Episode Report Card Al Lowe: A+ | 12 USERS: A YOU GRADE IT Good, Good, Goodbye. SOB!
By Al Lowe | Season 7 | Episode 22 | Aired on 05.14.2007
Even in the face of her scorn, Richard rises above the Gilmore tradition of coldness toward Lorelai and says what has needed to be said for seven seasons. "It takes a remarkable person," he says, choking up, "to inspire all of this." Lauren Graham absolutely kills me as she squeaks out a "Thanks, Dad," with tears in her eyes, and I have to just throw away the thesaurus, because I have run out of ways to describe myself, and other people, crying. Emily can take no more. "That's enough," she snarks. "It's not as if the two of you are saying goodbye." And of course, neither of them hugs their daughter, which makes me very mad, but I expected no more.
As Taylor begins his unofficial farewell speech to Rory, Emily leans over to Lorelai, asking again if she's thought more about the spa idea. "Yeah," Lorelai says. "I don't think I'm interested, though." Emily's face goes pale, but that could be because of the speech Taylor's giving. It's almost too gross for me to recap, but I shall do my duty. The town, Taylor says, is pregnant with pride and anticipation, and preparing to birth her from their collective womb, into the world. It seriously, includes him saying they're going to push her out, spank her bottom and wipe the amniotic fluid from her eyes as she takes her first independent breath. Gag. "Is this speech making you a little queasy?" Emily whispers to Lorelai. No one is more queasy than Rory, but she gamely takes the mic to say a few words. "I love this place," she says. "I just loved growing up here." She tells them all that she loves them, and she thanks them for the amazing party. "I don't want to gush," she says, getting emotional, "except one more. To my mom, who is just everything to me, and everything I am. And, who I'm gonna miss. So much." The whole world is crying. Even Taylor is choked up and puts his arms around Rory, calling for the party to get started.
Night falls and crazy dancing ensues. Lorelai's about to get to eat something when Emily comes back over, saying they're going to leave, but want to say goodbye to Rory. As they go to find her, Emily bends her ear again about the Inn. Instead of a spa, she suggests, what about a tennis court? "It's a little expensive," Emily says, as Lorelai rolls her eyes behind her back, "but your father and I have discussed it and we're willing to loan you the money." This appeals to Lorelai about as much as you'd expect, but when Emily says the terms of the loan would require them to get together from time to time to see how things are progressing, Lorelai figures it out. "Mom," she says, "why don't we just talk about it Friday night. At dinner." Emily is thrilled, of course, but can't let on. "So, our Friday night dinners are going to continue then?" she asks. Lorelai cringes and forces herself to say it: "We might as well. I've kind of gotten used to it." Emily must concentrate with the full force of her Protestant heritage in order not to crack a smile. "All right," she says. "But don't be late and don't wear jeans to dinner." Lorelai sighs, saying she's never worn jeans to dinner, and the two of them are back to their normal bickering when Rory and Richard walk up. "There you are," Emily says, starting a lecture about how Rory must keep in touch with postcards, phone calls, etc. Her stern tone quickly dissipates, though. "It's an honor to be your grandmother, Rory Gilmore," Emily says, and oh, what's that? I'M CRYING AGAIN. Dear Everybody Who Votes for Awards in Hollywood: What is WRONG with you? Look at these people! Kelly Damn Bishop?! Edward Freaking Herrmann?! LAUREN GRAHAM? Give them. Some Flipping. Statuettes. Rory clings to her G-units and walks them to their car as Sookie walks up.