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GG 2.18: Expectations and Actuality
Today is Jared Padalecki's birthday, so it was entirely appropriate that tonight's episode of Gilmore Girls was Dean-heavy.
On his way to the conclusion that Rory likes Jess, Dean spent the entire episode pining for Rory and tossing puppy dog eyes at Lorelei looking for reassurance.
Of course, it was hard not to feel for him, but the episode made clear that Dean is probably too much like Rory's grandfather, Richard, for her (or his) own good. They both act from no nonsense, traditional American values and strive to do what's appropriate, even if it means putting aside some of their own desires. (They also both have a thing for rebuilding classic cars, which unfortunately reminded me of the body shop and muscle car photo sessions Jared's done; I think I might have missed parts of the episode!) Richard discovers that he hates being retired. For possibly the first time in 35 years, he realizes that there's a gap between what's expected of him and what he actually feels.
Richard's story ends in jubilation (and relief for his wife, Emily, who was tired of Richard moping around the house), while the Dean's ends in heartbreak (and sympathy from Lorelei, who felt heartbroken about seeing Dean mope around her house). In the same episode, we discover that Michel gets along so well with his mother because they never talk about anything of consequence. Meanwhile, Lorelei and Emily are constantly fighting because they do talk about very foundational issues. The take-away from all these stories is that it's better to face the truth than to go on pretending, even if the truth hurts.
Okay, maybe not the least obvious message ever, but told quite well, and with different spins on the theme. This was a case of the show earning its reputation as a great cross-generational conversation-starter.
On his way to the conclusion that Rory likes Jess, Dean spent the entire episode pining for Rory and tossing puppy dog eyes at Lorelei looking for reassurance.
Of course, it was hard not to feel for him, but the episode made clear that Dean is probably too much like Rory's grandfather, Richard, for her (or his) own good. They both act from no nonsense, traditional American values and strive to do what's appropriate, even if it means putting aside some of their own desires. (They also both have a thing for rebuilding classic cars, which unfortunately reminded me of the body shop and muscle car photo sessions Jared's done; I think I might have missed parts of the episode!) Richard discovers that he hates being retired. For possibly the first time in 35 years, he realizes that there's a gap between what's expected of him and what he actually feels.
Richard's story ends in jubilation (and relief for his wife, Emily, who was tired of Richard moping around the house), while the Dean's ends in heartbreak (and sympathy from Lorelei, who felt heartbroken about seeing Dean mope around her house). In the same episode, we discover that Michel gets along so well with his mother because they never talk about anything of consequence. Meanwhile, Lorelei and Emily are constantly fighting because they do talk about very foundational issues. The take-away from all these stories is that it's better to face the truth than to go on pretending, even if the truth hurts.
Okay, maybe not the least obvious message ever, but told quite well, and with different spins on the theme. This was a case of the show earning its reputation as a great cross-generational conversation-starter.