Melissa McCarthy's Gilmore Girls character, Sookie St. James, is famous for her culinary talent and the fact that she tends to turn the kitchen into a disaster zone whenever she's in there. Sookie has a key role in her best friend Lorelai's life and has been like an aunt to Rory, as she has seen her grow up and been there through it all.
Sookie has a great sense of humor, just like Lorelai, and she brings her quirky personality to every situation that she finds herself in over the show's seven seasons — plus the Netflix revival. But while some of Sookie's storylines move her life forward, others don't make a lot of sense.
Best: When She Freaks Out About The Magic Risotto
One of Sookie's best story arcs is when she makes "the magic risotto" for a restaurant critic and he says it's "fine." She goes into a tailspin as she doesn't think that's the appropriate response to this dish.
Sookie is so upset because she gave it to her mom, whose doctor said she was dying, and as Lorelai explains, "She lived because of the risotto — the magic risotto." Sookie starts wondering if her food is really as delicious as she thought it was and even visits the critic at his house, wanting him to give the meal a second try. This proves that Sookie is passionate and that she doesn't give up when something matters to her.
Worst: When She Gets Pregnant In Season 7 Because Jackson Lied About His Vasectomy
Season 7 of Gilmore Girls is problematic and there are countless fans who don't consider the quality to be on par with the rest of the show.
In the seventh season episode "To Whom It May Concern," Sookie is pregnant again, and Jackson lets Lorelai know that while Sookie thought he had gotten a vasectomy, he lied and didn't get it. This is a strange storyline as it proves that Sookie and Jackson have some issues with communication and honesty, and that doesn't bode well for them. It's also a bad story arc for Sookie as it doesn't make sense that this couple wouldn't have enough conversations about family planning and their future.
Best: When She Moves Past Her Fear Of Falling For Jackson
Sookie is happy and comfortable, and she's the perfect example of how someone can have a full and thriving life without a partner. Of course, like many people, she would love to be with someone, and while it's horrible that Lorelai pokes fun at her solo status, Sookie does realize that she should maybe put herself out there.
Sookie is terrified to date Jackson at first. They agree to go on a double date with Lorelai and Jackson's cousin Rune, and it goes so badly that Sookie wonders if the relationship won't actually work. Sookie and Jackson go to Luke's and from there, they fall deeply in love. Sookie is able to move past her fear and it's moving to watch.
Worst: When She And Jackson Bicker During The Picnic Episode
The second season episode "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," involves all of Stars Hollow bidding on picnic baskets and winning the chance to enjoy a meal with the basket owner. It's for charity, but like most things on Gilmore Girls, this storyline is a mix of hilarious and dramatic as all of the Stars Hollow love stories start seeing major obstacles as a result.
Jackson and Sookie act totally ridiculous in this episode, as they bicker too much and it takes them too long to actually enjoy themselves. Jackson won't bid on Sookie's basket as they've been squabbling about a major milestone in their relationship. Since all they do is feel apprehensive about taking the next step, this story feels tired.
Best: When She Gets Nervous About Jackson Moving In
Once Jackson and Sookie are together, it's clear that they will get married and start a family, as they're totally devoted to each other. But their story isn't without obstacles.
When Jackson wants to move into Sookie's home, she gets scared of how "girly" she thinks her house is, and she redecorates so her house looks "manly" enough. This is funny to watch and also proves how insecure she has been about opening herself up to finding love. Eventually, she realizes that she and Jackson are in love and that he's happy with the way that her house is, and she finds a sense of peace and confidence.
Worst: When She Makes Food For Jess, Who Doesn't Care
Jess has a sad life, but Luke's nephew is still rude to the majority of Stars Hollow residents when he first moves there in the second season. It definitely takes him a while to learn some manners.
Sookie has a bad storyline when she makes some food for Jess when he gets to the charming small town. This is yet another example of how Sookie sometimes goes overboard and is too much of a people-pleaser. Jess doesn't care if anyone cooks him some delicious food, as he's going to be negative about the whole situation. Fans had already seen Sookie trying to be nice to anyone and everyone.
Best: When She Stands Up For Herself After Lorelai Gets Upset About The Dragonfly
In the second season episode "The Ins and Outs of Inns," Lorelai and Sookie argue when they can't find enough money to open their dream inn at first, and Lorelai is really upset and cruel to Sookie.
Sookie has a great arc here as she stands up for herself and lets Lorelai know that she won't be treated this way. When Lorelai checks that they still want to go after their dream, Sookie says, "But I need your promise you're not gonna lose it on me again." When Lorelai agrees, Sookie says, "'Cause I couldn't take losing a business partner and my best friend in one fell swoop. It'd be too much." This is a satisfying moment as Lorelai has always been a stronger and more forceful person than Sookie so this shows growth.
Worst: When She Won't Tell Jackson Strongly Enough That She Doesn't Want Four Children
While some of Sookie's story arcs allow her to grow, this one is confusing. Jackson tells Sookie he wants to have four kids in four years, and she doesn't exactly set him straight on how she really feels about it.
Sure, Sookie admits that she thinks four kids is too many for her, but she isn't very forceful about this. It seems odd that she wouldn't assert herself, and it's definitely a bit strange that Jackson doesn't want to hear it. They should both have an equal say in their future.
Best: When She Goes To The Bangles Concert With Lorelai, Rory, And Rory's Chilton Classmates
Sookie proves she's always supportive of Lorelai and Rory when she agrees to let Rory's Chilton classmates go to the Bangles concert they had been so excited for. This first season episode is a big one for the Gilmore girls, as Lorelai has to step in when Madeline and Louise run off with older boys, and Paris and Rory start to bond a little bit.
Sookie is always the opposite of self-centered and this is a positive moment for her. She shows that she can give up her good seats at a concert because she cares about someone else.
Worst: When She Stays Away From The Dragonfly In The Revival
Fans are curious about Sookie's decision to say goodbye to the Dragonfly in the Netflix revival A Year In The Life. She's getting a great education with the amazing Dan Barber, but this isn't a satisfying story arc for this beloved character.
It would be so much better to see Sookie and Lorelai working together like they had always wanted to. It feels like Sookie bails on her best friend and it's pretty painful to watch. She does come back when Lorelai is finally getting married to Luke, but it doesn't feel like enough.