I Just... Like to See You Happy...

From its premiere in the fall of 2000 on the WB network, Gilmore Girls was one of the most beloved series on the network. For six years, audience saw Lorelai and Rory Gilmore embark on many changes from Rory's first days in Chilton and Yale to Lorelai's own determination to start her own inn while both girls juggled their own personal relationships including the often cantankerous one with Lorelai's own rich parents. For the show's first five seasons, audiences saw Lorelai and Rory embark on those journeys while delving into new worlds that would shake things up. The show's sixth season saw the mother-daughter relationship of Lorelai and Rory splinter due to Rory's decision to drop out of Yale and seek refuge in the posh world of Richard and Emily Gilmore. For Lorelai, it was a heartbreaking decision as she turns to the one person who has been for her for so long in diner owner Luke Danes.

The show's sixth season saw a shift in direction as the quirky humor and light-hearted drama of the series gave way to more dramatic territory in which Lorelai and Rory go through an estrangement period while Lorelai proposes to Luke as they plan their future together. Eventually, Rory returns to her mother and Stars Hollow after learning why her mother left her grandparents when Rory was just a year old as Lorelai seems to have everything back on track. Instead, Luke drops a bombshell when he discovers that he has a long-lost 12-year old daughter as he focuses all of his attention towards the young girl and forces Lorelai to postpone the wedding. With the sudden appearances of her former flame in Christopher Hayden, who is also Rory's father, who is carrying a large inheritance. Lorelai turns to Christopher following an emotional breakdown in which Lorelai gives Luke a crazy ultimatum to elope which he turns down. What happens in the end of the sixth season saw Lorelai in the bed of her former boyfriend.

When the sixth season ended, it also marked what many said to be the beginning of the end for the entire series. With the WB network and the rivaling UPN network deciding to merge into the CW, contractual disputes and such forced the show's creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband Daniel to leave the series after the sixth season. Taking over the series for its upcoming season is David S. Rosenthal, who joined the series as a producer and writer in the show's sixth season. With the Palladinos and several of their writers and producer gone, it was Rosenthal's turn to keep the season going for the show's seventh and final season.

The seventh and final season of Gilmore Girls picks up where the show's sixth season left off. Following her one-night stand with Christopher Hayden, Lorelai Gilmore faces an identity crisis as she and Luke Danes officially call it quits for good. With Luke focusing on his daughter April Nardini, Lorelai begins to question her life decisions as she spends more time with Christopher that would eventually embark on some misguided decisions that would leave those closest to Lorelai hurt. For Rory Gilmore, she takes on her final year in Yale as she deals with a long-distance relationship with boyfriend Logan Huntzberger while making new friends in Yale as both her longtime friends Lane Kim and Paris Gellar are each embarking on their individual goals.

With Rory set to take on her future and Lorelai trying to question who was right for her and what she wanted. The season also focuses on Luke Danes' own personal struggles as he comes to terms over his break-up with Lorelai and the fear that he might lose his daughter when her mother decided to end contact by moving to another state. The show's seventh and final season also proves to be its most controversial due to the departure of its creator and people who were at the show in the beginning. The result is a good season that displays lots of character study and moments but lacks the consistency, quirky humor, and heart of the show's previous seasons forcing to end on a good but not great note.

7.01-The Long Morrow-3/5

Written by David S. Rosenthal. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Rory wakes up at Logan's apartment following his going away party to London where she finds a present that baffles her. Lorelai meanwhile, wakes up in horror as she finds herself in bed of her former flame Christopher Hayden. After a visit from Luke who wants to talk things over, Lorelai refuses saying it's over as she later explains to Sookie and Rory about what happened though Lorelai doesn't tell Rory about her dad. Taylor and Kirk meanwhile, plan a new event in Stars Hollow in front of Luke's diner where a bizarre accident hits Luke's diner. Lorelai empties her house of all of the things that remind her of Luke where Luke wants to elope making Lorelai confess something drastic.

Picking up where the sixth season ended, it is an episode that shows Lorelai not wanting to talk about what happened to Rory though she does give in a bit to Sookie. Yet, it's an episode that has some problems. Some of the dialogue isn't as catchy while there's some doesn't seem to work at all. Notably a scene where Lorelai tries to explain to Sookie about the last few months of her relationship with Luke that doesn't make any sense. Some funny moments involve Sookie beating Michel in an arm-wrestling contest while Paris has a funny moment about her tutoring program. Another funny scene involves Lorelai and Rory's attempt to play racquetball that becomes a disaster. Yet, the episode's title is a reference to an episode of The Twilight Zone in reference to what Rory was trying to figure out about her present from Logan. What Logan reveals later on proves to be something huge in the relationship.

The episode's main story is Lorelai and Luke's disintegration where the car crash into his diner would represent the start of things to come for Luke as he has a hard time thinking about things. With Lorelai bottoming out with everything about Luke, the ending has a desperate Luke pleading to elope with Lorelai but what Lorelai tells him would hurt him.

7.02-That's What You Get Folks, For Makin' Whoopee-4/5

Written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner. Directed by Bethany Rooney.

Lorelai's confession leaves Luke extremely upset as he drives to Christopher's apartment where he throws a punch at him. Luke's anger is fueled more when Kirk opens an imitation of his diner while T.J. helps Luke in fixing the diner. T.J. later invites Luke to his home where Luke's sister Liz brings her views about Luke and Lorelai's relationship prompting Luke to say something about his whole relationship with Lorelai. Upset over her cancelled trip to Asia, Rory gets a surprise when Lorelai throws an Asian-themed party that goes well. Lane and Zach return home from a disastrous honeymoon where Lane gets a shocking surprise of her own. When Christopher calls Lorelai about what Luke did to him, Rory learns what Lorelai did leaving her upset. When Lorelai and Luke meet up again at a market, the already insecure Luke says something to Lorelai that would prove to be very hurtful.

The episode begins with a bang as it's shown from Luke's perspective as he drives all the way to Christopher's apartment where he gives a nice punch in the face. While it's an episode that has a nice mixture of quirky humor and drama including details over the disastrous honeymoon Lane and Zach had in Mexico to T.J. making some funny comments while helping Luke. It's the drama about Luke and Lorelai that really dominates the episode as it's clear Luke is still upset over what happened. The Asian party scene was funny in all of its humor until Rory hears a phone message from her dad about that night and Luke punching him in the face. For Rory, it was her angry because her mother had probably messed up something that Rory and her dad had since they didn't really have much of a relationship.

One interesting note about the episode is Liz's perspective on Luke and Lorelai's break-up where despite some weird mumbo-jumbo New Age thing she was saying. It actually for some strange reason made sense but it made Luke believe that he and Lorelai weren't right for each which he says to Lorelai that would be equally as hurtful as what Lorelai had just done to him. One negative aspect with the episode despite its humor is Kirk's lack of remorse towards what he did to Luke's diner that had him open his own diner which is really out of character for the quirky character.

7.03-Lorelai's First Cotillion-4/5

Written by Rina Mimoun. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Richard and Emily return from their vacation as Friday Night Dinner starts with a guest in a young girl named Charlotte (Hannah Leigh Dworkin) for her cotillion. Lorelai reveals to her parents that she and Luke are done but is upset over their lack of response to the break-up. Lane tries to figure out how to tell Zach the news about her pregnancy making both Zach and Brian shocked. Rory prepares to return to Yale where she briefly attends the re-opening of Luke's diner where she becomes the only person to notice Luke's new hat. A reluctant Lorelai and Michel attend Emily cotillion's dance as Lorelai begins to question her life choices and decision. After Rory has a dinner with Christopher, Christopher confesses to Lorelai about the night she came to him.

