Hammer and Veils – Season 2: Ep. 2

Aired: October 9th, 2001

Written by: Amy Sherman-Palladino 

Directed by: Michael Katleman

Special Appearance: Edward Herrmann – Richard Gilmore

Guest Starring:
Liza Weill – Paris Geller
Jared Padalecki – Dean
Liz Torres – Miss Patty
Jackson Douglas – Jackson Belleville
Sean Gunn – Kirk Gleason
Shelly Cole – Madeline
Teal Redmann – Louise
Biff Yeager – Tom
Eddie Shin  – Henry Cho
Scott Cohen – Max Medina

Places in this Episode:
Gilmore House
Chilton
Richard and Emily’s House
Luke’s Diner
House Building Site
Restaurant
Independence Inn

Summary: Lorelai tells Emily she is engaged, which results in an argument between the two. Emily, who already knew, admits she is hurt, and Lorelai expresses her hurt in feeling as if Emily does not care about her or her life.  As Lorelai tries to find a way to reconcile with her mother, Rory is stressing about extracurricular activities. She gets into her own argument with Dean, who is hurt that she would rather build a house than spend time with him.  In the end, both parties apologize, the town throws Lorelai and Max an engagement party, and Luke makes an appearance per Lorelai’s request. 

Smile in a Cup for this Episode — It is important to remember to put your own desires aside at times, in order to best love the people you care about.  Rory and Dean had to learn to compromise and care for one another in their moments of hurt. Lorelai and Emily had to learn to let go of their expectations for their relationship and realistically communicate — including one another in the ways that made the other person feel loved. Lastly, Luke puts aside his heart to show up for Lorelai when she says she needs him. 

Keeping Count–

Cups of Coffee in this episode: 2

References to Literature, Movies, or Pop Culture – Princess Diana, Putin, Princess Grace, PJ Harvey, Thelma & Louise, Shakespeare, Xuxa, Victoria’s Secret, Oprah, Bette Midler, Lassie, Who’s On First?, Bob Vila, Barbarella, Mother Teresa, Madonna, Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor

Noteworthy Lorelai-Luke Moments:

• Luke’s view on weddings is golden! I wonder if he is actually that bitter about weddings or if he is just trying to encourage Lorelai to pump the breaks. 
• Lorelai has “everything” yet she is looking for Luke. “It’s a really big night for me tonight, and I don’t know, it just feels like you should be there.” (red flag to this upcoming marriage — don’t ya think?)
• Luke on the bench watching Lorelai (with the mini brides) -AHHHH. This scene gets me every time. 

Stars Hollow Event:

Max & Lorelai’s Engagement Party

Noteworthy quotes:

“These are women from countries that have dictatorships and civil wars and death squads and all of that they survived, but five minutes working for Emily Gilmore, and people are begging for Castro.”  – Lorelai

Observations & Questions:

• It looks like Emily has a new maid. She seemed to have her last one for quite a long amount of time!
• Lorelai must have been heart broken. She put a lot out on the line to tell Emily about being married, and she did not respond well at all. I understand Emily was hurt, but surely she could appreciate that Lorelai told her at all!
• That is the most ‘Lorelai’ hammer I have ever seen. All the flair. 
• I love that Lane has organized a rescue mission plan for Rory in case she is trapped in Korea. 
• Here goes Dean again — pressuring Rory and making her feel guilty for having other plans. 
• Poor Rory. “I’m like 10 years behind on my extracurriculars. Paris has been accumulating these things since she could walk. I mean, she has a list of good deeds that could bump Mother Teresa off the Harvard list… Good grades aren’t enough. I need to do things.”  
• Dean complaint again — How is he going to stand here and see Rory spiraling and then proceed to yell at her for not spending time with him. “Oh well, excuse me. It’s about Harvard, I forgot.”  Cry me a river, Dean. Cry me a river. The best response would be to encourage her and help calm her down. If you want to spend time with her, offer to help her organize and plan. Help her sign up for volunteer opportunities. Do not add to her worries. 
• Max is loving trying to stop Lorelai from rolling up on Emily. Then he stands quietly by the door and tries to say a kind goodbye to Emily.  
• “Why have you never cared?” This scene is so real and raw. I feel so hurt for both Lorelai and Emily. 
• Who else is not surprised that Richard is in his own blissful ignorance upstairs during this argument? 
• History repeats itself as Lorelai leaves her mother feeling unloved and hurt and walks into the deep, unconditional love of Stars Hollow — her soft place to land. 
• This Engagement Party is more like a wedding reception! How beautiful! “In this town, I am the queen and you are simply my jester.” 
• Miss Patty’s little brides!! Oh my gosh. So flippin cute. 
• Lane’s suitcase is so large it has to be tied to the top of the car!
• Emily has a new maid who answers the door! I wonder if she sent another maid off in a rage after her disagreement with Lorelai. 
• I am proud of Lorelai for asking Emily’s advice on veils! (The episode begins and ends in veils.) This is such a tender, growth producing moment for Emily and Lorelai. 
• “You might consider a tiara… It’s what I wore.”  – Emily. This scene makes me teary each time.