Gilmore Girls, From One Binge Watcher To Another

a pretty perfect Sunday morning consists of Philz Coffee and Gilmore Girls, followed by naptime

I have always claimed to love Gilmore Girls. Everyone loves Gilmore Girls, you know?
Oh, but watching the series the whole way through makes all the difference.
Now, I really love Gilmore Girls. As in, thinking about it for days, digging deep into the Gilmore Girls Reddit thread, deciding if I should pinch some pennies to go to that reunion panel in Austin in June (alas, I cannot, because like graduation) in love with Gilmore Girls. I think that it's a very ... lovable show. The kind of charmingly small town where everyone knows everyone that seemingly exists only in Nicholas Sparks books, quirky, endearing characters, a dialogue-focused show with smart writing. What's not to love?
I love this show because Rory and Lorelai (and others, but them in particular) are both idealistic and realistic. "I just want to be Lorelai Gilmore!" All of my girlfriends have proclaimed. I mean, who wouldn't? She runs on caffeine, has a witty remark for every situation, built her own success out of hard work, and um hello those blue eyes. But time and time again over the course of the show, I've found myself heavily frustrated or annoyed with her. She can be unreasonable, impulsive, and constantly puts Rory on a pedestal. And Rory - she is OH so idealized. Every Ivy League college accepts her after she only starts to put in the effort senior year of high school? Not so, my friend. Not so. She's the small town angel, reputedly nice to a fault, and a magnet for all dem lookers! But boy can she be so selfish and inconsiderate and self-righteous.
Which is why I connect with them so much. They're flawed. Heavily flawed. That's what makes them believable and relatable and strong characters.
I think Gilmore Girls was so very resonant with me this go around because it's been so very timely. Like many of you, I started binge-watching in October when it was released on Netflix. The day before I returned to school from Winter Break, I finished the last episode as a sobbing heap in my childhood bedroom. Suddenly, I felt all the feels. Growing up, moving on, making choices, taking risks, trusting instincts, retaining faith when all else is uncertain. I was watching a path on screen that I knew I'd be embarking in real life so, so soon.
When Logan is describing Palo Alto to Rory, he tells her that on weekends, they can go "hiking the Dish and grabbing coffee on University Avenue." You guys, those are the things that I do on my weekends! Coffee moreso than the Dish {it's hell, I tell you}, but hearing those words felt like hearing a personal little shout-out to me from the show. Hang in there, it was saying. We're with ya.
I loved watching this show and am confident that I'll be watching it the whole way through again in the future. But this time? This time, I think I needed to watch it. To prepare and ready myself, to find comfort in Rory's journey, to be inspired by Lorelai, to be grateful for those who support us through our journey, and most importantly - to have trust in where this road is leading.
Also,
#TeamLogan.
How far are you in Gilmore Girls? What are your thoughts? Logan or Jess or Dean?