In July 2022, Scott Patterson was in Halifax shooting the upcoming TV series Sullivan's Crossing, according to The Coast. Adapted from the book series by Robyn Carr, the story follows characters in the Rocky Mountains, including Sully who runs a general store. This sounds like a great role for Patterson, who is beloved for portraying small town diner owner Luke Danes on Gilmore Girls.
Luke is said to have a fairly harsh personality, but he cares about the people in his life and loves living in Stars Hollow. When Luke speaks, he shows viewers a lot about who he is, whether pretending not to give Lorelai Gilmore coffee or talking to his daughter April Nardini.
"Hands in the air! I want to see hands in the air!"
Luke is protective of Rory in "Wedding Bell Blues"
Luke often acts like Rory's dad on Gilmore Girls, and in the season 5 episode "Wedding Bell Blues," he and Lorelai awkwardly find Logan Huntzberger and Rory making out. Luke yells at Logan right away as he has always been protective of who Rory dates.
This quote is reminiscent of back in season 1 when Luke is upset about Rory and Dean Forester's break-up. Luke is loyal to the people who he cares about deeply, and he will always do everything that he can to make sure that they're happy. He doesn't mean to embarrass Rory here, but he wants to ensure that Logan is treating Rory well.
"Rory, how much do you like this person?"
Luke isn't impressed with Paris
When Paris Geller visits Rory's hometown in the season 2 episode "Richard in Stars Hollow," it's clear that Paris will give Luke a hard time. Paris asks Luke many questions about how safe or dangerous the town is, and Luke proves that he doesn't have time for Paris's bad attitude with this funny quote.
Instead of smiling politely and asking what he can get Paris, or even just saying nothing and walking away, Luke proves that he can be strong-willed. Luke often makes up his mind about people right away and he proves that he's not a fan of Paris and how tough and cold she can be.
"It's all just a blur of stuff happening..."
Lorelai learns about April in season 6
Season 6 is a tough time for Luke and Lorelai, and when she finds April in the diner and realizes that April is Luke's daughter, Lorelai is understandably devastated. Luke realizes that he shouldn't have kept his child a secret and while he knows that Lorelai wants an apology, he isn't sure that he could have handled this any other way.
In true Luke fashion, he describes this situation as "a blur of stuff happening," as it's hard for him to sit down with Lorelai and admit that he's sad, angry, upset, or confused. Luke has trouble processing the fact that he didn't know he had a child for so many years, and it's heartbreaking that he doesn't feel like he can talk to Lorelai.
"When did you punch a hole in your nose?"
Luke, Lorelai, and Rory have dinner with April in the "Summer" episode of AYITL
It's sweet to see that April and Luke have stayed close over the years, and when April comes over for dinner in the Netflix revival A Year In The Life, Luke is shocked that she pierced her nose. When Luke is upset, he has a tendency to be blunt but overly dramatic, which is exactly how he sounds here.
With this one line, Luke proves that he cares about his daughter and worries about her, but he doesn't always feel that he understands her. Luke knows that he has to let April grow up and make her own decisions and he does respect her and think that she's brilliant.
"You won't like it."
Luke knows Lorelai will hate the special omelette
Some of the best Gilmore Girls scenes in Luke's diner include Lorelai and Luke exchanging banter about coffee and junk food. When Lorelai wants to hear about a new omelette, Luke says right away that she won't want to eat it. Luke is a no-nonsense person who likes to solve problems right away without discussing them for a long time.
This quote shows that Luke cares a lot about his customers and knows what his regulars like. It means a lot to Luke that he knows Lorelai so well and that he doesn't think that she will ever stray from her typical order. Luke also pretends to be frustrated when he and Lorelai go back and forth, but it's clear that he enjoys the banter and joking around as much as she does.
"Get that coffee out of here."
Luke doesn't like that Lorelai brought Westin's coffee into the diner
When Lorelai and Luke make up after a rough point in their relationship, Luke is shocked that Lorelai would bring a cup of coffee from someone else into his diner. While this is a funny scene, Luke is genuinely upset that his partner would think that this was okay.
Luke and Lorelai have a similar tendency to go on rants when they're upset, but while Lorelai will joke around more, Luke often says what he means. Some people would ignore the coffee and try to keep things positive and optimistic after a bad fight, but Luke can't help himself. He wants to be honest and tell the truth.
"You have a problem."
Luke is upset with Lorelai drinking so much coffee in the pilot
Lorelai's funniest Gilmore Girls quotes often involve her comments about coffee. In the pilot episode, Lorelai asks Luke for her favorite drink, which has become a famous moment since Luke pretends that he isn't going to serve her. Before agreeing, Luke comes right out and says that Lorelai has a "problem."
Luke has a cheeky sense of humor because while he's going to pour Lorelai coffee, he can't resist telling her that this isn't a good thing and that she might want to rethink drinking so much caffeine. This will be a familiar back and forth throughout the series that is a fan favorite dynamic.
"I've just been living alone since... forever."
Luke talks about Rachel in "Love, Daisies and Troubadours"
Lorelai befriends Luke's ex-girlfriend Rachel in season 1, and Luke tells Lorelai that he's unsure if their romance will last because he's been on his own for so many years. It's important that Luke says this line, as there aren't many people who he would feel comfortable admitting this to.
Luke is caring and he doesn't want to hurt anyone, but it's hard for him to change his lifestyle. He's used to being alone and particular about the way that he does things.
"I just want you to know I'm in... I am all in."
Luke wants to commit to Lorelai in season 5
One of Luke's most romantic Gilmore Girls moments is when he and Lorelai have their first date and he says that he wants to be with her. Luke is a genuine and sincere person who can be quiet, but when he cares about someone, he wants to tell them exactly what they mean to him.
Since Luke can stay silent throughout many situations, when he does talk, his words carry a lot of weight. Luke doesn't want to lose Lorelai after loving her for so many years, and while he might not be the most confident or the loudest, boldest person, he wants Lorelai to know that he cares.
"Nope. Can't sit here. Three people got nailed in the head here..."
Luke is tired of construction in season 2
Luke's comedic timing and harsh delivery make him a hilarious Gilmore Girls character, and when he's feeling stressed out and under pressure, he can't stop himself from getting right to the point. Luke is honest and tells Rory and Lorelai that they're about to sit in a dangerous part of the diner thanks to construction.
While there might be a less alarming way to get this point across, Luke feels like he's being pulled in too many directions and he can't relax. Lorelai and Rory thrive under pressure and can get things done, but Luke likes a calmer and quieter atmosphere.