It was only two episodes ago that Dean closed the window on Rory's apology and said he might someday forgive her, but that day came mighty soon, suspiciously soon. He seems sincere at the pie shop, but it's the motivation of revenge that comes through strongest when he confronts Jess. How much does he really want Rory back and how much is simply to turn the tables on Jess? More than that, why does he want Rory back, aside from the revenge factor? Is this the typical Gilmore mystique, the way he's craving her again? Is she Rory the angel with all the blame thrown on Jess?
I agree with Lauren/205 about Lorelai's ability to avoid the low road and support Emily when Gran is on the attack. That's how Lorelai always is when the chips are down for either of her parents, she comes to their side. When Emily showed sympathy for Lorelai at Thanksgiving it was more of an exception from her side, a continuation of her dissatisfaction with Richard's handling of the Yale visit. But Emily is certainly capable of bonding with Lorelai even when the chips are not down, such as her attempt when they visited the spa. While there are obvious parallels between Gran's treatment of Emily and Emily's treatment of Lorelai, Gran is much more severe towards Emily. With Gran, it's complete hostility towards Emily, not a single word that is anything less. It sounds absurd when Emily calls Gran "mom," but perhaps she's stretching for some bit of cordiality. And it always annoys me when Richard doesn't say a word in defense of his wife. The focus here is on the Gilmore women and it's easy to overlook Richard seemingly oblivious to Emily's distress. Can't he politely ask his own mother in private to ease up?
No shortage of great dialogue, including:
CLARA: Do you wash your hair?
JESS: Yes, I wash my hair.
CLARA: Then why does it stick up like that?