REVIEW: Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life – (Spring: Episode 2).
Gilmore Girls has always been strongest when exploring the mother-daughter relationships. Instead of utilising this strength, Spring has these characters separate for much of the episode.
For Winter, I praised how the slower pace allowed for a more extensive story. Spring instead seems to cram various different plot elements into one episode, so that much of the beginning sequences of the episode are forgotten by the end.
The failing of an International Food Market, Taylor pushing for a Gay Pride Parade and Kirk’s film premiere could all be interesting side-plots in an episode. Instead, all three events are together and acts as a filler for the first half of the episode opposed to being entertaining additions.
Despite being an overwhelming episode, there are some key scenes that were perfect. Kelly Bishop‘s portrayal of a grieving Emily continues to be some of the best acting within Gilmore Girls. Her scenes shared with Lauren Graham show real chemistry, as lines can alternate from comedic to dramatic tones within seconds.
Although the therapy scenes were light, they did help characterise the two and provided some much-needed breathing space from the rest of the episode.
Paris Gellar makes another key moment in Spring. From her quoting Joseph Stalin to her freakout when seeing Tristan, we witnessed Paris Gellar at her best. Earlier, Paris seemed like she had her life in order, but now it’s more clear she’s in a power struggle by posing with her empty briefcase and missing Doyle’s “volcanic” sex.
As enjoyable as Paris Gellar is, Rory Gilmore isn’t.
She ditches the book for Naomi (played by Doctor Who‘s Alex Kingston), fails to acquire a good angle about lines for GQ and then can’t pitch a story to another online magazine. Seeing the “perfect” Rory Gilmore facing the harsh reality of the world is needed.
During the original run for Gilmore Girls, some viewers [I included] criticised how every character would praise Rory for what she was. Now, career-wise, Rory is failing. Romantically, she’s sleeping with Logan (despite him engaged and her dating), and having one-night stands.
It’s not that I don’t like seeing Rory facing a tough time, it is that she’s so out of character. When Rory had slept with Dean despite him being married, she had a moral dilemma. But in this case, she feels nothing. It’s a different Rory and feels uncomfortable to watch.
Will this new Rory be able to sort her life out? Find out soon with more Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life reviews coming soon.
OVERALL GRADE:
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