The 'Gilmore Girls' are more than just a pretty face

Before Gilmore Girls aired, there were few, if any, shows that incorporated pregnant teens into a storyline. Now if you flip on the television, it’s hard to avoid teen pregnancy! You’ve got Teen Mom, 16 and pregnant, The Secret Life of the American Teenager; the list goes on. And this fascinates society. Why? In 2008, New York Daily News reported that seventeen girls made a pact to get pregnant and raise their kids together. Could there be a connection between stories like this and shows like Gilmore Girls and Teen Mom that center off teen pregnancy? Does it make you wonder if Gilmore Girls were based off Lorelei’s life when she was 16-20 years old raising Rory if the show had been as successful as it was? The show Gilmore Girls could be seen as a sign of foreshadowing in the television industry.

            Gilmore Girls highlights the aftermath of Lorelei’s pregnancy. It shows her life starting at 32 when her daughter, Rory, is 16. Occasionally, it refers back to how she lived at an Inn raising Rory, and how she worked her way up and now owns the Inn. The viewers get a glimpse into how Lorelei grew up through her parents. The wealthy lifestyle of Emily and Richard Gilmore is an interesting and important aspect of the show.

Richard, a successful insurance worker, and Emily, a Daughters of the American Revolution member, are prime candidates that display the idea of patriarchy. It is very clear that Richard is the man of the house, the breadwinner, the provider, etc. They live by the status quo. In one episode, Richard and Emily become flustered when they hear Rory has gone to her boyfriend’s home for a family dinner. Rory’s boyfriend’s family is close friends of Emily and Richard, and of equal status to them. They demand a dinner with Rory and her boyfriend at their home to level the playing field. They say how embarrassed they are since the window of time was quickly closing where it would no longer be acceptable. Another example is when Lorelei becomes pregnant and her and her boyfriend’s parents (also friends with Emily and Richard and of equal status) encourage Lorelei’s boyfriend to propose, because it is the right thing to do. This notion of patriarchy, status quo, proper etiquette, and high society life is what Emily and Richards’s life is all about. And we get to see that in almost every episode when Lorelei and Rory go to Friday night dinners at their fabulous home.

Emily is also a great example of post-feminism. She hires maids, a new one in every episode, and fires them for the smallest things. She rarely gets to know their names because they are not employed long enough. Viewers can see that Emily loves the power that comes from the ability to control things through her money. She wants her home to be perfect for her husband, her family, her friends, and her guests. This further demonstrates the kind of lifestyle and society in which Emily and Richard Gilmore are a part of.

            The town of Stars Hollow, where Lorelei and Rory’s home is, on the other hand, is one of those towns where everyone knows each other. It gives off a folk feel, with Renaissance fairs and town troubadours. The music is very authentic. The music plays throughout the show, but I’ve noticed only when the characters are featured in Stars Hollow. The music helps set the tone of the town to the viewers. The town is like one giant family. In one episode, Rory has a birthday party with the entire town. The very last episode of the series shows the town wanting to go to Rory’s graduation ceremony at Yale. This tight-knit, protective group is what makes the show so lovable. It proves that people of all ages can be best friends and love and support each other. That is something that makes Gilmore Girls unique and what other television programs just don’t showcase.

             One of the most evident aspects of the show is the family dynamic between Lorelei and Rory. It is very uncommon to see a mother and daughter so close, where they act like sisters, or best friends. And noticeably absent is a man in the household. The Gilmore girls have a more modern take on gender roles. In one episode, the girls and Rory’s boyfriend are watching a show that portrays a woman in the 50’s who consistently has a perfect appearance and family. She cooks for her family every night, and Lorelei and Rory joke the show must have been written by a man. Dean, Rory’s boyfriend, counter argues that the woman may enjoy cooking for her family, and he thinks the concept is “kinda nice”. The girls, while eating pizza they had ordered, looked at him like he was crazy. That is because Lorelei and Rory’s lifestyle is the complete opposite of what this show portrays a woman to be.

The female dominance in Gilmore Girls is what may draw female viewers. It is a refreshing change from other programming or lifestyles where it is primarily male dominated. This may help women identify with the characters as well. Single moms are represented through this show. Teen girls are also represented in this show. Shockingly, all teen girls are not Serena Van Der Woodsen. There are some normal, quiet girls just trying to get through high school, go to a good college, and not be heartbroken or bullied. Many shows do not feature a storyline like this because it is ‘ordinary’ and not as interesting as a rich, spoiled teen. But by combing this with a character like Lorelei, who has spunk, comedy and a strong work ethic, it is a story people want to follow. Viewers find themselves rooting for the characters to fall in love, be happy, and succeed. Viewers feel a part of Stars Hollow, and that is what makes a quality television show.