The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

The television show Gilmore Girls, written by Amy Sherman-Palladino, premiered in 2000. The comedy-drama ran for seven seasons from 2000 to 2007, enjoying a comeback on Netflix in 2016 with four new episodes, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, the show follows the lives of single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory, as they navigate family dynamics, relationships, and personal ambitions. Its enduring appeal lies in its witty, rapid-fire dialogue, relatable characters, and universal themes.

In her memoir, Bishop explains that while she appeared in many shows, Gilmore Girls had a special place in her heart. The show’s focus on strong, independent women resonated with her own personality. Lorelai’s journey from a teenage mother estranged from her parents to a successful business owner embodies themes of self-reliance and perseverance. Rory is portrayed as equally ambitious in her academic aspirations and commitment to pursuing a career in journalism. At a time when the media often presented women as secondary characters, the show provided a nuanced portrayal of female ambition, relationships, and personal growth.

The Third Gilmore Girl describes how the show’s exploration of relationships between mothers and daughters echoed the dynamics of Bishop’s own family. Lorelai’s determination to be Rory’s “best friend as well as her mother” (158) reminded the author of her mother Jane’s approach to motherhood. Likewise, Rory is “Deeply appreciative of her friendship with her mother and of the challenges she’s gone through to raise her with so much love and so little family support” (158)—just as Bishop remembers herself being. At the same time, Lorelai’s strained relationship with her mother, Emily, resembled the dynamic between Jane, and Bishop’s grandmother, Louise. Playing the “cold, condescending, emotionally distant” (159) role of Emily Gilmore allowed Bishop to gain a better understanding of Louise’s behavior: Bishop’s portrayal suggested that Emily’s “sarcasm and Chanel suits” concealed “deep hurt and vulnerability” (vii). The author praises Sherman-Palladino’s nuanced scripts for allowing characters to develop as the seasons progressed, providing the opportunity to explore the complexity of Emily’s character. The title of Bishop’s memoir suggests that while the plots of Gilmore Girls primarily focused on Lorelai and Rory, Emily played an integral role in the show’s dynamics and themes.

Bishop also cites her rapport with the rest of the cast as a standout aspect of the show. She developed a lifelong friendship with Sherman-Palladino, Lauren Graham, who played Lorelai, and Ed Herrmann, who played Emily’s husband, Richard. By highlighting the level of personal and professional fulfillment she experienced through the show, the author suggests that Gilmore Girls exemplifies The Importance of Collaboration in the Arts: here, a group of actors, writers, and directors harmoniously worked together to create a lasting and meaningful piece of television. 

For the benefit of Gilmore Girls fans, Bishop describes the scenes she most enjoyed acting in the show. She highlights the emotional tenderness of the episode where Emily and Richard renew their marriage vows after a period of separation. She also recounts her enjoyment of delivering the icy put-downs for which her character became famous. The author acknowledges fans’ disappointment with Season 7: Despite the cast’s best endeavors, the show became lackluster without Sherman-Palladino’s exceptional writing. Bishop also shares her opinion on the show’s ending: She believes that Logan is the father of Rory’s baby and is on “Team Luke” in the debate over the best love match for Lorelai’s character.