While the episode has some funny moments including Zach's reaction to the pregnancy, Paris' phone-sex texting, Lane freaking out about Zach's reaction, and Rory's own attempts to do phone-sex texting as she is not enjoying the long-distance relationship thing with Logan. The episode is really more about Lorelai's own identity crisis following the lack of heavy reaction from her parents about her break-up with Luke. Therefore, Lorelai wonders if she really liked eating pop tarts as well as all of her life decisions. Even as she sees a young girl (Kelsey Lewis) doing rebellious things at the cotillion. What becomes surprising is the fact that Lorelai enjoyed herself with Michel while it was Christopher's confession about the night she slept with him that put Lorelai into an emotional tailspin about everything she was just thinking about. What she would decide would be against everything that she is and that she worked for her entire life.. Another scene in the episode which only concerns Luke is the new baseball cap he's wearing which represents in some ways, him trying to move forward from his relationship with Lorelai.

7.04-‘S Wonderful, ‘S Marvelous-4/5

Written by Gayle Abrams. Directed by Victor Nelli.

Lorelai and Christopher begin to date again where old sparks are renewed though Lorelai has trouble committing full-time into the relationship. Richard meanwhile, is asked to hold lectures in Yale while Rory returns to the school where she meets a couple of eccentric art students. Emily meanwhile, gets arrested where an ecstatic Lorelai bails her out. Back in Stars Hollow, Anna Nardini asks Luke to have April stay at his apartment for a while as she goes to New Mexico to help with her mother's back surgery as Luke reveals to April about what happened with him and Lorelai.

With Lorelai now dating Christopher, audiences get to see what Christopher can bring into their relationship. Unlike Luke, Christopher's knack of spontaneity and being the romantic seems to have won Lorelai where as a couple, they seem to enjoy themselves. Yet, not everything is great because Lorelai is aware of her past record with relationships as does Rory and Sookie who are afraid she'll be hurt again. Though Sookie does, in a funny way, seems to be disapproving of all of this. The episode also has Rory meet a couple of new friends from the Yale art world in Olivia and Lucy, who are eccentric and fun since Rory's other friends in Lane and Paris are too busy with their own lives. Some of the funny moments involves Kirk dealing with being pulled by both his mother and girlfriend over what to eat along with Patti's comments about violence in school.

Yet, no moment was funnier than the idea of Emily being arrested and spending some time in jail. For Lorelai, it was like an early Christmas present which Christopher could understand. The small subplot about April living with Luke shows the father-daughter thing starting to work out while April wants to set her dad up with someone though he reveals he isn't ready.

7.05-The Great Stink-2/5

Written by Gina Fattore. Directed by Michael Schultz.

Stars Hollow is plagued with by a terrible odor of stinky pickles while Christopher receives a letter from his ex-wife Sherry regretting about abandoning their daughter Gigi. Lorelai is upset that Christopher is considering about Sherry's letter as they both attend Friday Night Dinner as a couple to the delight of Richard and Emily. Logan pays a surprise visit to Rory at Yale though their date with some of Logan's business colleagues leaves Rory feeling awkward by the people he is surrounded by including a female colleague (Vanessa Branch).

An episode that definitely lives up to its namesake and it's certainly one of the most boring and oddest episodes of the show's history. One scene involving the town shows the locals dealing with stinky pickles while there was a continuity error that showed Luke wearing a different black hat. While one of the few moments of humor is Richard being excited to see Emily's mug shot. The episode is about Lorelai dealing with Sherry wanting to see Gigi that finally prompted Christopher to make a big decision with Lorelai. Yet, it also showed that Lorelai could be longing for Luke but is comparing him unfavorably to Christopher on the way he handled his own daughter. Rory's own story with Logan was good though the scene with meeting and his female colleague just dragged. Clearly, this was an episode that felt more like filler and didn't really go anywhere.

7.06-Go, Bulldogs!-3.5/5

Written by David S. Rosenthal & Rebecca Rand Kirshner. Directed by Wil Shriner.

Christopher and Lorelai visit Rory during Parent's Weekend at Yale where Richard and Emily also make a visit. Christopher tries to fit in with the other fathers and students but finds himself in an awkward position. Luke meanwhile, meets April's swimming coach (Mia Cottet) who convinces him to take a swimming class along with a date that doesn't go well for Luke. Luke also helps Kirk over his own relationship with Lulu as Luke gives Kirk some advice. Sookie tries to deal with Lorelai's newfound free time while getting tempting offers from a rivaling vegetable supplier (Scott Michael Campbell).

The episode starts out very rough with a scene of Lorelai pretending to be an answering machine to her mother which doesn't work. Even a scene that has Lorelai trying to deal with her parents at the Parent's Weekend thing at Yale. Still, the episode has some moments involving quirky dialogue and such in scenes at Yale. Yet, it also reveals Christopher's regrets about not being around Rory in her childhood as he ends up getting Rory's writers at the Yale Daily News drunk. Aside from decent subplots involving Kirk trying to break up with Lulu that prompts Luke to give some advice and Sookie dealing with a new vegetable guy. One subplot that turned out well is Luke going on a date with April's swimming coach where it's clear that Lorelai has influenced in some ways about food and such. Despite a disastrous date, the episode clearly showed Luke and April getting very close as they enjoy eating pizza and sticky buns.

7.07-French Twist (aka Worst Episode Ever)-1.5/5

Written by David Babcock. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Lorelai and Christopher go to Paris to accompany Gigi as she would meet her mother. At the city, Lorelai and Christopher spend time looking at the city and enjoying themselves where Christopher makes a move that would change things. Rory meanwhile, ends her tenure as editor of the Yale Daily News as she is unsure what to do next while taking Olivia and Lucy to a girl's night out. Rory later meets Lucy's new boyfriend who is none other than Rory's old friend Marty, who pretends not to know Rory. Lane and Zach gets some surprising news of their own where Lane finally tells Mrs. Kim about the pregnancy and more where she steps in to make some changes.

If there's any episode that really shows the series in big trouble, it's this episode which is without a doubt the worst episode of the series. While the stuff about Lane was quite funny including what happened to Brian after Mrs. Kim moves in to their apartment to help Lane and Zach with the arrival of their twin babies. Some of the stuff involving Rory's emotional crisis about what to do next didn't have any of the strong dialogue that was prevalent in the past. While that story arc gave more profile to Olivia and Lucy, it's clear they lack the depth and charisma of Rory's two best friends in Lane and Paris. The latter of which is just there not given much to do. Then there's the return of Marty where it seems they brought a character back for no real good reason whatsoever.

All of this however, is overshadowed by which is probably the most bland story arc of the episode in which Lorelai and Christopher go to Paris. Not only does the dialogue features material that is either sentimentally cheesy or atrociously bland. It really shows the French in an unkind light which is pretty bad though not all Parisians are bad towards Americans. Then there were scenes involving the words "I love you" that sounded so forced and then comes what Christopher wants to do and it clearly shows what he's all about when it comes to Lorelai. The ending itself isn't just a smack in the face to audiences but it's something that beats the audience right in the head to believe that Lorelai Gilmore belongs with Christopher Hayden.

7.08-Introducing Lorelai Planetarium-3/5

Written by Jennie Snyder. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Lorelai invites Rory to dinner where she and Christopher reveal their big news. Rory pretends to be happy but a private conversation with Lorelai leaves Rory extremely upset. Rory's anger is fueled even more during an article she rights leaving Logan upset and Rory realizing about her own living situation as she moves out of Logan's apartment. Luke and April deal with their own life as April suddenly becomes ill where a frantic Luke calls Lorelai. At the hospital, Lorelai arrives but with news that would break Luke's heart.

An episode that has Lorelai and Chris telling Rory that they got married shows Rory not in a good mood. Yet, it's one of the things that shows Rory's anger in where she wrote an article following a party that she attends with Logan that made him angry. While that story arc had a nice resolution. It's an episode that is fraught with problems including a scene that had Lorelai cooking snails? There's 2 things wrong with that. First off, dating back to the pilot and so on. Audiences know that Lorelai Gilmore doesn't know how to cook except leftovers in the microwave, put pop tarts in a toaster, and make coffee. Second of all, she's making snails. It clearly shows that the writer of this episode either doesn't know the show at all or hasn't seen enough because in episode 4.16-The Reigning Lorelai. There was a scene in which the Gilmores are eating snail and Lorelai was disgusted by it and such.

