In ‘Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore?‘, Gilmore Girls re-captured my attention with a classic Stars Hollow episode. And, more than that, what I now consider the “perfect” baby shower. Ok, despite the fact that Rory has to run off to New York for her interview with the New York Times, and despite the fact that Lane has to be wheeled to the party in her bed, it comes off perfectly!

So, let’s take a look at the ‘ingredients’ that went into creating this perfect baby shower for Lane:

• All the Stars Hollow friends are there - a mix of young & old, man & woman
• Decorating the onesies at the "Onesies Painting Station"!! They then get hung up to dry on a clothesline and become part of the decor!
• Lots of music, including Zack singing a lullaby while a big cake with candles is wheeled out
• Over-the-top decor: streamers & balloons, banners, storks, co-ordinating fabrics and ribbons, twinkle lights, a big sign outside with "Lane & Zack’s Baby Shower"
• Fab little gift bags for all the guests with tiny blue soaps
• Pictures of Lane & Zack from their wedding with computer-morphed images of what their babies could look like
• A collage of photos from when Lane was growing up
• A "How big is Lane’s stomach" guessing contest
• Lots of themed food - chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with blue icing, candy pacifiers, fruits & veggies, punch, etc.

Watch this episode of Gilmore Girls on TheWB.com here.

Photo: Scott Humbert/The CW ©2006 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In, ‘That’s What You Get, Folks, For Makin’ Whoopee‘ Lorelai confesses to Sookie that she didn’t want to tell Luke about Christopher, but she thought it was the only way Luke would believe it when she said “no” to his proposal to go elope. Lorelai truly does not believe that Luke wants to marry her. Of course, it doesn’t help that Luke is already calling Christopher Lorelai’s boyfriend and saying he’s “over it.” Put perhaps Luke has doubts too… doubts that Lorelai really wanted to marry him if she was so quick to return to Chris.

Photo: Scott Humbert/The CW ©2006 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Meanwhile, Lane is back from her honeymoon, admitting that it was quite a disaster of a trip. She realizes she married “that man” and is feeling sick and horrible. Well, we know why she’s feeling sick, but it sucks for her that she didn’t at least enjoy the process of getting that way on the honeymoon

So, why does Lorelai have her doubts? Do actions speak louder than words? Or is she doubting herself too? And later, was Luke mean to her as payback for Lorelai’s infidelity during their fight? Or is he just dealing with his own doubts and jealousies again? And is Lane now doubting her marriage too? Or is that purely hormones?

Watch “Gilmore Girls” ‘That’s What You Get, Folks, For Makin’ Whoopee’

Check out Gilmore Girls on TheWB.com here.

This episode, like others in Gilmore Girls, has a subtle theme built into it. I’d like to say that theme is about moving on. In ‘I’m Ok, You’re Ok,’ we contrast three different relationships all in stages of “moving on”: Mrs. Kim & Zack/Lane, Luke & Lorelai and Rory & Logan.

In the case of the Kim drama, Lane has accepted Zack’s proposal, but Mrs. Kim doesn’t know anything yet. Zack goes to tell Mrs. Kim - and, though she’s initially put off, Mrs. Kim does not throw him out. Instead, she helps him plan his music career. This is a huge step for her, after the life she’d wanted for Lane is clearly falling apart. Mrs. Kim is getting over her own prejudices and lost dreams - she’s moving on and realizing how to just support Lane.

With Logan & Rory, Logan persuades Rory to believe he didn’t cheat on her. She says ‘I guess’, but you can tell her heart isn’t ready to believe or to forgive Logan. So she hasn’t moved on, though clearly she wishes she could.

And lastly, with Luke & Lorelai, we see a different kind of “moving on” in their future. Lorelai is very hurt by Luke’s distancing in their relationship, though she’s trying her best to be understanding. She’s especially hurt when Luke lets Anna give him a new bag, when he told Lorelai not to get him one. It makes Lorelai feel like an outsider even more.

It’s clear that neither Rory nor Lorelai are ok. Yet neither are willing to admit it to themselves yet. Why do you think this is?

Watch “Gilmore Girls” ‘I’m Ok, You’re Ok’:

Check out Gilmore Girls on TheWB.com here.

