P.S. I  Lo… — Season 1: Ep. 20

Aired: May 3rd, 2001

Written by: Elaine Arata , Joan Binder Weiss

Directed by: Lev L. Spiro

Special Appearance: Edward Herrmann – Richard Gilmore

Guest Starring:

Emily Kuroda- Mrs. Kim
Jared Padalecki – Dean
Liza Weil – Paris Geller
Lisa Ann Hadley – Rachel
Sean Gunn – Kirk
Shelly Cole – Madeline
Teal Redmann – Louise

Places in this Episode:

Luke’s Diner
Independence Inn
Kim’s Antiques
Stars Hollow Square
Gilmore Girls
Chilton
Emily and Richard’s House

Summary: Rory continues to struggle with her breakup with Dean; however, Lorelai and Max get back together. Rory and Lorelai get into an argument, and Rory hops in a cab and goes to stay the night at her grandparents house. 

Smile in a Cup for this Episode — Love requires courage. We can be scared to sacrifice our comfort or our own plans, but we cannot truly experience the joy within love without taking the risk of selflessness. 

Keeping Count–

Cups of Coffee in this episode: 7

References to Literature, Movies, or Pop Culture — Anna Nicole Smith, Mary Kay LeTourneau (oof bad timing), Wild Kingdom, Emma Goldman, Patton, Meryl Streep, Out of Africa, Isak Dinesen, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Fabio, Regis, Howard Cosell, Taylor Hanson, Bee Gees

Noteworthy Lorelai-Luke Moments:

•  Luke technically was number 3 in “1-2-3 He’s Yours” that Lorelai and Rory play! Luke is able to hang with the Gilmore Girls’ shenanigans. 
• Lorelai bought clothes for Luke while shopping for Rachel’s birthday gift. 
• Rachel walks in on Lorelai helping Luke try on his new clothes. She clearly realizes their chemistry. 
• Luke is Lorelai’s hype man for being angry at Dean! 

Noteworthy quotes:

“I would hate to think I raised a kid who can’t say I love you… It’s scary to be in love, that much I know. But it’s also wonderful and special. And if you can’t say it or fully express it, then you’re never going to be able to experience it…I’m not saying you say I love you at the drop of a hat. It has to be real and it has to take a lot of thought, but someday with someone it will be right. I want you to be ready for that moment when it happens.” -Lorelai Gilmore

Observations & Questions:

• I love the scene where Rory and Lorelai play 1-2-3 He’s Yours and Kirk is the guy that Lorelai ends up with.  Rory makes me giggle every time she says “Daddy”! Luke’s congratulations almost tops the comedy. 
• Poor Rory. Of course Dean would walk by at that exact moment.
• Lane is a great friend to go in and pick up Rory’s needs from Doose’s. She also inevitably knows Rory has been keeping a list. 
• How is Luke so bad at buying gifts? The  meowing cat oven mitt is hilarious. 
• I cackle EVERY time Mrs. Kim slaps that divider back and jumps out. “Who are you? Why you call Lane? How you know Lane? You date her?”  … “I see all.” 
• Is Lane an enneagram type 2? She is happy to practically help Rory by going to Doose’s. She seems to be empathetic and know her very.  She sometimes inserts herself by making decisions or doing things that she thinks will be helpful (but are not received well).  Lane is also driven by a desire to please her Mom and make her proud.  When Lane is healthy and begins to show her real interests and desires to her mom, she becomes more creative and capable of expressing herself.  What do you think?
• Lorelai is fabulous at shopping for gifts for others. She notices others’ interests and needs. 
• Rory doesn’t take notes in class, she is having difficulty sleeping, and she is rearranging her schedule to avoid Dean.  She is not in a healthy grieving position. 
• Paris was clearly concerned, but is so snarky to Rory. Why can’t she just be kind and express her authentic feelings?
• It is so kind of Max to try consoling Rory… but — is there another student in the room when he is talking about dating Rory’s mother? When Rory is walking out, you see a student’s back in the left corner. 
• I cannot believe Luke did a “fashion show” down in the diner. Lorelai can truly talk Luke into anything. He is so smitten with her. 
• Further evidence for Lane potentially being a type 2 — she is waiting to win back Rory’s love with two cups of coffee. 
• Rory is spiraling. She is lashing out on the people she loves most — Lane and then Lorelai. She is so harsh! 
• Rory runs to Richard and Emily when arguing with Lorelai — foreshadowing for later seasons. 
• “Richard, say something encouraging.”
  “Uhh Rory, I’m sorry you’re upset, but I applaud your timing.”
  Haha! This reminds me so much for my Nana Pat and Poppy.

• Lorelai goes off on Dean! Yes, girl. I mean, I understand his feelings were hurt when Rory didn’t say I love you back, but he is being so whiny.  He says the whole town blames him… but he is the one that broke up with her instead of giving her space and time to process. I also cannot believe he got away with telling Lorelai to leave him alone.
• Lorelai learns to love openly and freely through teaching Rory how to love in confidence.