The episode also shows that when it comes to Rory and what she might be feeling, Christopher is truly clueless about what she might be feeling as he is starting to put things into the house including flat-screen TVs that is making Lorelai a bit uncomfortable. Yet once she and Rory settled their issues, it was clear that Lorelai is reluctantly making changes so Gigi can live at the house. Another story arc in the episode is about Luke and April as April is invited to a party as Luke isn't sure until he notices she's sick as he decides to not let her go making her very angry. Then when he realizes how sick he is, he calls Lorelai out of impulse. Yet, when he sees the ring in Lorelai's finger. His face says it all as does the ending in which he is at his daughter's bedside watching an old film with Katherine Hepburn as he realizes what had just happened.

7.09-Knit, People, Knit!-3.5/5

Written by David Grae. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Lorelai and Christopher announce to Richard and Emily that they've eloped as Emily decides to make a party to celebrate the newlyweds. Lorelai reluctantly takes Christopher around town to meet the locals of Stars Hollow though the reaction would be mixed as Christopher's good intentions during a knitting marathon cuts the event short. Rory throws a birthday party for Lucy where Paris and Doyle steal the show while Rory confronts Marty about his behavior. Anna returns from New Mexico with a big announcement that leaves Luke stunned as he pleads to Anna for some time with April that leaves Anna angry. After attending the birth of his new niece Doula, Luke goes to Anna's home demanding equal rights as a parent.

Though it's not perfect in some parts, it's an episode that reveals how everyone else is reacting to the Lorelai-Christopher marriage. Though Richard and Emily seem happy about it with a funny scene for Emily to mock Lorelai with the phone message Lorelai left. Not everyone is happy about it. Sookie tries to be supportive while a scene involving Christopher and Jackson going on a man date seemed awkward. The town itself seems a bit indifferent which got worse after Christopher, though his intentions to save a bridge was noble, realized he's too much of an outsider. Yet, annoyed by all of this and the reaction of her friends, it seems a bit of Luke is starting to crawl into Lorelai. Some of the episode's funny moments involve Paris and Doyle dancing as the two definitely steal the show. That's countered by the Rory-Marty meetings where it's clear Marty is not over Rory.
 
While all of that goes on, it's Luke's story arc that really becomes the high point of the episode. Even as Luke got a glimpse of Lorelai and Christopher where he clearly couldn't take it. All of this goes bad for him with news from Anna that leaves him stunned and sad. Yet after trying to comfort an extremely distraught April, Luke tries to make a plea to Anna for April but what happen shows a very selfish, angry side of Anna. It would take the birth of his new niece Doula to finally have Luke realize everything he missed where the old, grumpy Luke Danes has now returned to fight for the only thing he has left.

7.10-Merry Fisticuffs-3.5/5

Written by David S. Rosenthal. Directed by Jackson Douglas.

Lorelai and Christopher make plans for the future as the wedding party Emily is planning for Lorelai leaves her overwhelmed. When Lorelai bumps into Luke with his new niece, Christopher witnesses the event leaving him upset as he begins to question Lorelai's commitment to the marriage. Things get worse when Emily suggests they should renew their vows which has Lorelai upset and Christopher angry over Lorelai's reaction. A dinner with Logan, Lucy, and Marty becomes disastrous for Rory when Logan reveals Rory's connection with Marty leaving Lucy upset and Rory in trouble. Luke goes to a lawyer over his custody battle where his chances for custody seems little as a frustrated Luke and an angry Christopher finally engage into a brawl. Amidst all of this chaos, Emily gives Lorelai a warning about marriage and the compromises that comes with it.

The episode is about conflict in all of the major characters in this episode. For Rory, she puts herself in trouble over what Marty had done in not revealing his past friendship with Rory to Lucy. After Marty said a remark that left Logan insulted, Logan answered a question honestly that Lucy asked which revealed harsh truth as Rory realizes she put herself in big trouble with Logan and Lucy. While Rory receives the cold shoulder from Lucy and Olivia over her dishonesty. Christopher finds himself becoming jealous after witnessing a heartfelt moment between Luke and Lorelai over Luke's new niece Doula. Yet, it's Lorelai dealing with Emily's plans for a party that would become a full-on wedding party with Lorelai and Christopher renewing her vows show Lorelai unsure leaving Christopher hurt. Even after a previous conversation about wanting kids that left Lorelai confused.

While Lorelai is struggling with her role as wife, Luke's problems with Anna over time with April forces him to go to a lawyer. Yet, Luke's car-assault arrest dating back to episode 4.17-Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' the Twist might impact his case as his chances for partial custody seems like a one-in-a-million shot. The episode's big moment involves the brawl between Luke and Christopher that shows a frustrated Luke and an angry Christopher duke it out. The fight however, is a bit disappointing due to quick cuts and some silly hijinks involving Christmas decorations. The episode's final scene shows Emily revealing the harsh truth about marriage and compromise that comes with it as Lorelai realizes she can't have her things her way all the time.

7.11-Santa's Secret Stuff-4/5

Written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Rory returns from London after the holidays as Lorelai, Christopher, and Gigi decide to celebrate Christmas in January with Rory. Luke makes a visit at the inn asking Lorelai to write a character reference for him for his upcoming custody battle. Lorelai isn't sure what to write as she becomes confused while Rory writes an apology letter to Lucy. April sneaks in to visit Luke as she gives him a Christmas present while the two go Christmas shopping where they bump into Lorelai and Rory where Rory reminisces the presents Luke had given her all of these years. Lane meanwhile, struggles with her pregnancy and her desire to play where Zach brings some great insight about the joy of being a rocker and parent.

Despite some awkward moments in the editing and some of the acting, this is one of the better episodes as the drama was light while the quirky humor and dialogue is still intact. While the scenes with Lane dealing with her pregnancy and the interest of Gil and Brian over the objects Mrs. Kim had, it is Zach's devotion to Lane and to making sure things are right that is the real surprise as Lane clearly found the right guy for her. Yet, the episode's big moment is Lorelai trying to write a letter for Luke which she had no inspiration for what she wanted to come out clearly had no heart in it. With Rory still dealing with her troubles over what happened with Lucy, it is Rory that realized what was going on as Lorelai revealed some recent troubles involving her and Christopher. Amidst all of this, April's secret visit to her dad clearly showed how much she needed him and how much Luke needed her as they each gave each other Christmas presents.

The surprising meeting between Luke/April and Lorelai/Rory was awkward but it was Rory's recollection of all of the presents Luke bought for her on her birthday and Christmas that proved to the most touching. For that, it gave Lorelai some inspiration but the last scene showed the snow finally falling on Stars Hollow. The problem is that for all of her excitement for snow in the past, Lorelai doesn't seem excited at all which showed how much she has changed since being married to Christopher. The big questions are did she change for the better and was it worth it?

7.12-For Whom It May Concern-4.5/5

Written by David Babcock. Directed by Jamie Babbit.

Sookie's behavior becomes odd where Jackson confesses to Lorelai about the explanation as she watches over their son Davey. Rory returns to Yale to send her apology letter to Lucy where she gets some advice from Richard about her career and Lucy. When she gets no response, Paris steps in for the two to settle their differences. Luke and Anna go to a hearing to decide their custody issue over April where it seems Luke doesn't have much of a chance until the content of Lorelai's character reference is revealed. At home, Christopher discovers a copy of Lorelai's character reference for Luke leaving him extremely upset and questions whether he was second choice. At a lecture which Rory attends, Richard suddenly collapses in front of the class.

In what is probably the best episode in a very long time for the series, the episode has some major moments that happen. While a lot of the humor involve Sookie's behavior in which she realize she's pregnant and that Jackson did not do the vasectomy she asked him to do two years ago. Another funny moment involves Paris' charting plans for her and Rory's future while Paris proves to be a great friend Rory as she settled the spat between Rory and Lucy. Yet, two big events unfold in the episode. One is Luke versus Anna over custody of April where it seemed that Luke is facing an uphill battle. Yet, it would be Lorelai's character reference that allowed him to have partial custody of April. Amidst all of this, the episode also marks the implosion of the Lorelai-Christopher marriage as the letter made Christopher upset and reveal some ugly truths about Lorelai's possible feelings for Luke which Lorelai has been denying for so long. The episode ends with a bang when a lecture by Richard with Rory visiting has Richard feeling ill and then collapse.

