Gilmore Girls S04E19

In the world of Stars Hollow, relationships tend to be as unpredictable and mercurial as weather patterns. In an episode of Gilmore Girls titled “Afterboom,” we observe the gradual dissolution of three relationships, invoking a blend of relief, sadness, and anticipation. The character developments resemble the comings and goings of hip aliens, unexpected and somewhat disorienting.

The Ice Melts: Emily and Richard’s Estrangement

Years of pent-up frustration manifest in Emily’s demeanor as the facade of her marital bliss with Richard begins to crumble. Their unusual behavior during Friday night dinner, where Richard seems to be grasping at straws by rambling about ice, signals the estrangement of the elder Gilmores. Emily, donned in her Burberry cardigan, appears prepared for battle or, at the very least, an exit. As Lorelai and Rory speculate in the driveway post-dinner, Emily hurriedly leaves with dry cleaning, seemingly indifferent to being seen.

Kelly Bishop portrays Emily with an aura of one who has been holding her breath for too long. There is an underlying sense of liberation in her exit. Richard’s clandestine lunches with Pennilyn Lott and numerous lies of omission have taken their toll, and Emily’s patience has worn thin. The dissolution of their marriage, while disheartening, seems almost inevitable due to Richard's long-standing disregard for Emily's emotional well-being.

Coffee and Lawsuits: Lorelai and Jason’s End

Simultaneously, another relationship faces its demise. Jason, now bereft of clients and dignity due to Richard’s actions, decides to sue. This leads to an aggravating coffee shop scene where Lorelai informs Jason, with newfound familial loyalty, that she cannot be with someone suing her family. The sudden shift in Lorelai’s character feels forced and lacks congruence with her past behavior. This breakup feels like a convenient plot device rather than a genuine development.

Luke’s Liberation and Hints of Romance

The third relationship coming to a close is between Luke and Nicole. As Luke fills out divorce paperwork, there is an air of relief, as this opens doors for potential romance between him and Lorelai. The simultaneous singleness of these characters holds a promise of what fans have eagerly anticipated.

Troubling Paradigms and Newfound Friendships

Rory’s storyline in this episode is a bit jarring. She attends a reading for Asher’s novel “Jaglon” with Paris. The crowd of young women and the revelation that Asher habitually dates students raises eyebrows and questions about power dynamics and consent. The dialogue takes an uncomfortable turn as body-shaming humor is interjected, reflective of early 2000s sentiments but feeling pretty fucked up today.

Additionally, we see Lane, a beloved character, grappling with loneliness and developing an interest in Zack. Her character deserves more than what she’s afforded in terms of relationships and support. The poignant scene where Lane visits her family home showcases her vulnerability and the need for reconciliation with her mother.

Concluding Thoughts

“Afterboom” is an episode that reflects the unpredictable nature of relationships and the evolving dynamics in Stars Hollow. As some relationships disintegrate, there is a sense of things falling into place for others. There is also an underlying reminder of the complex nature of human relationships and the choices characters make. The alien-like unpredictability in the relationships and character development in this episode signifies the constant evolution in the cosmos of Gilmore Girls.