’s a chance for them to stay together and get their music out there. Mrs. Kim seems very excited, and goes to check the engine of the van, after giving it a thumbs up for the tour. Gil and Brian agree, so it’s left to Zack:

"Well, geez, Dorothy, if Tinman and Lion are going to go, I guess I have to go too."

Zack says, as he lifts the back of his shirt. Lane is glowing.

Lorelai comes early to dinner to strategize with her parents, and finds them waiting all serious. Richard tells Lorelai they have thought much about her "situation" and have come to a decision.

"Rory will be taking some time off from Yale. She will move into the pool house here with us, we will help her find a suitable job, and then when sufficient time has passed, we will revisit the subject of her returning to school."

Lorelai gets up and goes to the table, trying to get them to recall the conversation they just had. Richard says it happened, and he’s confident Rory will change her mind with some time and space. Richard says they need to respect what Rory wants to do. Emily says it makes sense - they don’t want Rory moving in with Logan, and Rory has no other place to go. They say they can watch Rory and get her back on track.

Lorelai goes to the pool house and sees Rory unpacking. Lorelai just watches, sad. Like a piece of herself is lost. The scene is accompanied by Claudine Longet’s "I Think It’s Going To Rain Today." Rory sees her mom, but just looks down. And keeps putting her books away.

Taylor is furious that the race is many hours past due, and now it’s 10pm. Not a time for merchandise to sell well. Taylor yells at the bikers as they come streaming in.

In a scene much like that earlier in the episode, Lorelai visits Luke at the diner late at night to tell Luke that Rory dropped out of Yale. That she moved in with her parents, who stabbed her in the back after she went to them for help.

"Everything we worked for… all those years. She was supposed to have more than me."

Lorelai says Rory was supposed to have everything, that was the plan. Luke apologizes for jumping in, but he says he can help. He says they should call Yale and tell them Rory had a chemical imbalance, and then they take her from her parents and lock her in her room with Lorelai. So that Lorelai can talk Rory into this, because Lorelai can talk anybody into anything. Lorelai smiles a little at that. Luke says they will drive her to Yale every day if they have to, and camp out there to make sure she goes. He offers to split the day with her.

The scene has focused on Lorelai. Lorelai thinking and coming to a realization. Lorelai looks up at Luke with love in her eyes as he rants on about Rory not quitting Yale, and insisting that he won’t let Rory give up her dream. Luke finishes his rant and notices that Lorelai is just staring at him.

"Luke, will you marry me?"

Luke just looks stunned, and says:

"What?"

And the episode ends.

Tags: gilmore girls, gilmore girls season 5, gilmore girls finale, gilmore girls season five, a house is not a home, lorelai gilmore, proposal, luke lorelai, luke danes, lane band, mrs kim, gilmore girls recaps, gilmore girls episodes, huntzberger, quit yale

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POSTED IN: Discussions, Emily Gilmore, Gilmore Girls Recaps, Lane Kim, Logan Huntzberger, Lorelai Gilmore, Lorelai's love life, Luke Danes, Richard Gilmore, Rory Gilmore, Rory's love life, Taylor Doose