7.13-I'd Rather Be In Philadelphia-4.5/5

Written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Richard is taken to the hospital as Lorelai, Rory, and Emily await word on his condition. Logan shows up to help but Christopher is absent as Lorelai calls him. After hearing the news from Babette, Luke goes to the hospital to help out as Emily is struggling with the idea of losing Richard. With Lorelai still awaiting word from Christopher, she begins to question whether she made the right decision to marry him as Luke returns with some food for everyone. Christopher finally arrives but what he sees is more than he could take.

While the episode does have a bit of humor of Richard commenting about his sick state, Zach taking over for Lane at the diner with such enthusiasm, and Babette trying to get Paul Anka to use the bathroom. It's all about the Gilmores rallying around to help Richard as Emily deals with what she feels, all the incompetent people around her. Luke, shows up though he is aware that Christopher might be there but isn't as he takes instructions to Emily as if he was one of her servants. With Logan showing up and helping out, he proves his worth to the family. With all the drama going on, Emily Gilmore nearly loses it believing that her husband will gone and she can't do anything about it. Still, he recovers as he's amazed by Emily's devotion to him. For Lorelai however, it is bittersweet because the person that was supposed to be there for her wasn't there. Instead, the man who she felt rejected her, returned for a second time. When Christopher shows up, him seeing Luke and Lorelai talking has him give Luke an ugly insult with Emily seeing all that is going on in her daughter's already troubled marriage.

7.14-Farewell, My Pet-4.5/5

Written by Jennie Snyder. Directed by Jamie Babbit.

With Richard set to make a full recovery, Lorelai and Rory check on his progress while humoring him as they reluctantly both return to their individual lives. At Yale, Rory becomes attracted to Richard's new assistant (Cameron Bender) while revealing to Logan her own faults. Meanwhile, Lorelai returns to Stars Hollow and her inn where Michel is mourning the death of one of his beloved dogs as Lorelai plans a funeral for the dog to distract herself. Christopher returns home to talk about issues plaguing their marriage, notably the presence of Luke, as Lorelai begins to question about ways to save her marriage where Sookie brings a much bigger question as Lorelai makes the most adult decision of her life.

While the episode has bits of humor involving the funeral planning for Michel's dog where Zach risks all of his rock credibility to play Celine Dion. Part of the episode has Rory revealing her flaws where she admits to have some weird self-destructive personality that Logan understood about her crush with her grandfather's new assistant. Yet, that scene ends in a funny moment about Paris belly-dancing which surely would've been a funny scene if it was shown. Yet, the episode is about Lorelai's attempt to save her marriage where Christopher confesses his recent behaviors and actions prompting him to bow out of the marriage because he couldn't figure out what to do. What Lorelai suggests to save her marriage was to cut Luke out of her life but was raised more by what Sookie asked. The final scene where Lorelai returns home to Christopher is the two realizing that it's over leaving Lorelai in tears and Christopher feeling sad about it as well despite the long history they have.

7.15-I'm a Kayak, Hear Me Roar-4/5

Written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Lorelai tells Rory that she and Christopher are getting a divorce as Lorelai tries to figure out how to tell her parents. Yet, Emily has her hands full dealing with Richard not eating his new diet as well as financial bills and such that she doesn't understand. Lorelai helps out as she calls Sookie to make healthy dinners for Richard. Rory meanwhile, plans a birthday party for Logan but is interrupted by his father Mitchum who invites the two for dinner. Logan then receives news of a purchase that is getting him in trouble while Lorelai finally talks to her mother about her split with Christopher which prompts some unexpected sympathy from Emily. At Stars Hollow, the town is abuzz about Lorelai's divorce to Christopher while Liz, T.J., and Doula stay at Luke's apartment as their house is being fumigated where Liz speaks her mind about Lorelai's divorce and Luke's sudden loneliness.

While there's some humor in regards to the locals discussing the Lorelai-Christopher split and Emily trying to run her household with an annoyed Richard just wanting to watch old golf games. It's more about Lorelai wanting to tell her parents about the news that she and Christopher have split up. Yet, one of the surprising developments that goes on is Emily's own comments where she applauds Lorelai for her independence while being sympathetic over her divorce. Still, the episode's final scene clearly showed that despite that warm moment. Emily Gilmore can return to her normal, snobbish self without the influence of alcohol as it is a reflection of the troubled Lorelai-Emily relationship that really troubles Lorelai just as she thought things were about to go good for her and her mother. Two other events happen involving Mitchum Huntzberger and Rory where Rory was annoyed by Mitchum's comments about helping Logan go on the right path though she refuses to take any credit. Unfortunately, a recent business purchase that got Logan goes south which might have him return to old habits.

Amidst all the drama that is going on over Lorelai and Christopher's divorce. The episode catches a glimpse of the family life between Liz and T.J. where clearly, things are going well with their newborn daughter Doula. Even as Liz has started to become financially stable though she is troubled by her brother's loneliness and the fact that he's not over Lorelai. While T.J. made comments about Luke and Lorelai not getting back together. It's Liz's own comments that clearly shows after years of getting help from her brother, her comments about Luke's feelings for Lorelai clearly shows that Liz is now providing some helpful insight to her older brother.

7.16-Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore?-4/5

Written by Gayle Abrams & Gina Fattore. Directed by David Paymer.

Rory and Lorelai throw a baby shower for Lane with the whole town being part of the festivities. When Lorelai learns Mrs. Kim won't be attending due to an argument she had with Lane over how Lane will raise the children, Lorelai decides to mediate on the matter. Rory meanwhile, gets a job interview from the New York Times while learning about Logan's business failure as he decides to unwind with a trip to Vegas with some old friends. Luke learns that Liz wants to sell their father's boat prompting to Luke to make some life changes for himself as well as his future with April.

The episode, which features a cameo appearance from legendary Rush bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee at a party scene, is a return of sorts to the quirky humor of season's past. Yet, it also reveals some serious development where Luke does something unexpected in selling his father's boat to Kirk and then, getting a new one. For Lorelai, it comes as a huge shock seeing that Luke has done something spontaneous and unpredictable when he isn't known for those things. Yet, it also becomes clear that during their brief conversation that things can't go back for Luke and Lorelai prompting Lorelai to realize she needs to grow up a little bit. The episode also has Lorelai mediating some conflict with Lane and Mrs. Kim where Lorelai just wants them to just not go through the same mess she and her mother have gone through. Then there's Rory who is excited for her possibilities to work at the New York Times though is disturbed about what is going on with Logan as his old, reckless behavior is starting to return.

7.17-Gilmore Girls Only-4/5

Written by David Babcock. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Lorelai decides to go to North Carolina to attend the wedding of her former employer Mia (Kathy Baker, filling in for Elizabeth Franz). Rory and Emily both decide to join Lorelai for the trip as Rory is angry at Logan over his immature behavior following an argument with his father while Emily wants a break from Richard. Lorelai learns from Mia about the meeting Mia had with Emily five years earlier while Logan arrives to North Carolina to give Rory some life-changing news of his own. Back at Stars Hollow, Lane and Zach ask Luke to be the godfather of their twin sons who are yet to be born.

While the episode does have some excellent moments in its humor including Zach freaking out to Luke about being a father. It's a mostly light-hearted episode that showed how important Luke is to Lane and Zach since they kind of look up to him as a dad. Yet, the episode is really about the three Gilmore Girls going on a trip where Rory hopes for some bonding time as she is about to embark on a new world for her journalism career. While Kathy Baker does a nice job filling in for Elizabeth Franz (who was unable to play the character due to scheduling conflicts), the one complaint about the Mia character is the lack of mention of Luke. Especially since Mia knew Luke as a little boy. Still, it was about the Lorelai-Emily relationship where it's clear that what Mia revealed showed that despite all the things Mia has done for Lorelai. She understands how hurt Emily must've been as in the end, Lorelai and Emily starts to make an attempt to have some time together where all three Gilmore Girls watch The Pursuit of Happyness.

