Some notes on two recently rewatched Season 4 episodes.
4-2 The Lorelais' First Day at Yale
Note that the title is similar to the title of the first Chilton
episode from Season 1. Similar basic theme--Rory starting at a new
school and having some trouble adapting to the new situation.
Rory moves into her dorm. Note how she's on the edge of a meltdown
at a couple of points in the initial move-in process. Of course,
she doesn't have her real meltdown until after Lorelai leaves.
Lorelai returns (whereupon Rory has another meltdown over having a
meltdown), calms Rory down, and orders lots of take-out food.
This leads shortly to an impromptu party. Which also serves to
introduce Rory to a number of her dormmates. And causes Lorelai to
become a verb--"We Lorelai'd a few places."
Also, Paris shows up as one of Rory's suitemates. Life-coach
Terrence decided that the Rory-Paris story wasn't finished. When
he's right, he's right. On the other hand, Paris is never going to
be good at mellow, despite what Terrence advises.
And fallout from Luke's hasty marriage to Nicole as he has to deal
with Nicole's lawyers.
Some nice interplay between Luke and Lorelai. More of their little
rituals--"Three hours before I needed it."
And we close on Lorelai back at her house, with Rory's absence
finally sinking in.
4-3 The Hobbit, The Sofa, and Digger Stiles
Shopping week. Not shopping for clothes, but for classes. And
Rory would be someone to try out every class she could squeeze in.
Paris being Paris, even when she's trying to change. Calling
Lorelai to get her to persuade Rory into participating in a floor
party. Although it does kind of work, as Lorelai actually agrees
with Paris. Neat that Madeline and Louise showed up for the party.
It's clear that they haven't become any more studious. Of course,
Paris ends up losing patience and throwing everyone out. At least
Rory makes a new friend as a result of the party--"Naked Guy" (aka
Marty).
Emily is also being Emily. And being Emily in a way that Rory
hasn't had much direct experience with. Sneaking in a new set of
furniture and an entertainment center. And sending her friend's
daughters in the direction of Rory (presumably hoping they'll
become Rory's new friends). Well-intentioned (mostly), but...
(Nice touch that Lorelai senses that Emily has visited Rory's
suite. We also get some Rory-Lorelai commiseration over Emily's
interference. Not that Rory will manage to talk to Emily about
it...)
This episode also introduces us to Jason "Digger" Stiles, who
becomes Richard's business partner (and in later episodes will
become Lorelai's boyfriend). Note how Emily is enthusiastic about
the Richard-Jason partnership until she learns that revenge against
his dad is part of Jason's motive. You can see Emily's expression
change the moment Richard mentions this. Obviously hits a major
nerve, presumably because of what Emily sees as the parallels to
her own relationship with Lorelai.
--
Michael Ikeda mmikeda@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Telling a statistician not to use sampling is like telling an
astronomer they can't say there is a moon and stars"
Lynne Billard, past president American Statistical Association
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