Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life Review — Spring

“Spring” is where Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life really finds its groove. And speaking of things that bring you joy — this definitely does the trick.

It actually feels like this revival series was made especially for me. Obviously, that’s not the case — it wasn’t made just for me, but super fans of Gilmore Girls have to feel a special level of connection with Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.

As Lorelai and Emily work on their relationship by going to therapy together (something Emily roped Lorelai into doing in a way only Emily Gilmore could), Rory struggles to figure out the next step in her career.

Lorelai is also worried that Michel is going to leave the inn. Sookie is gone, and with Michel’s concerns that they’ve peaked and can’t bag Jennifer Lawrence, Lorelai starts to feel like he’ll be the next one to go.

And then what? The Dragonfly was always something Sookie and Lorelai worked toward together, and Michel remained a part of it too.

Luckily, RACHAEL RAY has some good advice for Lorelai. Too bad her food isn’t good enough for The Dragonfly Inn.

No one can cook like Sookie can. Not even Rachael Ray.

With the Spring season comes another Stars Hollow Festival. I love the idea of this tiny town trying to pull off an International Food Festival.

And that festival incorporates yet another Stars Hollow tradition. I’m glad to see the town is still having their basket auctions.

That moment is purely for nostalgia, and I love it. Lorelai reminds Luke that the tradition of bidding on baskets was part of their early romance, when Luke rescued Lorelai from suitors Ms. Patty had set up for Lorelai. He even brought burgers from the diner that day since Lorelai’s basket was pretty darn gross.

And in a moment that is clearly there as fan service — and I mean that in the best way — we finally, finally get a glimpse of Lane’s dad! But just a glimpse. It’s a quick wave, and on to the next thing. It just proves he does actually exist.

“Spring” also takes us back to Chilton, with Rory and Paris returning to give special talks to the students. As you might expect, Rory’s is genuine and smart, while the talk Paris gives leaves students running out in tears.

I said it in my review of “Winter,” but this episode drives it home even further. Paris is my favorite part of the revival so far, mainly because her character is so well-thought out and well-played.

Paris and Rory’s run-in with Francie is exactly what it should be. Paris even brings up hemlines in their exchange, and for just a minute, she’s convinced Rory and Francie are in cahoots.

I’m disappointed that she and Doyle have split, though the explanation is beautifully meta. Doyle — who is played by Danny Strong — has become a successful screenwriter. Because of course he has.

Richard’s presence remains an important part of the revival. Not only is a catalyst for Emily and Lorelai’s therapy sessions, but it also affects Luke in an unexpected way.

Early in Luke and Lorelai’s relationship, Richard tried to convince Luke to franchise his diner. Now, he’s still trying to do so, but this time, it’s with money he left Luke in his will. That money is a trust that can only be used for one purpose: to franchise the diner.

It’s exactly what Richard Gilmore would have done, and naturally, Emily is inserting herself in Luke’s life to make sure it happens.

In that process, though, Luke learns that Lorelai has been keeping a secret from him. She’s been going to therapy alone, but continued to tell Luke she was going with her mother.

We’ve been down this road before with Luke and Lorelai. The keep secrets from each other, and eventually, those secrets destroy them. I sincerely hope that’s not what we’re going to see happen next.

There are a few special cameos in this episode. Mae Whitman appears in one of the lines Rory and Lorelai are checking out, and she and Lorelai even have a special moment where Lorelai offers Mae Whitman’s character a crodocake.

That one was for all the Parenthood fans out there, you guys.

And Sandee from Sandee Says? She’s played by Julia Golden Telles, who starred on another of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s shows, Bunheads.

Other Thoughts:

• Is Mitchum Huntzberger really going to be involved in helping Rory with another career opportunity? I’m not sure how I feel about that, except that it does seem sort of fitting.
• I appreciate the candor with which Rory talks about an one night stand in a conversation with her mother. It’s exactly what you would picture for they relationship as Rory became a grown woman.
• Kirk’s second film! Kirk’s second film!
• Stars Hollow is becoming more progressive and hosting its first ever gay pride parade — just another reason this episode fills me with so much joy. And Gypsy asking Taylor if he’s sure there’s no one else in the town who could march in the parade? Make of that what you will, you guys.

What did you think of the second installment of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life?

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Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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