Image: TheWB.com

Gilmore Girls 7.22 "Bon Voyage"
Original Air Date: May 15, 2007
Discussion Date: August 14, 2008
Read "Bon Voyage" Recap

Discussion Questions:

• Why doesn’t Lorelai let Rory put clothes on before driving her to the Inn to meet Christiane Amanpour?
• Do you think it realistic that Christiane would give Rory her card?
• Does it seem like Rory is in less of a panic about her future now?
• What do you think of the rollercoaster trip?
• Do you think Rory wants to talk with Logan?
• Is Lorelai really over Luke, or does she just want to be?
• Why does Lorelai think being friends is healthier with Luke?
• Why does Rory whine about the town throwing her a party?
• Why do both Luke & Lorelai talk about being "over" each other? Why that term?
• Why is Emily berating Lorelai about the rollercoaster vacation?
• Did Rory accept the job with Barak Obama because it’s a good job or because she had no other offers?
• Do you think this is a good first time job for Rory?
• Would you accept a job that may not have any vacation time for 2 years?
• Would Rory have accepted this job if she’d still been with Logan?
• Do you think Lorelai & Rory should still have a mini party for the sake of the town?
• Why does Luke decide to lead the town in throwing a surprise party for Rory?
• Does Sookie interpret Luke’s gesture as something more than friendship?
• Are you impressed that the town all decided to get together for a more organized collective party for Rory?
• Is Lorelai overpreparing Rory as a way to avoid facing that Rory is leaving?
• Do you think that Rory and Lane will keep growing apart now that Rory is moving away?
• Why is Rory upset that Lorelai is not being sentimental?
• Do you think Rory is up to the task of being a political reporter? Would she enjoy it?
• How do you think Lorelai will be with Rory so far away for so long?
• Does Rory leaving push Lorelai to re-examine the other relationships / priorities in her life?
• Why does Luke decide to find the solution to the rain issue all by himself?
• What prompts Luke to put Lorelai’s necklace in his pocket? Is doing all this for Rory showing him what he feels for the Gilmore girls?
• Are you surprised that Lorelai wasn’t told about the surprise party?
• Do you think the party provided a way for us, the viewers, to say goodbye to all the cast?
• Do you think Christopher should have been invited to the party?
• Is Richard right? Did the town throw the party as much for Lorelai as for Rory?
• Do you think Richard & Emily see Lorelai differently now? With more respect?
• Why is Taylor’s speech so graphic?
• Did Emily think they needed to bribe Lorelai to come to dinners?
• Does Lorelai enjoy her parents more now, or does she realize they will all need each other more with Rory gone?
• Why didn’t Luke take credit earlier for putting the party together?
• Did Sookie tell Lorelai about what Luke did knowing it would get them back together?
• Did Luke put the party together as a romantic gesture for Lorelai? Would he have done it, had he not wanted more than friendship?
• Do you think Luke & Lorelai will get married now?
• Did Luke suggest the breakfast at the diner, or do you think that was Lorelai’s idea? What does it signify?
• When Luke says to "take all the time she needs", was that a statement about his relationship with Lorelai? Is he hinting at marriage?
• When Lorelai orders quickly, is that telling Luke she doesn’t need time to know what she wants?
• Do you think Lorelai told Rory about Luke? If not, why?
• Is Lorelai confident Rory will do well?

What did you think of the series finale? Did it tie up enough loose ends? How does it compare to the rest of the series?

Tags: gilmore girls, gilmore girls finale, series finale, season finale, gilmore girls season 7, bon voyage, stars hollow, party, luke lorelai

Gilmore Girls 7.20 "Lorelai? Lorelai?"
Original Air Date: May 1, 2007
Discussion Date: August 7, 2008
Read "Lorelai? Lorelai?" Recap

Discussion Questions:

