Rory and Lorelai are given equal weight in each episode of Gilmore Girls, as fans follow their love lives, career and school changes, and personal development. Since fans watch Rory grow up and graduate from both high school and college, there are many episodes of the popular series that allow viewers to get to know this intelligent character and the mistakes and highs and lows that she deals with.
Whether looking back on some season 1 episodes focusing on Rory and Dean's romance or some episodes telling Paris and Rory's friendship story, there are several significant Gilmore Girls episodes that focus on Rory.
"Lorelais' Graduation Day" (S2, E21)
When looking at Jess and Rory's Gilmore Girls love story, Rory going to New York City to hang out with Jess at the end of season 2 is a big moment. It's also a problem since Rory skips Lorelai's business school graduation.
Fans feel badly about this storyline as Rory isn't there for Lorelai and it's sad to look back on. But it's still a crucial moment in Rory's life. Rory proves two things here: she's starting to make her own decisions and listen to her heart, but she's also going to make mistakes. Although everyone messes up sometimes while in the process of growing up, this is also a confusing decision since Rory and Lorelai are so close.
"Chicken Or Beef?" (S4, E4)
While not quite as dramatic as some other episodes, season 4's "Chicken Or Beef?" is still important since Rory realizes how much has changed since she left Stars Hollow for Yale.
When Rory visits home, she gets an invitation to Dean and Lindsay's wedding, which is tough and awkward. This episode stands out and shows how distant Rory feels from her small town, even though she hasn't been gone for that long. Rory has to make an important decision about how she's going to come to terms with knowing that her first love has moved on. This episode also feels like a warning as Rory and Dean will get back together, which is a disaster for both of them as Dean doesn't feel that they have anything in common anymore.
"Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days" (S3, E1)
While the beginning of season 3 is a thrilling time for Rory and Jess, as fans love the drama of watching these two characters realize their feelings for each other, Rory also helps Paris a lot in this episode.
As Rory is there for Paris as she goes on a date with Jamie, Rory proves that she has stopped seeing Paris as competition and that the two are now good friends. It's sweet and special to watch Rory and Paris be much nicer to each other and Rory shows Paris that she'll always be there for her.
"Those Are Strings, Pinocchio" (S3, E22)
Rory's desire to leave Stars Hollow, see more of the world, and do well at Yale is closer than ever in the season 3 finale.
As Rory gives a beautiful valedictorian speech, she reflects on having succeeded at Chilton and also receives a silent phone call that she knows is from Jess. Rory embraces the next part of her life, leaving Jess behind and also preparing to live away from Lorelai for the first time. Fans love seeing Rory grow up and this is definitely an exciting time.
"Hammers And Veils" (S2, E2)
Gilmore Girls fans love Paris and Rory's scenes, and although they aren't friends yet in the season 2 episode "Hammers And Veils," it's hilarious and memorable seeing these characters volunteer together.
In this significant episode, Rory realizes that Paris wants to go to Harvard, too, and Rory is upset that she doesn't have enough extracurriculars on her resume. This is a big moment for Rory and she has the harsh awakening that studying isn't enough. This is an important step in Rory's growth as she makes some changes so she can succeed.
"Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out" (S6, E8)
Fans love seeing Jess return at various points, including in this season 6 episode when he's incredibly upset about the turn that Rory's life has taken.
Hearing that Jess doesn't approve of taking time away from Yale, dating Logan, and generally not seeming to care about her future is harsh for Rory. But it's definitely what she needs and wants to hear and after this episode, Rory starts talking to Lorelai again and puts the pieces of her life back together.
"Bon Voyage" (S7, E22)
Gilmore Girls fans have strong opinions about season 7, but the season finale is definitely an important episode. Rory celebrates her graduation from Yale and her exciting job reporting on Obama's campaign.
While Rory is ready to step into her future, she's also looking back on her past as a passionate member of the Stars Hollow community. Fans can really see Rory reflecting on the different parts of her life and realizing how much of an impact this town and its people have had on her development.
"The Breakup, Part 2" (S1, E17)
Rory learns a tough lesson in being more vulnerable and sharing her feelings when Dean breaks up with her in season 1. In the memorable episode "The Breakup Part 2," Rory races around crossing errands off her to-do list and hoping that she won't feel anything negative.
As Lorelai shares with Rory that "wallowing" and admitting that it's hard and sad to miss Dean, Rory realizes that she can get more in touch with her emotions and explain how she feels.
"Kiss And Tell" (S1, E7)
Out of Dean and Rory's best Gilmore Girls episodes, fans love when Dean kisses Rory at Doose's Market, Rory says "thank you," and then takes some cornstarch.
This is one of the most significant Rory episodes since Rory doesn't talk to her mom for what seems like the first time. As Lorelai finds out what happened and tells Rory that of course they can discuss anything, Rory finds more self-esteem and confidence as she becomes more serious about Dean. This is also a key episode because Lorelai asks Dean to come over for movie night, which sets the relationship in motion and helps Rory become more secure with this new change in her life.
"The Deer Hunters" (S1, E4)
Rory's most important Gilmore Girls episode is season 1's "The Deer Hunters" when she sleeps too late, misses her English test, and screams at Tristan for teasing her. This is not only the first time that Rory has made a major school mistake but also the first time that she has yelled and behaved poorly at school.
As Rory feels calmer and realizes that she can fix this, as she's going to do her best to get the hang out of Chilton's heavy workload, fans appreciate Rory's determination and work ethic. While Rory feels terrible about what happened, she realizes that she's going to make mistakes and that how she comes back from them is what matters.