Another big moment of the episode involves Logan who makes a serious life-changing move to leave the Huntzberger group for good after what had happen in a bid to go on his own.

7.18-Hay Bale Maze-4.5/5

Written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner. Directed by Steve Clancy.

The annual Spring Fling festival is coming to Stars Hollow with Rory bringing Logan to the celebration. Lorelai becomes aware that the relationship between Rory and Logan is serious as she and Logan finally talk on some issues as well as Logan's future. Rory meanwhile, gets another job interview at a Rhode Island newspaper as she ponders what she wants to do next. April visits her father as Luke comes to terms with the reality of having a daughter in his life. The town becomes upset when Taylor spends the entire festival's budget for a big maze that leaves him sick where at the maze, Luke and Lorelai run into each other as they both finally make amends.

A return of sorts to the ambitious episodes of the show in the past. It is truly one of the more dazzling, huge productions that involve a large, hay maze around Stars Hollow. Yet, the episode is about changes and what's ahead. While there was tension between Lorelai and Logan over comments about Rory's future job possibilities. The tension was cleared once Logan reveals his intentions while crediting Lorelai for giving him an idea of what to do now that he's no longer working for his dad. Other moments involve April and Luke as they two seem to adjust to each other very well while Lorelai attends her first town meeting in months where she was greeted graciously by April. The maze itself plays as a metaphorical object for several characters. With Zach playing the maze with his sense of rhythm and improvisation, April with her logic, and Rory/Logan with their own spontaneity. The maze also reveled into Lorelai's own lack of direction in the past several months until she bumps into Luke who guides her back where the two finally apologized to each other over what happened in the past year. Even as Luke revealed that he got scared over the reality of April and that he kind of used her to push Lorelai in a way which he didn't mean to do.

7.19-It's Just Like Riding a Bike-4.5/5

Written by Jennie Snyder. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

For the first time since the break-up, Lorelai finally steps into Luke's diner but the meeting ends up being awkward for both of them. After her jeep breaks down and is in need of a new car, she turns to Luke for help but old tension and irritations towards each other happens which makes Lorelai feel good that things are becoming familiar. Jackson stays at Lorelai's home when the kids have the chicken pox as he and Sookie confront each other over some issues. Paris gets acceptance letters from various schools as she decides to break-up with Doyle as Rory awaits word from her New York Times internship. Doyle however, makes a counteroffer to Paris about her own future.

An episode that is about devotion and what's ahead. Though things for Luke and Lorelai become awkward at first until her jeep breaks down. It would take Lorelai's own feelings for what she wants in a car and Luke's frustrations for the two to bicker like old times. Yet, it's a feeling that after all those years. No one can annoy each other better than they could. While things are starting to look bright for the two. Things with Sookie and Jackson aren't so great as Jackson felt he hadn't been forgiven for what happened where he accidentally destroys Lorelai's own dollhouse that made Lorelai sad. Yet, it was resolved as Sookie admits to her fear about having another kid as the kids she and Jackson already have are driving her crazy. Then there's Paris and Doyle where Paris finds loads of opportunities but have trouble deciding what to do where she breaks up with Doyle.

Yet, a saddened Paris realizing she's about to leave the guy who is right for her talks to Rory about her possible future with Logan as Rory awaits word about her New York Times internship. Doyle's return made Paris realize that Doyle is right for her and is willing to go wherever Paris goes. Yet, the episode's ending would leave Rory heartbroken about her possible future.

7.20-Lorelai? Lorelai?-4.5/5

Written by David S. Rosenthal. Directed by Bethany Rooney.

Upset over the rejection from the New York Times and the loss of several opportunities, Rory retreats to Stars Hollow as she ponders more about her future. Lorelai meanwhile, notices that Luke is wearing the blue cap she gave him for Xmas several years ago as he turns to her for his upcoming summer boat trip with April. April calls with some grim news about a big opportunity with a prestigious science trip as he reluctantly attends a karaoke bar where Lorelai sings a heartfelt song to him. Logan makes an appearance at Lorelai's house about what he wants to do with Rory.

Featuring a bizarre opening scene in which Rory is back at Chilton but is forced out by Headmaster Charleston, then finds her mother leaving her house to go to Hawaii living at the house is none other than Paris and Doyle with their kids. Yet, it's Rory having a nightmare as she realizes that all of the opportunities she had were gone while being rejected by several top papers have Rory upset though it was Lorelai who comforted her. While Rory manages to pick herself up, Luke becomes very excited about a boat trip with April where Lorelai's suggestions got him even more excited. Unfortunately, April received an offer to join a prestigious science camp from the Metropolitan Museum of Arts where she is torn about the decision where Luke told her to go to the camp which she reluctantly accepts. While that is going on, some changes come for Zach as he gets an opportunity to on tour as a guitarist for a band for two months. Lane wanted to go but bringing the twin boys would prove to be a hassle as she decides to stay back while Zach go on the road touring so he and his family can have some cash.

One of the episode's big moments is a karaoke scene in which a near-drunk Lorelai sang I Will Always Love You. Though it starts out as a comical tribute to Rory, it ended up becoming something far more as she sees Luke as he becomes a bit emotional over the song. At the same, the blue hat that Luke had worn since the first season had returned while the black hat was found as Luke feels comfortable in wearing the blue hat Lorelai gave him for Christmas all those years ago. The episode's final scene has Logan visiting Lorelai where he reveals what he's going to do but also what he wants to do with Rory that leaves Lorelai stunned.


7.21-Unto the Breach-4.5/5

Written by David Babcock & Jennie Snyder. Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

Rory's Yale graduation is coming as Richard and Emily throw a party for her. Attending the party is Christopher as he and Lorelai are relieved that they can get along after the divorce. When Luke overhears a conversation Lorelai has with some locals about the karaoke night, he is hurt over Lorelai's comments. Logan surprises everyone as he proposes to Rory making her unsure about what to do while Lorelai talks to Luke about it where they confess some mistakes over their own engagement period.

The long-awaited episode in which Rory completes her education as it's celebrated with style that featured a comical moment where Richard and Emily sang for Rory in her honor. While that scene along with Kirk doing a thing inside a box for the town and the townies desire to attend Rory's graduation provided some great humor. It's Logan's proposal to Rory that really becomes the main story as Lorelai and Christopher aren't sure about it. When Lorelai meets Luke to discuss it, it revealed that both of them made mistakes in their own engagement as things are now more awkward between them despite Luke wanting to give Lorelai a gift but got another one for Rory. The episode's big moment is Rory's decision about Logan's proposal that would prove to be heartbreaking but would have Rory make what is the bravest and most adult decision of her life so far.

7.22-Bon Voyage-4.5/5

Written by David S. Rosenthal (with additional contributions by Lauren Graham). Directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

On the show's final episode, Rory receives word that she is about to get a job to work for a magazine to cover Barack Obama's campaign for presidency. When it's revealed that she has to leave in a few days, plans for Rory's graduation party at Stars Hollow is cancelled until Luke decides to throw the party to end all parties for Rory with help from the town as even Richard and Emily attends. Lorelai is amazed at this reception while learning that it was Luke who spearheaded the whole thing prompting the two to make-up as Luke makes one last breakfast for his two favorite customers as Rory sets to take part on her own future.

If it was a season finale. It probably would've been an amazing episode that stands with the rest of the series but the fact that it's a series finale. It's an excellent final episode but not a great one considering the chaos that happened in first half of the seventh season with not much to tie around. Yet, the finale is really about Rory set to embark onto her future with plans for a graduation re-enactment party gets cancelled. With Lorelai now unsure if she and Luke will ever get back together, it was Luke's spontaneous planning to get the party going by making it a farewell party for Rory that really showed how much the town loved Lorelai and Rory as it that dedication even moved Emily and Richard. While the episode had Lorelai struggling to deal with Rory's departure to the world, Rory too has a hard time leaving her mother but is comforted by the fact that the one person she has always counted on will be there for her mother.