• What does Rory’s dream mean?
• Does Rory feel like she doesn’t belong anywhere? What is she "confused" about?
• What happened to the building that was built for Rory? Was it done?
• Why do Emily & Richard want to "lend" an apartment to Rory?
• Why didn’t Rory tell Lorelai, or anyone, that she didn’t get the Reston Fellowship? Was she embarrassed?
• Do you think Rory is feeling pressure to live up to high expectations?
• What does it mean that Luke is wearing Lorelai’s hat again? Is it a sign of friendship, as Lorelai thinks?
• Does Lorelai think Luke & April are not going to enjoy their trip? Why?
• Why is Rory so worried to have a job lined up for as soon as she graduates?
• Why does Rory try to recant her refusal from the Providence-Journal?
• Does Lorelai need to reciprocate a sign of friendship with Luke?
• Do you think it’s practical for Lane & the babies to go on a road trip?
• Are you surprised that Rory clammed up so much during her final, because of fear for her future?
• Do you think anyone would think any less of Rory for giving up a great job?
• Do you think Rory got too cocky about her chances at the NY Times? If so, was she right to blame that on Lorelai?
• Is Lorelai right? Has everything come too easily for Rory, that this is now good learning about perspective?
• Do you think Lorelai wants Luke to come to karaoke?
• What do you think of Luke backing out of his trip so April can go to science camp?
• Why do you think Rory asks Lorelai to sing?
• Should Luke go on the boat trip on his own?
• Do you think Lane has changed since having the babies? If so, how?
• Why did Lorelai choose to sing "I will always love you" as a tribute to Rory?
• When Lorelai sings her song to Luke, is it her token of friendship, or something more? Do the words hold more meaning? Did Lorelai know this?
• When Lorelai agrees about letting your "feelings out", to Rory, is she thinking about her singing to Luke?
• Does Lorelai regret singing to Luke?
• Luke asks Zack what he thought of Lorelai - what does that mean?
• Do you think Luke had worn his Lorelai hat intentionally or not? Why does he choose to keep it on?
• Why does Logan go to Lorelai for her permission?
• Do you think Logan is going back on his word, when he asked Rory to factor him out of her job decision?
• Why does Logan want to marry Rory? Why now? Is he ready? Is she?

Tags: gilmore girls, gilmore girls discussion, gilmore girls season 7, logan huntzberger, proposal, lorelai lorelai, lorelai? lorelai?, karaoke, i will always love you

Gilmore Girls 7.18 "Hay Bale Maze"
Original Air Date: April 17, 2007
Discussion Date: July 31, 2008
Read "Hay Bale Maze" Recap

Discussion Questions:

• Why did the town give Taylor is hay bale maze?
• Why is Paris annoyed with Logan being there?
• Should Rory and Logan move to their own place?
• Why is Rory so nervous if she’s been interviewing at so many papers?
• Do you think Rory is comparing everything to the New York Times position?
• Is there significance to April’s gift, which means to "aim more true"?
• Why does Rory ask permission to bring Logan to the Spring Fling if he was to come to the baby shower (but didn’t)?
• Are you surprised Logan has never been to Stars Hollow? That Rory never brought him there? Why is that?
• Do you think Rory wants the Providence paper job, or just to be offered a job?
• Why did Lorelai set up two beds in Rory’s room?
• What do you think of Lane & Zack’s baby names? Steve & Kwan?
• Would you be angry with Taylor if the hay was piled in front of your diner like that?
• Does Lorelai disapprove of Logan’s business tactics? Does she think he’s been too pampered, perhaps, in terms of doing whatever he wants?
• Is Lorelai annoyed by Logan’s "idea book"? If so, why?
• Do you think people in the town expect Lorelai & Luke to get back together?
• Why did Taylor spend all the town Spring Fling money without town approval?
• Why doesn’t Taylor want the traditional booths and activities at the Spring Fling?
• With Taylor’s insane love of town elements, are you surprised he’d move the gazebo?
• Do you think Logan has a firm business plan, or just idealistic faith in his contacts?
• Should Rory accept the Providence paper job, or wait for the fellowship with the New York Times?
• Do you think Rory is confident she’ll get the fellowship?
• Why does Lorelai get mad at Logan for telling Rory to gamble and go for the fellowship?
• Is Logan right? Is he doing the same thing Lorelai did, turning his back on his family, or does he still partially have that silver spoon in his mouth?
• Do you think Logan takes things too lightly?
• Is Lorelai prone to disapprove of Logan because he is/was rich? Do you think she’s now learning to see above that?
• Why doesn’t Logan want to be a factor in Rory’s pro/con list? Should he be? Is it even possible to factor him out?
• Is Rory too used to getting what she wants? Does that influence her decision to reject the Providence job?
• What do you think of the hay bale maze? More fun than the normal Spring Fling?
• Do you think both Lorelai & Luke have been waiting for a private moment to apologize for a while now? Why did they wait? What do the apologies mean?
• Do you think, without gaining partial custody of April, Luke would have realized his error in trying to fix things with April before being with Lorelai?
• What was Luke afraid of when he used April to push Lorelai away?

