The Ultimate Redemption: Unveiling the Epic Brilliance of the 'Gilmore Girls' OG Finale

The Big Picture

Fans' disappointment with the Gilmore Girls finale stems from the departure of the show's creators and the subsequent changes in the characters and writing team.

Despite the drop in quality in Season 7, the finale effectively brought Lorelai and Rory's story to a satisfying close, even without the creators' involvement. The finale bid farewell to the Gilmore Girls with significant moments, heartfelt speeches, a heartwarming reunion, and a concluding shot that echoed the show's early days.

Back in 2007, the final episode of Gilmore Girls titled "Bon Voyage" aired. While bidding farewell to a beloved show is never easy, fans of the series faced a different challenge altogether—they simply didn't enjoy it. After seven seasons and 153 episodes filled with laughter, struggles, and countless cups of coffee, the audience had hoped for a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion for Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel). However, their expectations were ultimately let down. Despite the negative reception it received, the original Gilmore Girls finale actually did a commendable job of wrapping up Lorelai and Rory's story, and it should be given another chance to prove itself.

Why 'Gilmore Girls' Season 7 Was So Bad

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Fans expressed their strong dislike for the original Gilmore Girls finale, but the root of the problem arguably lies in Season 7 as a whole. The departure of the show's creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino is the key factor behind the noticeable decline in quality and the divergence in character portrayal. The duo not only brought Gilmore Girls to life but also contributed as writers for most of the series' episodes. Consequently, their departure after Season 6 due to negotiation issues led to a complete revamp of the writing team, resulting in the final season being largely disregarded by fans. It was not just the absence of the Palladinos that left a void, but rather the new team of writers who seemed to completely alter everything about these beloved and familiar characters.

The Season 7 Finale Still Gave the Gilmore Girls a Strong Send-Off

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The Gilmore Girls finale kicks off with a perfectly fitting moment: Rory finally meets her long-time idol, Christiane Amanpour. It's a poignant moment that sets the stage for what was supposed to be our final visit to Stars Hollow. The entire episode revolves around the town organizing a graduation party for Rory before she and Lorelai embark on a month-long road trip across the United States. But, in classic Gilmore Girls fashion, things don't go according to plan. Rory suddenly receives an offer to work as a reporter, covering Barack Obama's presidential campaign. The catch? She has to leave in just three days. This unexpected job opportunity not only throws a wrench in the town's party plans but also devastates Lorelai, as it puts their cross-country journey on hold indefinitely. Saying goodbye to the Gilmore girls was always going to be difficult, but this is the moment when reality truly sets in.

Luke and Sookie join forces to throw Rory a surprise party, rallying the entire town of Stars Hollow for the occasion. This unexpected gathering proves to be truly magical, given the emotional goodbyes and loose ends Rory has been tying up in preparation for her new journey. It is a near-perfect moment when the townspeople come together, defying all odds.

During the party, Rory delivers an emotional speech that harkens back to her valedictory address at Chilton. Additionally, there is a touching moment between Lorelai and her parents, who have spent seven seasons alternating between arguments and reconciliations. Witnessing the three of them united in peace is incredibly heartwarming. To add to the poignancy, Lorelai insists on continuing Friday night dinners, as she has grown accustomed to them. This detail brings a misty-eyed sentiment to viewers.

However, what fans were truly anticipating, and had started to fear wouldn't occur, was the reunion between Luke and Lorelai. After the tumultuous ordeal with Christopher throughout Season 7, viewers yearned for Luke and Lorelai to find their way back to one another. Having waited nearly 5 years for their relationship to blossom, the idea of waiting even a single minute more seemed near impossible. Nevertheless, when they eventually reconnect, it is nothing short of perfection. Upon learning from Sookie that Luke had organized the party, Lorelai sets out to find him, and the two serendipitously cross paths in the middle of the street. Their chemistry is undeniable, like two magnets effortlessly drawn together. As the music gradually swells in the background, Luke and Lorelai share a long-awaited kiss. Though it would have been ideal for them to reconcile earlier in the season or even earlier in the finale, this moment between them captures the essence of perfection. Little is said, as words are unnecessary when they simply understand each other, as if they never parted ways.

Arguably, the pinnacle moment of the Gilmore Girls finale arrives in its very last shot. Following a deeply emotional exchange between mother and daughter, where Rory conveys to Lorelai that she has given her everything she needs, Lorelai reveals that they need to make a stop. Consequently, they find themselves at Luke's diner, where they playfully pretend to be indecisive about their order and engage in their usual witty banter over steaming cups of coffee. The camera then pans out to mirror the final shot of the inaugural episode of the series, symbolizing a cyclical completion of the journey that began it all.

There was something incredibly profound about that single shot. While the rest of the episode flowed seamlessly, it seemed almost inevitable for the show to conclude exactly where it began: with the Gilmore girls, Luke, and their shared love for coffee.