Initial Review of Gilmore Girls Season 1

a semi-finished review (currently on EP 5)

I recently started watching Gilmore Girls. I’m currently on Season 1, Episode 5 — still early in the series, but enough to form some initial impressions.

I know it’s an old show from the early 2000s, but I only discovered it recently because of the trending “Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge.” Funny enough, years ago, I actually thought Rory was a real person. When I finally learned she was a fictional character, it felt like unearthing a new jem down the rabbit hole.

So, here’s my initial take on the show — not in any particular order, just my genuine thoughts and feelings from my first viewing.

1. The Complex Mother-Daughter Relationship.

Spoiler alert!

I think the central theme revolves around the life of single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, lorelai, but we call her “Rory” and how they navigate it. We learned that the Gilmores are elite; they come from a wealthy, “old rich” family, but Lorelai chose to walk away from that life.

Got pregnant at sixteen years old and raised her daughter, Rory.

From the start, we’re given hints about why Lorelai made the choice to live the other real and practical side of life. Her mother, Emily, is a control freak — and honestly, if I had a mother like that, I might have done the same thing. I will go ballistic, even. Sometimes, we just need space to breathe.

Like Lorelai, I understand the urge to step away. There are times when my own mother drives me crazy, and I find it easier to live apart — to gather my thoughts, form my own identity, make my own mistakes, and live the life I want. Lorelai did exactly that. She didn’t rely on her family’s money; she worked her way up and built her own life.

Now, about Lorelai and Rory’s relationship — it’s something I deeply admire, and, honestly, something I miss in my own life. Their closeness, their trust, and their playful, almost best-friend dynamic are so heartwarming. Lorelai is a loving but quirky mom, and Rory is a kind and sweet, attentive daughter. You can see the deep respect and affection between them. That’s how great their relationship is as a mother and daughter. We rarely see this in real life, but at least there’s something like this that exists. I mean, it’s not perfect.

There’s an episode where Lorelai got jealous when Rory was actually enjoying a great time with her grandparents, especially with her grandpa at the tennis country club. It shows Rory having a deep connection with her folks. I like that we’re going in this direction. I love seeing Rory bonding with her grandparents. The old folks are just waiting for them, and I know deep inside they both love the Gilmore girls. Personally, I just have a soft spot for old couples.

I wonder when they’ll show the baby daddy, but I look forward to slowly chewing this comfort autumnal vibe show.

I love that Lorelai consciously breaks the cycle of trauma. She’s determined that Rory won’t experience the same pain she did growing up. Despite her pride, she still knows when to ask for help — especially if it benefits Rory. That balance between independence and vulnerability is admirable.

Watching them makes me reflect on my own relationship with my mom. I remember when we used to be so close — our kulitan (playful teasing), our little jokes, our hugs. I miss those days — when I could just be her baby, laughing together and feeling safe in her arms.

As I got older, I became a little rebellious and distant. Maybe it’s part of growing up, but I often find myself longing for that simple connection again. I miss the sound of her laughter, her voice, her warmth.

Being an only child makes it even more complicated. I can’t imagine leaving my parents behind in their old age. It breaks my heart just thinking about it. If I could, I’d live with them forever — see them healthy, happy, and enjoying the life they deserve.

Sometimes I wonder: if I had never been born, would my mother’s life have been easier? Would she have been a career woman, or would she still have chosen to be a homemaker?

That’s what Gilmore Girls makes me realize — how much I miss my mother, and how much I treasure my parents. It reminds me of home, of simpler times, and of the love that shaped who I am.

2. The Academic Pressure.

Rory is that classic, studious, booksmart girlie. According to my research, she reads over 300 books throughout the series! I relate to her because, like her, I once dreamed of becoming a journalist and a devoted bookworm.

I mean, this lifetime is not enough to read all the books in the world! So many books, so little time!

At first, I thought the actress was Joey King, but it turns out it’s Alexis Bledel — those beautiful ocean-blue eyes are unforgettable.

Rory’s transition from her small-town school to the elite world of Chilton is striking. She was once a big fish in a small pond, but now she’s a small fish in a vast ocean. I can’t imagine how overwhelming that must be.

If I were in her shoes, surrounded by fierce academic competition, I’d probably crumble too. They’re studying English Literature. I barely remember that now, but I remember devouring all that classic, and analyzing book contents back in third year high-school. I think I’ve especially enjoyed Asian Literature and Greek Mythology.

Still, I know Rory will find her footing. Her focus, discipline, and love for learning will get her through. I’m rooting for her — she reminds me of my younger self!

3. Lorelai’s Caffeine Addiction.

Who isn’t? But it’s just fun and what a treat seeing Lorelai unable to function and start her day without a cup of coffee in hand. So hilarious and endearing!

4. The Idea of Planning Your Future.

Now that Rory is figuring out her path, I’m curious to see how her journey unfolds. Lorelai clearly influenced her to pursue Harvard — but is that truly Rory’s dream? I want to see her discover her real ambitions and shape her own destiny.

5. Characters Who Haven’t Grown on Me Yet.

Each episode runs about 30–45 minutes, and sometimes there are filler scenes introducing side characters — from their neighbors to Lorelai’s coworkers to Rory’s academic rivals.

I’m not fully connecting with them yet, but I’m sure they’ll develop over time. There are six more seasons ahead, so there’s plenty of room for growth and storytelling.

I know a love interest is bound to appear sooner or later, but honestly, I’m relieved the show isn’t rushing that storyline. Everything is unfolding at a comfortable pace, allowing us to savor each episode and the depth of Rory’s world. She’s still such a baby in so many ways — I’m not ready to see her dating just yet!

So that’s my initial review of Gilmore Girls, up to Season 1, Episode 5. The story is still unfolding, but it already feels warm, nostalgic, and deeply human.

I can’t wait to see how everything plays out — and maybe even try my own “reading like Rory” moment soon.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading! I hope you check out my other writings, and I wish your day is as beautiful as your soul. 💛