Tags: gilmore girls, gilmore girls season 7, gilmore girls discussion, hay bale maze, logan huntzberger, hay, maze, april nardini, luke danes

Gilmore Girls 7.17 "Gilmore Girls Only"
Original Air Date: March 6, 2007
Discussion Date: June 29, 2008
Read "Gilmore Girls Only" Recap

Discussion Questions:

• Why is Lorelai pushing so hard for Rory to go to Mia’s wedding?
• Do you think Rory should take a job close to home? Why?
• Do you think it took too long for Mitchum to come after Logan?
• Was Rory right to tell Logan that she’s "not going to support every stupid decision" he makes?
• Why was Logan hiding, instead of facing his responsibilities?
• Why is Emily trying to learn business from Lorelai?
• Do you think Richard is avoiding work out of fear for his health?
• Is it out of character for Richard to avoid work, given his lack of ability to stay retired and find other things to do?
• Do you think Rory still loves Logan? Should she stand by him?
• Would it be good for Emily to come on the trip with the girls, or is it dangerous with the relationship with Mia?
• Do you think Rory is considering Logan in her choices of where to work?
• Do you think Luke was hesitant to be godfather to Lane’s twins? Why?
• Do you think Rory & Lorelai should talk less about Mia?
• Is it possible for Lorelai & Emily to develop their relationship with Rory gone?
• Why does Emily agree to go to the wedding?
• Is Zack avoiding Lane because he’s afraid of being a dad?
• Do you think Emily is aware that she caused the bitterness in her relationship with Lorelai & Rory? That it wasn’t necessary?
• Why does Rory tell Logan to go away? Should she listen to him?
• Is Rory being petty by punishing Logan instead of listening to him?
• Should Logan have respected Rory’s privacy, or is it his way to do grand gestures?
• Do you think Zack will make a good dad?
• Does Lorelai feel guilty for bringing Emily to see Mia?
• Do you think seeing Mia makes Lorelai realize that part of the lost relationship with Emily is her own fault? And painful to Emily?
• Why does quitting the Huntzberger Group make Rory proud?
• Do you think Logan will lose his inheritance now that he’s left the family company?
• Does Mia gently remind Emily that she plays a larger part in Rory’s life now?
• Is Lorelai trying to reach out to Emily, knowing that she is finally losing Rory in a way that Emily understands?
• Why didn’t Rory rush back when Lane was having her babies? Or even after?
• Do you think the show should have put more focus on Lane having her babies?

Tags: gilmore girls, gilmore girls season 7, gilmore girls only, gilmore girls discussions, emily gilmore, mia, lane twins

Gilmore Girls 7.16 "Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore?"
Original Air Date: February 27, 2007
Discussion Date: June 24, 2008
Read "Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore?" Recap

Discussion Questions:

• Do you think Rory has to "make up" for the bachelorette disaster?
• What do you think of the baby shower ideas?
• Are you surprised it was so "easy" for Rory to get an interview with the New York Times?
• If you were Sookie, would you be jealous that Lane is getting a better baby shower?
• Is Rory babying Logan? If so, why? Does she suspect major problems?
• Does Logan want Rory to find out on her own about losing the money?
• Do you think Logan hitting hard times, after so much success, is showing his "true colors" more?
• Why does Zack want Luke at the baby shower so badly?
• Do you think it’s petty that Mrs. Kim doesn’t want to go to the baby shower?
• Is Lorelai right? Is Lane’s idea of freedom just as restrictive to her tastes as Mrs. Kim’s was?
• Why does Rory try to get Logan to call Mitchum?
• Is Liz right, is Luke getting "stuck" with the boat?
• Does Luke fear change?
• Do you think Lane & Mrs. Kim were on the same path as Lorelai & Emily were? To fights over petty things?
• Are you surprised April seemed to indicate Luke was "mundane" or in a rut?
• Do you think Lane will be a lot like Mrs. Kim as a mom? Is that bad?
• Why does Mrs. Kim insist on the baby shower after Lane is put on bed rest?
• Why do you think Logan rushed into the agreement? Doesn’t he have a team of lawyers & partners who should have done the due diligence?
• Which, to Logan, is worse? Making a mistake, or having Mitchum realize it?
• Why is Rory surprised that Logan wants to go to Vegas with Colin & Finn?
• Should Luke have sold his boat? Why?
• Are you surprised Lorelai didn’t phone Rory about Lane being on bed rest? Or about the fight with Mrs. Kim?
• Are Lane & Rory growing apart as friends? Will Rory being godmother help to bring them back together?
• Is Mrs. Kim thankful Lorelai was there for Lane, as a place of escape?
• Why is Rory upset that Logan is not at the baby shower, if it’s not typically a guy thing? Is that pain displaced from Logan hiding the truth from her?
• Why did Luke buy a new boat? Is that truly moving on?
• Is Lorelai hurt to not be involved in Luke’s life, his decisions, anymore?
• Luke has proved to himself that he can change & make decisions - will that bring him closer to, or further from, Lorelai?

