The show Gilmore Girls ended its original run almost fourteen years ago, yet the series is as relevant as it was in 2007. Even after a revival that received a decidedly more mixed reception than anyone was hoping for, the stories of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore continue to charm viewers. Indeed, the show seems to have found a second life in Netflix, along with a brand new audience.
Of all the 153 episodes, there are some that are so emblematic to the show, that is almost certain every fan has seen them more than once. Either because they feature some vital twist in the plot, or perhaps a memorable scene, these ten episodes represent the most iconic moments of the Gilmore girls.
Pilot - 1x01
The first episode of any series is bound to be instantly memorable. After all, it's the reason one starts to see the show in the first place and Gilmore Girl's pilot isn't the exception. It introduces all the plots that would go on to become vital to the show's existence and effectively lays out the stakes for each character.
The quirky town of Stars Hollow makes its debut, along with most major characters. Above all, the show welcomes its particular brand of zany, a mix of fast-paced pop culture references and heartfelt emotion that made it one of the most refreshing and original shows of the 2000s.
You Jump, I Jump, Jack - 5x07
One of the most important episodes in the Rory-Logan relationship, "You Jump, I Jump, Jack" features Rory going to one of the Life and Death Brigade's events. Attending as a reporter, she is meant to be only an observer. However, Logan convinces her to participate in the final activity, a dangerous but enthralling stunt that leaves Rory impressed.
Elsewhere, Emily and Richard learn of Lorelai and Luke's relationship. Each of them invites him to spend some time with them, Richard at the gold course and Emily at a Friday night dinner. Luke is left overwhelmed, finally understanding just what he's getting himself into.
The Festival Of Living Art - 4x07
One of the most technically impressive episodes of the show, "The Festival of Living Art" centers on one of the wackiest and most unique events in Stars Hollow. The titular festival involves the citizens of the town recreating famous works of art in impressively life-like ways.
Lorelai portrays the beauty in Renoir's "Dance at Bougival," a role she messed up the last time the festival was celebrated. Sookie goes into labor during Lorelai's performance, but the elder Gilmore manages to keep her composure long enough for the festival to be a triumph.
We've Got Magic To Do - 6x05
Rory is tasked with organizing a last-minute DAR fundraiser and she chooses a World War II theme. Paris goes broke and is forced to take a job as a cater waiter at the party, and Mitchum and Shira Huntzberger show up unannounced. Meanwhile, Miss Patty celebrates the 28th Anniversary of her ballet school with a dance recital.
The episode is very well remembered because of the confrontations between Richard and Mitchum, and Emily and Shira. The first takes place in the bathroom and Richard is visibly upset, raising his voice and turning red in anger. The second, however, occurs at the table, where Emily delivers a scathing takedown of Shira in which the Gilmore matriarch lets her know Rory and Logan will continue seeing each other despite her objections.
Those Are Strings, Pinocchio - 3x22
The season three finale, "Those Are Strings, Pinocchio" features Rory's graduation from Chilton, where she acts as valedictorian. She delivers a heartfelt and powerful speech where she praises her grandparents and her mother, thanking them for the wonderful life she's had.
Rory finally ends her relationship with Jess, after he leaves for New York without telling her. Lorelai deals with the aftermath of the fire that completely destroys the Independence Inn, and both Gilmore Girls prepare for their long-awaited backpacking trip across Europe.
Wedding Bell Blues - 5x13
After months apart, Richard and Emily finally reconcile and decide to renew their vows. Lorelai acts as Maid of Honor, while Rory fills the role of Best Man. Things quickly turn dramatic when Christopher shows up, encouraged by Emily, and becomes drunk. Logan too attends the wedding with a date, making Rory jealous.
The episode marks a turning point for several relationships. Rory and Logan begin their no-strings-attached affair, Lorelai and Luke suffer a severe blow to their commitment when Christopher tries to get in the way between them, and Lorelai seemingly puts an end to her relationship with her mother.
They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They? - 3x07
The annual Stars Hollow 24-hour dance marathon brings trouble for the Gilmore girls. Lorelai is determined to win the competition, especially after Kirk has defeated her for the past five years. Rory and Jess spend the entire time arguing with each other, much to the annoyance of an increasingly desperate Dean.
"They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?" is best-remembered as the episode where Rory and Dean break up, and Rory and Jess officially begin their relationship. A subplot of the episode also features an alarmed Sookie trying to make sense out of Jackson's desire to have "four in four," meaning four kids in four years.
Teach Me Tonight - 2x19
When Luke becomes concerned about the possibility of Jess failing his high school year, he asks Rory to tutor the headstrong teenager, thinking she'll influence positively on him. Lorelai is against it, but Rory still agrees. Their tutoring session ends badly when Jess convinces Rory to go for ice cream, only to end up crashing her car to avoid hitting a deer.
Lorelai then overreacts and yells at Luke, blaming him not only for the car crash but for Jess's presence in Stars Hollow. The episode ends with the two Gilmores learning that Jess has left town, encouraged by a disappointed Luke. "Teach Me Tonight" also features the premiere of Kirk's unforgettable, Lynchian short film, the aptly titled "A Film by Kirk."
Raincoats And Recipes - 4x22
The season four finale features Lorelai preparing for the opening of the Dragonfly Inn, by doing a test run and inviting friends and family. She also begins suspecting Luke's intentions towards her might be serious, and things turn further confusing when Jason shows up unannounced.
Emily and Richard, at the height of their marriage crisis, attend the test run only to be tricked by their daughter into spending time together. Lorelai soon discovers, however, that their troubles are far worse than she imagined. Rory and Dean take their relationship to the next level and sleep together, despite the fact he's still married. Lorelai discovers them and confronts Rory, which leads to the first major fight between them.
Friday Night's Alright For Fighting - 6x13
The entire "Rory leaves Yale" saga finally ends after Rory receives a much-needed wake-up call from Jess. She reconciles with her mother and goes back to school, damaging her relationship with her grandparents in the process. When Lorelai lets the elder Gilmores know that Christopher will start paying for Yale, resentment starts to build.
Things come to a heated closure when all four Gilmores lay their feelings bare in a cathartic and intense Friday night dinner. Getting their issues on the table, they are finally able to move past their problems, healing their relationship in the process. The scene ranks as one of the most memorable moments in the series, and it's an acting tour-de-force for all involved, the perfect reminder of how, at its best, Gilmore Girls was the perfect mix of comedy and drama.