It’s been over 9 years since “Gilmore Girls” last aired on television. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show lasted seven seasons on The CW (formally known as The WB). Palladino and her husband Daniel left the original series after six seasons because of contract disputes. However, in an interview with TV Guide in 2006, Amy announced that she had the last four words of the series planned, but refused to reveal them until now.
On Nov. 25, Netflix released “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” a four-part miniseries featuring the ending Palladino envisioned. The revival is broken down into four seasons, beginning with winter.
Stars Hollow, the picture-perfect town where everyone knows everyone, has not changed. It still has landmarks like Luke’s Diner and Miss Patty’s dance studio, along with the weekly town meetings ran by Taylor Doose, Stars Hollow’s unofficial tyrant.
The reboot gives you a brief look into lives of some of our favorite characters, such as Michel Gerard, Paris Geller and Rory’s infamous ex-boyfriends.
Kirk Gleason is still weird and Miss Patty is still flirting. It’s nice to see Netflix calling back to specific instances from the first 157 episodes of the original show.
While the people and the setting haven’t changed, Stars Hollow is definitely keeping up with the times with references to the Kardashians and “Hamilton”. The town is even planning its first Pride parade.
Richard Gilmore’s (the late Edward Herrmann) death is the emotional foundation of “A Year in the Life.” Four months after Richard’s funeral, the Gilmore women Lorelai, Rory and Emily are trying to readjust and figure out what makes them happy.
Lorelai, the strong and independent woman that fans have grown to love over the original series’ seven seasons has changed. She is with the man of her dreams, but unsure of herself. Lorelai spends time reevaluating all aspects of life, including her relationship with Luke Daniels and the DragonFly Inn.
When we left Rory, she was a bright-eyed Yale graduate ready to tackle the world of journalism. The goal-oriented, studious teenager always knew what she wanted and had a game plan for getting there. Rory now wanders from job to job, place to place with nothing she can truly call her own. Her demeanor has shifted. The once over-prepared young woman is completely irresponsible, assuming that things will be handed to her.
The sudden death of Richard Gilmore leaves Emily alone and vulnerable. For 50 years she has lived in her husband’s shadow, now Emily must figure out how to live again.
“Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” is an emotional rollercoaster. You laugh, cry and occasionally get frustrated, but it’s worth every minute. Although there are many twist and turns, it’s refreshing to see how some of the
characters have adjusted to modern-day life.
Amy Sherman-Palladino’s dream ending final came true, but those final four words leave a lot to be desired. Her cherished cliffhanger leaves the world wondering what’s next for the citizens of Stars Hollow.
