With the third season of The Orville set to release in June, Gilmore Girls fans might be reminded of Seth MacFarlane's cameo in the series, along with the many other loveable guest stars. Gilmore Girls is famous for the fast-talking and quick-witted banter between its many characters and the back and forth cadence and rhythm of Lorelai and Rory's dialogue is what gave this show its distinctive qualities compared to other shows of its time.
This is what keeps fans rewatching over a decade after the final episode aired, combined with the sheer number of pop culture references, which can be easily missed today, especially with new and younger fans. While many of these references are to still-relevant artists, authors, and musicians, others can go in one ear and out the other.
"You're A Regular Jack Kerouac"
Lorelei comes right out of the gate in episode one with a reference to Jack Kerouac. He was an American author known for his work revolving around American life and travel, becoming a big name in the Beat Generation.
This quote was used in reference to a man passing through Stars Hollow on his way to Hartford. Not only was this a sarcastic comparison of their nomadic lifestyles, but to a shared destination. Kerouac spent a few years working in Hartford, so while the author may be known by some, the comparison and understanding run deep on two levels. It was the perfect introduction to the audience of Lorelai's Rolodex of pop culture knowledge.
Flo-Jo
Flo-Jo was an American track and field athlete, winning the gold and silver medals in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics. She still holds the title of the fastest woman in the world.
As Rory walks quickly ahead of Lorelei to avoid a fight, Lorelei tells her that she is "gonna have to turn into friggin' Flo-Jo to get away from me." Younger viewers may not catch this niche '80s reference, but sports fans will remember Flo-Jo for her talent, speed, and style. This knowledge confirms she is a child of the 80s at heart, pulling them out as if no time has passed between her childhood, the birth of Rory, and her growing up.
Moment By Moment
The 1978 movie Moment by Moment stars Lily Tomlin and John Travolta, who were at the peak of their careers during the production of the film. But it does not rank well by viewers or critics, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Lorelai stated that her mother Emily must have had something to do with "Lily Tomlin deciding to do a movie with John Travolta," indicating her manipulation and convincing skills were strong since the movie did not perform well with audiences. This takes place during season 2, episode 6, so the audience is still gaining an understanding of who Emily is and why her relationship with Lorelai is rocky. This comparison gives some insight into her strong-willed personality.
Spinal Tap
Spinal Tap is a fictional band from the 1984 mockumentary This is Spinal Tap, which has rave reviews from critics and audiences and is now a classic comedy film. But despite the praise, Gilmore Girls makes its timely references quick and easy to miss, especially for younger fans who don't have a grasp on all '80s cinema or pop culture.
"It's like accepting the position as a drummer of Spinal Tap," says Lorelai when Rory goes out to her grandmother's patio during a DAR meeting. By this, Lorelai meant walking onto the patio was Rory accepting a certain doom. Historically, being a drummer in the band can sometimes mean dying a strange death, and Rory walking into a meeting meant her inevitable introduction to Emily's world in which she eventually became active.
"My Own Smokes, Ginchy!"
Edd Byrnes portrayed Kookie in 77 Sunset Strip, a dramatic TV series about private detectives that ran for six seasons between 1958-1964. He popularized the term "Ginchy," meaning cool.
Lorelai brought back "ginchy" during her and Luke's secret meeting while they were keeping their relationship hidden from the town. They "ran into each other" while doing fake errands, and Luke handed her a pack of cigarettes where she stated "My own smokes, Ginchy!" Quickly moving past the phrase, it shows how engrained these pieces of media are in her. Luke not questioning her shows that he is used to these bits of information and references and that they are as natural as breathing.
Grey Gardens
Grey Gardens is a 1975 documentary following the lives of Little Edie and Big Edie, two relatives of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. It has been the root of many jokes and references in film and TV in regards to the state in which they lived and the controversy that followed the release of the film.
Lorelai and Rory's movie nights are famous to those who know them - not just for the production but the content the Gilmores choose. They watched this particular documentary together during season 3 episode 9, and they explain who the characters are and a brief synopsis of what happens in the film, giving the audience a chance to catch up. This is a rarity, and they instead usually speak and move on from a mentioned famous person or piece of media.
Mommie Dearest
This 1981 film starring Faye Dunaway is based on a 1978 memoir written by Christina Crawford. It focused on her grisly upbringing from her adoptive mother, Joan Crawford. Despite the controversy and horror that followed the release of this film, Mommie Dearest's quotability and memorable performances could not escape Lorelai's evergreen catalog of movie knowledge.
A controversial or problematic reference isn't uncommon for Lorelai, and the audience hears this right away with this mention. Rory and Lorelai's relationship doesn't come without their tiffs. When Rory arrives at the inn giving her mom the cold shoulder, Lorelai questions sarcastically if she is going to give her "the Mommie Dearest treatment forever." The ability to lighten the mood with a dark reference shows Lorelai's loquacious personality, making her personable and hard to stay mad at.
Easter Parade
The movie Easter Parade itself is not obscure, given its star-filled cast including Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. Fans of musicals and classics know it for the cast and its catchy songs.
What makes this reference great is how they so casually throw it into a conversation, making it almost a game of who can be the most thoughtful and clever. This movie is mentioned in two episodes in a row: it's first listed as one of the movies Lorelai purchased for Emily in the hopes of solidifying the importance of owning a DVD player. Next, Lorelai mentions her grandmother is in need of a man, where Rory adds "with or without an umbrella," a reference to the song by Judy Garland in the film. The love for classic movies is generational in the series, proved by Lorelai who remembers her mother's favorite films and then shows them to her daughter. The respect is reciprocated by Rory recalling and then integrating the movie's lyrics into a conversation. Their love language is movies and connecting over specific dialogue and moments.
The Gilmore Girls
No doubt that keeping up to date with cultural references is essential for the Gilmores, and the miniseries Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is proof of that. The 2010 film The Social Network, starring Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, is one of those films added to their reference repertoire.
Rory took her career to write what she knows best: her life. After hesitantly reading their stories and recalling their experiences, Lorelai gives one note: "drop the 'the.' Just 'Gilmore Girls.' It's cleaner." This quote is similarly used when Justin Timberlake's character told Zuckerberg to drop the "the" from "The Facebook." Lorelai's love of movies never waivered. She kept up with media and remembers the best lines and applies them accordingly.
Emily Post
Many literary icons were mentioned throughout the show - some more universally known, others not so much. Emily Post (1872-1960) is one of them. Known for her writings about proper etiquette and her life as a socialite, the comparison between Post and Emily Gilmore works perfectly.
Knowing Emily Gilmore, proper etiquette is a forgotten yet essential part of daily life. The comparison to Post is made by Lorelai when introducing Dean to Emily. The Friday night dinners and social engagements are a major part of her life, and the people attending must abide by her expectations of elegance and class. Post is mostly known by those who engage or are of interest in this lifestyle, so it is of no shock Lorelai knows of Post given her upbringing in upper-class society.