That person turned out to be Luke whose simple declaration to Lorelai showed that he is indeed the one for her where they briefly embrace one another. One big moment that opens the episode is Rory meeting her idol in famed reporter Christiane Amanpour The final shot of the episode at Luke's diner is reminiscent to the final shot of the show's pilot episode but the major difference is Luke in the background making breakfast for his favorite customers showing how much he meant to those girls.

Throughout the show's beginning, Gilmore Girls was essentially about the story of a 32-year old mother and her 16-year old daughter trying to deal with the changes in their lives as they grow up where the young Rory Gilmore has all of these ambitions to go to Harvard and become a journalist. For Lorelai, she would do anything for Rory which also meant having to end the estranged relationship with her rich parents where they give her the money to pay for Rory's education while both girls attended weekly dinners on Friday. While both Lorelai and Rory would each go through some moments about their own lives while turning to each other for help and guidance. They were always surrounded by those who helped and supported them throughout the years. The one person who was always there to help them was Luke Danes, the man who served them coffee and made food for them at his diner where eventually, he became more than that.

While the show showed both girls striving to go to their destination into what they want to do. There was also the desire for both girls to find the right men in their lives who can join them on their journey. While Rory would end up having three different boyfriends by the end of the series, all of whom had impacted her life one way or another. It was Lorelai's desire to find the right man in her life who would give her the stability, comfort, and love that was a major subplot for the entire series. She would find the right man in Luke Danes where after four seasons of pining and denied feelings for another. They came together for about two seasons where things seemed to be fine. Then came the fifth season finale and the events of the sixth season.

When Rory dropped out of Yale at the end of the fifth season leaving Lorelai heartbroken, it was Luke who wanted to help Rory more than anything to get her back on track that made Lorelai realize he is the one for her. Yet, emotional over what happened, she proposed to him and he said yes. Though Luke would wait for Lorelai to set a wedding date once she settled things with Rory, an unexpected bombshell for Luke came in the form of a 12-year old girl who would send his world crashing down. The shock over the discovery of April Nardini, Luke's illegitimate daughter from a previous relationship, forced Luke to want to slow things down and postpone the wedding in hopes that he can fix things and form a relationship with his daughter. Though Lorelai reluctantly went with the postponing of the wedding and tried to give Luke the chance to form a relationship with his daughter. The cost was huge as she decided to keep her mouth shut and not be involved later to the regret of both Luke and Lorelai.

The dramatic tone of the sixth season definitely brought problems to the series as at times, the drama was becoming a bit melodramatic while the humor was becoming forced. The show by the fifth season had reached a creative peak but by the sixth season, a lot of its edge and sense of humor was lost through some heavy-handed plots that kind of ruined the show for a bit. Making things worse for the Luke-Lorelai relationship was the presence of Lorelai's former flame in Christopher Hayden, who was also Rory's father. Once he started to reappear with a huge inheritance, paying for Yale, and taking the time to be with Rory. Once Christopher saw how distraught Lorelai was over the troubles she was having with Luke. He was waiting to take a chance in renewing the relationship he craved for. Then came the sixth season finale where a desperate, emotional Lorelai came to a confused Luke where she presented an ultimatum that left Luke unsure. The result was Lorelai walking away and then going to Christopher for comfort. The last scene showed Lorelai in bed with Christopher Hayden.

That moment marked the beginning of the end for the series or as some would say, the moment the show really jumped the shark. Making things worse was that it would be the last time the show would be handled under the supervision of its creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband Daniel. After that, it was never the same forcing its executive producer David R. Rosenthal to take over with a slew of new writers and staff to create what would be the show's final season. A season that at best can be described as chaotic, notably the first half of that season.

When the seventh and final season began, it seemed like the show had no idea where to start where it would become a very uneven season. There, the character of Lorelai became more immature, desperate, and unsure of who she is while unfairly blaming Luke for all of her troubles. At the same time, Lorelai goes into an existential and identity crisis following her break-up with Luke. Though the show was never really known for character study. Its study of Lorelai was interesting though it would overwhelm the entire season throughout the majority of the season. Once the story got into the Lorelai-Christopher relationship, it started to lose not just its purpose but also created episodes that weren't up to par with the rest of the series and moments that became very baffling.

The show is called Gilmore Girls and it's supposed to be about Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Unfortunately, it was Lorelai's storyline that kind of overshadows everything forcing the Rory Gilmore character to not have many moments though her storyline seems to wind down as she faces what is next about her future and what to do with her life both professionally and personally. The show in many ways becomes more about Lorelai's identity crisis and her relationship with Christopher for the season's first half which features not just some of the worst writing ever conceived for the show but strays way too far from what the show was meant to be about. At the same time, it created moments where it was clear the new writers hadn't seen the show in its previous seasons nor really understood how the dialogue that was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and her team that was prevalent throughout the series.

The result was a very messy season that began with Lorelai Gilmore practically losing herself, blaming Luke for all that had happened, and then admitting that some of it was her fault. Once she and Luke called it quits, Lorelai goes into a period figuring out who she is while it is Christopher Hayden who confesses that he is still in love with her and will wait for her no matter how long. In going back to Christopher for all of those years, Lorelai does what some of the people around had been saying all along from her parents to those who knew her early in her life. Though Christopher brought the kind of things that Luke couldn't do in being spontaneous, romantic, and even understanding to Lorelai's sense of humor. Not everyone was up on board about Lorelai going back to Christopher, notably the two people who are closest to Lorelai in Rory and Sookie.

While Lorelai and Christopher had this long history dating back to when they were kids, Christopher also had a sporadic history of being there and then not being there which often puts Lorelai into an emotional tailspin. Now that she's no longer attached to Luke, being with Christopher seemed like the ideal thing to do for Lorelai but both Rory and Sookie warned her that things could go wrong as they're both aware that Christopher has a shaky history. For a while, it seemed like things were going well until Christopher's ex-wife Sherry wanted to start a relationship with their daughter Gigi. Yet, that was a hump both Lorelai and Christopher got over quickly but Lorelai finds herself troubled by the fact that she is starting to compare Christopher to Luke but in an unfair way towards Luke. Then came the moment the two went to Paris where everything seemed to be romantic and blissful until Christopher decided that the two should get married.

It was in that moment the show really started to become problematic as the episode known as French Twist really encompass all that was wrong with the series as it became what is really the worst episode of the series. It also showed how far Lorelai Gilmore had moved away from who she really is. While she may have the same kind of spontaneity that Christopher has. She always has Rory in her mind but to get married without Rory being there showed Lorelai Gilmore doing the worst thing in her life. The reaction to the elopement brought a wide range of emotions. For Rory, she was angry because her parents did that and that her mother didn't even call her or anything. For Richard and Emily Gilmore, it seemed like it was something they've been waiting for as they had hoped for Christopher and Lorelai to be married just as they wanted them to when they were both 16.

Though Rory eventually cooled down and tried to support the marriage. The reaction from Lorelai's friends at Stars Hollow was mixed. While they all wanted to support Lorelai and be happy for her. The problem is that they have a much bigger loyalty towards Luke whom they have known since he was just a boy while Christopher, whom they have seen for years sporadically, is too much of an outsider who doesn't understand Stars Hollow. Just as Lorelai and Christopher start out being married, problems are already emerging with Lorelai becoming unsure about being fully committed as well as having Christopher living in her house wanting to make some changes. Things get worse when Emily wants to have their party be a wedding-renewal party with all of Lorelai's friends there. Eventually, Lorelai realizes she needed to make compromise as she is now married and has to listen to what Christopher wants.

Then comes Luke, defeated and broken, as he asks Lorelai for help in wanting to have custody of his daughter. Lorelai becomes confused over what to write while not wanting Christopher to know since he's become agitated by Luke's presence. Yet, it would be an accidental moment where Lorelai and Rory bump into Luke and April where it was Rory reflecting on the presents Luke bought for her on her birthday as a kid. After that prompted Lorelai to write the letter that Luke asked for, she suddenly found herself realizing how much she's changed but unsure whether she made the right decision. Then when a copy of the letter was revealed, Lorelai and Christopher's marriage implodes as Christopher finds himself being unfairly to a man he felt is beneath him as he walks out.

