This episode originally aired on December 20, 2000 on The WB
Rory’s first formal dance at Chilton is approaching, and she’s excited but nervous. She borrows a dress from Lorelai and is set to attend the dance with Dean. Meanwhile, Lorelai is looking forward to a mother-daughter night after the dance, complete with movies and junk food.
However, Lorelai unexpectedly hurts her back on the day of the dance and finds herself bedridden, relying on Sookie to help take care of her. Rory, unaware of her mother’s condition, attends the dance and has a good time with Dean. However, things get tense when Tristan, who also attends Chilton and has previously shown interest in Rory, picks a fight with Dean, leading to a scene at the dance.
After the event, Rory and Dean lose track of time while they sit and talk at Miss Patty’s Dance School, leading to Rory not coming home all night. Emily, who had come over to care for Lorelai, becomes extremely worried and angry. When Rory eventually returns the next morning, still in her formal attire and with Dean, Emily and Lorelai get into a heated argument about parenting, with Emily criticizing Lorelai’s upbringing of Rory.
The episode ends with Rory and Lorelai reflecting on their close bond and Lorelai reassessing her romantic involvement with Max as she doesn’t want to bring any instability into Rory’s life.
Memorable quotes from the episode:
