Previously: Paris was mean but then Rory was forgiving.
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Double Date
Emily: Hi! I’m Emily. Basically, long time Gilmore Girls fan since I was in high school. This show brings back so much nostalgia. Both Rory and Lorelai drive me bonkers sometimes, but I love them still. Also, I share a name with Emily Gilmore, and it makes life fabulous.
The episode opens up at Lorelai’s house. There’s an alarm clock blaring, funky music, and our girls go through their perfectly choreographed morning routine. Seriously, they have this down to a science. They make coffee, get dressed, gather their things, and have pop-tarts on the go. They don’t even need to talk. It’s incredible, really. (M: It makes me want a pop-tart.) (E: That sounds awesome right now. I’m super hungry.) Although, they take their big open mugs out with them like they’re travel mugs. I never understood this concept. I had a friend who used to do this. Don’t you have travel mugs? Your normal ones will spill in the car and then you’ll have a messy car AND less coffee..
Carol King! Where you lead, I will follow…
Lane is at the house with Rory (I’m assuming later that day?) and shows off all of the CDs she bought. It kind of reminds me of myself after I leave a bookstore.
Lane awkwardly tries to bring up a discussion about cute!boys! There’s this “really cool” guy named Todd who is friends with Dean. But Loreali interrupts because she’s studying for her business class. She goes on to share how hard and busy her life is and how there’s an annoying overachiever who sits behind her in class who will act like he’s better than her if he gets a better grade on the upcoming test. It’s one of those times I want to roll my eyes and be like “Lorelai, you’re an adult! That’s life!” But then I realize I complain about all of these things and well… adulting is hard. Rory understands this means the music’s too loud and promises to turn it down.
>Once Lorelai leaves, Lane gets to the point of wanting Rory to ask Dean if he could ask out cute boy! Todd for a date that weekend. For Lane, not Dean, cause obvs. It would be that weekend and after church, of course. But don’t bring up church unless Todd likes church.
Mari: It’s funny this comes right after you comment on Lorelai’s “grow up!” moment, because I had one for Lane here. But then I had to remind myself that she’s actually a teenager and a sheltered one. I get it.
Emily: Ha! And to be honest, I probably would have been the same way as Lane here. If I had the nerve to even attempt to go out with a boy. I, too, was sheltered, although not quite as much as Lane.
Lorelai interrupts again, saying it is now too quiet. Rory turns the music back up and before Lane can continue with her request, Loreali comes back asking about who is singing on the CD. Rory tells her it is Claudine Longet and Lorelei reacts with ”The chick who shot the skier?” Rory agrees even though she doesn’t know what Lorelei is talking about it. Lorelai admires how Longet was a true Renaissance woman. Actress, singer, and potential killer. If only we could all aspire to such lofty accomplishments.
Which, I had to look that up. Apparently, Longet did shoot her boyfriend who was a skier, but it might have been an accident. I didn’t really understand the Wikipedia article. Moving on. (M: We appreciate your effort.) (E: I’m glad. If curiosity gets the better of me I might Google it again.)
Lorelai returns to her studying, and Lane gets to finish her request. She wonders if Rory and Dean could come on this date so it’s not as big of a deal. Rory has a terrible poker face and clearly doesn’t like this idea, and Lane’s poker face isn’t great either because she’s clearly bummed that Rory doesn’t want to. Lane tries to change the topic to music but Rory explains that she simply doesn’t know Todd and neither does Lane (nu uh! I met him twice ‘cause in high school meeting someone twice means you know them) and Rory wonders if Lane really thinks this guy is right for her. Lane is convinced Todd is her “soul mate,” and Rory reminds her of the hair incident. Lane defends that everyone is allowed one mistake. Todd is different ‘cause his name is different and thus it’s a totally different situation.
Lorelai interrupts – again – and makes excuses for not doing her homework and says that she could quit school and not have her own inn because she has a lot to be grateful for like legs and arms and there are a lot of people in the world who don’t have legs and arms. Rory tells her to go study like the good, responsible one in the house.
Mari: Listen, I’m made to procrastinate so as much as Lorelai should be the good, responsible one in the house, this has been me on many occasions.
Emily: I’m so glad I’m not in school anymore. I’ve entertained the thought of going back, but then I remember homework and that thought flies out the window.
Lorelai leaves once again, and Rory agrees to the date. But Lorelai comes back and tries to hang with the girls.
Independence Inn. Lorelai is doing more homework when a very unhappy Michel approaches and sighs heavily. I also work the front desk at a hotel, and Michel is my work patronus. Although if I behaved the way he does, I’d get fired. Even if it would mean I’d have much more fun.
Lorelai acknowledges him without looking up, and he complains about wanting to complain but not interrupting Lorelai but she keeps saying to him yes go on please, and he eventually caves and shares what the problem is. The inn is overbooked. Lorelai freaks out and wonders how this could have happened.
Front desk rant: this actually isn’t much of a “problem.” I don’t know how smaller inns work, but at hotels, this is kind of common and it’s not a huge deal. You can overbook by a few people because there always are late cancellations and no shows, It can make things slightly more stressful on the front desk. I do kind of understand Michel’s concern, but 99% of the time it’s fine.
But, Lorelai solves the problem by placing a group in a suite for the night then returning them to their original rooms the next day along with complimentary dinner. A+ for customer service Lorelai. She then says she’s off to get coffee, and Michel basically wants her to go away.
Lorelai goes to the kitchen to get her coffee and talks to Sookie about her baking meringue with a her own twist on the Alaskan version and shaping it into Hawaii and Alaska. I didn’t quite get it because I literally know nothing about baking.
Jackson enters and he and Sookie greet each other awkwardly. The veggies look good where he placed them. They agree he’ll be back at the same time tomorrow with squash and it’s really awkward but also adorable.
Once Jackson leaves, Lorelai asks “Okay, so, who walked in on who naked?” Sookie moans about how she asked him out weeks ago and now the invitation is floating out there and she freaks out about how she can’t actually make a plan. He’s already said yes to a theoretical plan, but saying yes to a concrete plan is a very different thing. (Story of my life Sookie. Whenever it comes to dating I forget how to human.) They debate on who’s turn it is to ask the other out. Sookie wants him to ask her out because she wants to be a girl. Lorelai says she is a girl and should call Jackson to ask him out and make the date for Sunday. Who knew Sundays were such a happenin’ day for dates?
Mari: NOT I. Sundays are Almost Mondays in my house.
Emily: Right? Or just the epitome of lazy. Early dinner then lounging on the couch watching a movie or something. Anyway.
She should call him now! Cell phones! What a great invention! Also, go girl power. If you like someone, you can totally ask them out whether you are a guy or a girl.
Sookie calls Jackson and has his number memorized because he is her produce guy. Which, I kind of miss the days of knowing someone’s number by heart. I don’t know anyone’s numbers. If I ever am in a situation where I can have one phone call and I can’t grab my cell to look up a number, I’m screwed. Sookie leaves an adorable and awkward call me back voicemail and plays with her wooden spoon and tries to use it like a pen to do her date prepping.
Rory is sitting on a bench reading Syliva Plath waiting for Dean to get out of school giving us this iconic shot:
She finally asks him about Todd. Dean says they’re friends. Then leans in, more gross kissing, and Rory has to back away and brings up Lane liking Todd. Rory says she thinks Lane and Todd would hit it off. Dean says neither Rory or Lane know Todd. He wants to kiss Rory. But she’s all “no” because SHE WASN’T DONE. KEEP YOUR HORMONES IN CHECK DEAN. Rory continues the double date conversation. Dean doesn’t seem happy about it and says he sees doesn’t see Todd and Lane together. Rory defends Lane and acts as though Dean insulted her and it’s all weird.
I’m finding them both annoying in this scene. First of all, Dean, back off. If she wants to have a conversation you can hold off on kissing until she’s clearly done. Second of all, Rory, you had the exact same reaction to Lane and Todd together. I’m glad you’re being a good friend and helping to get this all set up and defending Lane, but he wasn’t insulting Lane. He simply had the same impression that she didn’t know Todd well and they wouldn’t be good together. Not because he’s awful for because she’s awful, but not good together. I know it’s all a ploy to get Dean to agree, but you shouldn’t have to do that. Which is a reflection on both of them. GAH.
Mari: I had the same reaction. I keep having to try and decide what’s Just Teenage Thangs and what’s “ugh, these characters are annoying.” Because no one came out looking good from that scene.
Emily: They really didn’t. He’s not listening and she’s being kinda manipulative and annoying and I know they’re teenagers but UGH STOP.
They go back to kissing. But this time Rory is done talking and says it’s okay.
Inn. Lorelai is still doing homework, she complains about it, and Michel isn’t very helpful. But, Sookie jumps in and shares that Jackson called back! She made reservations for a super fancy restaurant and he’d love to go. The catch: his cousin is in town. Lorelai says they should go next week. Sookie had another idea. She suggested they double date with his cousin and Lorelai. Lorelai hates blind dates. Sookie guilts her into it because BEST FRIENDS.
Lorelai’s house. Lorelai is doing Sookie’s makeup. Sookie is all nervous and adorable and Lorelai is all “but you like him” and Sookie is worried he won’t like her and won’t ever have produce delivered to her again. Lorelai tries to calm her down. Then, Sookie turns it into thinking she’s a sexual harasser because technically she’s his employer since she buys produce from him. Again, this is how my brain goes when it comes to such things sometimes. So, I feel ya Sookie. Dating is stressful. Lorelai eventually calms Sookie down. Best friends are the best.
Cut to Rory’s bedroom. Lane is raiding Rory’s closet before their own movie double date with Dean and Todd, and shares her plan of what she’s telling her mom about where’s she at. She says that she’s spending the evening with Rory watching movies and if she calls and they aren’t there, she can say they went out to rent videos or get snacks. Rory lets her borrow Lorelai’s sparkly clips. Awwww the days of ridiculous sparkly hair accessories. You have to love early 2000s fashion.
The problem is that Rory has no idea what to tell Lorelai since Lorelai won’t want to lie to another mom. Lane suggests they tell Lorelai they are meeting Dean at a movie, they just happened to see Todd there, and he sat with them.
Sookie comes down the stairs and while she’s pretty – wow that’s a lot of hair on her head. Apparently, Sookie had a hard time with her coat getting caught on something and she had to break free. She instead borrows a shawl. Sookie is grateful again for Lorelai being willing to go with her.
When Lorelai answers the door, Jackson apologizes for being late, and Loreali says it gave them more time to be pretty. ‘Cause you know, it’s all about being pretty. Sookie and Jackson give each other an awkward “hi” and I’m just like “awwwww.” We meet Cousin Rune, and he doesn’t seem happy.
Dinner: We get more dirty looks and stares from Rune and the whole date seems awkward. Rune asks Lorelai what her shoe size and… what? Really? How are you human? I know I can’t human on dates either but… come on.
Sookie wonders if the mussels are actually fresh and not just fresh when they were put in the freezer. Jackson wonders where they get their carrots. (Reasons why I’m glad my friends aren’t food people. All dinners out would be ruined.) Lorelai, trying to be nice, asks Rune about his name since it’s so unusual, and he’s all rude about it. While placing their orders, Sookie and Jackson grill waiter about the food, and Lorelai orders alcohol. Girl, me too.
Lane is explaining something to Todd all passionately about music and he has no idea what she’s talking about and it’s sad because he can’t even pretend he’s interested. I mean, I have no idea about most of the music Lane talks about either, but she’s so passionate you can’t help but listen and want to know more. Todd doesn’t know what music he’s into. He says “whatever” and doesn’t even know what band is on his shirt. Apparently, it’s his sisters shirt. Lane has the sads, but tries again. She asks about books and school. (What a trooper! You keep trying to be positive!) Todd says he wants to major in gym, because he’ll only have to take four classes his senior year. Rory has been eavesdropping and is disgusted at gym.
But – I kind of can’t blame Todd for that. While I would never want to major in “gym,” if I had the option of having only four classes my senior year it would have been appealing to me too. #teamlazy
Mari: I have to say, not only is Lane a trooper, this is just development and improvement from someone who was petting her crush’s hair some episode ago. Look at her being confident and starting conversation! Go, Lane, go! But preferably away from Todd.
Emily: Lane really is growing, isn’t she? I’m so proud! Even if her taste in guys isn’t great yet.
Dinner. Sooki keeps talking to Lorelai about Rory and food and Lorelai is playing along but the guys are left out and Rune beheads a butter swan.
Lorelai shares how Sookie needs to actually talk to Jackson and not only her. Sookie says she knows but she’s nervous and doesn’t feel comfortable and Jackson IS SO dreamy. But, hallelujah, Lorelai has a plan and suggests going to Luke’s where they can actually relax. And maybe step on Rune because that would be fun.
Movie. There’s loud screeching and screaming from the movie, but Lane is determined to get conversation going and asks about Todd’s favorite movie. The answer is Beethoven. For the first time, Todd shows emotion, and talks animatedly about the dog and how brilliant it is. Lane isn’t impressed. I wouldn’t say Beethoven is all time favorite movie material. But, how can you not love a good dog movie? (M: It was my favorite when dog movies and animated movies were my entire repertoire.) (E: Is it odd I kind of want to watch it now?)
Luke’s. Now it’s Rune’s turn to not be impressed (surprise surprise), and Lorelai offers to grab menus while everyone picks a table. Also, Sookie’s hair is down now and it’s much better.
Lorelai banters with Luke about an anvil for Rune and it all gives off this vibe of “aren’t Luke and Lorelai so perfect for each other?” She decides to sit with Luke for awhile so Sookie and Jackson can enjoy each others company, even if Rune is there. Luke doesn’t get why Rune doesn’t like Lorelai’s height because she can reach things on the top shelf. (I know that’s what I look for in a partner!) Also, Luke’s coffee is very good today. He put nutmeg in it and Lorelai says something about Richard Simmons.
Rune is bored and loudly makes a scene. He doesn’t know where he is (Lorelai informs him that it’s Luke’s) and Rune wants for him and Jackson to go bowling. Because that’s what you do on a happenin’ Sunday night.