Later on when her father has a heart attack, it was Luke who shows up to help her as Christopher was nowhere to be found. When Christopher finally shows up, he sees Luke and Lorelai talking where he insults Luke in such an immature way. What was more surprising is Luke just deciding to walk away aware that Lorelai has been through enough for one whole day. Christopher's immature reaction and lack of appropriate timing finally made Lorelai question her marriage but worst of all, Emily Gilmore became aware that the marriage is in trouble and that Lorelai is becoming hurt by all of this. Realizing that Christopher has no idea what to do with the marriage and his feelings that he pushed Lorelai into marriage when she needed more time to get over Luke. Lorelai makes a drastic decision to save her marriage which was to cut Luke out of her life for good.

Once Sookie asked the idea if Luke had never existed and Christopher could be the man for her. Lorelai finally realizes that cutting off Luke out of her life is too much to ask. Even after all that she had been through in the past two years, the decision to divorce Christopher was a heartbreaking one. Yet, it was a decision she had to make to reclaim herself as a woman. For Lorelai, the marriage showed Lorelai at her worst as she realized she was never over Luke while putting herself in such a mess. The worse thing she realized that after years of broken engagements, brief relationships, and a failed marriage. She realized that in the end, she can't rush things for herself to have a happy ending and not be defined by any kind of man no matter how much they love her.

For Christopher Hayden, he learned a huge lesson about her marriage to Lorelai as he realized that no matter how much money he has. No matter how much he loves her. Love doesn't conquer all. Especially when she was already attached to another man while to the fact that the Lorelai Gilmore he knew when she was young isn't the same Lorelai Gilmore in her late 30s. Though Christopher Hayden seemed like an antagonist of sorts throughout the series, there is a redemptive quality in the fact that he admits to making mistakes and that he can't really change himself for anyone but himself. While he admits that he wished he was mature enough to be there for Rory. The fact that he and Rory still care for each other provides some comfort while he and Lorelai can be relieved that they can be there for each other despite all that had happened.

Amidst all of the drama that surrounds the Lorelai-Christopher relationship and Lorelai's own break-up with Luke. The one character that was in the center of all of this drama as he gained what is probably the most interesting and biggest development is Luke Danes. Throughout the series, Luke Danes had been known as a grouchy, distant diner owner who had been pining for Lorelai for eight years while serving her coffee and giving her food. Yet, his character developed into a kind, caring man who was there for the girls and when he was in a relationship with Lorelai. He was this devoted, caring man who was willing to go all the way with her. Of course, being with Lorelai caused problems as Luke was forced to deal with her parents, the presence of Christopher, and unfriendly advice from one of Rory's former boyfriends in Dean Forrester.

Once the arrival of April came into his world, things came to a halt as he believed he needed to fix things with his long-lost daughter and form a relationship with her in order to prove that he can be the man for Lorelai. Yet, he lost sight of Lorelai once he became fully distracted by his daughter, dealing with the presence of April's mother Anna Nardini, and he unknowingly pushed Lorelai away. Then when he felt ambushed by Lorelai over her ultimatum, he had no idea what to do as he was someone who doesn't think things very quickly which is what happened to him once a car crashed into his diner. The car crash at his diner would be the start of things to come for Luke as things in his life begins to fall apart. Once Lorelai confessed that she slept with Christopher just as he was pleading that they should get married. Luke became hurt and angry where he punched Christopher while starting to show a very mean side of himself to Lorelai. Then as he started to realize what went wrong, he began to believe all of the things that Dean had said to him all those years ago along with the presence of Christopher and the fact he never felt accepted by Lorelai's parents.

For Luke, him believing that he and Lorelai weren't meant for each other showed Luke just trying to deal with it only the way he can where what he said to Lorelai would be just as heartbreaking as what she did to him. Without Lorelai, Luke decided to focus on his daughter full-time while wearing a new baseball cap with the color black that now represents a darker mood about him. What becomes more surprising is that April would bring sides of him that Luke isn't aware of as a bit of Lorelai's influence is starting to be ingrained into him. The relationship between Luke and April not only provided new dimensions for Luke but also showed a tighter father-daughter bond that neither of them expected. Despite a few problems, that bond remained tight even when Luke called Lorelai as he panicked when she was sick. Once Lorelai appeared, what he saw on her finger would not just shatter his heart into a million pieces. It became clear that he isn't over Lorelai by a long shot despite trying to get back into the dating scene.

Seeing Lorelai with Christopher was something Luke couldn't handle as he tries to remain emotionally shut until Anna returned from New Mexico bringing news that would send Luke to an even sadder place. Realizing that Anna never wanted him in April's life as it would take the birth of his newborn niece and a distraught April to fight for the one thing he has left. Yet, fighting Anna for shared custody for April would prove to be tough as Luke Danes is forced to face the idea that April might not be in his life leading to go into a brawl with a jealous Christopher. In going to Lorelai for help when his sister's letter wasn't enough for him. It was him in a way, going to an old friend for help asking her to give him a chance to be with his daughter. The contents of the letter revealed how much Luke meant to Rory after all these years where he won shared custody as he was grateful to Lorelai unaware that she is an emotional wreck at this point.

When he heard about Richard Gilmore having a heart attack, Luke did what came naturally to him as he helped out despite Emily's harsh comments. When he returned a second time, Lorelai was more receptive despite what she was going through with Christopher where the two were being friendly. For Lorelai, it revealed that despite all that happened, Luke still cares for her and her family. When Christopher shows up, Luke knew he has to leave as it's now up to Christopher to be the man of the family. Instead, Christopher insulted in such a childish way as if he was goading Luke to do something. What Luke did showed something that was expected from the rich background of the Gilmores and Christopher where instead of doing something to Christopher. He walked away and expressed his condolences to Lorelai proving that he has more class and character than Christopher will ever have. When Luke hears about Lorelai's divorce to Christopher, it becomes clear that he's lovesick over her and aware that he did things to their relationship that he isn't proud of as he hopes to maybe fix things.

Yet, Luke realizes that some things can't be fixed and that he has to allow people in more in to his life. When he decided to make some changes by selling his father's boat, it was Luke letting go of things in his past that he's been holding on to for so long. Though Lorelai was shocked by what he did, she does see it that at least he's trying to better himself for himself. Still, it would take time for the two to reconcile and eventually, realize they need each other as the two are given a happy ending of sorts where Luke would finally let his guard down in a simple, emotional declaration that was enough for Lorelai to be won over by.

While the Luke-Lorelai-Christopher love-triangle managed to overwhelm the series with one of those characters given some great character development. Two major supporting characters got the chance to have some serious development in Lane and Logan. Lane gets a surprise of her own as she becomes pregnant with twins where she got to make some life changes of her own. She had to compromise to the fact that she will raise her boys freely but also give them some rules like her mother has given her as a child. Yet, the character of Lane becomes more grown up though not willing to give up on her rock dreams so easily. Logan has some bigger development where the reckless, party rich-boy suddenly becomes responsible and finds himself enjoying the idea of working. That is until he makes a bad business move where loses lots of money that the old Logan started to creep in. Once he realized he screwed up and reacted in such a bad way, he makes the bravest decision in going out of his own away from his father's shadow. That move not only impresses Rory but Lorelai as well who had some misgivings about Logan throughout but is relieved that he's been a great guy for Rory.

Two other characters that got some serious development in the form of recurring supporting characters are Zach and Liz. The character of Zach definitely becomes more prominent as he becomes more concerned for Lane's well-being while taking over for Lane working at Luke's diner. Even as he calms her down about the idea of parenthood and expressing his fears to Luke about being a dad as Zach becomes a more realized character. Then there's Luke's sister Liz, who for years always goes to her brother for help in forms of many things but once she becomes a mom again. She's starting to have everything going for her she's got a wonderful husband in T.J., a beautiful baby girl, and a talent that has kept her financially stable but worries over her brother's loneliness after his break-up with Luke while confronting him about the way he does things.