Ok, and let’s be honest now, how many of you know people who have "borrowed" ideas from Lane’s baby shower?! I know I will when the time comes!! 

Tags: gilmore girls, gilmore girls season 7, will you be my lorelai gilmore, lane baby shower, baby shower, discussion

Gilmore Girls 7.07 "French Twist"
Original Air Date: November 14, 2006
Discussion Date: June 24, 2008
Read "French Twist" Recap

Discussion Questions:

• Was there any foreshadowing with Lorelai mentioning that Paris is "the city of love"?
• What made Rory such a good editor?
• Does Rory now realize, as she steps down from being editor, that a whole new future is just around the corner?
• Why is Lane hiding her pregnancy from Mrs. Kim?
• Shouldn’t Zack be more freaked out about having twins?
• Do you think Lorelai gushes too much about how great Gigi is?
• What do you think of the Lorelai / Chris relationship so far? Too mushy? Or the love Lorelai deserves?
• Are Olivia & Lucy just "filler" for Rory’s life, without the paper?
• Why does Mrs. Kim want Lane & Zack to move in?
• Why does Rory take Lucy & Olivia to Stars Hollow? Isn’t that odd? Is it a way to bring Stars Hollow into the episode?
• Did Lane & Zack not realize that having twins meant growing up, being parents?
• Why is Rory freaked by her wall of height measurements?
• Why didn’t Chris pull his "money" magic earlier, to get Lorelai into a restaurant?
• Does Chris view his relationship with Lorelai as just continuing a story? Is that dangerous, not knowing if they are "now" as good for each other?
• Do you think Lorelai really loves Chris? Or, is he just doing everything "right"?
• Is Lorelai being swept off her feet "too" much, forgetting about reality?
• Why does Rory see her life as ending, not beginning?
• Is Chris rushing Lorelai to get married, knowing she’s probably not ready and would back out?
• Why does Mrs. Kim invite herself to move in with Lane & Zack?
• Why do you think Marty was brought back, as Lucy’s boyfriend?
• Why does Marty ignore Rory?
• Why did the show skip over the actual Lorelai / Chris wedding? Are they trying to imply it wasn’t a big deal?
• Does Lorelai only realize what she’s done after she got home to "reality"? Does she regret it?

Tags: gilmore girls, gilmore girls season 7, french twist, christopher hayden, gilmore girls discussion, lorelai gilmore, lorelai married, lane pregnant, twins

One of the readers here at GilmoreGirlsNews.com has contribued a discussion question. Falon has asked what many of us have asked before… just where is Mr. Kim?!

Hey gilmore girls community!

Just a few thoughts I had. Have you ever noticed that in every season Lane has mentioned "parents" not just her mom she always says her parents, yet they have never shown nor mentioned her father?

It would be weird if they had gotten divorced and I’m sure they would have mentioned his death, so what could it be? Maybe the writers just thought it was an unimportant detail. Any one else have some thoughts on it?

Do you think they intentionally left out Mr. Kim as a way to keep us guessing? Or did something happen to Mr. Kim and they forgot to air a resolution?

We will begin re-watching Gilmore Girls Season 7 on Tuesday next week, and will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So, if you have commentary on anything Gilmore Girls related (especially related to particular episodes), please email me!

Image: used with permission by NewscomTags: mr kim, lane kim, mrs kim, gilmore girls, keiko agena, emily kuroda