Jackson almost leaves until Sookie speaks up and says she doesn’t want Jackson to go. Jackson, delighted she said something, tells says Rune can leave. Go Jackson!
Now, the happy couple is alone Lorelai says that she’ll continue to sit where she is. Luke is all “I have to watch you get dumped and now you’re eating alone?” She’s all “I’m not alone, you’re here” and it’s cute and they play cards and awwwwwwww.
Lorelai wants to keep changing her cards and Luke tries to explain the game but she won’t have it because she’s Lorelai. But it’s okay because Luke clearly finds it amusing but won’t admit it. Sookie and Jackson are happy while Lorelai and Luke reminisce about first dates. The writers can’t make it any more obvious about who we’re supposed to be swooning over and where the romantic tension is.
But, of course, the cute scene can’t last. Mrs. Kim walks by and sees Lorelai inside. She angrily storms in because Lane isn’t with Lorelai. But Lorelai is confused and is like “the girls went to a movie with Dean.” Which is clearly the wrong thing to say because Mrs. Kim will have none of that. Lorelai thought Mrs. Kim knew and it’s all trouble. Drinking, drugs, smoking, etc. Lorelai goes with her to find the girls.
The movie is getting out and Lane wants to go home, not happy with how her date turned out. But Todd is all let’s get ice cream and eat it too fast so we get brain freezes! (Who enjoys brain freezes?) (M: Freakin’ Todd.) But, before they can decide on what to do, we hear an angry Mrs. Kim approaching with an also unhappy Lorelai close behind. The guys realize two angry moms are a bad sign.
Mrs. Kim yells at Lane for lying and sends her home. Which stinks. Being yelled at by your mom in front of your friends is not fun – even if you didn’t want to impress the cute!boy! anymore. It turns out Rory is in trouble too and has to say goodbye. Also, Dean can’t call until tomorrow.
But Todd announces that Lorelai is a babe so… yay?
As they walk home, Rory explains she’s sorry and how Lane wanted to go out with Todd. Her not telling Lorelai about it was really a good thing because then Lorelai wouldn’t have to lie to Mrs. Kim. Wrong answer. But Lorelai needs to know where Rory is all the time. Especially when she’s borrowing her shoes. #priorities
Rory sneaks to Lane’s house via climbing a tree. Apparently, it’s been days. Mrs. Kim is very angry and has threatened both Siberia and a convent for Lane. Rory is sorry. Lane says she’s okay because now she knows that she doesn’t like Todd. Which… we all knew that in the first place, but Lane had to figure it out for herself. As it turns out, Todd liked her! Which, who wouldn’t? Lane is awesome. But alas, Lane is on house arrest until forever.
Mari: Bright side is that it saved her from Todd.
Emily: BYE TODD.
Lorelai goes to the Kim antique shop where Mrs. Kim is arguing with a customer about “you break you buy.” In case you haven’t learned yet, Mrs. Kim is hard core about her antiques.
She’s also not happy to see Lorelai who is apologetic. Lorelai wants Mrs. Kim to know Lane is still okay to come over and reassures her it won’t happen again. She tries to talk up Lane to her mom and give parenting advice. On the one hand, I love how Lorelai is so willing to step up for Lane and do right by her. I love their relationship! On the other hand, I know moms don’t tend to like when other moms tells them how to parent. Lorelai wins Mrs. Kim over though when she shares she doesn’t want Lane or Rory to turn out like herself. For the first time ever, they both agree on something. She also redeems herself by telling Mrs. Kim that Lane is great and she’s doing a great job. What mom doesn’t need to hear that from time to time?
On the way out, Lorelai runs into something and we hear it crash. You break you buy…
Luke’s. Alls well that ends well, right? Lorelai got an A- on her test, which I had almost forgotten about. Sookie and Jackson are on their 3rd date. Then, Rory gets a page (A PAGE FROM HER BEEPER! Oh the nostalgia!) and Lane can go outside in the yard (as far as the store sign!) and it’s all very exciting. But also a little heartbreaking that they’re excited she can go only that far.
While Rory is outside on the phone with Lane, Luke makes sure everything is okay from the double date gone wrong. They talk about how they had fun with the cards and it seems like Luke wants to ask her out but then changes his mind and it’s cute and awkward and that’s basically this whole episode. Cute and awkward.
Next time on Gilmore Girls: Bad news at a Bangles concert in S01 E13 – Concert Interruptus.
I'm a 30-something south Floridan who loves the beach but cannot swim. Such is my life, full of small contradictions and little trivialities. My main life goals are never to take life too seriously, but to do everything I attempt seriously well. After that, my life goals devolve into things like not wearing pants and eating all of the Zebra Cakes in the world. THE WORLD.