While Rory Gilmore didn't get a lot to do in the season's first half, her character does go through some changes as she also tries to deal with a long-distance relationship and an uncertain future after school. Though she does get to meet a couple of new friends in Olivia and Lucy, though they're not as interesting as Lane and Paris nor the duo of Madeline and Louise from the first four seasons. Olivia and Lucy do give Rory a chance to venture out more while Rory also realizes that she can't get everything she wants in terms of what she wants out of her career. By the season's second-half as she deals with Logan's business problems and her own career anxieties, we see Rory grow so much while her decision to not be engaged Logan shows that she is growing up into doing what she thinks is right.

Paris Gellar does get to have some moments in terms of humor and drama, notably the second half of the season. Yet, there's times where they put her there to be outrageous where it felt more like filler. There's several characters throughout the series that don't get to be fully used as they either are used as props or just to be there. Some of which becomes frustrating until the second half of the season as the characters whether its supporting majors or recurring characters get a chance to be useful for the plot of the episode.

While the show does manage to pick itself up in its second half with the revolving story around Lorelai recovering from her divorce, Luke trying to better himself, and Rory dealing with her future. The show ends on a high note although its conclusion isn't exactly fulfilling. The last episodes started to show some progress between Lorelai and Emily over their relationship as they both have to deal with Rory going away to another city. Yet, that doesn't get fully explored as the ending for Lorelai and her parents is that she'll be attending Friday Night Dinners from now on with no obligations and such. That lack of conclusion is really the most upsetting because it seems there's more to tell in that storyline just as Richard and Emily begin to accept Lorelai's life choices and her individuality.

The overall aspect of the seventh season where it had a very messy first half and a very good second half shows that the last season was uneven and chaotic at best. Still, there was a bit of the magic there in relation to the seasons preceding the show. Unfortunately, the seventh season became clear that without its creator Amy Sherman-Palladino. The spark and enthusiasm that was Gilmore Girls wasn't there though David Rosenthal to his credit did the best he can to keep things going right to the end. Though the show ended on a high note, its ending really ends up leaving more of how things could have been if Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband were still involved and how great that ending could've been.

While the show's music continues to be a mixture of indie, pop, and other forms of music with contributions from Sam Phillips and a brief appearance from Grant Lee Phillips as the troubadour. It doesn't have as many moments that stick out except for the series finale which included Luke and Lorelai embracing to the Mighty Lemon Drops classic Inside Out.

The casting is excellent with small appearances from Christiane Amanpour as herself, Adetokumboh M'Cormack as Logan's business partner Phillip, Nicolette Collier as Gigi Hayden, Douglas Rown as Luke's lawyer, Jimmy Bennett as Gil's son Macon, Cameron Bender as Richard's teaching assistant, David Trice as Mia's new husband Howard, Rush bassist Geddy Lee in a cameo, Gregg Henry as Mitchum Huntzberger, Dankin Matthews as Rory's Chilton headmaster Charleston, Griffin Churchill as Davey Bellville, Dakoda & Danica Hobbs as Liz and T.J.'s daughter Doula, Vanessa Branch as another of Logan's business partners, and filling in for Elizabeth Franz as Mia, Kathy Baker. In the roles of the Stars Hollow locals such as Michael Winters as Taylor Doose, Aris Alvarado as Caesar, Rose Abdoo as Gypsy, Sally Struthers as Babette, Sebastian Bach as Gil, Emily Kuroda as Mrs. Kim, John Cabrera as Brian, Ted Rooney as Morey, Rini Bell as Lulu, Liz Torres as Miss Patty, and Jackson Douglas as Jackson Belleville are phenomenal in their respective roles providing some funny moments and such despite some of the problems with the script.
 
In the role of Rory's new friends, Krysten Ritter is pretty good as Lucy though Michelle Ongkingco is alright as the loopy Olivia while Wayne Wilcox's return as Marty seems uninspired as Wilcox ends up playing dumb throughout his appearance. Notable recurring characters like Todd Lowe as Zach, Michael DeLuise as T.J., and Kathleen Wilhoite as Liz each get to have some wonderful moments. Notably Lowe and Wilhoite who help provide some great depth into their characters. Vanessa Marano is very good as April Nardini as she gets to have some great chemistry with Scott Patterson as she manages to bring more humor and quirky humor to the character of April. Sherilyn Fenn is very good as April's mother Anna as she gets to play mean as she reminds audiences that she is still one of the most underrated actresses in both TV and film. Danny Strong is wonderful as Paris' boyfriend Doyle who helps Paris through her journey while proving his devotion to her.

In the role of Christopher Hayden, David Sutcliffe does an excellent job in playing the man everyone wants to hate but manages to make Christopher somewhat likeable. Sutcliffe's charm is insatiable though his character is someone you don't want to like as Sutcliffe really does create a fascinating performance as Christopher Hayden. Sean Gunn is very good as Kirk as he continues to pull out some great hilarious moments though there's a few moments where his character does things that are out of character and forced. Yanic Truesdale is very good as Michel though at times, is underused at times where he's mostly used as a comedic prop though he does manage to show he can do drama and be likeable whenever he's not angry and such. While there's times her character is forced to be in a scene when she isn't necessary, Liza Weil does make Paris Gellar into one of the show's most beloved characters as she allows Paris to loosen up a bit and be more warm to Rory as she is one of Rory's most cherished pals.

Keiko Agena is great as Lane, Rory's longtime childhood friend, who has to contend with the fact that she's pregnant as she reveals the frustration and joy of being a young pregnant woman trying to compromise her own rock lifestyle with what she wants for her kids. Matt Czuchry is also great as Logan Huntzberger, Rory's boyfriend who starts to grow up and find his own way while becoming excited about the world of business where he finds something that he can enjoy. Melissa McCarthy is very good as Sookie St. James, Lorelai's best friend and Dragonfly partner who is the voice of reason for Lorelai while being quirky and honest about all that is going on in Lorelai's life as well as her own as she becomes pregnant for the third time. Kelly Bishop is wonderful as Emily Gilmore as she finds herself being in jail, deal with Lorelai's shenanigans, and get a close look at Lorelai's own marriage to Christopher where she becomes concerned and later, complementing Lorelai about her identity. Edward Hermann is excellent as Richard Gilmore who also becomes excited about Lorelai and Christopher until his heart attack as he tries to cope with the changes of his diet.

The show's best performance of the season truly goes to Scott Patterson as Luke Danes. In giving Luke more dimension as a character, Patterson shows a softness to Luke as he tries to bond with his daughter while being more soft-spoken and restrained in a lot of the dramatic moments of the episode. Despite a lot of the problems with the series and storylines, it was Patterson's performance that really gave the show something to watch as he makes Luke Danes into a more complex, accessible, and loving character that audiences can root for.

Despite being overshadowed by various storylines and a lack of direction for her character, Alexis Bledel does an excellent job as Rory Gilmore. Providing the anxieties of what college students go through in their final months, Bledel adds a realism and light humor to the character as she truly displays a radiant performance throughout the season. Even as she has some amazing scenes with Matt Czuchry and Lauren Graham, Bledel has come along when she first appeared in the show's pilot proving her to be a solid actress. Finally, there's Lauren Graham where despite some of the bad storylines and some awful writing for her character. Graham's continues to make Lorelai Gilmore into this engaging, fun, and relatable individual who goes into an identity crisis only to realize that she is who she is. While Graham has some excellent chemistry with David Sutcliffe, its her brief moments with Scott Patterson that shows the realism and drama that their characters go through. Despite some of the problems in the season, Lauren Graham does manage to bring some life and spark into the character of Lorelai Gilmore.
 
The seventh and final season of Gilmore Girls is a good season though doesn't live up to the brilliance of its predecessors while its ending exactly live up to what it could've been. While the show does manage to provide some great performances from the likes of Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, and most of all, Scott Patterson. While fans might be frustrated with the first half of the season with its heavy-handed melodrama and forced humor, they will be relieved by its second half that features the show returning to its quirky humor and light-hearted drama. In the end, despite its major flaws, the seventh and final season of Gilmore Girls is a fitting end to one of the best comedy-drama series in the past 10 years.

Gilmore Girls Reviews:Season 1 - Season 2 - Season 3 - Season 4 - Season 5 - Season 6 - Virtual Season 8 - Virtual Season 9 - (Virtual Season 10)