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Why Rory’s Gilmore Girls Finales Sidestepped Logan and Jess Completely

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While Rory’s relationships with Jess and Logan significantly shaped her character development, it’s understandable that neither of her storylines in “Gilmore Girls” or “A Year in the Life” primarily revolved around them. The ensemble cast of “Gilmore Girls” was instrumental to the show’s popularity, yet none were as pivotal as Emily (played by Kelly Bishop), Lorelai (portrayed by Lauren Graham), and Rory (Alexis Bledel). Despite their occasional disagreements, these three Gilmore women were the heart of the series, serving as its multi-generational heroines.

In essence, it’s understandable that the final episode of the original Gilmore Girls series concluded with Rory pondering her next steps after graduating from Yale. Some fans were taken aback when Rory and Logan broke up before the finale, but Logan reappeared in the 2016 continuation, A Year in the Life. This Netflix miniseries followed the lives of the Gilmore girls a decade later, showing that Rory was struggling both professionally and personally. Despite having a boyfriend, she found herself entangled with an engaged Logan once more.

Rory’s Love Interests Always Dominate Discussion Of Her Arc

Logan and Jess Are Often Viewed As Defining Parts Of Her Story

Critics found issue with the fact that Paul, Rory’s new love interest in “A Year in the Life,” didn’t get as much attention or narrative development compared to his predecessors. However, it’s important to remember that the finale fates of Rory in both series have minimal connection to her romantic entanglements. The Gilmore Girls series primarily focused on Rory’s personal growth rather than her love life, even though her boyfriends were quite intriguing.

As a devoted follower of the Gilmore Girls, I shared in the collective dismay when Jess’s brief appearance in A Year in the Life didn’t lead to a romantic reunion, echoing the feelings of Team Jess. Similarly, fans who rooted for Logan felt let down when their relationship ended before the season 7 finale. Yet, much like Lorelai’s upbringing of Rory wasn’t the sole focus in Gilmore Girls, neither was Rory’s romantic life given precedence over her career and personal aspirations throughout the series. In essence, Gilmore Girls never revolved around who Rory would ultimately end up with any more than it centered on what profession she would choose for herself.

The intricate ways Emily influenced Lorelai’s perspective on life, and how Lorelai reciprocally impacted her daughter’s outlook, were the core themes of “Gilmore Girls.” Consequently, the series finales didn’t emphasize Jess and Logan because the story was fundamentally about Rory. Although she could be precocious, demanding, and self-absorbed at times, Rory served as the show’s flawed yet central heroine, taking precedence over even her quick-witted mother Lorelai in importance.

Rory’s Original Gilmore Girls Ending Was About Her Leaving Home

Gilmore Girls Was Never Entirely Focused On Rory’s Romantic Life

In season 7, episode 22 titled “Bon Voyage,” the narrative focus of Gilmore Girls shifted from Logan to Rory’s farewell gathering in Stars Hollow. This alignment was more thematically appropriate since the party represented a significant milestone for Rory, signifying her complete transition into an independent woman. By choosing to move on from the safety and comfort of Stars Hollow and embarking on a journey into journalism, as facilitated by Lorelai, her grandparents, Yale, and others, Rory’s storyline reached its fitting conclusion.

A Logan-centric ending wouldn’t have been fitting for the series finale, given that the show had primarily revolved around Rory since its debut episode. While Logan was a more recent character, he wasn’t as pivotal compared to others like Christopher and Lorelai. The marriage between them provided an enjoyable subplot but didn’t define the essence of the final season. Instead, Rory’s decision to embark on her career adventure in the finale represented the culmination of her journey throughout the series, which had been the show’s central focus.

Rory’s A Year In the Life Ending Was About Her Finding Her Place Again

The Gilmore Girls Revival Returning Rory To Stars Hollow Made Perfect Sense

In contrast to Logan, who was absent from the final episode of the original series, the conclusion of Jess’s storyline in A Year in the Life proved to be more intricate. The original series finale had the liberty to focus on Rory departing from Stars Hollow, but in A Year in the Life, we find Rory back home, grappling with a lack of direction, and questioning the outcome of her aspirations. Essentially, Rory spends the revival figuring out what she wants to pursue after a decade of professional hurdles.

Through her pregnancy, Rory found herself unintentionally growing more like Lorelai. Yet, despite Logan’s storyline not concluding in the original series finale, it was Jess who subtly influenced Rory’s ending in A Year in the Life. He made a brief appearance, but it was Jess who inspired Rory to attempt writing a book. This decision proved pivotal for her in the finale, as she chose to prioritize writing her memoir over journalism instead.

Which Of Rory’s Two Gilmore Girls Endings Was Better?

Rory’s Original Series Finale Had More Hope But Less Drama

The original finale of Gilmore Girls felt optimistic, but it was odd to see Logan, who had been crucial in Rory’s story for three seasons, pushed aside. Conversely, A Year in the Life was criticized heavily due to its messiness, yet some viewers found themselves forgiving season 7’s ending because of its powerful final line. Despite Gilmore Girls mishandling Lane’s pregnancy, they managed to create a genuinely surprising twist with Rory’s unplanned pregnancy revelation in the final scene of A Year in the Life.

Rory’s A Year In The Life Ending Wouldn’t Have Worked In Gilmore Girls

A Year In the Life’s Twist Couldn’t Have Arrived Any Sooner

Interestingly, Amy Sherman Palladino, the series creator, had intended those final four words as an ending for the original run of the show. If she hadn’t been replaced by another showrunner, season 7 could have concluded with Rory announcing her pregnancy. However, such an ending wouldn’t have been suitable because the show primarily revolved around Rory’s career aspirations.

As Rory embarks on her journey of self-discovery and ventures beyond Stars Hollow and nearby cities, it would have seemed out of character for her to make a significant life choice that kept her rooted at home indefinitely. On the contrary, while the final season of Gilmore Girls necessitated Rory’s departure from her hometown, the ending of A Year in the Life was strategically timed to bring her back home.

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2025-04-25 17:28

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