It’s only been three days since Netflix released Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life and, I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been through the emotional ringer. I watched all four episodes on Friday (yes, I took the day off–WHAT’S YOUR POINT) and even though I’ve talked to other devotees at length, I’m still having a hard time processing my thoughts and feelings, so let’s go through this together, shall we?
And, just in case it needs to be said, SPOILERS AHEAD.
Watch it again
As much as I hate to admit it, a lot of this season was just filler, so there’s a good chunk of it that you can fast forward through. The 11 minutes of “Stars Hollow: The Musical” and the commentary surrounding it (i.e., everyone repeating “She was Kinky Boots” 100 times)? You probably don’t ever need to watch that part again. But, the best way to process your emotions on this show (and there were a lot) is to let it sink in with another journey through the seasons.
Sleep with a Wookiee
You know the saying “the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else”? Give that a go, but try it Rory-styles with a Wookiee. Maybe then, by getting into her way of thinking, you’ll be able to decipher the clusterfuck that is Rory’s life at 32, because I sure can’t.
Take a hike through the PCT
The book way, though, obviously. Lorelai didn’t even need to go very far and she found her clarity, so maybe if you just get yourself there, some of this will make sense? Like how, at 32 years old, Rory can possibly show up to a job interview unprepared? Maybe?
Watch the original series over again
And then ask yourself how we got here. Re-dissect every episode and quote and relationship (because you’ve already done it at least once before) and try to figure out where it all went downhill for Rory. Perhaps Lorelai was too lenient with her? Maybe she just has a serious case of OCS (Only Child Syndrome)? Maybe the town’s love of her made her too entitled? TAKE YOUR PICK.
Remind yourself that you’ve made good (better) choices
In spite of the fact that we often aspire to the level of caffeine and junk food consumption that only the Gilmore girls could handle, if you’ve ever gone to a job interview prepared (even if you didn’t want it), remembered to break up with the guy you’ve been dating for two years or decided that Jess was, in fact, the better guy, then pat yourself on the back, you’ve made some really good decisions. (Note: We don’t necessarily think sleeping with your engaged ex-boyfriend a “good decision,” but letting go of your ex is often easier said than done and having a sidepiece is a rite of passage, so if this helps you move on with your life–maybe without a baby, unless that’s your plan–do you.)
Think of something nice to say about your parents
While not all of us have such tumultuous and strained relationships with our parents like Lorelai had with Emily and Richard (may he rest in peace), it’s probably a good idea to have something nice to say about them in your back pocket, just in case the occasion should require it. On a serious note, losing a parent–no matter what age–really fucking sucks, but being angry and not being able to let that go in a time of crisis is worse. So, remember the happy times before there aren’t any left to be had.
Remember that these are FICTIONAL CHARACTERS
Listen, I have a hard time with this one as well. I am a huge TV, movie and book junkie as a means of escapism and I get totally emotionally invested in characters and their lives (don’t even get me started on Tony Soprano or Dexter or any of the characters in The Walking Dead because you will NEVER hear the end of it). BUT the thing that we need to all remember is that these people aren’t real. I know, crazy, right? These are fictional made-up people that, even if they’re based on real people, they are not people we have in our lives (or, if they are, just remind yourself about the “better decisions” section). At the end of the day, we can just find another show that gives us a warm fuzzy feeling and move on with our lives.
And when you can’t process anymore…
Eat a bunch of pizza and Pop Tarts and drink a lot of coffee until you pass out from emotional exhaustion.
Image courtesy of Netflix
