Reading through the posts, we have an official theme for this thread: Jess is hot when he is wet. Okey Dokey, i get it. I don't feel quite so attuned to Jess' cause. With the benefit of Fast Forwardy Lane, Jess was rarely so attentive to Rory when they were actually a couple. I'm sure he would have turned off the sprinklers even after he was her boyfriend, but generally speaking he rarely made an effort on her behalf. I look at the sprinkler scene as an example of a guy being considerate during the courting phase and taking his gal for granted after they are together. For the moment, however, for Rory it's a small gesture that can go a long way. The guy scored his points.
We've seen Richard do this before, looking down his nose at Emily's social obligations (his agreement with Lorelai that the first tea thing is "insane"), while also understanding the importance to her and to the Gilmore's social standing. He's in his "proper procedure" mode. Although he approaches the issue the way he might swat a pesky fly, it is touching in a way that he will do whatever is necessary to help Emily. In Richard & Emily's world, there is probably no greater act of loyalty a husband can do on behalf of his wife.
Bowie is awesome and there are worse ways to spend an evening than at a concert with a person you don't like. The date would be no worse than seeing a movie together because there wouldn't be a whole lot of chit-chat during the concert. Oh, but that wasn't really the point, was it? Lorelai needed yet another reminder of the pitfalls involved in treading in E & R's world. And Emily doesn't quite care, or even notice, that this is precisely why Lorelai keeps a safe distance from that world, so long as she gets her first cup of tea.
I love this bit:
LORELAI: Independence Inn.
EMILY: You really should identify yourself when you answer the phone at work.
LORELAI: Sorry. Independence Inn, major disappointment speaking. Better?
EMILY: Yes, thank you.