10 Harsh Realities of Watching Gilmore Girls Season 1, 24 Years Later
10 Harsh Realities of Watching Gilmore Girls Season 1, 24 Years Later
Even though Gilmore Girls first aired over two decades ago, it continues to captivate audiences with its quick-witted dialogue and charming characters. Watching the show today, however, can be a jarring experience as some aspects haven’t aged well in light of modern values. Here are the 10 harsh truths that fans face when re-watching Gilmore Girls Season 1 in 2024.
10. Prevalent Fatphobia
Season 1 of Gilmore Girls showcases recurring jokes about weight, often in the form of food guilt and “fat” comments that are harsh by today’s standards. Lorelai frequently makes casual remarks, joking about avoiding being "fat and happy," which resonates awkwardly today. Though Sookie’s portrayal as a plus-sized character was positive, with a focus on her talents, the casual food-shaming between Lorelai and Rory can feel damaging.
9. Dean Was a Major Red Flag
Dean, Rory's first boyfriend, might have seemed romantic at first, but on re-watch, his possessive nature is more apparent. His jealousy and insistence on controlling aspects of Rory’s life—like pressuring her to say "I love you" before she’s ready—foreshadow the problematic dynamics that later unfold. Looking back, Dean's actions seem like clear red flags that were easy to overlook in the early 2000s but are hard to ignore today.
8. Lorelai’s Flawed Parenting Style
The close, friend-like bond between Lorelai and Rory is central to the show, but Lorelai’s casual approach to parenting isn’t without issues. When Rory comes home late in one episode, Lorelai’s quick shift from “best friend” to “strict parent” feels unfair. While their bond is refreshing, Lorelai’s parenting style is not without its pitfalls—something clearer now when considering the influence a strong parental figure could have on Rory.
7. Lorelai Wasn’t Truly Self-Made
Lorelai’s pride in her independence and achievements is admirable, but the show glosses over the privilege she still benefits from. Her parents’ financial support allowed Rory to attend Chilton, something many single mothers wouldn’t be able to provide. While Lorelai did work hard to establish herself, her background gave her a safety net, which complicates the “self-made” narrative surrounding her character.
6. Tristan’s Persistence Crossed a Line
In Season 1, Tristan’s attempts to win over Rory seem endearing at first, but on a re-watch, his behavior borders on harassment. His relentless teasing and advances become unsettling, especially since Rory’s discomfort is apparent. In the context of today’s conversations around consent and boundaries, Tristan’s actions feel inappropriate and uncomfortable.
5. Christopher’s Return Wasn’t Fair to Rory
Christopher, Rory's father, returns in Season 1 and stirs up feelings for Lorelai, expecting her to welcome him back with open arms. His sudden reappearance disrupts Rory’s life, and his actions show little accountability. He even pressures Rory to lie for him, which reflects poorly on his character and puts Rory in an unfair position.
4. Dismissal of the Homemaker Role
In Episode 14, Lorelai and Rory mock the concept of a traditional homemaker, reflecting a narrow view on women’s choices. Though meant as a joke, this attitude minimizes the value of those who choose to be homemakers. It goes against the idea of feminism that champions a woman’s right to choose her path, making the show’s dismissal of domesticity feel outdated.
3. Lane’s Dreams Were Disappointingly Unrealized
In Season 1, Lane’s character is full of dreams, eager to break free from her restrictive upbringing. Watching her young, ambitious self in Season 1, knowing how her storyline ends, is disheartening. Despite her musical passion, Lane ultimately settles down, and her aspirations for adventure go unfulfilled. Her character arc serves as a reminder that dreams don’t always pan out, even for the most hopeful among us.
2. Rory’s Unaddressed Academic Anxiety
Rory’s breakdown over a poor grade in Episode 4 is a sign of the academic pressure she places on herself. Unfortunately, her anxiety around schoolwork is never properly addressed, leading to even greater stress in her later years. In today’s world, where mental health conversations are more open, Rory’s anxiety over her future would likely be treated with more concern and understanding.
1. Emily’s Heartbreaking “I’ll Go First” Declaration
Emily’s moment in Episode 10, where she tearfully insists to Richard that she will “go first,” knowing he’ll pass before her, still hits hard. It’s a deeply emotional moment that resonates with viewers today as a reminder of the complexities of life, love, and loss. While many of the show’s elements may feel outdated, moments like this highlight the timeless, heartfelt writing that made Gilmore Girls so beloved.
FAQ
1. Why is Gilmore Girls still popular after all these years?
Gilmore Girls continues to resonate with audiences due to its charming small-town setting, witty dialogue, and complex relationships. The relatable characters and family dynamics have kept fans invested, and the show’s comforting tone makes it an enjoyable re-watch.
2. What aspects of Gilmore Girls feel outdated in Season 1?
Some topics, like fatphobia and traditional gender roles, feel outdated in Season 1, reflecting societal views from the early 2000s. Additionally, characters like Dean and Tristan exhibit behaviors that are now seen as red flags, which may feel uncomfortable for modern viewers.
3. What’s controversial about Lorelai’s parenting style?
Lorelai’s parenting style is unconventional; she often acts more like a friend than a traditional mother to Rory. While this creates a unique, close relationship, it also sometimes leaves Rory without a stable parental figure, leading to challenges in setting boundaries.
4. Did Lorelai really achieve her success independently?
While Lorelai worked hard to create a life for herself and Rory, she had a safety net due to her family’s wealth. Without her parents’ financial support for Chilton, Rory wouldn’t have had the same educational opportunities. This complicates the narrative of Lorelai as a “self-made” mom.
5. Why is Lane’s storyline so disappointing for fans?
Fans were invested in Lane’s dreams of musical success and independence, so her settling into a more traditional role as a wife and mother feels like a letdown. Many fans feel her character deserved a more fulfilling ending that aligned with her ambitions.
6. How does the show address mental health, particularly with Rory?
Mental health is not deeply explored in Gilmore Girls, but Rory’s academic anxiety is visible from early on. Unfortunately, her struggles with pressure and self-worth aren’t adequately addressed, and she ultimately faces challenges in later seasons due to this lack of support.
7. Was Dean really a “bad boyfriend” in Season 1?
Dean exhibits some red-flag behaviors, such as jealousy and possessiveness, which foreshadow the issues that arise in his relationship with Rory. While he seems kind at first, his actions reveal deeper insecurities and boundary issues that grow over time.
8. What does Emily’s statement about “going first” symbolize?
Emily’s comment about wanting to “go first” is an emotional moment that highlights her deep love for Richard. It becomes especially poignant as fans know Richard’s fate in later episodes, underscoring the show’s exploration of love, loss, and mortality.
9. Why do Lorelai and Rory dismiss homemaking in Season 1?
The show, through Lorelai and Rory’s reactions, reflects a certain bias against traditional gender roles. However, as the concept of feminism has evolved, many viewers now see homemaking as a valid choice, and their mockery of it feels outdated.
10. How does Gilmore Girls handle character flaws?
Gilmore Girls presents flawed characters, which adds realism and depth to the story. While the flaws make the characters more relatable, some actions that were initially seen as harmless or humorous now raise questions due to changing societal norms.
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