1.19 - Emily in Wonderland

[bingbong]

Another classic episode and the title is one of my favorites in the series.

Lorelai summed up her dysfunctional relationship with Emily when she said they speak a different language and plainly stated she didn't think it would ever change. Rory for her part was back in her role as peace-maker, not fully understanding why they can't simply sit down and talk it out.

Lane kills me in the scene where Rory is answering Emily's questions about boy bands (the Backside Boys) and says "What kind of sick joke is this?" The way Keiko plays that entire scene is perfection.

Luke Rachel and Lorelai? If Lorelai's already crushing on him, she is one heckuva friend. Heh, but I died with Luke when he walked in on them talking about him. Was he worried about what Lorelai would say to Rachel or what Rachel would say to Lorelai?

Poor Luke has to deal with all these beautiful and intelligent women. The guy couldn't quite handle the sight of his Great Love from the Past socializing with his hoped-for Great Love of the Future. I personally think his biggest fear was Rachel figuring out that her dear Luke has the hots for her new friend. No need to worry. He had a few episodes before she figured out the obvious.

Mrs. Kim and Emily: I just love watching Emily and Mrs. Kim go back and forth about the quality of the antiques. It's just so amusing to watch. Two stubborn women making a deal, it's great.

My only complaint about the haggling match between Emily &  Mrs. Kim is that it's not long enough. I could have watched an entire scene of those two going at it. Rory & Lane's chatter could have waited. Emily appreciates a worthy adversary. I have a feeling Mrs. Kim got the best of the deal; she is always promising a letter of authentication that just doesn't sound so authentic to me.  Not that Emily really cared; she loved the art of the deal. She walked out all amped up and that was the high-point of her visit to Wonderland, which soon turned to Blunderland when she saw the ol' homestead shed at the inn.

[SIDNEY]

Lorelai summed up her dysfunctional relationship with Emily when she said they speak a different language and plainly stated she didn't think it would ever change. Rory for her part was back in her role as peace-maker, not fully understanding why they can't simply sit down and talk it out.

People can speak different languages and somehow understand each other But not Emily&Lorelai. Sometimes i wonder how bad their relationship really is. When Lorelai complains about Emily it always seems to me as the teenager Lorelai is talking and not the grown-up, Most teenagers have troubles dealing with their parents and vise versa so it seems like her view on her mother is not quite real but ideas built on thoughts as a teenager.

Not that Emily really cared; she loved the art of the deal. She walked out all amped up and that was the high-point of her visit to Wonderland, which soon turned to Blunderland when she saw the ol' homestead shed at the inn.

I do not blame her. I think it was selfish of Lorelai to leave her house with her "baby" with no money or place to stay. Didn't she think of what could have happened to Rory. That always seemed to me waaaaay irresponsible. She should have found a job then moved out. I have a feeling that a minute before she ran out, she was having a fight with Emily.

[honkifuluvGG]

Not that Emily really cared; she loved the art of the deal. She walked out all amped up and that was the high-point of her visit to Wonderland, which soon turned to Blunderland when she saw the ol' homestead shed at the inn.

I do not blame her. I think it was selfish of Lorelai to leave her house with her "baby" with no money or place to stay. Didn't she think of what could have happened to Rory. That always seemed to me waaaaay irresponsible. She should have found a job then moved out. I have a feeling that a minute before she ran out, she was having a fight with Emily.

I'll have to watch this episode again before I come and make my post on the episode as a whole, but I just really wanted to comment on this statement (in italics).  I'm pretty sure at some point in the show it is mentioned that Emily and Richard woke up to find Lorelai had left a note and left the house.  There was no argument and storming out as I feel this statement implies.

I also think that it is not selfish of Lorelai to have left and taken Rory.  Sure she could have been afforded a full and rich material life had they stayed at the Gilmore house in Hartford, but material things are not the be all and end all.  It is clear throughout the course of the show that Rory was never starved or deprived in any way.  And more to the point is it not more important that a child grow up with a parent who is happy in their existence?  Lorelai was suffocated and miserable living with her parents and she did what she needed to to give Rory the best life she could.

