Picking up nine years after the series finale, the Netflix original, Gilmore Girls a Year in the Life follows the story of Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) and their mother daughter antics. The Netflix revival covers the four seasons in an extended episode format.
The first episode, Winter, welcomes Rory back home to Stars Hollow. The usual kind hearted banter takes place between the mother daughter duo making the chemistry between the two seem forced. The conversation and scene appear more over acted than natural. This forced acting takes away from the ability to concentrate on what the actors are saying. Rory flies back and forth between London and Stars Hollow. During these trips Rory’s relationship with Logan Huntzberger (Matt Czurchy) becomes known. This relationship promotes an unhealthy “don’t ask don’t tell partnership.” The relationship does not portray the typical independence and a strong feminist known on the show.
The first episode also pays tribute to Richard Gilmore (Edward Herrmann). R. Gilmore passed away from a heart attack. However, Herrmann died Dec. 31, 2014, from brain cancer. The show recognizes him as a loving father and great husband through memories of the characters.
The second episode, Spring, opens with Laureli and Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop) sitting in front of a therapist. The pair returns for six more sessions each time giving a glimpse of different emotions: distraught, overcome with tears, laughter and the typical exaggerated feelings. These interactions appear natural, and offer a better glimpse into the beloved show and overall give back the original feel.
Taylor Doose (Michael Winters) leads another town meeting. In the meeting the acting again comes across as forced, the usual charm appears cheesy. The meeting is centered around the town’s first gay pride parade which had to be cancelled because of the lack participants. In the early seasons of the show, homosexuality was simply alluded to, now the show portrays these topics much more openly.
The third episode, Summer, Rory’s aimless wandering without a job leads her back to Logan with a major problem, Logan is engaged, which again shines a light on a very unhealthy relationship. After yet another town meeting, Rory learns the Stars Hollow Gazette shut down. Portrayed in true Rory Gilmore fashion, she volunteers to take over the paper to help preserve town tradition. This action portrays the first time viewers get an authentic Rory feel. Rehearsal for the town musical takes place and again it seems forced to try and recreate the authentic Stars Hollow feel.
A familiar face, Jess Mariano (Milo Ventimiglia), visits Rory. He offers the idea that Rory should write a book. The episode ends during a visit to the cemetery to visit R. Gilmore where Rory reveals her book idea to her mother. Lorelai will not agree to letting Rory write the book.
The last episode, Fall, offers closure for some questions and the need for answers to others. Lorelai fixes her relationship with her mother by offering her best memory of her father. Lorelai and Luke plan their wedding after a hasty engagement. Logan returns from London with members of the Life or Death Brigade, a club from Rory’s college years, to give her one last proper goodbye. The show ends on a cliffhanger with Rory telling her mother she is expecting a baby. Leaving viewers wondering if there will be more.
The last installment is jam packed with action and offers the best glimpse into the original Gilmore Girls.
Viewers want more throughout the first three episodes. The last episode revives interest in fans and offers the most authentic Gilmore Girls feel. The acting progressed and seemed more natural throughout the mini series. Overall the show allowed Gilmore Girls fans one last chance to look into the lives of Rory and Lorelai but provided no closure. Ending the series with a cliff hanger leaves viewers needing more.
The Highlights:
Show: Gilmore Girls a Year in the Life
Starring: Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham
Genre: Drama
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars