Luke Danes goes through a lot on Gilmore Girls and fans quickly realize that he's so much more than just the grumpy owner of a beloved diner. Whether helping Lorelai through the ups and downs of her small town life or taking in his nephew Jess, Luke shows viewers that he's incredibly smart, emotional, and resilient.
Since Luke such a beloved character, it's no wonder that viewers have so many opinions about him. Gilmore Girls fans have opened up about their favorite scenes and storylines involving Luke and they're talking about the gruff character on Reddit.
When Luke Cries Watching Rory Graduate From Chilton
It's not only a huge deal when Rory graduates from Chilton, but this storyline enables fans to see Luke getting in touch with his feelings. One Redditor loves seeing Luke sobbing in the season 3 finale. The fan wrote, "I love when he cracks and starts blubbering at Rory's high school graduation... I think it just shows how much he cares about Lorelai" that he can "step up and show her how he feels."
This is definitely a fan favorite Luke moment as it's clear that he loves Lorelai and would do anything for her and Rory. While this relationship might not happen just yet, the stage has been set and fans are ready to support Lorelai and Luke when they do begin dating.
When Luke Tells Christopher That He's Missed So Much
The Gilmore Girls vow renewal episode is full of big moments, and Reddit user sn5484 enjoys the way that Luke stands up for himself here. The fan wrote, "I love the scene where everyone walks in on Rory and Logan at the vow renewal and Luke and Christopher start fighting and he starts naming all the things he's done that Chris missed like her High school graduation."
This is a significant part of Luke and Lorelai's history, and viewers realize along with Lorelai that he really has always been at the forefront of her life. Christopher might care for Rory and he might regret being away for many milestones, but Luke has always helped solve problems and he's been there for the good times, too. This is just one example of why fans love Luke so much and it's a good one.
When Luke Makes Rory's 16th Birthday Morning Special
The season 1 episode "Rory's Birthday Parties" might focus on two different gatherings, but Rory also enjoys a nice treat and some decorations when she starts the day at Luke's diner with Lane. Reddit user gk21 loves seeing Luke "Making Rory coffee cake and blowing up balloons for her birthday. It's just SO SWEET. Luke has a lot of good moments, but this one is a standout for me."
When looking back on Luke's best moments, the kindness that he shows Rory in this scene can't ever be forgotten. Luke may seem tough at first but he definitely warms up as the show goes on, and he goes out of his way to be nice to his fellow townspeople, Lorelai and Rory in particular.
When Luke Figures Out His Feelings For Lorelai
When examining Luke and Lorelai's love story season by season, it's season 4 that stands out the most as Luke goes deep and realizes how he feels. One Redditor loves the episode "Luke Sees Her Face" and explained, "I love the moment of dawning realisation. And then when he gives Jess the tape. That might be my favourite Luke episode."
This is likely a moment that every Gilmore Girls fan cherishes. Before this moment, it was obvious that these characters were meant to be, but viewers waited for Luke to look inside himself and start to articulate his thoughts and emotions. It's moving to see Luke take a risk like this.
When Luke Hears What Rory Has To Say About The Car Accident
The season 2 episode "Teach Me Tonight" includes the famous car accident that Jess and Rory get into. Reddit user weg-mit-der-socke loves "After the car accident with Jess, when Rory visits Luke at the diner" and she says that Jess isn't to blame and Luke replies "I know." The fan likes that Luke listens to Rory when no one else will.
Fans love that Luke remains calm and that he knows that Rory needs to get this off her chest. Luke also knows Jess better than anyone else in the town, besides Rory, and he can tell that his nephew is a good kid with a kind heart who just needs some love and help.
When Luke Makes An Ice Rink For Lorelai
Of all the romantic Luke and Lorelai Gilmore Girls scenes, Reddit user itsjusmeqtpie loves "Luke building the Ice Rink for Lorelai swoon."
Whenever Luke does something sweet for the town or helps Lorelai out of a bind, he claims that it's nothing when, of course, he's put in a ton of time, effort, and energy. Luke's sensitive and humble nature always stand out and it makes sense that fans would love this ice skating rink moment so much. Luke is always thinking of others and he's such an important part of the show for that reason.
When Luke Cooks Pancakes To Help Rory's Broken Heart
One Redditor loves "Whenever Luke makes special pancakes for Rory to help her cope with her relationship troubles." The fan explained, "I know it's usually Lorelai asking him to do it in the first place, but I think he would have done it regardless once he noticed that Rory was upset."
Rory's season 1 break-up with Dean is particularly rough and if a time ever called for pancakes, it would be this one, and Luke is ready to help. Viewers enjoy looking back on Luke's time on Gilmore Girls and remembering how much compassion he shows toward Rory, even before he and Lorelai become partners.
When Luke Stares At Lorelai When She Compliments Him
Reddit user LaraJones03 loves the "Season One Lorelai & Luke moment" when Lorelai says "you always look good" and he asks "Yeah?" and she tries to cover it up, saying that he looks "healthy."
This is an adorable and charming moment that proves why so many fans believe in this relationship. When Lorelai is done talking, she tells Luke "stop staring at me" because he's got a goofy grin on his face, clearly pleased that he thinks that he's attractive. If fans were to point to a turning point in their relationship, it just might be this one, as Luke begins to wonder how Lorelai feels.
When Luke Always Gets Rory Birthday Presents
Luke's good deeds on Gilmore Girls always stand out, and Reddit user whyamihere94 appreciates the love that Luke has for Rory. The fan explained that they love "When we find out in the last season (Santa's Secret Stuff) that he has been buying Rory birthday gifts for years (when they're talking to April in the mall). It sounds like it was well before the time of the show and thus before his feelings for Lorelei."
It's fun to find out that Luke always remembers Rory's birthday and seems like yet another reason to root for Lorelai and Luke to stay together. He already thinks that Rory is a huge part of his life, and the transition is seamless when he becomes part of Rory and Lorelai's family.
When Luke Lets Lorelai In On His Diner's History
F0r Reddit user Jess, Luke and Lorelai share an amazing moment when they talk about painting the diner. The fan wrote, "Absolutely love this scene of Luke and Lorelai when they are discussing about his dad in the diner and Luke shows her the order written by his dad behind the counter."
This scene leads to a fan favorite moment, as Lorelai messes up and forgets about the plan, but then paints the diner as a surprise for Luke. It's sweet that he wants to share some of his family's history with Lorelai and fans love when he talks about his family and his past.