I do however see Emily's side also.  In her own way she has always felt that what she was providing for Lorelai, was more than she could ever want or need.  In Emily's world, there was strict routine and ettiquette and there was a proper way to do things.  But Lorelai just didn't fit into her mould.  There is no person at fault here.... just a clash in opinions and lifestyles. 

[bingbong]

In “Dear Emily and Richard” we see that Lorelai has left a note for her parents and they discover it, apparently as they are going out or coming back from a fancy evening engagement. There is no suggestion that it’s the immediate result of a fight. I think it‘s safe to say Lorelai’s departure was the culmination of the long-term conflict.

There was an element of danger to Lorelai and baby Rory when she left home as a teenager. I have always taken into account her age and relative immaturity. Ideally she would have planned better than to show up as a stranger at the doorstep of the Independence Inn, but this is part of the story line to me; she did what she did for better or worse. The details of what happened are sketchy and there was probably some luck involved in surviving on her own, but as Caryn pointed out she was a good provider for Rory and gave her a great upbringing.

When Emily rants at Lorelai about taking the baby away and living in the shack, i feel bad for her when she says “you hated us that much?” But it’s typical of Emily that she harps on the (in her view) low-scale shack itself. She does not notice that Rory was sharing with Emily as a happy memory. Emily can’t see the obvious fact that Lorelai made it a beautiful existence for Rory. I also give Lorelai credit for keeping her cool in that scene. She at least made an attempt to stay calm and rational. Rory would like them to sit down and talk it out but it would never work while either of them is ranting.

[honkifuluvGG]

There was an element of danger to Lorelai and baby Rory when she left home as a teenager.........  The details of what happened are sketchy and there was probably some luck involved in surviving on her own, .......

I agree Jim that it was a very precarious situation to take off with no plans.  Although my gut tells me that Lorelai has always had that outward strength, of being able to make good decisions for others when needed (she has many emotional immaturities when it comes to herself however), and proved that when push came to shove she was able to put personal pride aside to get help for Rory when she needed it.  Had things not worked out, I would think she would have gone back to her parents, just as she did later in Rory's life.

And I liked your comment about Emily's inability to see Rory sharing a happy memory.  It's so very true.  But that has been Emily's main fault in my eyes throughout most of the show - her inability to see beyond herself to notice what truly makes others happy.
 

[Sooks]

I think that what one might focus on and what Lorelai was probably wanting Emily to focus on after she found out why she made Rory her own room at their house, is that everything turned out OK. Lorelai may not have been the most responsible, intelligent thinking, thought out mother at the time she had Rory. What can one expect, at that young an age? But she did well enough to produce a well spoken, intelligent, thoughtful, respectful, creative, loving daughter who contributes to society in a positive way and respects everyone! That's accomplishment, if I don't say so! And sometimes, I think Emily seems to forget that everything's OK...it all worked out just fine.

Now, I won't ignore the fact that there's probably some hurt and unresolved angst that's still taking place within the family. That's expected, and even understood. I think that a lot of that has been worked out within the 7 years of the series. There's more to go I've no doubt, but it's a good start.

About the rest of the episode, I love the ending scene. Hopeful and encouraging - the two sitting in front of the soon-to-be Dragonfly Inn while Sookie is typical Sookie, running around frantically thinking all over the place about what will take place. Love it! Great way to end the episode, an emotional one at that!

I really appreciated the time they spent on the relationship between Rory and Emily, as well Lorelai and Emily. I like the time they spend on those relationships at any time, in any episode.

I like how Emily interacts with Michele as well! So Emily!

Great episode! I'm so glad that The Viewing Party has begun again!

[wmushell]

Tennis Shoes: Seeing Emily in tennis shoes was great. Especially since she was wearing a skirt. I love it when she tells Rory she loves the shoes.

Lorelai:  "What's up, Working Girl?!"     Our very own Melanie Griffith on GG.

This episode lays a lot of interesting groundwork for things to come: 

- The bedroom for Rory becomes relevant in the next episode when Rory needs some space from Lorelai and Stars Hollow.  PLUS - it is an interesting premonition looking ahead to Season 6 when Rory actually moves in with Emily and Richard.   

-  I love how proud Rory is of her Stars Hollow existence in general.  At the house, Emily is mortified by their kitchen and Rory is so pleased to brag about their Charlie's Angels glass collection.     It is clear that Lorelai has provided a comfortable, happy, and fun atmosphere for Rory to grow up in.  The true test of whether or not the potting shed was an appropriate place for Lorelai to take the two of them lies within Rory's memories.  You'll notice that most of what she mentions is the time she spent with Lorelai there which goes to show what was really important.

-  As far the Emily discussion goes, I agree with those that have already mentioned that Emily sees success as material possessions.  For this reason, she could not fathom how Lorelai could grow up to resent her -- in her mind she had given her daughter every item and opportunity she thought was necessary.  What Lorelai really needed was love and understanding, which was much harder won from her parents.  I have inferred that Lorelai's decision to leave the Gilmore house lies in the fact that - now knowing Emily and Richard for seven seasons - they more than likely were not capable of letting their daughter forget about her perceived mistake (getting pregnant).  I am going to go ahead and say that I do indeed believe Lorelai at 17 was very wise in her parenting - how could she properly raise her child while miserable?  It was NOT selfish, it was necessary.  As far as her not having a plan or money, I am going to echo my very perceptive and intelligent friend Caryn ( hi hun) in saying that Lorelai has the type of personality steeped in strength.  Her character has focused determination to accomplish what she needs to (and she did!) to make it in this world.  This trait serves her well multiple times during the series and is essential in making her the successful businesswomen she later becomes as well as raising an intelligent, well-rounded daughter.

-  I love how Lorelai sends her breakfast back in the beginning!     In these early years she so often "plays" with Luke and enjoys their friendship and the attention from him.  It is clear to me that Rachel is - in her very female way! - closely observing the relationship between Lorelai and Luke.  I'm almost wondering if she tested it a bit in asking Lorelai's help with Luke.  I admire Lorelai for truly trying to be a good friend to Luke and honestly wanting him to be happy.  This is quite a landmark episode as this is the first time Lorelai visits Luke's apartment (love all the curtains bits!) and his storage room and goes behind the counter as well!!!

- After becoming a full-fledged GG addict, I managed to also get my mom hooked on the show via my dvds.  When she finished this episode, she called me up and said, "I don't want to know anything else that happens, but please tell me that Lorelai one day opens her own Inn!"      I was so happy to tell her that she does.  Another precursor subplot, it is lovely in this episode to be introduced to The Dragonfly Inn and Lorelai's pull towards it.  Simply magical how things like this happen in life.

- I agree with those that say the Lane/Rory "gloomy" scene was wonderful and Keiko was particularly brilliant in it.

- Finally, I'm always a big fan of the movie theater scene.  Even though I've seen it dozens of times now, I still adore Lorelai's reaction when Kirk's cell phone goes off.     Also, the fact that Lorelai could be held accountable in an intergalactic court if Rachel turns out to be an evil fembot makes me smile every time.   

Wow, it never ceases to amaze me how much I still love this show - and always will. 

[SIDNEY]

I also think that it is not selfish of Lorelai to have left and taken Rory.  Sure she could have been afforded a full and rich material life had they stayed at the Gilmore house in Hartford, but material things are not the be all and end all.  It is clear throughout the course of the show that Rory was never starved or deprived in any way.  And more to the point is it not more important that a child grow up with a parent who is happy in their existence?  Lorelai was suffocated and miserable living with her parents and she did what she needed to to give Rory the best life she could.

Oh, i have no doubt that Lorelai did the right thing by leaving her parents' house and it's true about the material things, i did not mean that. I was only trying to say that she should have found a job first then leave the house just to be safe. Because Rory was just a baby and couldn't handle not eating food for long and she sure needed a roof (any roof) on her head.

I do however see Emily's side also.  In her own way she has always felt that what she was providing for Lorelai, was more than she could ever want or need.  In Emily's world, there was strict routine and ettiquette and there was a proper way to do things.  But Lorelai just didn't fit into her mould.  There is no person at fault here.... just a clash in opinions and lifestyles. 

I always wonder, if a parent did everything he or she knew but that wasn't enough, can we blame them? In Emily's world, buying expensive things pretty much means love so in her mind she was not only a good mother but maybe even a GREAt one but of course Lorelai didn't see it that way, she needed her parents to kiss and hug her instead of showering her with material things.

About Rory being so attached and proud of S.H. I think that was true in early seasons but i feel she has lost that feeling in later seasons. I mean she still loves SH but not as much. I've always felt that Lorelai is more attached to SH that Rory. Lorelai can't even imagine living somewhere else.
 
 

[pinklibra9]

Kelly Bishop can make me cry.  This is one of those episodes where she brings me to tears.  You can just see that it broke her heart to realize what lengths her daughter went to to get away from her.  She chose to raise her child in a tool shed amongst strangers than stay in a comfortable (albeit stifling) home. 

Having said this, i don't blame Lorelai for bailing on her parents.  Sure, they wanted only the best for her, but their idea of a perfect life is so radically different than Lorelai's.  She's too free a spirit, too independent to have lasted long in such an oppressive household.  I think even if she hadn't gotten pregnant, she would have hit the ground running after graduation.  Perhaps she would have gone onto college.  Either way, i doubt that she would have had a good, healthy relationship with her parents. 

[wmushell]

Welcome pinklibra9!  I'm so glad you joined in on the discussion.     I so agree with you about Kelly's stellar performance in this episode - her hurt and pain are palpable.  Over the years, she gives so many dimensions to this wonderfully complicated character you cannot help but to feel a myriad of emotions towards her at different times.  Although I feel Lorelai was justified as well, you can't but help to wish Emily didn't feel so awful.

[lessa]

I think it puts Emily in kind of a conflicted light. She loves (and uses) Rory's unprepossessing humility, but she's embarrassed about Rory's humble life. It's a Mom thing, having your kids seek money and succor outside the house is like telling the world you don't feed them, even if you're proud that they work instead of begging.

Naturally, being Emily, she strikes out by turning the table on Lorelai and attempting to provide Rory with the things Lorelai couldn't give her. It's a shade late, though, since Rory has presumable had her own bedroom for years by this point.

I get that Lorelai and Emily don't really understand each other. Emily sees Lorelai as a martyr, someone whose determination is self-destructive. Lorelai sees Emily as a person living in a cage and loving it. They're not completely incompatible, there's love, but they just don't respect one another's lifestyles and decisions enough to have a conversation without Emily creating an argument or Lorelai schizophrenically bouncing around subjects to avoid one.

[thevoid99]

I liked this one.  Boy bands... they still suck and they always will.  Bringing them back is a bad idea considering the state of the music industry.  Although I kinda liked 'Nsync.  They had the funk.  Justin Timberlake though is extremely overrated.  I'm a Joey Fatone guy.  He's got the Force. 

Bringing Rune back for work was funny and I would've loved to see Michel kill the guy.

I feel sorry Emily.  Just as she was having some fun with Rory, when she saw that house.  Whoa... Kelly Bishop is phenomenal in the scene where she talked to Lorelai about that tool shed.  I felt sad for her.  As much as Lorelai wants to deny about her and her mom ever settlign things.  The truth is that she wants to and she will. 

I kinda like Rachel because she just wants to make Luke happy and doesn't want to leave him since she always has to go.  It was good of Lorelai to put in a good word for her when Luke is involved.  Yet, the final shot reveals that Lorelai... likes Luke aka Future 2nd Husband aka Mr. Lorelai Gilmore. 

[gg crazy]

This is one of my favorite episodes!! emily walking around in those sneakers,eating at teriyaki joe's, and when emily asks her if she liked nsync, 98 degrees,or backstreet boys and lane is like "what kind of sick joke is this" soooooo funny!!!

[Gilmore Gyrlie]

 I felt bad for Emily when she saw Rory's 1st home.



the brutal reality of how badly Lorelai wanted to get away SMACKED her in the face.


Rachel is tryin too hard to be friends with our girl, she feels threatened.

[James]

I loved this episode. I liked how Rory and her grandma finally had some one-on-one bonding time. I really enjoyed seeing the two of them bond.  I loved the fact that Emily wore sneakers to get the "whole Stars Hollow expereince!", very cute!

I had watched this episode on internet tv.